Troubleshooting Doorbird Package Detection Issues
Doorbird's package detection feature adds a valuable layer of security, notifying you when a delivery has been made. If you've stopped receiving these specific alerts, or if they've never worked, the cause is often a configuration setting in the app or an issue with the camera's view.
This guide will help you diagnose and resolve the most common problems with Doorbird's package detection.
## Step 1: Verify Your Plan and Firmware
Before diving into settings, ensure your system is capable of performing package detection.
- Check Your Subscription: Package detection is an advanced, cloud-based feature. Log into your account on the Doorbird website and confirm that your subscription plan includes this service. It may be part of an add-on package.
- Update Firmware: Doorbird frequently improves its features through firmware updates. Open the Doorbird app, go to
Settings > Administrationand log in. Find the 'Firmware Update' section and ensure your device is running the latest version. An outdated firmware can cause features to be missing or malfunction.
## Step 2: Configure Motion Detection and Schedules
Package detection is tied into Doorbird's motion detection system. You need to have it enabled and configured correctly.
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Define the Motion Sensor Area:
- In the app's administration settings, go to the 'Motion Sensor' section.
- Here, you can draw one or more polygons on the camera's view to define where it should look for motion.
- It is critical that the area where a courier would place a package is fully inside one of these defined zones. If the package is left outside the zone, it will be ignored.
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Set Up a Schedule for Motion Alerts:
- Navigate to the 'Schedule for motion' setting.
- You must have an active schedule for the times you expect deliveries. You can set this to be active 24/7.
- Within this schedule, you need to configure an action, such as 'Push Notification'. Ensure this is set up to alert your desired devices. Sometimes there is a specific sub-setting for package alerts within the notification preferences.
## Step 3: Optimise Camera Positioning and Lighting
The underlying AI needs a clear image to work effectively.
- Field of View: The camera must have a clear, unobstructed view of your entire doormat or delivery area. If a pillar, wall, or large plant pot blocks the view, the system cannot see the package.
- Lighting: Good lighting is essential. For daytime deliveries, avoid positions that cause extreme glare or deep shadows, which can confuse the detection algorithm. For evening deliveries, ensure your porch light is on, as the camera's night vision may not always provide enough detail on its own to reliably identify a box.
## Step 4: Reboot the Device
If all your settings appear to be correct, a simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Power Cycle Your Doorbird: Disconnect the Doorbird from its power source. This might involve switching off a circuit breaker or unplugging its power supply.
- Wait and Reconnect: Wait for at least 60 seconds to ensure all internal components have fully powered down.
- Restore Power: Reconnect the power and allow the device a few minutes to boot up and reconnect to your network.
After rebooting, test the feature with a household box to see if the settings are now working as expected. By carefully checking these four key areas, you can get your Doorbird's package detection feature running reliably.