Another addition that one can consider is a smart doorbell camera as it enhances the security of your home and allows you to see who is at the door from your phone. However, since many of the new doorbell cameras come with Wi-Fi connectivity you will have to ensure it connects to your Wi-Fi network. This lets you view the camera's live feed, get alerts, and check on recorded clips, all without being directly in front of the device.
Fortunately, installing the smart doorbell camera and having it connected to the Wi-Fi network is not complex. Below are the steps to follow when connecting the doorbell cam to the wireless network.
Select a Location
The first step involves deciding where you wish to install your video doorbell. Choose an area adjacent to your current wired doorbell near the entrance of your home. Ensure that the location you settle for has good signal reception from the source of the Wi-Fi connection. Having your device located far from your router may result in connectivity problems. Also, do not install them near large metal surfaces or thick walls since they may disrupt Wi-Fi connections.
Turn Off Power
Before replacing the old doorbell you have to disconnect the power supply at the breaker first. Find the right breaker and switch off the breaker by flicking the switch to the off position. This will make sure that you do not get an electric shock when you are replacing your original doorbell. If you are working on an old house, ensure that the wires are dead by using a non-contact voltage tester. If you currently have a doorbell, take it out with the power off.
Install Mounting Bracket
After choosing your mounting location, refer to the instruction manual that came with the video doorbell to affix the provided mounting bracket to the wall. For drilling, use the proper size masonry bit if going through brick, stucco, or concrete. One should use an ordinary drill bit that is suitable for use in woods. Screw the bracket in place as indicated when you are provided with screws. Ensure that the top of the bracket is in contact with the wall in a flat manner.
Connect Wires
You must refer to the manufacturer’s manual of your doorbell camera to get the right method of connecting the wires. There are usually two wires a front or positive wire and a neutral or negative wire. On the one hand, connect the positive wire to the terminal marked positive, positive, or front. Screw the negative wire to the terminal with a label, negative, neutral, or trans. Twist wires and tighten the screws at terminals to ensure that wires are properly connected.
However, if there are no existing doorbell wires where you intend to install your doorbell camera, you will need to connect your doorbell camera to an internal chime which is plugged into a power outlet.
Attach Doorbell Camera
Once all the wires are plugged properly, you can now mount the video doorbell camera on the bracket that you have just placed. In the case of most models, this entails aligning the rear grooves of the camera with the mounting bracket and then simply ‘clicking’ into place. The doorbell camera should make a clicking or snapping sound once it is well seated.
Connect to Power
With the smart doorbell camera fully mounted to the mounting bracket you can now switch power at your circuit breaker on. Now turn the breaker back to the on position. Your camera should turn on as soon as the battery is connected. Depending on the bootup cycle it may emit different colors through the LED status light. However, if the camera does not power on immediately, consult the manual that came with your device.
Download Mobile App
Like with any other smart device, before you connect your doorbell camera to the Wi-Fi, you should have the app from the manufacturer installed on your compatible smartphone or tablet. Some of the most-used video doorbell apps are Ring, Nest, Arlo, Eufy, August, and Vivint. This application is compatible with iPhone and Android-based smart mobile devices. Type in the name of your doorbell manufacturer or app into your device app store. Go to the application store and download the app then install it.
Create Account
Launch the smart doorbell app you have installed recently. If you are new to the site, you will be required to sign up for an account to proceed. Please, enter your email address and create the password using the letters that you would like to remember. It is advisable to turn on any of the notifications so that you are alerted whenever there is movement at your front door. To create your video doorbell app, click on Sign Up or Register.
Connect Doorbell To Wi-Fi
When you have the app on your phone and power your camera, you are ready to configure Wi-Fi on your smart doorbell. This usually entails scanning a QR code or entering your Wi-Fi network password as a means of connection. Wireless setup will guide the user through the process of connecting the camera through a few simple steps. Follow all on-screen instructions.
When successfully connected, you should see the live video feed from the camera in your app immediately. Congratulations Your new doorbell camera can now benefit from all the advantages of Wi-Fi your connection offers.
Adjust Settings
Once your smart doorbell camera is installed, you can find any preferences that are set within the app in the Settings menu. These are features like motion sensitivity that helps eliminate false alarms, setting times during which the detection is on, and setting regions for motion detection. A few minutes are enough to adjust the settings to your liking.
Enabling and Disabling Wi-Fi
Following the first setup of the doorbell camera, you may be required to turn off and on the Wi-Fi either when changing the wireless routers or having challenges with the connection. Your doorbell camera app will always have the choice of forgetting Wi-Fi, resetting the connection, or reconnecting to Wi-Fi where necessary. The process may differ from one brand to another but the general idea is that one needs to hold down a reset button physically on the device and then reconnect Wi-Fi through the application. Wireless controls of the doorbell camera can only be understood by visiting the support site of the particular doorbell camera brand.
Setting up your new smart doorbell camera to connect to your home Wi-Fi should not take more than a few minutes. When video doorbell Wi-Fi is set up, it is possible to make the best out of useful features like remote control, notifications, clips, two-way audio, etc., both within the house and beyond. By setting your desired motion zones and sensitivity levels, you can monitor any activity at a front door from your phone. Have peace of mind that your smart security camera will capture visitors as soon as they ring your new wireless doorbell button.
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