How to Stop Skybell False Notifications
A video doorbell is meant to provide security and peace of mind, but a device that constantly sends false notifications can quickly become an annoyance. Alerts for passing cars, swaying trees, or changing shadows defeat the purpose of the system.
Fortunately, you have several tools within the Skybell app to reduce or eliminate these unwanted alerts. By fine-tuning your settings, you can ensure you are only notified of events that actually matter.
## Step 1: Adjust Motion Sensitivity
The most common cause of false alerts is a motion sensitivity level that is set too high for your environment.
- Open the Skybell App: Go to your list of devices and select the doorbell you want to adjust.
- Navigate to 'Motion Settings': Tap the settings icon and find the 'Motion Settings' menu.
- Lower the Sensitivity: You will see a slider for 'Motion Sensitivity', likely set to a medium or high level. Reduce the setting by one level.
- Test and Monitor: Observe the doorbell's behaviour for a day. If you are still getting too many false alerts, lower the sensitivity again. The goal is to find a balance where it ignores trivial movement but still reliably detects people approaching your door.
## Step 2: Configure Custom Motion Zones
Motion zones are the most powerful tool for eliminating false alerts from predictable sources, like a busy road or a neighbour's property. A motion zone tells your Skybell to only monitor for motion within a specific area that you define.
- Find the Motion Zone Settings: This option is usually located within the 'Motion Settings' menu in the app.
- Create a Zone: The app will show you the live view from your camera with a grid overlay. You can tap or draw a shape that covers only the areas you care about, such as your walkway, porch, and front garden.
- Exclude Problem Areas: Crucially, you should exclude any areas that cause false triggers. This includes public pavements, busy streets, and any trees or bushes that move significantly in the wind.
- Save the Zone: Once you have defined the area, save it. Your Skybell will now only send notifications for motion detected inside this specific zone.
## Step 3: Check for Environmental Factors
Sometimes, the issue isn't a setting but something in the physical environment.
- Clean the Lens: A spiderweb, smudge, or water spot on the camera lens can cause false alerts, especially at night when the infrared lights reflect off it. Gently clean the lens with a soft microfibre cloth.
- Look for Reflections: Glare from the sun or reflections from windows or shiny surfaces can sometimes be misinterpreted as motion. Check the camera's view at different times of the day to see if this is an issue.
- Night-Time Triggers: At night, the infrared (IR) illuminators used for night vision can attract insects. A moth fluttering in front of the lens will trigger a motion alert. While hard to prevent, ensuring your sensitivity isn't at maximum can help. Car headlights are another common night-time trigger that can be managed with motion zones.
## Step 4: Keep Your Software Updated
Skybell regularly releases updates for the app and the doorbell's firmware. These updates often include improvements to the motion detection algorithms, making them better at distinguishing between meaningful events and background noise.
- App Updates: Regularly check the App Store or Google Play Store for new versions of the Skybell app.
- Firmware Updates: Firmware updates are pushed to your device automatically. You can ensure your device gets them by making sure it has a stable Wi-Fi connection. A simple reboot can sometimes help trigger a pending update.
By taking a systematic approach to adjusting sensitivity, setting up zones, and checking your environment, you can significantly reduce false notifications and make your Skybell a much more effective security tool.