Let’s just assume you’ve just unboxed your Bushnell trail camera, set it up at the ranch. And it was working perfectly until it suddenly stopped.
Now you’re left wondering, “Why won’t my Bushnell camera turn on?” or why it isn’t working anymore.
You might’ve tried every button to turn it on, but it just won’t cooperate.
If that sounds familiar, worry not!
Here are some easy fixes to troubleshoot your game camera and get it back up and running.
Check the Batteries
First things first, let’s talk about the batteries.
A good battery pack is what makes your Bushnell trail camera work like a charm.
If your camera isn’t turning on, the most common issue is dead or weak batteries.
I would pop open the battery compartment and see if the batteries are fresh.
If they’re low on juice, replace them with new, high-quality lithium batteries.
Check the battery LED indicator to see if you’re running low on power.
Always choose the recommended battery type like Energizer, for example.
Avoid rechargeable batteries as they might not be compatible with your unit.
SD Card Compatibility
Another reason your Bushnell camera might not be working could be related to the SD card. If the card is full, corrupted, or incompatible, it can cause all sorts of issues.
Take out the SD card and give it a quick inspection. If you have a spare card handy, try using that. Also, make sure the card is formatted properly (you can do this through the camera) and check that it’s compatible with your Bushnell model.
You might even want to give a different SD card a shot to see if it powers up!
Reset the unit
A quick reset can do wonders to refresh your camera’s system.
It might just fix any temporary issues and get your trail camera to turn on!
Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Turn off your Bushnell trail camera
There should be a switch, which will have the “off” mode. Use it to switch off the unit!
Step 2: Pull out the batteries and the SD Card
Open the battery compartment and pull out the battery pack. Also, take out the SD card from the SD card slot.
Step 3: Be patient
Now, wait a few minutes before putting everything back in, and you’re good to go!
Now try switching on the Bushnell game camera. It should start working now.
Incorrect password and setup settings
When you power up your Bushnell trail camera, you’ll see four dashes followed by ‘HHHH.’
It means it’s asking for you to type in your password.
Enter the wrong one, and you’ll get an ‘ERRO’ message on the display. And your trail camera won’t work!
If you’ve changed the password before, it’s worth double-checking in the setup mode and giving it another shot. Just make sure you’ve got the right one this time!
If you’re having trouble trying to set up your camera, you might want to check the manual!
Power Button and Settings
Sometimes, the power button itself could be the issue. Or, the camera might be stuck in a mode that prevents it from turning on.
I would ensure that switch mode is functioning perfectly.
Try to press the power switch correctly and check if it isn’t stuck or anything.
Look for Hardware Issues
Bushnell camera still won’t turn on after you’ve checked everything else?
Then it’s most likely internal or a hardware problem.
Take a good look at the camera for any signs of damage—like cracks or water exposure. You might even want to check for any battery leakage or corrosion.
If you spot something that doesn’t look right, it’s a good idea to reach out to Bushnell customer service. They can help you figure out if it’s something they can fix or if it’s time for a new one.
Better to get it checked out than risk missing those game shots!
Consider Environmental Factors
In rare cases, extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on your trail camera’s performance.
You might not know this, but a cold temperature can negatively impact the battery performance as well.
If you’ve been using your camera in harsh weather, it might be struggling.
Try moving it to a more temperate location or bring it inside to warm up.
Also, make sure it’s positioned away from direct sunlight, rain, or snow to avoid any damage.
Final Thoughts
A non-working Bushnell trail camera can be super frustrating, especially when you’re excited to capture game shots. By checking the batteries, SD card, and settings, you can troubleshoot the problem effectively. If none of these fixes work, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bushnell customer service. They might be able to troubleshoot your unit and get it up and running. Or, try a different unit if it’s damaged already.