How to Fix Annoying Skybell Camera Lag and Delays
There's a significant delay between someone ringing your doorbell and you receiving the notification. The live video feed is choppy and stutters. The audio is completely out of sync with the video. If this sounds familiar, you're dealing with Skybell camera lag. This latency can be frustrating and defeats the purpose of having a real-time video doorbell.
The good news is that you can often resolve these delays by troubleshooting a few key areas. This guide will help you identify the source of the lag and take practical steps to fix it.
Understanding the Causes of Video Doorbell Lag
Video doorbell lag is almost always a network issue. When someone presses the button, the Skybell has to capture the video, send it through your router to the internet, reach Skybell's servers, and then get routed back to your phone. A delay at any point in this chain results in lag.
The most common culprits are:
- Poor Wi-Fi Signal: The connection between your Skybell and your Wi-Fi router is the most frequent point of failure.
- Slow Internet Upload Speed: Your home internet may have fast downloads but slow uploads, creating a bottleneck.
- Insufficient Power: The doorbell transformer may not be providing enough voltage for the Skybell to operate at peak performance.
- Network Congestion: Too many other devices on your Wi-Fi network can slow things down for the Skybell.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reducing Skybell Lag
Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the latency issue.
1. Test and Optimise Your Wi-Fi Signal
This is the most important step. You need a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal at your front door.
- Measure Your Signal: Stand right where your Skybell is installed and use your smartphone to check the Wi-Fi signal strength. If you have only one or two bars, your signal is too weak.
- Move Your Router: The simplest solution is often to move your Wi-Fi router closer to the front door. Even moving it a few feet can make a big difference.
- Install a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh Node: If you can't move your router, a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system can be used to boost the signal specifically in the area around your door. Place the extender halfway between the router and the Skybell for the best results.
- Check for Interference: Other electronic devices, and even dense building materials like brick or stucco, can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.
2. Check Your Internet Upload Speed
People often focus on download speed, but for a video doorbell, upload speed is what matters.
- On your Wi-Fi network, use a device to run an internet speed test.
- Pay close attention to the upload speed. For a smooth video stream from a single doorbell, you should have an upload speed of at least 2 Mbps.
- If your upload speed is consistently lower than this, you may need to contact your internet service provider to discuss upgrading your plan.
3. Verify Your Doorbell Transformer's Power
A Skybell needs a steady supply of power to run its camera, Wi-Fi radio, and processor. An underpowered device will perform poorly.
- Check the installation guide for your specific Skybell model to find its power requirements. This is typically at least 16 volts AC and 10 VA.
- You can check the rating printed on your home's doorbell transformer (it's usually a small box located in a cupboard, attic, or near your electrical panel).
- If your transformer is old or doesn't meet the minimum requirements, replacing it with a more powerful one is a common and effective fix for lag and other performance issues.
4. Reduce Video Quality in the App
If your network is the bottleneck, reducing the amount of data the Skybell needs to send can help.
- Open the Skybell app.
- Go to your device's Settings.
- Look for a Video Quality or Image Quality setting.
- Try changing it from the highest setting (e.g., 1080p) to a lower one (e.g., 720p). This will decrease the bandwidth required and can lead to a much smoother, more responsive live stream.
By systematically improving your Wi-Fi signal, ensuring adequate power, and optimising settings, you can significantly reduce or eliminate frustrating camera lag.