Why Isn't My Skybell Detecting Packages?
The package detection feature on your Skybell video doorbell provides peace of mind, alerting you the moment a delivery arrives at your doorstep. When this feature stops working, it can be a major concern. Usually, the problem is related to a simple setting, camera placement, or a software issue.
This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why Skybell package detection might be failing and how you can fix it.
## Step 1: Check Your Subscription and Feature Settings
Before anything else, it's important to confirm that the feature is active on your account and enabled for your device.
- Verify Your Subscription Plan: Many advanced features, including package detection, require an active Skybell subscription. Log into your account on the Skybell website to check the status of your plan and ensure it includes this feature.
- Enable Package Detection in the App: Open the Skybell app and navigate to your doorbell's settings. Look for a menu like 'Motion Settings' or 'Alerts'. Inside, you should find a specific toggle for 'Package Detection'. Make sure this is switched to the 'On' position. It is often separate from the general motion detection setting.
## Step 2: Optimise Camera Placement and View
The effectiveness of package detection is highly dependent on what your Skybell camera can see.
- Clear Line of Sight: The camera must have a completely unobstructed view of the area where couriers typically leave packages. Large pots, pillars, or decorations can block the view and prevent the algorithm from identifying a box.
- Positioning is Key: The ideal placement for package detection is when the package is left on the ground within the lower half of the camera's field of view. If your doorbell is mounted too high or at a sharp angle, it may struggle to see and identify packages correctly.
- Sufficient Lighting: While Skybell has night vision, its AI works best with good lighting. If you get a lot of evening deliveries, ensure your porch light is on. Extreme glare from direct sunlight can also sometimes interfere with detection, so consider if an awning or different placement could reduce harsh shadows and reflections.
## Step 3: Rule Out Software and Connectivity Issues
Like any smart device, your Skybell relies on up-to-date software and a stable internet connection to function properly.
- Update the Skybell App: Go to the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) and check for any available updates for the Skybell app. An outdated app can cause compatibility issues.
- Reboot Your Skybell: A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary glitches. To do this, you can turn off the circuit breaker that powers your doorbell, wait for a minute, and then turn it back on. This will force the device to restart and re-establish its connection.
- Check Your Wi-Fi Connection: Package detection processing happens in the cloud, so your Skybell needs a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection to upload video for analysis. If your Wi-Fi is weak or intermittent at your front door, the feature may fail. Check your signal strength in the device settings section of the app.
## Step 4: Fine-Tune Motion Settings
Sometimes, your general motion settings can conflict with the package detection feature.
- Adjust Motion Sensitivity: If your motion sensitivity is set extremely low, it might not trigger a recording event when a courier quickly drops off a package. Try increasing the sensitivity slightly and see if that helps.
- Review Motion Zones: If you have configured specific motion zones, ensure that the area where packages are left is included within an active zone. If the delivery spot is outside your defined zones, no recording will be triggered.
By methodically checking these four areas, you can likely identify and solve the reason your Skybell has stopped sending package alerts.