How to Fix and Improve Fermax Doorbell Battery Life
A battery-powered video doorbell offers great flexibility, but its convenience is lost if the battery drains too quickly. If you find yourself constantly recharging your Fermax doorbell, there are several factors you can investigate to resolve the issue. Most causes of rapid battery drain are related to Wi-Fi connectivity, usage settings, or environmental factors.
This guide will help you identify the culprit behind your Fermax doorbell's poor battery performance and provide actionable steps to extend the time between charges.
The Number One Cause: Weak Wi-Fi Signal
By far, the most common reason for a doorbell battery draining quickly is a poor Wi-Fi connection. The doorbell needs to maintain a constant, stable link to your network. If the signal is weak or intermittent, the device's radio has to work much harder, consuming significantly more power.
### How to Check and Improve Your Wi-Fi
- Check Signal Strength: In the Fermax mobile app, go to your device settings and look for a 'Device Health' or 'Network Status' section. It should show you the Wi-Fi signal strength (RSSI). A weak signal is a clear indicator of the problem.
- Move Your Router: If possible, try moving your Wi-Fi router to a more central location in your home, closer to the front door.
- Install a Wi-Fi Extender: If you cannot move your router, placing a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network node halfway between the router and the doorbell is the most effective solution. This will boost the signal where it's needed most.
Problem 2: Excessive Activity and Notifications
Every time your doorbell detects motion, wakes up to record, or sends a notification to your phone, it uses power. If it's being triggered too often, the battery will drain.
### Fine-Tuning Your Motion Settings
- Adjust Motion Sensitivity: If your doorbell is picking up movement from passing cars or trees swaying in the wind, go into the app's motion settings and lower the sensitivity level.
- Create Motion Zones: Many models allow you to define specific areas within the camera's view for motion detection. Set up zones that focus on your walkway and porch, ignoring public footpaths or busy streets.
- Reduce Live View Usage: Streaming live video from your doorbell is one of its most power-intensive functions. Use it when necessary, but avoid checking it constantly.
Problem 3: Environmental and Other Factors
- Cold Weather: Lithium-ion batteries do not perform well in very cold temperatures. During winter months, it is normal to see a reduction in battery life. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for this other than ensuring the device is charged more frequently.
- Battery Health: Like all rechargeable batteries, the one in your Fermax doorbell will degrade over time. If your device is several years old, it may simply not be able to hold a charge as well as it used to.
- Proper Charging: Ensure you are using the recommended charging cable and a power adapter with the correct voltage and amperage. Always allow the device to charge fully to 100% before reinstalling it.