Key Takeaways
- White orbs on your Ring camera are caused by backscatter, when light reflects off dust, water droplets, or bugs into the lens.
- To get rid of orbs on Ring camera:
- Clean the camera lens.
- Adjust lighting to reduce reflections.
- Reposition the camera to avoid areas with dust or moisture.
- Use insect repellents to keep bugs away.
- Check for moisture and use a weatherproof cover if needed.
Seeing white orbs on your Ring camera footage? It looks spooky but it’s just light reflecting off dust, bugs, or particles. In this guide, I’ll share why you’re seeing floating orbs on Ring camera and how to remove them for clearer videos.
Why Do You See White Orbs On Ring Camera?
White orbs on Ring cameras are mainly caused by backscatter, where the camera’s IR light reflects off small particles like dust, water droplets, or bugs near the lens. This effect is most noticeable in low-light conditions or when night vision is active.
When I find white orbs on my Ring videos, it is always due to one of these:
- 🌫️ Dust or Pollen: Tiny particles in the air can reflect infrared light, making them look like floating orbs.
- 💧 Rain or Snow: Water droplets or snowflakes caught on camera can create the orb effect as well.
- 🦟 Insects: Bugs can fly close to the camera, reflecting light in the same way.
- ✨ Lens Flares: Lights from nearby streetlights or passing cars can cause lens flares, which may resemble orbs.
How to Fix the Strange White Orbs on Ring Camera
You can try the following solutions that have worked for me to fix or minimize strange lights or orbs in Ring recordings:
1. Clean the Camera Lens
Over time, dust, dirt, or debris can accumulate on the camera lens, which can cause infrared light to reflect off these particles, resulting in orbs. To avoid this:
- 🧼 Wipe the lens regularly with a soft microfiber cloth.
- 🕸️ Remove any spider webs, dust, or nearby plants that may drift in front of the camera.
2. Adjust Lighting
The camera’s IR light is a common cause of orbs, especially at night. To reduce backscatter:
- 💡 Install Additional Outdoor Lights: Extra lighting reduces the camera’s need for infrared, lowering the chance of orbs.
- 🌟 Adjust Existing Lights: Reposition existing lights to brighten the camera’s view and reduce infrared reflection.
3. Adjust Camera Position
Changing the camera’s location can significantly improve the video quality and reduce the number of orbs. Here’s what you can do:
- 📐 Reposition Your Camera: Adjust the angle to avoid glare from bright lights like streetlights or porch lights.
- 🪞 Move Away from Reflective Surfaces: Place the camera further from walls or windows to reduce infrared light bouncing back and causing orbs.
4. Use Insect Repellents
Bugs are often drawn to the camera’s IR light at night, causing orb-like reflections.
- 🦟Apply insect repellents or use bug zappers nearby to keep insects at bay without harming them.
5. Check For Moisture
Sometimes, condensation or moisture can accumulate on or around the camera lens, leading to orb-like effects. To prevent this:
- Ensure your camera is located in a dry, sheltered area.
- Use a weatherproof cover or enclosure to protect your camera from rain, snow, or high humidity levels.
6. Turn Off Night Vision (if possible)
If your Ring Camera model allows you to turn off night vision, it can help eliminate orbs caused by infrared light. Here’s how you can manage this:
- Open the Ring app and select your Ring Camera.
- Look for settings related to night vision or infrared.
If you’ve installed external lighting, the camera should still capture clear footage without needing the infrared mode.
Why Do You See White Orbs On Ring Camera During Night Only?
White orbs are more visible at night due to the camera’s IR night vision. Here’s why:
- Infrared Reflection: IR LEDs illuminate particles close to the lens, causing the orb effect.
- Backscatter Effect: Dust, moisture, or insects reflect infrared light more in low light, increasing the chance of orbs.
- Increased Camera Sensitivity: Low-light settings make tiny objects more noticeable, especially with IR.
Do All Ring Cameras Face the White Orb Issue?
Not all Ring cameras face the white orb issue, but those with night vision and infrared LEDs are more prone to it. These include:
- Ring Stick Up Cam (both indoor and outdoor models)
- Ring Spotlight Cam
- Ring Floodlight Cam
- Ring Video Doorbell (especially at night)
No More Floating White Orbs on Ring Camera
Understanding night vision and backscattering explains those white orbs—it’s just science, not ghosts. Simply clean your camera lens and adjust its position to reduce reflections and you won’t see any Ring Camera orbs.
I have a few more guides that can help you make the most of your Ring Camera:
- If your specific model allows, turn off infrared on Ring Camera to prevent orbs appearing on your lens.
- To prevent your Ring Camera fogging up, place it in a sheltered spot and apply anti-fog or water-repellent coatings on the lens.
- If your Ring Camera turned pink, purple, or green, adjust its position, clean its lens, check for broken parts, and update its firmware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the weird lights on my Ring camera?
What causes ghost images on security cameras?
Why is there a glare on my Ring camera at night?
Hashir
Hi, I’m Hashir, a tech enthusiast with a deep love for smart home innovations. My interest in technology has always been driven by the idea of making everyday life more streamlined and efficient. After years of experimenting with smart devices in my own home, I’ve made it my mission to share what I’ve learned with others. I focus on practical, easy-to-understand solutions that anyone can implement to enhance their home. Writing for JustSmarter allows me to connect with fellow tech lovers and help them take their first steps—or next steps—into the exciting world of smart homes.
