Skybell Not Recording? Here's How to Fix It
Your Skybell video doorbell is a crucial security tool, but it's only effective if it's recording events. If you've noticed that motion events or doorbell rings are no longer being saved to your activity feed, this guide will help you diagnose and fix the underlying issue.
How Skybell Recording Works
It's important to understand that your Skybell does not store videos on the device itself. When motion is detected or the button is pressed, it records a short video clip and uploads it to Skybell's cloud servers. You then view these clips in the app. A failure in detection, uploading, or your cloud account can cause the recording process to fail.
Step 1: Check In-App Settings
The most common reasons for recording failures are simple misconfigurations in the Skybell app.
Ensure Motion Detection is Enabled
If this setting is off, no motion events will be recorded.
- Open the Skybell App: Navigate to the main screen.
- Go to Device Settings: Tap the gear icon for the doorbell you want to check.
- Find Motion Settings: In the menu, select 'Motion Settings'.
- Toggle On: Make sure the main 'Motion Detection' toggle is switched to the 'On' position.
Adjust Motion Sensitivity
If the sensitivity is too low, it may not pick up the activity you expect it to.
- Sensitivity Levels: In the same 'Motion Settings' menu, you will see options for sensitivity, usually 'Low', 'Medium', and 'High'.
- Increase Sensitivity: If you are missing events, set the sensitivity to 'High' to test it. If you begin getting too many unwanted alerts from passing cars or trees swaying, you can reduce it back to 'Medium'.
Step 2: Verify Your Cloud Recording Plan
All recordings are stored in the cloud, and this service is tied to your account plan.
Check Your Subscription Status
An expired or inactive plan is a definite cause for recordings to stop.
- Log In to Your Account: It's best to do this on the Skybell website rather than the app for full account details.
- Review Your Plan: Check your subscription details to ensure your plan is active and paid for. Verify the video storage history limit (e.g., 7 days, 14 days). It's possible older recordings are being deleted as expected.
Step 3: Troubleshoot Network and Device Health
A stable connection and a healthy device are required to upload recordings.
Test Your Wi-Fi Connection
A weak or intermittent Wi-Fi signal can cause video uploads to fail.
- Check Signal Strength: The Skybell needs a strong Wi-Fi signal at your front door. You can test this by standing near the door with your smartphone and running a speed test. Pay close attention to the upload speed.
- Reboot Your Network: Restart your modem and router to clear any temporary network glitches that might be affecting the connection.
Power Cycle the Skybell
A simple reboot can often resolve software bugs that may be preventing recording.
- Locate Circuit Breaker: Find the circuit breaker in your home that controls the power to your doorbell.
- Turn Power Off: Switch the breaker off and wait for 60 seconds.
- Turn Power On: Switch the breaker back on. The Skybell will now restart. Give it a few minutes to reconnect to your network.
After a reboot, walk in front of your Skybell to trigger a motion event and check the app after a minute or two to see if the new recording appears in your activity feed. By systematically checking your settings, account, and connection, you can get your Skybell recording properly again.