Is Your Skybell Camera Showing No Video?
A Skybell video doorbell is a fantastic tool for home security, but its value is lost when you’re met with a black screen instead of a live video feed. If your Skybell camera has stopped showing video, don't worry. This is a common issue that can often be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting. This guide will walk you through the most likely causes and solutions to get your camera working again.
The most common culprits for a 'no video' issue are related to power, Wi-Fi connectivity, or the Skybell app itself. We'll tackle each of these areas step-by-step.
## Step 1: Verify Power Supply
Your Skybell needs a consistent and adequate power supply to function correctly. An interruption or insufficient power is a primary reason for video failure.
Check Your Transformer
Your doorbell is powered by a transformer that reduces your home's standard voltage to a lower voltage suitable for a doorbell.
- Voltage Requirements: Ensure your transformer meets Skybell's specifications, which is typically between 16 and 24 volts AC. An underpowered transformer may be enough to power the button but not the video camera and Wi-Fi chip.
- Ageing Transformer: Transformers can degrade over time. If yours is old, it might not be providing a stable voltage anymore. Consider testing it with a multimeter or consulting an electrician.
- Check for Loose Wires: Inspect the wiring between the transformer, your chime, and the Skybell unit. A loose connection can cause intermittent power loss, leading to video dropouts.
Check the Skybell's LED Light
The LED light on the Skybell is a crucial diagnostic tool. A solid green light typically indicates it's connected and working correctly. If the light is off, flashing a specific colour, or red, it points towards a power or connection problem.
Step 2: Troubleshoot Your Wi-Fi Connection
A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for your Skybell to stream video to your phone.
Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Your doorbell is outside, and the signal has to pass through walls, which can weaken it significantly.
- Router Proximity: How far is your router from the doorbell? If it's too far, the signal may be too weak. Consider moving your router closer or installing a Wi-Fi extender.
- Run a Speed Test: Stand near your door and run a speed test on your phone. Skybell recommends a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps at the location of the doorbell. A slow upload speed will prevent the video from being sent to your device.
Router and Network Settings
- Reboot Your Router: A simple router reboot can often resolve temporary network glitches that might be affecting your Skybell. Unplug it for 60 seconds and then plug it back in.
- 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: Most Skybell models connect exclusively to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. If your router combines both bands under a single network name (SSID), it can sometimes cause connection issues. Try creating a separate, dedicated 2.4 GHz network for your smart home devices.
- Check for Network Interference: Other electronic devices or even your neighbours' Wi-Fi networks can interfere with your signal.
Step 3: Check the Skybell App and Your Phone
Sometimes the issue isn't with the doorbell itself but with the app or your mobile device.
Update the App
Ensure you have the latest version of the Skybell app installed on your smartphone. Developers frequently release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
Check App Permissions
Navigate to your phone's settings and ensure the Skybell app has all the necessary permissions, including access to your network and the ability to send notifications.
Re-sync the Device
If the app seems to be the problem, try logging out and logging back in. As a last resort, you might need to delete the Skybell from your app and go through the device setup process again. This will re-establish a fresh connection between the doorbell and your account.
By systematically working through these power, network, and app-related checks, you can identify and resolve the root cause of your Skybell's video problem. If you continue to experience issues after trying all these steps, it may indicate a hardware fault, and you should contact Skybell support for further assistance.