How Do I Connect My BirdSnap Smart Feeder Camera to My WiFi for the First Time?

Quick Answer

Download the BirdSnap app, create an account, charge and power on the camera, then tap Add Device and follow the on-screen steps. When prompted, select your 2.4 GHz WiFi network and enter your password. The entire process takes about 5 minutes. Note: 5 GHz WiFi is not supported, and Bluetooth must be enabled on your phone for the initial pairing.

What's Happening

First-time WiFi pairing links your BirdSnap camera to your home network and your BirdSnap account. This is what enables live streaming, motion alerts, AI bird identification, and cloud video storage. The process only needs to be completed once — after that, the camera connects to your WiFi automatically whenever it powers on.

Before You Start — Checklist

• The camera battery is sufficiently charged (at least 30% recommended)
• The BirdSnap app is installed on your phone (App Store or Google Play)
• Your phone is connected to a 2.4 GHz WiFi network (not 5 GHz)
• Bluetooth is enabled on your phone
• You know your WiFi password

Step-by-Step: First-Time WiFi Pairing

Step 1 — Download and open the BirdSnap app. Search for "BirdSnap" in the App Store or Google Play and install it. Create an account or log in if you already have one.

Step 2 — Power on the camera. Press and hold the power button on the top of the camera for approximately 3 seconds until you hear a "ding-dong" sound and the LED light turns on. If the camera doesn't automatically enter pairing mode (blue LED flashing), double-click the power button to activate it manually. The blue LED flashing means the camera is waiting for WiFi configuration.

Step 3 — Add the device in the app. From the BirdSnap app home page, tap the + icon or Add Device. Select the product model you have, then follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4 — Connect to your 2.4 GHz WiFi. When prompted, select your WiFi network from the list and enter your password carefully. The camera will attempt to connect — this may take up to 5 minutes. You will hear the following voice prompts as the camera steps through the connection:

Step 5 — Complete account binding. Once the camera says "connection successful," the app will prompt you to bind the device to your account. Follow the remaining prompts to finish setup.

Troubleshooting Connection Failures

"Wi-Fi connection failed"

• Re-enter the password — a single wrong character will prevent connection
• Confirm the network is 2.4 GHz (not 5 GHz)
• Move the camera closer to the router during setup, then relocate after pairing

"Failed to get IP address"

• Restart the router and try again
• Check whether your router has a device whitelist or blacklist that may be blocking new connections

"Failed to connect to server"

• Restart the router and ensure it has active internet access
• Check your router's firewall or access control settings

No WiFi networks appear in the app

• On Android, enable Location permission for the BirdSnap app (required to scan nearby WiFi networks)
• On iPhone, go to Settings → Privacy → Location Services → BirdSnap → "While Using"

Understanding the LED Status Lights

When to Contact Support

If you have followed all steps and the camera still will not connect after multiple attempts, including trying a mobile hotspot as a test network, contact support with your router model and brand, the approximate distance between the feeder and router, and any error message shown in the app.

• Email: support@birdsnap.com
• Phone: +1 573-514-4826
• Live chat: Available at BirdSnap.com
• In-app chat: Tap the chat icon in the BirdSnap app
• Facebook Messenger: Message us via our official Facebook page

Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time.