How to Fix Nanit False Red Alert? (Easy Methods)

If the constant Nanit false red alert is terrifying you to the core, well, we know the solution!

The Nanit camera is designed to track your baby’s breathing pattern and chest movements throughout the night.

The red alert will only go off if the camera has not detected any breathing motion for over 20 seconds, but in many cases, this is a false alarm–nothing to worry about.

We’ve discovered the most effective solutions for Nanit’s false red alert:

There’s much more to discuss regarding the solutions above, so keep reading!

The Best 7 Ways to Fix the Nanit False Red Alert!

Note: The red alert can only occur if you have the Nanit breathing band or swaddle!

1. Tighten Up the Nanit™ Band 

Your Nanit camera is able to monitor your baby’s breathing pattern thanks to the Nanit breathing band.

If the band is too loose or not secured properly with your baby’s chest, the camera may recognize it as an emergency and notify you through the red alert.

Well, it’s not safe for the baby to have the band too tightened up, but it must also not be loose.

• So, there should be a finger of space between the baby’s chest and the Velcro of the band. 

Important Note:

Your baby could pull off the band if it’s more active throughout the night and cause an activation of the false alarm.

For babies with sneaky hands, it’s best to rotate the Velcro enclosure on the back to prevent them from removing it. 

Note: If you’re using a swaddle, ensure it covers all of your baby’s body, all the way to the neck!

2. Adjust the Nanit Camera’s FOV

As confirmed, the Nanit red alert false alarm is caused by a detection inconsistency in the baby’s breathing pattern.

If the camera does not pick up your baby’s movement due to incorrect positioning, the false alarm could be persistent, even if there’s nothing wrong with your baby. 

• We recommend placing the camera above the baby’s bassinet to acquire a full view of your child’s entire crib.

The Nanit camera stand has exceptional adjustment tools, allowing you to position the device as you’d like.

You can determine how well the camera is placed through the Live tab in the app.

3. Update the Nanit App’s OS Version

The false red alert could be caused by an issue with the Nanit application’s firmware version.

So, the next step is to ensure the platform is up-to-date by checking in with the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS.)

3.1 How to Update the Nanit App On Android?

1. First, open the Google Play Store on an Android phone.
2. Next, press on your profile icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Scroll to the “Manage apps & device” section in the tab.
4. Locate the Nanit app from the list of installed applications.
5. Tap “Update” to upload the latest version of the Nanit app.

3.2 How to Update the Nanit App On iPhone?

1. Open the App Store and tap on My Account at the top.
2. Scroll to the “Pending updates and release notes” tab.
3. Locate the Nanit app and click “Update” next to the icon.
4. Optional: Tap “Update All” at the top of the OS section.

Note: Your phone must maintain a strong and secure connection to the Wi-Fi or the cellular network to detect newer firmware versions and update apps. 

4. Remove Pattern or Print-Matching Sheets

Another possible cause for the false red alert Nanit is a sheet or crib cover that abruptly matches the pattern on your Nanit breathing band.

The band is not battery-operated or connected to the camera, instead, it has a pattern of markings that can be tracked with the camera’s sensor.

If you believe that the camera might be picking up the pattern of your baby’s sheets or cover and tracking it instead, try to use a blank or a white sheet and test the breathing detection. 

The Nanit camera is designed to pick up the breathing band’s movement fairly easily, meaning that anything matching the pattern of geometrical figures on the band could interfere.

Important: The Merlin Sleep Suit could be actively causing false alerts if your baby wears it!

5. Reset Nanit Camera’s Power Supply

A quick but greatly effective solution is to power cycle the Nanit camera, restarting the system!

Unlike other monitoring equipment, Nanit devices use a consistent power supply, meaning they have to be plugged in with an outlet.

So, follow these steps to power cycle the Nanit camera:

1. Check if the Nanit camera is securely placed on the stand.
2. Unplug the power cable from the USB type-C camera port.
3. Next, disconnect the other end from the A/C power outlet.
4. Wait for 30–45 seconds while the Nanit camera discharges.
5. Reconnect the power cable, turn on Nanit, and test the alarm.

Note: If the camera powers off or doesn’t work properly, check if the adapter cable is secured, switch the outlets, and clean the camera’s USB type-C port. 

6. Disable the Alarm’s “Sound Alert”

If you prefer to mute the Nanit false red alert, you can set off the alarm’s notification on your smartphone through the Nanit app.

It is not recommended to keep this setting disabled at all times, as if there is a real emergency with your baby, you won’t be able to react immediately. 

Follow these steps to disable the alarm’s sound alert in easy steps:

1. Open the Nanit app on your Android or iOS smartphone.
2. Navigate to “[Your Baby’s] Camera Settings” from below.
3. Locate the red alerts notifications tab within the section.
4. Locate the “Sound alert on iPhone” field from the options.
5. Disable the “Sound alert on iPhone” setting to “Off’ and test.

The camera’s sound alert will still be there, probably lasting anywhere between 30 and 60 seconds once it re-picks your baby’s breathing pattern. 

Info: The red alert cannot be disabled by itself. You can only suppress the alarm’s notification

7. Factory Reset the Nanit Camera

If the false red alerts are persistent and keep waking up your baby, we recommend a factory reset.

The procedure will erase all of your Nanit camera’s settings and eliminate all potential faults leading up to the false alarm.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on the Nanit camera:

1. Ensure the Camera is plugged in and secured with the stand.
2. Locate the “RESET” button on the back, near the USB-C port.
3. Press and hold the button for approximately 10–15 seconds.
4. Once the camera powers off or the LED changes light, release.
5. Wait for roughly 1–2 minutes until the Nanit camera is reset.

Interacting with the camera in any way during the reset could cancel the procedure.

Ensure the device receives a stable power supply and check in with the Nanit app to redo the initial setup.