How to Fix and Troubleshoot Skybell Notification Lag
A video doorbell's effectiveness depends on its ability to alert you instantly when someone is at your door. If there's a long delay between a visitor pressing the button and the notification arriving on your phone, the purpose is defeated. This notification lag is a common issue for many smart doorbell users, but it can usually be fixed.
This guide will walk you through the essential troubleshooting steps to diagnose and resolve the frustrating notification delays with your Skybell video doorbell.
## Understanding the Source of the Delay
A notification from your Skybell has to travel a long way in a very short time. The doorbell captures the event, uploads it to Skybell's servers, which then push an alert to your phone via Apple or Google's notification services. A bottleneck at any point in this chain can cause a delay.
The most common causes are:
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: This is the number one culprit. If the Wi-Fi signal at your front door is weak, the doorbell struggles to upload the video and event data quickly.
- Slow Internet Upload Speed: Your overall internet plan's upload speed is critical. If it's too slow, the data simply can't get to the server fast enough.
- Network Congestion: Too many devices competing for bandwidth on your home network can slow everything down.
- App or Phone Issues: Sometimes the delay is on the receiving end—your smartphone.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Skybell Delays
Let's work through the solutions, from simplest to most complex.
### Step 1: Check Your Wi-Fi Signal at the Doorbell
First, you need to determine how strong the Wi-Fi signal is where your Skybell is mounted.
- Open the Skybell app.
- Navigate to your device's Settings.
- Look for a network status or Wi-Fi information section. You should see a signal strength percentage.
- Excellent (80-100%): Your signal is strong. The problem likely lies elsewhere.
- Good (60-79%): Your signal is adequate, but could be a contributing factor.
- Poor (less than 60%): Your Wi-Fi signal is almost certainly the cause of the notification lag.
### Step 2: Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal
If your signal is poor, you must improve it. Here are the most effective ways:
- Move Your Router: The simplest solution is to move your Wi-Fi router to a more central location in your home, closer to the front door.
- Install a Wi-Fi Extender: A Wi-Fi extender (or repeater) is a device that picks up your existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcasts it, extending its range. Place one halfway between your router and your Skybell.
- Upgrade to a Mesh Wi-Fi System: A mesh system replaces your single router with multiple "nodes" placed around your home, providing seamless and strong coverage everywhere. This is the most reliable solution for larger homes.
### Step 3: Test Your Internet Upload Speed
Your internet speed is not just about downloading movies; upload speed is crucial for video doorbells.
- Stand near your Skybell with your smartphone connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open a web browser and search for "internet speed test."
- Run the test and pay close attention to the upload speed.
Skybell recommends a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps for optimal performance. If your speed is consistently lower than this, you may need to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to discuss upgrading your plan.
### Step 4: Check Your Phone and App Settings
If your network is strong, the problem might be with your mobile device.
- Restart Your Phone: A simple reboot can clear up temporary software glitches that might be delaying notifications.
- Update the Skybell App: Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and ensure you have the latest version of the Skybell app installed.
- Check Notification Permissions: In your phone's settings, find the Skybell app and make sure it has all the necessary permissions for notifications, including running in the background.
- Disable 'Do Not Disturb': Ensure your phone is not in a 'Do Not Disturb' or 'Focus' mode that could be silencing or delaying app alerts.
By systematically addressing your Wi-Fi signal, internet speed, and app settings, you can significantly reduce or completely eliminate notification lag, making your Skybell the responsive security device it was meant to be.