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 AI reviews summary 

Swann Security receives highly polarised feedback, with customer sentiment split between praise for helpful technical support staff and frustration over significant hardware and software reliability issues. While many users appreciate the ease of setup and clear daytime image quality, a substantial number of reports highlight critical failures in battery life, motion detection lag, and app connectivity.

Pros
Helpful Support Staff: Numerous users specifically commend individual support representatives (such as "Christine", "Mond", and "Carlos") for their patience, professionalism, and persistence in resolving technical setup and connectivity issues.
Ease of Initial Setup: The system is frequently described as easy to install and pair, with step-by-step guidance that allows users to get the hardware operating quickly.
Daytime Video Clarity: When functioning correctly, the high-definition video quality is praised for being sharp and clear, providing good property coverage during daylight hours.
Efficient Replacement Process: Several reviewers reported that once a fault was diagnosed, the company provided prompt replacements or spare parts, often delivered within a few days.
Cons
App Performance and Connectivity: There are recurring complaints regarding the mobile and PC apps being slow to load, frequently disconnecting, and suffering from significant lag during live views and playback.
Battery and Charging Failures: Multiple users report that wireless and doorbell batteries drain rapidly (sometimes within 1-3 days) or fail to recharge entirely, even when using solar panels.
Motion Detection and Notification Lag: A critical issue for many is the delay in notifications; users frequently report that cameras trigger too late, capturing people as they leave rather than when they arrive.
Onerous Warranty Procedures: Reviewers highlight a frustrating "scripted" support process that requires hours of repetitive troubleshooting, video evidence, and "pointless" tests before a return or refund is authorised.
Verdict

Swann Security is a viable option for users who prioritse accessible, human-led technical support and simple installation for basic home monitoring. However, those requiring high-reliability security may find the significant app lag, inconsistent motion triggering, and battery longevity issues a major deterrent.

2,178 reviews
5 Ewan  · Mae was very helpful and was able to assist me seamlessly!
5 Roo  · I received excellent customer service when I needed technical support. Very happy with the prompt responses from the Swann team.
5 Lisa L.  · Issue resolved promptly. Overall experience with Swann has been positive and the quality of service they provide has always been excellent.
5 Christine webber  · Very friendly and happy to communicate about any concerns held.
1 Syd  · Took me 3hours to review a 40mins footage. play back is terrible. Hate it so much
5 Molly B  · Swann service has always been easy to contact and very quick to reply. Always patient in guiding us through diagnosis and fix when problems arise.
Sarwat
Sarwat
 

Think Twice Before Buying Swann I purchased the Swann EVO Wireless Video Doorbell in New Zealand. The doorbell itself works, but when I tried to purchase the compatible Swann Chime accessory, I discovered that it is not available to buy separately in New Zealand or even from Australia. I contacted Swann customer service (Case #2956751) to ask how… Read more

they could sell a product without making the essential accessories available. Unfortunately, they were unable to help or provide any solution. Their response was simply that they couldn't assist me.

It is very frustrating to invest in a product and then find that you cannot purchase the accessories needed to get the full experience. Good after-sales support is just as important as the product itself, and Swann has failed in this area.

Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this brand. If a company cannot provide proper after-sales support or make replacement parts and accessories available, customers should consider other brands that stand behind their products.

Rhys
Rhys16 posts
  Verified

Warranty Support Is Unbearable. Cameras Are Unreliable. Two of my Wireless Solar MaxRanger 4K cameras have stopped charging, both from the built-in solar panels and via USB-C. I spent over 25 minutes on the phone with customer support, sending photos and following every troubleshooting step they requested. I was asked to provide photos showing… Read more

the cameras in direct sunlight, and then another photo with the USB-C cable connected while attempting to charge.

After doing exactly what I was asked, the support representative responded by saying the camera "is not in the sun." Of course it wasn't ... It was indoors because I was following their instructions to test charging via USB-C (which also doesn't work.)

