Understanding Skybell and Continuous Recording
If you've just installed a Skybell video doorbell, you might be looking for a setting to enable continuous 24/7 recording. It's a common question for new users who want to ensure they have a complete video history of everything that happens at their front door.
However, it's important to understand how Skybell devices are designed to function. This guide will clarify why you can't find a continuous recording option and how to get the most out of Skybell's event-based recording system.
## Does Skybell Offer Continuous Recording?
The short and simple answer is no. Skybell video doorbells, including the HD and Trim models, do not support continuous video recording (CVR).
Skybell devices are designed to be event-based recorders. This means they only wake up and record a video clip when a specific event occurs. These events are:
- Motion is Detected: The built-in sensor detects movement in its field of view.
- The Doorbell Button is Pressed: A visitor rings the bell.
- Live View is Initiated: You start a live stream from the Skybell app on your phone.
These recorded clips are then uploaded to your cloud storage account for you to review later. There is no feature to record the footage between these events.
## Why Event-Based Recording is Used
You might be wondering why a security device wouldn't record all the time. There are several key reasons for this design choice, common among many smart doorbell brands:
- Power Consumption: Continuously recording and processing video requires a significant amount of power. For devices that rely on existing, low-voltage doorbell wiring, it's often not feasible.
- Bandwidth Usage: Streaming video to the cloud 24/7 would use a massive amount of your home internet's upload bandwidth, potentially slowing down other devices on your network.
- Cloud Storage Costs: Storing a constant video stream is expensive. An event-based system requires far less storage space, which helps keep cloud subscription costs lower for users.
- Efficiency: For most users, the only relevant footage is when a person is present or an event occurs. Event-based recording filters out the hours of inactivity, making it easier to find important clips.
## How to Maximise Your Skybell's Recording Capabilities
Since you can't record continuously, the goal is to ensure your Skybell reliably captures all the important events. Here’s how to optimise your setup:
### 1. Fine-Tune Motion Detection
The most critical setting is motion sensitivity.
- Too Low: If the sensitivity is too low, the device may not trigger when a person approaches, leaving you with no recording of the event.
- Too High: If it's too high, you'll get constant notifications and recordings from passing cars, swaying trees, or even insects, filling up your event history with irrelevant clips.
Experiment with the motion sensitivity settings in the Skybell app. Adjust it until you find the sweet spot that reliably detects people approaching your door without excessive false alerts.
### 2. Ensure a Strong Wi-Fi Connection
A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal can cause recordings to fail. Even if motion is detected, the device might struggle to upload the video clip to the cloud. Ensure your Skybell has a strong and stable connection to your router. If necessary, consider moving your router closer or installing a Wi-Fi extender.
### 3. Maintain an Active Cloud Subscription
Skybell requires an active cloud storage plan to save any video recordings. If your subscription has lapsed, the device may still send you notifications, but it won't be able to store the video clips for later review. Always ensure your subscription is current.
By understanding that Skybell is an event-based recorder and by optimising its settings, you can create a reliable and effective security monitoring system for your front door, even without continuous 24/7 recording.