Can't Complete Your Skybell Setup?
Setting up a new smart home device should be a simple process, but running into a 'Setup Failed' error on your Skybell can be a real source of frustration. This error can stop you in your tracks, preventing you from getting your new video doorbell online and working.
The good news is that this issue is almost always caused by a handful of common setup mistakes or network incompatibilities that can be easily fixed. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the most frequent causes of setup failure and how to resolve them.
## Step 1: Pre-Setup Checks for Success
Before you even begin the syncing process in the app, make sure you have the basics right.
- Check Power: Ensure your Skybell is receiving sufficient power. An underpowered doorbell (due to an old or incompatible transformer) may light up but will fail during the power-intensive setup process.
- Wi-Fi Password: Find your home Wi-Fi password and write it down. The most common point of failure is a simple typo when entering the password. Remember that it is case-sensitive.
- Know Your Network: Skybell devices can only connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. They are not compatible with 5GHz networks. Most routers broadcast both, so ensure your phone is connected to the 2.4GHz network before you start.
## Step 2: The Correct Setup Sequence
To avoid issues, follow the setup sequence precisely as instructed in the app. The general process is:
- Put the Skybell into syncing mode (usually by pressing and holding the button).
- Connect your smartphone to the temporary Wi-Fi network broadcast by the Skybell itself.
- Use the Skybell app to tell the device the name (SSID) and password of your home's 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
- Your phone will disconnect from the Skybell, which will then attempt to connect to your home network.
A failure at any of these stages will result in an error.
## Step 3: Troubleshooting Common 'Setup Failed' Scenarios
If the setup fails, here is what to check based on the likely cause.
### Problem: Cannot connect to the Skybell's network
If your phone cannot see or connect to the Wi-Fi network named "SkybellHD_...", it means the device is not in syncing mode correctly.
- Solution: Perform a hard reset. Press and hold the main button for approximately 60 seconds. The LED will go through a sequence of colours and should end on a flashing blue light. This indicates it is ready to sync.
### Problem: Setup fails after entering the Wi-Fi password
This is the most common issue. The Skybell fails to connect to your home network.
- Solution 1 - Check Password: Carefully re-enter your Wi-Fi password. This is the cause of the problem more than 90% of the time.
- Solution 2 - Verify Network Band: Confirm you selected your 2.4GHz network, not the 5GHz one. The names are often similar (e.g., "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork_5G").
- Solution 3 - Check Signal Strength: Do not try to set up the Skybell if your Wi-Fi signal is very weak at the door. Stand next to your router to perform the initial setup; you can move it to the door after it is successfully configured.
## Step 4: When to Reset and Start Over
If you have tried multiple times and are still getting a "Setup Failed" error, the best course of action is to perform a full factory reset of the Skybell and start the entire process from the beginning. This clears any incorrect settings and gives you a clean slate. After a reset, follow the instructions carefully, paying close attention to the password and network band, and your setup should succeed.