After hanging up from frustration, I then received an email acknowledging that the photos showed the cameras in direct sunlight and not charging, yet they still wanted me to try continue charging them via USB-C. The whole reason I purchased the solar cameras was so I wouldn't have to manually recharge them every week or two via a cable.

The warranty process has been frustrating, slow, and unhelpful. Instead of replacing clearly faulty products, they seem focused on delaying the process with repeated troubleshooting.

The cameras work decently well when they DO work. It's a shame two of them trash the bed at the same time and no warranty will be actioned.

Based on my experience, I can't recommend these cameras or their after-sales support. I'll be selling the remaining cameras and moving to another brand.

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hello Rhys. Thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more (+2 replies)

Brad
BradTAS
 

The best thing about Swann cameras is that they are compact and don’t take up much room in the bin, where they belong. Absolute rubbish. Unreliable, video quality is garbage. Playback when they feel like it. They work ok, then drop out, and when you do a factory reset they won’t connect again. ZERO customer support. Go Eufy instead, so much better.

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Brad. Thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more

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Reviews with attachments

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Brendon H
Brendon H
 

Installed and operating easily, needed assistance with remote log in to an existing system so now 2, it was handled promptly and rectified. Show reply

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Seong Kim
Seong Kim
 

I had a great experience with Swann customer service. Mae Dante was exceptionally helpful and resolved my unpairing issue quickly and professionally. Highly recommended! Show reply

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Patsy
PatsyVIC3 posts
  Verified

I needed a broken bracket replaced that had cracked by maybe a large bird flying into the camera; with a new bracket, contacted Swann and in no time they helped me out with a replacement & I received it in the post 2-3 days later. Great service thanking you. Show reply

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mason
masonSA4 posts
  Verified

Great products, very good value for money. Had an issue with a camera, customer support was straight onto it, were very friendly and helpful. Issue was a strange one and took a bit of time to sort out but very happy with the products and service. Highly recommend. Show reply

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Howie
HowieQLD4 posts
  Verified

I’ve used Swann products since 2015 the DVR model still works ok. It’s time I upgrade to a newer NVR system. The support has always been great, although the current installer tried to recommend another product. I insisted on staying with Swann. Than you Swann support Show reply

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Andries d.
Andries d.VIC3 posts
  Verified

Repeat issues with moisture in the lenses of my outside cameras, seems to be an ongoing issue. Swann so reluctant to help that in frustration I gave up trying to get replacement cameras. Apparently a known issue

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Andries, thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more

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Christine F
Christine F33 posts
 

Bought a Swann SWIFI CORECAM to record my neighbours stalking to hand evidence to police. The camera never recorded only showed the street view as it was happening. I can do this by looking out my window. I explained this to Swann and their consultants who had me climbing up and down my ladder and spending hours, amounting to days and days on the… Read more

phone trying to fix the issue. I then asked for a refund. After hours and hours again on the phone it turned out my internet upload speed is 0.8mbps, which is not enough to reconfigure my SD card so they won't refund my money. I found the consultants dishonest and irresponsible, which is exactly not what a security service should be.

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Christine, thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more

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Warren
Warren3 posts
  Verified

Beware!!!  Won't replace faulty goods although they admit they know when they came online and make no assertion that I did not purchase them legitimately. They will do/say anything to deny your legitimate claim. I have 3 of 8 cameras not working at all and issues with 2 others. They are trying anything to avoid replacing them (which at this sort… Read more

of failure rate would be costing them a bomb if they had any decent process) They have been aware of fault on my system for many months despite chasing them by phone and email multiple times. They seem more than happy to leave paying customers without a functional system for months on end. I have other cameras that cost not even close to what this rubbish did and they outperform these on every level. Look for another brand!!! I was silly enough to buy this product 3 times as I needed the range and the first two purchases would not even pair on at least one camera. I simply returned those to the point of purchase.

