Zosi view cameras offline (quick fix)

If you have Zosi view cameras offline issue, then follow this guide to have it quickly fixed. It’s an annoying problem, you try to view the cameras on your phone via the Zosi app and all you get are offline cameras.

In this detailed article, we will discuss Zosi View not connecting to the cameras, cameras showing offline, and other issues preventing you from watching your security cameras.

How to fix Zosi view cameras offline problem

The offline message is shown for various reasons on the Zosi View app. Most of the time the problem is network related such as a bad connection or incorrect username/password. The image below shows how this error is displayed on the app.
So, you tap on one of the cameras connected to the NVR and suddenly this error shows at the bottom of the screen. Obviously, you can’t see anything.

The answer to why you get this error is very simple: you’re using the wrong app. Yes, that’s what it is. “Camera is Offline” shows because you should not use the Zosi View app, instead you have to use the Zosi Smart app.

These two apps are both made by Zosi, but you need to check which one you’re supposed to use for your Zosi camera system.

Some use Zosi View and all the cameras show up, other recorders use the Zosi Smart app. If you use the wrong one, you’ll get the “Camera is Offline” message on the screen.

The H.265 NVR system should use the Zosi Smart app; the DVRs are compatible with the Zosi View app. However, just check the instructions that come with the recorder or camera and it should be noted which one to use. If you tried that but still have no luck, try the next suggestions.

”Camera is Offline” and “Connecting Failed”

What happens if you’re supposed to use the Zosi View app and still the cameras show offline? Not just that, but now you may even get a “connecting failed” message?

First of all, make sure you’re using the correct username and password. Try to retype your credentials carefully, avoid any spaces at the end. If still no success, let’s try to check the network settings.

In your DVR, navigate to Main Menu > Information > Network and ensure that the status shows “Connected” (as shown in the picture below).
If for some reason it shows as not connected, it means that the DVR is not connected to the internet and you can’t see the cameras remotely.

In this case, check the cabling, and make sure the cables are fully plugged. Also, see if you have an internet signal. Try to connect to your router with your laptop or phone just to see if the internet works.

If there’s internet, then navigate to the Network Settings of your Zosi DVR/NVR and refresh the network settings. It sounds weird, but the issue may get solved this way. So simply apply the settings one more time.

Go to the Main Menu > Network. In this section, you can either set a dynamic or a static IP address. We recommend going with a dynamic IP.

Tick the box that says “Obtain an IP address Automatically”. Then click Test to confirm the connection. Click OK and after that apply.
Once done, go to the Zosi View app, and if everything is okay you should see there a “Ready” message as shown below.

Load up the cameras and they’ll show the live feed. Pretty much that’s it.

To conclude this guide, first ensure that you’re using the right phone app. Usually, the NVRs use the Zosi Smart app, while the DVRs use the Zosi View app. If you use the wrong one, you’ll get the “camera is offline”.

Additionally, you may need to check the network settings. We hope these instructions helped you solve the Zosi view cameras offline problem. If not, drop a comment below and we will look into it.