Is Your Skybell's Night Vision Blurry or Unclear?
A key feature of your Skybell video doorbell is its ability to see clearly in the dark, providing you with security and peace of mind around the clock. When night vision mode engages, but the resulting image is blurry, foggy, or too dark to be useful, it can be a major concern.
Fortunately, most night vision problems are not due to a faulty camera. They are often caused by simple, fixable issues like a dirty lens, condensation, or environmental factors. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose the cause and restore a crystal-clear nighttime view.
## Step 1: Clean the Camera Lens and Dome
The most common culprit for a blurry image is the simplest to fix: a dirty lens. Over time, the camera's protective dome can accumulate dust, pollen, fingerprints, and water spots from rain.
How to Clean It Safely
- Use a Microfibre Cloth: The best tool for the job is a soft, clean microfibre cloth, the same kind you would use for cleaning eyeglasses or a computer screen.
- Wipe Gently: Gently wipe the entire surface of the plastic dome covering the camera lens. Apply light pressure in a circular motion.
- Avoid Abrasives: Do not use paper towels, tissues, or rough cloths, as these can create tiny scratches on the plastic, making the problem worse.
- No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using window cleaner, alcohol, or other chemical solvents. If you need more than a dry cloth, slightly dampen it with clean water.
After cleaning, check the video feed at night to see if the clarity has improved. This simple step resolves the issue for the majority of users.
## Step 2: Check for Condensation
If the image appears foggy or hazy, you might be dealing with moisture trapped inside the device. Condensation can form when there is a rapid change in temperature and humidity.
Identifying Condensation
- The fogginess often appears in a circular or ring-like pattern.
- It may be worse in the morning after a cool, humid night.
How to Address It
- Wait it Out: Sometimes, the condensation will clear up on its own as the device's internal temperature stabilises with the ambient temperature.
- Check the Seal: Inspect the seal around the Skybell unit to ensure it is sitting flush against the mounting plate and wall. A poor seal can allow moisture to enter.
- Power Cycle: A gentle reset by turning off the power to your doorbell at the breaker for a minute may help slightly, but if condensation is persistent, it could indicate a seal integrity issue.
## Step 3: Evaluate the Lighting Environment
Skybell's night vision relies on infrared (IR) light. While it can see in near-total darkness, its performance can be affected by the surrounding environment.
IR Reflection
- The IR lights can sometimes reflect off nearby surfaces, causing a glare or a bright, washed-out spot in the image.
- Check for any objects directly in front of the Skybell, like a nearby wall, a pillar, or even a large plant. If the IR light is bouncing directly off this surface and back into the lens, it can obscure the rest of the view. Try to ensure the immediate area in front of the lens is clear.
Insufficient Light
- While IR provides the main illumination, having some ambient light can help the camera produce a clearer image.
- If the area is in complete and total darkness, the image quality may be reduced. A small, low-wattage porch light can sometimes make a significant difference in the clarity and colour of the nighttime video.
## Step 4: Check Your Wi-Fi Connection
While it may not seem directly related, a poor Wi-Fi connection can also lead to a blurry image. A weak signal forces the camera to compress the video stream more heavily to send it to your phone, resulting in a blocky, pixelated, or blurry picture. This effect can be even more pronounced on the more complex images generated by night vision.
- Run a Wi-Fi speed test on your phone while standing near your door.
- If the signal is weak, consider moving your router closer to the door or installing a Wi-Fi extender.