Filter the reviews on negative reviews and you will quickly see this is not an isolated case. As evidenced in the pictures attached they will simply close a support ticket despite the fact there is no remedy.

They claim a free cloud service right on the box (see pictures)  ...not true at all ........it costs and then didn't work anyway.

Live view is best described as the recent past (camera shows someone at my doorbell when in reality they are back in their car and driving away) utterly useless in real terms. By the time you get an AI warning (often incorrect anyway) they are lucky to be still on the premises at all...... So two way comms is a joke. With my other (not Swann) cameras this is NOT an issue but it clearly demonstrates just how bad the Swann "real time" is.

Battery life is also cr#p unless you set them to miss most triggers all devices have needed to have an external solar panel to even have a chance of not needing regular manual charges.

The max ranger product interferes with your home Wi-Fi if you have a busy network IE Lots of devices, so it impacts lots of other Wi-Fi products in your home as well.

Support is a joke with missed call backs and staff that cannot answer basic questions.

These folks refer to "our policy" regardless of Australian law and are happy to leave you with a nonfunctioning system if they can get out of their obligations regardless of the significant cost of purchase.

I have spoken to several users and am yet to find a satisfied customer. Ask your friends and colleagues before you buy, you will be surprised how many have a Swann story to tell

Do not accept this behavior from this mob. Log a complaint with your state agency or the ACCC complain to your local retailer if they display boxes with "Free" cloud services it is illegal for them too.

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Warren, thank you for taking the time to share… Read more (+2 replies)

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Gary
GaryNSW2 posts
 

Recently purchased a Swann EliteX NVR. The setup of the NVR was fine however the connection to the Swann app will not connect to the NVR. After trying several times including factory resets I called Swann Tech support. After speaking with the Technical support staff in the Phillipines for the last two days, they are simply unable to resolve this… Read more

issue. I asked for a technician to be sent to our house to resolve this matter and apparently this is not an option. This system does not work as advertised, Technical support cannot help and there is no local support in Australia. I very much hope that I can amend this review if this ever does get resolved. Ok ‘Mary’ over to you for your feeble and unhelpful reply.

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Gary, thank you for taking the time to share… Read more

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Thibic N.
Thibic N.3 posts
 

RE: Swann 4K Buddy Doorbell – Product and Service Complaint Ticket#: 2799271 Date: 29 September 2025 I am extremely disappointed with both the product quality and customer service provided by Swann regarding the 4K Buddy Doorbell. Today, 29th September 2025, at 3:10 PM, I called Swann Technical Support and remained on the phone for 41 minutes… Read more

without resolving my issue. This is not the first time I have experienced problems with this doorbell.

The first issue occurred 9 months ago, immediately after installation. The doorbell screen was black and would not turn on. I contacted Swann Support, explained the problem, and answered all their questions. I was instructed to take my receipt and return the faulty product to Bunnings Warehouse, where it was replaced.

After installing the replacement, the doorbell worked fine until 26th September 2025, when it started malfunctioning again. The screen began displaying only black and white, despite no changes in installation location, lighting, or other conditions. At night, the doorbell completely lost its color display.

I called back at 7:10 PM and waited 22 minutes, only to hear a voice prompt stating that “no one is available to answer your call. Please leave your number, and the next available customer service representative will call you back.” This is exactly why I told the last technical support agent ([Name Removed]) that it was wasting my time. I had repeatedly explained that a reboot would not solve the issue, but he insisted anyway. This demonstrates a lack of understanding that the customer’s time mattersand apparently, Swann does not care.

During today’s support call, I was put on hold four times before someone eventually returned. I was instructed to reboot the doorbell and obtain a ticket number, with instructions to call back if the issue persisted. Despite my technical expertise, my advice was dismissed, forcing me to follow unnecessary steps that wasted my time.

