Wifi
WiFi Settings for Video Doorbell Apps
Learn how to optimize your WiFi settings for video doorbells to ensure seamless streaming and reliable notifications.
Fix delayed video doorbell alerts by improving Wi-Fi (check RSSI), disabling phone battery optimization, updating firmware, and optimizing your network.
Delayed video doorbell notifications can undermine your home security. Notifications should arrive within 1–2 seconds, but delays often stem from weak WiFi or restrictive phone settings - not hardware issues. Here's how to fix it:
- Improve WiFi Signal: Check the RSSI value in your doorbell app. A strong signal is between 0 and -60. Move your router closer, use WiFi extenders, or set up a mesh network if needed.
- Adjust Phone Settings: Disable battery optimization for the doorbell app and set notifications to high priority to ensure timely alerts.
- Restart Devices & Update Firmware: Restart your router, modem, and doorbell. Ensure firmware is up to date for optimal performance.
- Optimize Network Configuration: Use the 2.4 GHz WiFi band for better range and stability. Avoid combining 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one network name.
If issues persist, professional services like TekDash can help with advanced fixes, including power supply checks and network optimization. Follow these steps to ensure your video doorbell delivers real-time alerts and keeps your home secure.
Ring Doorbel Notification Not Working [ QUICK FIX]
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Check and Improve WiFi Signal Strength
WiFi Signal Strength (RSSI) Guide for Video Doorbells
If your doorbell notifications are delayed, your WiFi connection might be to blame. A weak signal can cause interruptions and delays in receiving alerts.
Test WiFi Signal Using Your Video Doorbell App
The first step is to assess your WiFi signal strength. Open your video doorbell app and head to the Device Health section. Look for the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), which measures signal quality on a negative scale. The closer the number is to 0, the stronger the connection.
| RSSI Range | Quality | Performance Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to -60 | Great | Strong, reliable connection |
| -60 to -70 | Okay | Functional but could use improvement |
| -70 to -80 | Poor | Likely delays and potential service interruptions |
| -80 or worse | Very Poor | Intermittent service or device may go offline |
If your RSSI is between -70 and -80, this is likely the reason for your notification delays. For Ring users, you can check this by tapping the "more" (•••) icon on your camera tile, selecting "Settings", and then navigating to "Device Health."
If the signal is weak, the next step is to improve it by repositioning your router.
Move Your Router Closer to the Doorbell
WiFi signals weaken with distance and obstructions like walls or appliances. Routers have a limited effective range, so moving it closer to your doorbell can help. Try relocating the router to a central spot with minimal barriers. Even a move of 10–15 feet can make a noticeable difference. Avoid placing the router near metal appliances like refrigerators or ovens, as these can create signal dead zones.
If this adjustment doesn’t resolve the issue, consider additional solutions like WiFi extenders or a mesh network.
Use WiFi Extenders or Mesh Networks
When moving the router isn’t an option, WiFi extenders or mesh networks can help fill the gaps. These devices create additional access points, ensuring better coverage and fewer dead zones. Many doorbell apps include placement tests to guide you in finding the best spot for an extender. Typically, placing it midway between the router and the doorbell works well.
For persistent connectivity problems, TekDash offers professional services to help. Their certified technicians can evaluate your home’s layout, install extenders or mesh systems, and optimize your network to provide a strong, stable signal for your video doorbell.
Improving your WiFi connection is key to resolving notification delays. Once your signal is strong, you can fine-tune your phone’s notification settings for even better performance.
Adjust Phone Notification Settings
Once you’ve secured a strong WiFi connection, it’s time to make sure your phone’s settings aren’t causing delays in receiving doorbell alerts. Even with excellent WiFi, features like battery-saving modes and notification settings can interfere with real-time alerts. As noted by DoorBird, "The main reason for delayed or missing push messages on Android is the power settings". Phones often put apps to sleep to save energy, which can prevent notifications from coming through promptly.
Here’s how to stop your phone from putting your doorbell app to sleep.
Turn Off Battery Optimization for the Doorbell App
Battery optimization is designed to save power, but it can restrict background activity and delay notifications. To ensure your doorbell app works smoothly, you’ll need to disable this feature.
- Huawei: Go to Settings > Battery and turn off "Power Saving mode" and "Ultra Power Saving mode." Then, navigate to App launch, disable automatic management for the doorbell app, and enable auto-launch, secondary launch, and background running.
- Xiaomi: Open Settings > Apps > Permissions > Autostart and allow the doorbell app to run in the background. Then, go to Battery & Performance > Choose apps, select the doorbell app, and choose No Restrictions.
