Skybell Motion Detection Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
Your Skybell video doorbell is a key part of your home security, and its motion detection feature is designed to alert you to visitors, wanted or unwanted. When it fails to detect motion, your home is left vulnerable. If you are no longer receiving motion alerts or your recordings are not being triggered, this guide is here to help.
We will explore the common reasons why Skybell motion detection might fail and provide you with a clear, step-by-step process to get it working again.
Common Reasons for Motion Detection Failure
Understanding the potential causes is the first step toward a solution. The issue usually falls into one of these categories:
- Incorrect App Settings: The motion detection feature might be turned off or the sensitivity set too low within the Skybell app.
- Poor Wi-Fi Connectivity: The Skybell needs a stable and strong Wi-Fi connection to process motion events and send alerts to your phone. If the signal is weak or intermittent, this function can fail.
- Physical Obstructions: The motion sensor needs a clear line of sight. Dirt, grime, spiderwebs, or even nearby decorations can block its view.
- Power Issues: Insufficient or unstable power from your doorbell transformer can cause certain features, like motion detection, to malfunction.
- Software Glitches: Like any smart device, temporary bugs in the firmware can cause problems that a simple reboot can often fix.
How to Fix Your Skybell's Motion Detection
Work through these troubleshooting steps in order to identify and solve the problem.
1. Check Your Skybell App Settings
First, let's ensure everything is configured correctly in the app.
- Open the Skybell app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to your device's settings.
- Find the Motion Detection setting and make sure it is toggled ON.
- Look for a Sensitivity setting. If it is set to 'Low' or 'Off', try increasing it to 'Medium' or 'High' for testing purposes. You can always adjust it again later.
- Save any changes you have made.
2. Clean the Skybell Device
The motion sensor is located on the face of your Skybell. Let's make sure it is clean.
- Using a soft, microfibre cloth, gently wipe the entire front surface of your Skybell.
- Pay close attention to the area around the camera lens and the dark, circular PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor.
- Remove any spiderwebs, dust, or grime that may have accumulated. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
3. Reboot Your Skybell and Router
A reboot can clear up many unforeseen software issues.
- Reboot the Skybell: Press and hold the main button on the front of your Skybell for approximately 45 seconds. The LED will flash to indicate it is rebooting.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router from the power outlet. Wait for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Allow a few minutes for it to fully restart and for your Skybell to reconnect.
4. Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
A weak Wi-Fi signal is a frequent cause of performance problems.
- In the Skybell app, go to the device settings and look for a Wi-Fi status or signal strength indicator. Ensure it shows a strong connection.
- If the signal is weak, you may need to move your Wi-Fi router closer to the door or consider installing a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system to improve coverage.
5. Verify Power Supply
If the steps above do not work, the issue could be related to power.
- Skybell doorbells have specific power requirements (typically between 16-24 volts AC).
- If your home has an old doorbell transformer, it might not be providing enough consistent power.
- You may need a qualified electrician to check the voltage of your transformer and replace it if it does not meet the required specifications for your Skybell model.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the most common issues preventing your Skybell's motion detection from working correctly, ensuring your front door is always monitored.