Is Your Skybell Camera Broken? A Troubleshooting Guide
A Skybell video doorbell is a great addition to your home's security, but like any electronic device exposed to the elements, it can encounter issues that may make you think it's broken. Before you rush to buy a replacement, this guide will help you diagnose the problem and see if it can be fixed.
## Scenario 1: The Skybell is Completely Unresponsive
If the button is not lit and the device shows no signs of life, the issue is almost always related to power.
- Check Your Circuit Breaker: The first thing to check is the circuit breaker that supplies power to your doorbell transformer. It may have tripped.
- Inspect the Transformer: Your Skybell is powered by a low-voltage transformer. These can fail over time. Check for any visible signs of damage or burning. If you have a multimeter, you can test the transformer's output to ensure it's delivering the correct voltage (typically between 10-36 VAC).
- Verify Wiring: Check the wiring at your indoor chime box and at the Skybell mounting plate. A wire may have become loose or disconnected. Make sure all connections are secure.
- Internal Failure: If you have confirmed the transformer and wiring are good, but the Skybell still won't power on, then the internal circuitry of the device has likely failed.
## Scenario 2: The Skybell is 'Offline' in the App
If the Skybell has power (the LED is lit) but it shows as "Offline" in the app, the problem is with its network connection.
- Wi-Fi Changes: Did you recently change your Wi-Fi password or get a new router? If so, the Skybell is still trying to connect with the old credentials. You will need to go through the device setup process again to connect it to the new network.
- Power Cycle Your Network: A simple reboot can fix many connectivity issues. Turn off your modem and your Wi-Fi router. Wait for 30 seconds, then turn them back on.
- Power Cycle the Skybell: Once your network is back online, restart the Skybell. You can do this by briefly turning off the power at the circuit breaker. This will force it to reconnect to your Wi-Fi.
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: A consistently weak Wi-Fi signal at your front door can cause the Skybell to frequently drop its connection. If the device often goes offline, consider moving your router closer or installing a Wi-Fi extender.
## Scenario 3: The Video Feed is Black, Distorted, or Not Working
If the device is online and you receive notifications, but the video feed is faulty, the camera sensor itself may be broken.
- Restart the Device: As always, the first step is a simple restart. Power cycle the Skybell at the breaker to see if it clears a temporary glitch.
- Check App Permissions: Ensure the Skybell app has permission to access your phone's resources. While unlikely to cause a black screen, it's a quick check to perform.
- Perform a Factory Reset: A factory reset will wipe the device's settings and firmware and force it to reinstall. This can sometimes fix software corruption that affects the video stream. To reset, press and hold the main button for about 80 seconds until it flashes green. You will need to re-add it to your app afterwards.
- Hardware Failure: If a restart and a factory reset do not fix the video feed, the camera's image sensor has likely failed. This is an internal hardware fault that cannot be repaired, and the device will need to be replaced.
## Scenario 4: Physical Damage or Water Ingress
Inspect the device for any visible signs of damage.
- Cracked Button or Lens: A direct impact can crack the casing or the camera lens, compromising the weather seal.
- Water Damage: Although weather-resistant, a direct blast from a pressure washer or prolonged exposure to driving rain can cause water to get inside. If the Skybell stopped working after a period of heavy rain, moisture is a likely culprit. Water damage to internal electronics is usually permanent.
By systematically working through these scenarios, you can determine if your Skybell has a fixable power or network issue or if it has suffered a genuine hardware failure.