Previously, I had excellent experiences with Swann’s DVR security cameras, where support was responsive, knowledgeable, and efficient. Now, it seems new employees lack both technical skills and effective customer service, treating customers as if they are interacting with a computer system.

Being on the phone for over 30 minutes just to speak with a human is unacceptable. The procedures for resolving even simple issues are unnecessarily cumbersome, and the company fails to listen to its customers.

NEVER BUY the Swann 4K Buddy Doorbell Camera. It is not worth your time or money. I continue to use the Ring Doorbell from the same era, which has never given me any issues for years.

Swann, your product and customer service in this case are very disappointing. I hope this feedback is taken seriously to improve your support processes and prevent loyal customers from repeated frustration.

I was on the phone waiting for technical support again at 7:50 pm, and I was still waiting at 8:05 pm with no resolution. Earlier, I had provided my ticket number and was asked to wait while the agent reviewed the notes, but instead, I was put into a survey. This level of service is unacceptable, a complete waste of time and Swann CS is a joke!

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Thi, thank you for sharing your feedback… Read more

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Peter Townsville
Peter TownsvilleQLD224 posts
 

DANGER! SWANN SECURITY APP DRAINS YOUR PHONE AND "SECURE PLUS" SEEMS TO UPLOAD CAMERA FOOTAGE/CHEW UP BANDWIDTH EVEN AFTER YOU HAVE "PUSH" and "EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS" ETC TURNED OFF! One has detailed reviews here on ProductReview of both MaxRanger and AdvancedX. Unfortunately, there is no room to add more photos in those reviews, so one must add… Read more

this important information here to warn other Australian consumers about what they can expect from companies using overseas based servers, and how they upload your personal data, in this case, camera footage to wherever they upload it to WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE, which is clearly the case here.

Since one installed the data and power hungry Swann App, and subscribed to Swann's "Secure Plus" on 18 January, my phone has been draining like never before, and in a week or so, over 300 gigs of mobile data has been used by my mobile modem which has only TWO THINGS connected to it, Swann MaxRanger, and Swann DirectX systems. (See video below).

I have "push notifications" and "Email notifications TURNED OFF! The screenshots below clearly show who the culprit is!

Rang technical support and waited in the same long queue as everyone else, so much for "avoid the queu with secure plus membership" as they falsly claim whilst you are waiting in their long queue! (Looks like I'll be getting out of THAT rort real soon too).

One asked support if there was any way that camera footage from either system was being uploaded to a Swann cloud of sorts or being backed up. No straight answer was forecoming.

Support's attitude to me seemed like they have heard this all before, and after trying SEVERAL TIMES to explain my situation, and the obvious lack of interest on his part, one gave my name, phone number and email address and told them that if I did not hear from anyone in charge, or someone who knew what they were doing, this matter would go before the courts, and with the amount of evidence one has collected, and what OPTUS is sending, one has a powerful case!

One would love to know if anyone else is having this problem with Swann because after today's interaction with Swann, I feel they are not letting the cat out of the bag on this one.

Because of this, one is forced to keep the Modem TURNED OFF and only have it turned on when away from home!

There are no other settings on MaxRanger or AdvancedX showing whether viewing data from cameras is being uploaded to a Swann cloud or anything, but clearly, something is going on. Something we have no control over.

I will update this as soon as I learn more.

++UPDATE 31 JANUARY 2026++

Incredible!

Swann AdvancedX is the culprit!

If you have the Swann AdvancedX detection settings on "HUMAN AND VEHICLE DETECTION" you cannot disable (untick) "PICTURE TO CLOUD" "or "VIDEO TO CLOUD" settings! They are preset, and all your footage is being uploaded to SWANN cloud, nothing we can do to stop it unless we set detection settings to "MOTION".

The ticked boxes in "DETECTION" "ACTIONS" are in grey, and boxes cannot be unticked, yet in "motion" mode, the four squares below (depicted in photos below) ARE unticked because those four cameras are in "MOTION" mode. YOU CAN UNTICK THEM!

