Identifying the Cause of Poor Quality
A smart doorbell is only as good as the video and audio it produces. If your Skybell is delivering pixelated video, distorted sound, or a laggy live stream, it can be incredibly frustrating. Poor quality compromises your security and makes it difficult to see who is at your door. The issue almost always stems from one of three areas: Wi-Fi, Power, or the Device itself.
This guide will walk you through a series of checks and solutions to diagnose the root cause of the poor quality and restore the clear, reliable performance you expect from your Skybell device.
Common Symptoms of Poor Quality
You may be experiencing one or more of the following issues:
- Pixelated or Blurry Video: The image is not sharp, making it hard to discern faces or details.
- Lagging Live Stream: The video feed is choppy, freezes, or is significantly delayed.
- Distorted Audio: Sound from the microphone is crackling, muffled, or impossible to understand.
- Grainy Night Vision: The infrared video feed is unclear and lacks detail.
- Washed-Out Colours: The video appears faded or the colours are inaccurate during the day.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Skybell Quality Issues
Follow these steps in order to systematically identify and fix the problem.
Step 1: Analyse Your Wi-Fi Connection
A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal is the number one cause of poor video and audio quality. Your Skybell needs a strong and consistent upload speed to send high-definition video to the cloud.
- Check Signal Strength:
- Open the Skybell app and navigate to your device's settings.
- Look for a Wi-Fi status or signal strength indicator. Many apps will show a percentage or a simple 'Good'/'Fair'/'Poor' rating. Anything less than 'Good' or about 75 percent is likely to cause issues.
- Test Your Internet Speed:
- Stand right next to your Skybell's location with your smartphone.
- Run an internet speed test using a reliable app or website.
- Pay close attention to the upload speed. For HD video, Skybell recommends a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps at the location of the doorbell.
- Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal:
- Move Your Router: If possible, move your Wi-Fi router closer to the front door. Avoid obstructions like thick walls, metal objects, or large appliances between the router and the Skybell.
- Install a Wi-Fi Extender: A Wi-Fi extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system can be a very effective way to boost the signal to your front door. Place the extender halfway between your router and your Skybell for the best results.
Step 2: Verify Power Supply
Insufficient power can cause the Skybell's components to underperform, leading to quality degradation.
- Check Your Transformer: Skybell devices require a transformer with a specific voltage, typically between 16-24 volts AC. Older homes may have transformers with a voltage of 10 volts or less, which is not enough.
- Inspect Wiring: Ensure the wiring connecting the Skybell to the transformer is secure and not corroded. Loose connections can lead to intermittent power loss.
- Consult an Electrician: If you suspect a power issue, it's best to consult a qualified electrician. They can safely test your transformer's output and replace it if necessary.
Step 3: Inspect the Skybell Device
If your Wi-Fi and power are solid, the issue may be with the device itself.
- Clean the Lens: The camera lens can easily be obscured by dust, fingerprints, or water spots. Gently wipe the lens with a clean, soft microfibre cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Reboot the Device: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary software glitches. You can do this by holding down the main button for about 45 seconds until the LED begins to flash blue, or by briefly switching off the circuit breaker that powers your doorbell.
- Perform a Factory Reset: As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset. This will erase all your settings and you will need to set up the Skybell again from scratch. To do this, press and hold the main button for approximately 80 seconds. The LED will progress through several colours; release the button when it starts flashing yellow.