How To Adjust and Troubleshoot the motion sensitivity of the SkyBell Doorbell Camera

How To
, ,
4

SkyBell Doorbell Camera motion troubleshooting

If the SkyBell is not detecting motion events properly and the motion is occurring within the parameters listed above, try the following:

  1. 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.
  2. Delete the Motion Recording rule in Alarm.com.
  3. Wait about 5 minutes, then recreate the motion rule.
  4. 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.

SkyBell Installation Instructions can be found here.

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.

  1. Add a wedge mount to change the SkyBell Doorbell Camera’s angle.
  2. 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.

  1. Try to relocate the SkyBell Doorbell Camera or change its angle using a wedge mount.
  2. 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.

  1. Angle the camera so it does not include the reflective surface in its view.
  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. Decrease the device’s motion sensitivity.
  2. Angle the camera away from anything that could trigger unwanted recordings. Add a wedge mount to change the angle.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  1. 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.

SkyBell HD Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera

  • Increase the device’s motion sensitivity.