Which system are you having trouble with?
What's the camera issue?
What's the access control issue?
What's the alarm issue?
📵
Camera appears offline
Try these steps:
- Check camera power: Look at the camera — is there a light? Cameras with PoE (power over ethernet) should show a small status light
- Wait 5 minutes: The camera may be rebooting after a firmware update
- Check physical damage: Look for obvious damage to the camera or cable
- Check in Verkada Command: Log in to command.verkada.com and check the camera status
👁️
Video is blurry or poor quality
Try these steps:
- Clean the lens: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the camera lens
- Check focus: Some cameras have adjustable focus — it may need manual adjustment
- Check lighting: Cameras in low light may appear grainy (this is normal)
- Check playback quality: In Verkada Command, make sure you're viewing "High Quality" not "Low Bandwidth"
- Check for obstructions: Dirt, spider webs, or condensation on the lens
🚫
Can't view camera footage
Try these steps:
- Check your login: Go to command.verkada.com and log in with your company email
- Verify permissions: You may not have permission to view this camera — check with your manager
- Try a different browser: Chrome works best with Verkada
- Clear browser cache: Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac)
- Check internet connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection
⏮️
Can't find footage / playback issue
Try these steps:
- Check the timeline: In Verkada Command, drag the timeline to the time/date you need
- Check retention: Footage older than 30 days (or your org's retention setting) is automatically deleted
- Check camera offline periods: If the camera was offline, there won't be footage for that time
- Use filters: Click "Filters" and select "People" or "Vehicles" to find specific events
- Check camera selection: Make sure you're viewing the correct camera
⚠️ Important
Verkada cameras store footage locally on the camera. If footage isn't there, it may have been:
- Outside the retention period (deleted)
- Not recorded (camera was offline)
- Overwritten (camera storage full)
🚫
My badge doesn't work
Try these steps:
- Check badge orientation: Try holding the badge flat against the reader, not at an angle
- Try removing from wallet: Other RFID cards may interfere
- Check badge damage: Look for cracks or bending
- Check reader status: Does the reader light up? It should flash when you tap
- Try a different door: Does your badge work on other doors?
🔒
Door won't unlock
Try these steps:
- Wait for the green light: When you tap your badge, wait for the green LED and beep
- Try the handle immediately: Doors only stay unlocked for 3-5 seconds after badge tap
- Pull/push correctly: Make sure you're pushing/pulling the correct direction
- Check for obstructions: Something may be blocking the door
- Listen for the lock: You should hear a "click" when the lock releases
⚠️ Door emergency?
If you're locked in or this is an emergency, use the REX (Request to Exit) button inside or call 911
🔓
Door is stuck unlocked
⚠️ Security Issue!
An unlocked door is a security risk. Contact support immediately.
Temporary steps:
- Notify security/management: Alert your supervisor immediately
- Monitor the door: If possible, keep an eye on the door until fixed
- Post a sign: "Door malfunction - do not prop open"
🆕
Need access to a door/area
How to request access:
- Talk to your manager: Access requests must be approved by your supervisor
- Specify the door: Know exactly which door/area you need access to
- Provide justification: Explain why you need access (job duties, project, etc.)
- Manager approves: Your manager will contact San Tan Communications to grant access
⚠️ Access Policy
All access requests require manager approval. We cannot grant access without authorization from your supervisor or facility management.
🚨
Alarm is going off
⚠️ Active Alarm!
If you don't know why the alarm is going off, treat it as a real emergency
Steps to take:
- Verify it's not an emergency: Check for smoke, fire, intruders
- If emergency: evacuate immediately and call 911
- If false alarm: Disarm using your access code or Verkada app
- Notify management: Let your supervisor know about the alarm
- Check for triggers: Open door/window? Motion sensor triggered?
❌
Can't arm the alarm
Try these steps:
- Check all doors/windows: All entry points must be closed and secured
- Check sensor status: Look for open/faulted sensors in the Verkada app
- Clear the zone: Make sure no one is in motion-sensor areas
- Try the keypad: If using the app, try the physical keypad instead
- Check your access level: You may not have permission to arm the system
⚠️ Before you leave
Never leave the building with an unarmed alarm. Contact support before leaving.
⚠️
Can't disarm the alarm
Try these steps:
- Enter your code correctly: Double-check your access code (usually 4-6 digits)
- Try the Verkada app: Open the Verkada Alarms app and disarm remotely
- Try a different keypad: If there are multiple keypads
- Wait for the entry delay: You have 30-60 seconds after opening the door
- Check your access level: You may not have disarm permission
⚠️ Urgent!
If you can't disarm within the entry delay, the alarm will trigger and may notify emergency services
📡
Sensor showing offline/tampered
Try these steps:
- Check the Verkada app: View sensor status in Verkada Alarms
- Visual inspection: Look at the sensor — is it damaged or loose?
- Check battery (if wireless): Wireless sensors may show low battery
- Check for tampering: Someone may have accidentally moved/bumped the sensor
- Wait and recheck: Sometimes sensors take a few minutes to reconnect
⚠️ Tamper Alert
A "tampered" sensor means it was physically disturbed. This could be accidental (cleaning crew) or intentional. Report it.