Even in "DEVICE" "CLOUD STORAGE" settings, there is no way of stopping my images or videos being sent to Swann cloud! One spent ages trying to communicate with a Swann tech support (expert) lady yesterday evening, and we went through "processes" trying to disable to UNTICK these pre set settings stealing my data, at a rate of, so far, 400 gig a week!

SHE COULD NOT HELP ME....

In fact, the other "expert" she had online never even got back to her in the 15 minutes we were on the phone!

These people should know everything about the products they sell, THEY DON'T!

And one is using MOBILE DATA! THIS IS A DISGRACE!

The only person working in Swann support that makes ANY sense is Hendrix, he seems to be the only one that knows what he's doing, I take my hat off to him. Still waiting for HIS callback.

In the meantime, one awaits the data usage info from Optus and then a formal complaint will be made to the Federal Privacy Commissioners office and Federal Consumer Affairs Commissioners offices for investigation.

Amazing too is that after this review going public the other day, I don't see Swann reps commenting below ON THIS REVIEW like they have done SO QUICKLY with my other reviews of Swann products, WONDER WHY???

One will let YOU reading this work THAT out.

Peter

Townsville

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Peter, thank you for sharing such detailed… Read more

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Jason B
Jason BWA
 

No nothing but problems with cameras and app. Sometimes app won’t even load the camera live at all, have to refresh until eventually it’s works, which is too late most of the time. One camera lost colour after few months.

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Jason, thank you for your feedback, and we’re… Read more

Latest follow-ups

Ricky
RickyWA4 posts
 

Very happy with camera haven’t had any issues so far Show reply

 Follow-up  · Just want to let you know my camera stopped working couple of months ago, keeps coming up not connected, not sure what happened there, Ive got good wifi connection.

Frankie C.
Frankie C.
 

Rubbish. Worse batteries. Hard to use Waste money. Worse product ever buy

 Follow-up  · The door bell needs to charge every 2 months. The solar ones last only 1 month-2month.. Need to charge frequently.

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Frankie, thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more

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Chris
Chris30 posts
 

My Swann camera's on my wired & wireless system intermittently turn off after midnight 4 out of 7 nights & for the past 2 mths Swann Tech has poorly tries to help me. 6 different reps all asking for me to repeat what i said. Now they offer a refund… Read more

because they cant address this issue. Go elsewhere folk unless you want a unreliable security system. The wireless DOESNT record manually too, so for instant probs, u cant press record. For a positive, they are slightly better than Arlo, which costs to much. Swann has no ongoing fee's.

 Follow-up  · How has your experience been since your original review? Top follow-up questions readers have asked about your review: Did you try other brands? YES, ARLO, WHICH WAS WAY WORSE. Did you get a full refund? DIDNT ASK FOR ONE What was the refund process like? DIDNT GO THRU IT I Think this was a AI generated 3 questions email to me, HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM>........

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Chris, thank you for sharing your experience.… Read more (+1 reply)

Positive reviews

Mark b.
Mark b.SA2 posts
 

My interaction with Swann after I purchased a non compatible device was brilliant they were nothing but professional with excellent customer service. They advised the return process and kept me informed along the way with my refund processed in quick time. Can’t speak highly enough of the lady that I dealt with an asset to their company Show 2 replies

Deborah JEE
Deborah JEENSW13 posts
  Verified

I had issues with connectivity and Christine was so patient helpful and courteous with getting me on line the images are crystal clear and the app now its working is so easy to use Show reply

Lyndin
Lyndin2 posts
 

Raymond was very persistent in finding a resolution to our problem. It took two weeks to resolve trying assorts of things. Would definitely recommend Swann products and their help team. Show reply