- OnePlus or OPPO: In Battery settings, select the doorbell app and choose Do not optimize. Additionally, turn off "Freeze when in Background" within the Energy Saver settings.
- iPhone: Open Settings and disable Low Data Mode, which can limit background data and delay notifications.
Once battery optimization is turned off, you can focus on ensuring your doorbell app’s notifications are prioritized for immediate delivery.
Set Notifications to High Priority
To make sure your doorbell app alerts grab your attention, set them to high priority. This ensures they’ll appear at the top of your notifications and bypass settings like "Do Not Disturb" or "Focus" modes.
- Android: Go to Settings > Apps > [Your Doorbell App] > Notifications. Tap specific notification categories like "Motion" or "Doorbell Press" and set their importance to High or Urgent.
- OnePlus or OPPO: Navigate to Settings > Notifications & Status Bar > Notification Manager > [Your Doorbell App] and enable options like Priority Notification and Display at the top of the screen.
- iPhone: Open Settings > Notifications > [Your Doorbell App]. Ensure Allow Notifications is enabled and turn on Time Sensitive Notifications if available. For Nest users, check the app settings to see if Critical Alerts can be enabled, allowing notifications to bypass the mute switch or Do Not Disturb mode.
Lastly, if you use a smartwatch, verify its settings. Sometimes alerts are sent directly to the watch, which might make it seem like your phone isn’t receiving them.
Reset Devices and Update Firmware
Once you've fine-tuned your network and notification settings, the next step is addressing potential system glitches. Resetting devices and updating firmware can often resolve notification delays and improve overall performance.
Technical hiccups are common culprits behind delayed notifications. A quick restart of your devices can clear these glitches without affecting your settings. Additionally, keeping your firmware up to date ensures your doorbell and router are running with the latest fixes and protections.
Restart Your Modem, Router, and Doorbell
A simple restart can work wonders for connectivity issues. Begin by unplugging your modem and router for about 30 seconds. Plug them back in and wait until the indicator lights stabilize.
For specific doorbell models, follow these steps:
- Nest battery doorbells: Press and hold the reset pinhole for 5 seconds.
- Ring battery-powered models: Remove the battery pack, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it.
- Hardwired Ring doorbells: Turn off the power using the circuit breaker or light switch, then turn it back on.
Install Firmware Updates
Outdated firmware isn't just a performance issue - it can also compromise security. As GigXero emphasizes:
"Ignoring [updates] is like leaving your digital front door unlocked. Hackers are constantly searching for vulnerabilities, and outdated software is their favorite point of entry".
Most Nest and Ring doorbells update automatically, but restarting your device can prompt a manual check for updates. Make sure your doorbell app is current by checking the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. For your router, access its admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1) and navigate to the firmware update section. Whenever possible, enable automatic updates to keep your system protected.
If these updates don't resolve the issue, you may need to consider a factory reset as a last resort.
Factory Reset the Doorbell as a Last Resort
A factory reset should only be attempted if all other troubleshooting steps fail. Be aware that this process erases all video history, snapshots, and custom settings. If there's anything you want to keep, save it beforehand.
Steps for a factory reset:
- Nest doorbells: Hold the reset pinhole for 12 seconds until the status light turns solid yellow.
- Ring doorbells: Press and hold the setup button for 20 seconds.
Once the reset is complete, your doorbell will show as offline in the app. You'll need to set it up again from scratch.
Verify App and Network Configuration
Once you've fine-tuned your device settings and firmware, it's time to ensure your app and network configurations are set up to deliver alerts without delays. Even if your hardware and network are working perfectly, incorrect app settings can still slow down notifications.
Enable Real-Time Alerts in the App
Head over to your doorbell app's settings and confirm that "Ring Alerts", "Motion Detection", and "Motion Alerts" are all turned on. If you don’t need specific quiet hours, disable any motion schedules.
To improve notification speed, consider lowering the video quality to "Standard" or "Basic" - this helps upload footage to the cloud faster. If your app includes features like "Smart Alerts" or "Person Detection," keep those active. These tools filter out unnecessary motion events, reducing the system's processing load and helping genuine alerts reach you faster.
"A small delay of about 1–2 seconds is normal on any video doorbell because the stream is processed in the cloud. Delays of 5–10 seconds or more usually indicate Wi-Fi, router, upload speed or app issues".
Next, make sure your doorbell is connected to the best WiFi band for its location.
