SkyBell Doorbell Cameras use passive infrared (PIR) and camera-based sensor triggers to determine when a clip is recorded. After a recording is triggered, it takes up to 20 seconds for the motion sensor to reset itself.
The SkyBell Doorbell Camera’s sensitivity to motion may be changed using the Alarm.com Website or mobile app.
The SkyBell Doorbell Camera’s motion detection range is approximately 8 feet at the highest sensitivity and incrementally lower on lower settings. The camera must detect continuous motion for 7 seconds before triggering a clip on the most sensitive setting. After a recording has been triggered, it takes up to 20 seconds for the motion sensor to reset itself.
Note: High sensitivity generally leads to more motion-triggered recordings, while low sensitivity generally results in fewer detection events and recordings.
How air temperature affects motion detection
Due to the nature of infrared motion sensors, it is common to see a change in sensitivity in triggered clips during different parts of the year. This variability is due to the difference in temperature between the person/vehicle being detected and the ambient air.
During warm months, clips tend to trigger less often.
During cold months, clips tend to trigger more often.
To counteract these changes, increase or decrease the SkyBell Doorbell Camera’s motion sensitivity as needed. Another option for a device that records too many clips is to angle it away from high-traffic areas.
To change the sensitivity setting using the Customer Website:
Log into the Alarm.com Website.
Click Video.
Click Settings.
Using the Video Device dropdown menu, select the desired camera.
Click Video Device Info.
Use the Sensitivity to Motion slider to adjust to the desired sensitivity.
Click Save.
To change the sensitivity setting using the Customer app:
Log into the ADC Mobile app.
Tap Menu
Tap Doorbell Camera.
Tap Settings Gear
Tap to select the desired SkyBell Doorbell Camera.
Use the Motion Sensitivity slider to adjust to the desired sensitivity.
If the SkyBell is not detecting motion events properly and the motion is occurring within the parameters listed above, try the following:
Reboot the SkyBell by holding down the main button until the LED flashes blue (~50seconds) then let go. Wait for the camera to reboot and return to normal solid green LED.
Delete the Motion Recording rule in Alarm.com.
Wait about 5 minutes, then recreate the motion rule.
Wait an additional five minutes then test for resolution.
Physical location of the doorbell will also play a role
The SkyBell Doorbell Cameras are designed to replace a the current doorbell configuration. In some cases, the existing location that was effective for a doorbell button may not be ideal for the SkyBell Doorbell Camera.
The following sections have steps to improve performance in suboptimal conditions.
Faces are partially outside the camera view
If the SkyBell Doorbell Cameras’s location is not allowing for a full view of a guest’s face, there are a few steps that can be taken.
Add a wedge mount to change the SkyBell Doorbell Camera’s angle.
Relocate the doorbell
Faces are too dark to identify during the day
If the sunlight is directly behind the guest, their face is likely to be in shadow.
Try to relocate the SkyBell Doorbell Camera or change its angle using a wedge mount.
Consider adding a Z-Wave light source
A Z-Wave automation rule can trigger a light to come on when the SkyBell Doorbell Camera detects motion.
Images are too dark at night
If there is a small part of the image that is very bright, it is likely that the IRs are reflecting off of these surfaces. This reflection then affects the exposure, making everything else appear very dark.
Angle the camera so it does not include the reflective surface in its view.
If there is no way to change the angle to avoid reflective surfaces, consider adding a z-wave light source that comes on after sunset and turns off at sunrise to keep the area well lit for the device.
Too many clips are being recorded
Note: Colder climates and seasons are likely to produce more clips.
Slim Line I Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera
Update to firmware version 3058 +, and try using Motion Detection 2.0 for better results.
Motion Detection 2.0 uses a fixed lower portion of the camera view for motion triggers to notify users of activity and will help to avoid triggers from non-human activity.
SkyBell HD Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera
Decrease the device’s motion sensitivity.
Angle the camera away from anything that could trigger unwanted recordings. Add a wedge mount to change the angle.
Relocate the doorbell.
Not enough clips are being recorded
Note: Hotter climates and seasons are likely to produce fewer clips.
Slim Line I Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera
Update to firmware version 3058 +, and try using Motion Detection 2.0 for better results.
Motion Detection 2.0 uses a fixed lower portion of the camera view for motion triggers to notify users of activity and will help to avoid triggers from non-human activity.
If the Very High sensitivity option still does not record enough clips, use Extremely High. When using Motion Detection 2.0, the Extremely High sensitivity option disables the PIR sensor and only uses computer vision.