Skybell Snapshot Not Working? Your Troubleshooting Guide
The snapshot feature on your Skybell video doorbell is essential for quickly capturing images of visitors or activity at your doorstep. Whether triggered by motion or taken manually, these snapshots provide a quick visual log of events. When this feature stops working, it can compromise your home security and leave you without important records.
This guide will help you diagnose and fix the common reasons why your Skybell might not be taking or saving snapshots, so you can get back to monitoring your home effectively.
## Identifying the Symptoms of Snapshot Failure
Pinpointing the exact nature of the problem is the first step. Look out for these common signs that your snapshot feature is malfunctioning:
- No Snapshots Saved: Despite motion events or doorbell presses, no new images appear in your activity feed.
- Black or Corrupted Snapshots: The app shows that a snapshot was taken, but the image is black, grey, or distorted.
- Motion Alerts Without Snapshots: You receive a notification that motion was detected, but there is no accompanying image.
- Manual Snapshot Button Fails: When viewing the live stream, pressing the camera icon to take a manual snapshot does nothing.
- Error Messages: The app displays an error message like "Failed to take snapshot" or "Unable to load image".
- Snapshots Are Delayed: The image captured is from several seconds after the motion event occurred, missing the subject entirely.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Skybell Snapshot Issues
Let's work through the potential causes, from the simplest software settings to hardware and connectivity checks.
### 1. Review Your Skybell App Settings
Often, the issue can be resolved by checking the configuration within the Skybell app itself.
- Enable Motion Settings: Navigate to your Skybell device settings in the app. Ensure that 'Motion Detection' is toggled on. If it's off, no motion-triggered snapshots will be taken.
- Adjust Motion Sensitivity: If the sensitivity is set too low, the doorbell may not register motion that is further away or less distinct. Try increasing the sensitivity level and test it by walking in front of the device.
- Check 'Do Not Disturb' Mode: Make sure your device is not in 'Do not disturb' mode, as this can sometimes suppress notifications and related functions like snapshots.
### 2. Verify Your Subscription and Cloud Storage
The ability to store snapshots is directly linked to your Skybell cloud service plan.
- Check Subscription Status: Log into your account on the official Skybell website. Verify that your subscription plan is active and has not expired. Most plans include cloud storage for a certain period, after which older recordings and snapshots may be deleted.
- Ensure Storage Isn't Full: While most plans offer rolling storage, it's worth checking if you have reached a storage limit, which might prevent new snapshots from being saved.
### 3. Troubleshoot Your Network Connection
A poor or unstable Wi-Fi connection is a very common cause of snapshot failures. The Skybell needs a strong connection to upload the images to the cloud.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: In the Skybell app's device settings, there should be an indicator of the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's weak or poor, the device will struggle to upload data.
- Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal: Try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to your front door. If that's not possible, consider installing a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network to improve coverage to that area of your house.
- Check Upload Speed: Video doorbells require a decent internet upload speed. Run a speed test from your smartphone while standing near your Skybell. You should have an upload speed of at least 2 Mbps for reliable performance.
### 4. Power Cycle and Check Hardware
If the settings and connection seem fine, the issue could be with the device itself.
- Power Cycle the Skybell: This is a simple but effective troubleshooting step. To do this, you'll need to turn off the power to your doorbell at the circuit breaker. Leave it off for at least 60 seconds, then turn it back on. This will force the Skybell to reboot and re-establish its connection.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Ensure your Skybell has the latest firmware installed. Updates are usually pushed automatically, but a failed update could cause issues. You can check the firmware version in the device settings.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the problem preventing your Skybell from taking snapshots.