Understanding Doorbird's Recording Capabilities
It's a common point of confusion, but Doorbird devices are not designed for continuous 24/7 recording. Unlike traditional CCTV systems that record everything, Doorbird operates as a smart video intercom. It focuses on recording specific events, primarily when someone presses the doorbell or when motion is detected. This event-based approach helps to conserve storage space and makes it easier for you to find important moments without searching through hours of empty footage.
This guide will walk you through how to manage your Doorbird's recording settings to ensure you're capturing the events that matter most.
Common Reasons for Recording Issues
If you're finding that your Doorbird isn't recording as you expect, it's usually down to one of these factors:
- Misconfigured Motion Settings: The motion sensor might be disabled, not sensitive enough, or scheduled to be inactive.
- Storage Not Set Up: Your cloud storage might be full or not activated, or your local NAS connection might have an issue.
- Poor Network Connection: An unstable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection can prevent the device from successfully uploading recorded clips.
- Firmware or App Issues: An outdated app or device firmware can sometimes cause unexpected behaviour.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve issues with your Doorbird's event recording.
1. Review Your Event History
Before anything else, check what is being recorded.
- Open the Doorbird App on your smartphone or tablet.
- Navigate to the History section. This will show you a log of all recent events, including doorbell presses and motion captures.
- If you see events here, the camera is recording. If you're just not getting notifications, check your app's notification settings.
- If the history is empty, proceed to the next steps.
2. Check Motion Detection Settings
The most common culprit for no recordings is an incorrectly configured motion sensor.
- In the Doorbird App, go to Settings → Motion Sensor.
- Ensure the sensor is enabled.
- Check the sensitivity. If it's too low, it may not pick up movement. Try increasing it slightly.
- Review the schedule. You can set the motion sensor to be active only at certain times of day. Make sure the schedule aligns with when you expect it to be recording.
3. Verify Your Storage Solution
Your Doorbird needs a place to save its recordings.
- Cloud Recording: Doorbird provides a complimentary cloud history for the last 20 events. If you need more, you must subscribe to a paid plan. Check your subscription status in the app under Settings → Cloud Recording.
- Local Storage (NAS/NVR): If you are using a Network Attached Storage (NAS) or Network Video Recorder (NVR), ensure it is properly connected and configured. Check the NAS/NVR's own settings to confirm it has available space and is successfully communicating with the Doorbird. Verify the connection details in the Doorbird app under Settings → SIP/NVR Settings.
4. Assess Network and Power Stability
A stable connection is crucial for your Doorbird to function correctly.
- Check Connectivity: In the app, go to Settings → Device Information to check the network status.
- Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: A wired Ethernet connection is always more reliable than Wi-Fi. If you're using Wi-Fi and experiencing issues, consider switching to a wired connection if possible.
- Reboot Your System: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connectivity glitches.
- Reboot your internet router.
- Once the router is back online, restart your Doorbird device by temporarily disconnecting its power source.
5. Update Firmware and Application
Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
- App Update: Visit the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to ensure you have the latest version of the Doorbird app.
- Firmware Update: The app will typically notify you if a firmware update is available for your Doorbird device. Follow the on-screen prompts to install it.
Getting the Most Out of Your Doorbird
To optimise your device's performance, remember to:
- Regularly clean the camera lens for a clear view.
- Position the motion sensor to cover key areas while avoiding false triggers from public footpaths or roads.
- Periodically review your history and adjust motion sensitivity as needed for the changing seasons.
By understanding that Doorbird is an event-based intercom and ensuring its settings are correctly configured, you can rely on it to capture all the important moments at your doorstep.