How to Fix Annoying Skybell Two-Way Audio Delays
A significant delay or lag during a two-way audio conversation with your Skybell video doorbell can make it almost impossible to communicate with visitors. If you find that your voice takes several seconds to be heard, or the visitor's audio is choppy and delayed, the issue is almost always related to network performance.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to diagnose and fix the root cause of audio delay, helping you achieve clear, real-time conversations.
1. Test Your Wi-Fi Upload Speed
This is the most critical factor for two-way audio performance. While download speed is important for streaming video, upload speed determines how quickly your voice and the doorbell's video can be sent from your home to the Skybell servers and then to the visitor.
- How to Test: Connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network as your Skybell. Stand outside, as close to the doorbell as possible, and run an internet speed test using a popular app or website.
- What to Look For: Pay close attention to the upload speed (often shown in Mbps). For a smooth experience with a HD video doorbell, you need a stable upload speed of at least 2 Mbps. If your result is less than this, your internet connection is the likely culprit.
Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to discuss upgrading your plan for better upload speeds if necessary.
2. Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Even with a fast internet plan, a weak Wi-Fi signal at the location of the doorbell will cause problems.
- Router Position: Your Skybell may be too far from your Wi-Fi router. Physical barriers like brick walls, metal doors, and plaster can significantly degrade the signal. If possible, try moving your router to a more central location in your home.
- Install a Wi-Fi Extender: If you cannot move your router, a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system is an excellent solution. Place the extender halfway between your router and the Skybell to boost the signal strength in that area.
3. Reduce Network Congestion
Your home network has a limited amount of bandwidth. If too many devices are using it at once, there may not be enough left for your Skybell to function optimally.
- Identify Bandwidth Hogs: Activities like 4K video streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads consume a significant amount of bandwidth.
- Test for Improvement: Try temporarily pausing these activities on other devices and then test the Skybell's audio again. If the delay disappears, you have identified a network congestion issue.
- Use Quality of Service (QoS): Some modern routers have a QoS setting that allows you to prioritise traffic for specific devices. If your router supports this, you can configure it to give your Skybell priority, ensuring it always has the bandwidth it needs.
4. Update and Reboot
Finally, simple software-related issues can sometimes cause performance problems.
- Reboot Everything: The classic IT solution often works. Unplug your router and modem for 60 seconds. While they are off, press and hold the main button on your Skybell until it begins to flash, indicating a reboot. Once your router is back online, the Skybell will reconnect.
- Check for Updates: Ensure both your Skybell app on your smartphone and the Skybell device's firmware are fully updated. Manufacturers release updates to improve performance and fix bugs that could cause audio lag. You can check for firmware updates within the app's device settings.