Find out how Swann Australia compares to other Home Care Shops

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Negative reviews

Christine
Christine
  Verified

After care is an absolute joke. Everything was working until software update. Only 3 years old. Troubleshooting was requesting us to get up on ladder to swap the cameras around to check them. Cancelled our subscription. Stay away from Swann Cameras. Their Australian number links to the Philippines too. You don't deal with Australians

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Christine, thank you for sharing your feedback.… Read more

Dan
Dan8 posts
 

By the time you check cameras footage the person or what ever you were looking at is gone. I have set it to record for a minute if it detects something but it starts recording after the person is gone. Kinda pointless. Then there's the cost. Wow. Really expensive and not really worth it. Go another brand. This one sucks

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Dan, thank you for sharing your feedback. … Read more

a m.
a m.QLD3 posts
 

I have a boxfull of 3 wired security cameras with just one unpacked for a tryout. Only got as far as installing the camera to the 'box' when I discovered there was NO plug-point for the power splitter to plug into.simply a mfr fault that made an electronic device. with no way of distributing power.immediately contacted Kogan the seller asking for… Read more

a refund and insructions to return. Weeks went by; eventually a note to say in these curcumstaces I had to deal with Swann. I said no! You sell you refund according to your published guarantee. Was given a link to Swann so went down that path.just more nonsense Give us this and that and a photo So I did also sending it to Kogan. Its the fraud merry-go-round. Neither have refunded, offered a replacement box or I was even prepared to buy a 4 cam system after a refund. After shear excellence from $5000 spending with Amazon i was expecting the same After all I was a frequent customer of Kogan once. As for Swann, a hopless company overseas that is really nothing legally to do with me. Be warned Kogan has very bad history now and is actually the name of a city. Just try and find a location you could go to for a fixup ; you cannot and willnot negative 1 rating out of 10

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi AM, thank you for sharing your feedback. We're… Read more

Recent reviews

rohan c.
rohan c.WA4 posts
 

bought a security camera system with swann, the DVR has a HDD that is showing early signs of hardware/hard drive failure, the best support can do is ask "please send a video of the DVR in the middle of a room and you walking towards it from 5ft away getting closer". have offered no real assistance and cant even reply to emails with common sense or… Read more

any form of knowledge, just generic responses and scripted answers. DO NOT RECOMMEND - save your money

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Rohan, thank you for sharing your feedback. We… Read more (+2 replies)

Ash3000
Ash3000VIC7 posts
  Verified

I bought a Swann Evo doorbell, and although the setup was easy the battery charge only lasts 1 day. I disconnected the bluetooth to try to get it to last longer, and it now lasts 2-3 days. If I forget to recharge, then the doorbell stops working altogether. Because the charging plug is on the back, I can't leave it permanently plugged into the charger. Complete waste of money, and I had to replace with a different doorbell.

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Ash, thank you for sharing your experience. We… Read more

Chris
ChrisQLD6 posts
  Verified

Poor Quality for the price! – Recently purchased a Swann NVR home security system. 6K 12mp camera's and Swann Buddy doorbell. This system cost 4 times the price of a Eufy system a mate recently installed and has about 1/4 of the clarity and ability to zoom. The Swann buddy has been operating for about 1 week and is already down 50% of its battery. I do not recommend Swann Security at all!

Swann Security
Swann Security    

Hi Chris, thank you for your feedback. We… Read more (+2 replies)

B. baird
B. baird3 posts
 

Excellent efficient speedy service to help me set up the Swann doorbell camera when moving into a new home. Very responsive on email with a solution that worked. Impressive. Show reply

Noel B.
Noel B.QLD2 posts
 

I wish to Thank both Ms Abby and Carlo for their excellent customer service and the Camera product that has been delivered to me and I have installed as "Add-on" security cameras -- are now working very well with the previous 4x Swann camera pack that I purchased in the first instance. NOTE:- I intend to purchase 2 x more of the identical "Add-on" security cameras from Carlo and Abby.. Sincere Regards Noel Best .... Aratula 4309 Australia Show reply

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