Switch to the Correct WiFi Band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz)
Most video doorbells run more reliably on the 2.4 GHz band rather than 5 GHz. While 5 GHz offers higher speeds, its shorter range and difficulty penetrating walls can lead to unstable connections for outdoor devices.
| Feature | 2.4 GHz Band | 5 GHz Band |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Better range; penetrates walls and solid objects effectively | Shorter range; struggles with walls and obstacles |
| Speed | Slower data speeds; more prone to interference from household devices | Faster speeds |
| Reliability | More stable for devices located farther from the router | Less stable if the signal has to pass through walls |
| Recommendation | Ideal for most doorbells; lock the device to this band to avoid connection issues | Best only if the router is very close to the doorbell with no obstructions |
Check your doorbell’s signal strength in the "Device Health" section of the app. A signal strength (RSSI) between 0 and -60 is considered strong. If it’s -61 or weaker (e.g., -70), your connection may be too weak, leading to delayed notifications. If your router uses a single network name for both WiFi bands, consider setting up a separate 2.4 GHz-only network for your smart devices. This prevents the doorbell from switching between bands, which can cause connection instability.
"If your router has 2.4 and 5 GHz combined, keep the doorbell locked to 2.4 GHz only (better range). Some people create a separate SSID just for smart devices".
When to Contact TekDash for Professional Support
If you've tried every DIY fix but your video doorbell notifications are still delayed, it might be time to call in the pros. Some problems go beyond basic troubleshooting and require specialized tools, advanced network tweaks, or even electrical testing.
TekDash Services for Video Doorbell Issues
TekDash's certified technicians are well-equipped to handle common video doorbell challenges. For instance, if your Device Health report shows an RSSI below –61 (like –70 or –80), it likely means your WiFi signal is too weak for smooth data transfer. In such cases, a technician can install WiFi extenders or set up a mesh network to boost connectivity. If your doorbell freezes, reboots, or struggles when night vision kicks in, they’ll check your transformer’s voltage. Wired doorbells typically need 16–24 V AC to operate correctly.
TekDash also handles more technical tasks, like setting up smart home devices and troubleshooting network issues. Whether it’s assigning a static IP address to your doorbell or configuring Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize doorbell traffic, they’ve got you covered. And if a factory reset doesn’t fix problems like frozen video or endless loading screens, their technicians can diagnose deeper issues, such as a failing camera module or software corruption.
How TekDash Delivers Fast and Reliable Solutions
TekDash prioritizes quick and effective solutions. They offer both on-site and remote support, so you can pick what works best for your schedule and budget. Remote support is perfect for things like app setup, firmware updates, or tweaking router settings. For more hands-on problems - like power supply issues or physical WiFi obstructions - on-site technicians arrive ready with the tools and expertise to fix the issue.
"Getting help online can stabilize your video doorbell and alerts without paying for a truck roll." – Whizz-Experts
Before reaching out to TekDash, take note of important details like your RSSI value or any recurring patterns (e.g., delays occurring at night). This information helps speed up the diagnostic process. With a commitment to convenience, speed, and top-notch service, TekDash ensures your video doorbell works seamlessly, delivering real-time alerts when they’re most needed.
Conclusion
Delays in video doorbell notifications can compromise security, but the good news is that these issues are often solvable. Start by ensuring your WiFi signal is strong. An optimal RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value falls between -30 and -60, while anything around -70 or lower can cause noticeable delays in alerts. For better performance, consider using the 2.4 GHz band and place your router within 200 feet of your doorbell for a more reliable connection.
Beyond WiFi, tweaking your device settings can make a big difference. On your phone, disable battery optimization settings and ensure your firmware is up to date. These small adjustments can help eliminate lingering communication issues and speed up notifications.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, you may need to explore more advanced fixes. This could involve upgrading hardware, adjusting network settings like Quality of Service (QoS), or installing a mesh network to eliminate WiFi dead zones. For more complex issues, TekDash’s certified technicians provide professional assistance. They can address power supply problems, optimize your network, and ensure your system is running smoothly.
Take action today to ensure your video doorbell delivers real-time alerts and keeps your home secure.
FAQs
How can I fix notification delays on my video doorbell caused by weak WiFi?
To fix notification delays on your video doorbell, focusing on your WiFi connection can make all the difference. A solid, reliable signal helps your doorbell communicate with your device more quickly.
Try these tips to improve your connection:
- Install a WiFi extender near the doorbell to strengthen the signal in that area.
- Reduce physical barriers like walls, furniture, or metal objects between your router and the doorbell.
- Switch to the 2.4 GHz WiFi band for better range and penetration through walls, as it generally outperforms 5 GHz in this regard.
These adjustments can help your doorbell work more efficiently, cutting down delays so you’re always in the loop.
How can I adjust my phone settings to get video doorbell alerts without delays?
To ensure you don’t miss any video doorbell alerts, double-check your phone’s notification settings. Here’s how you can do it:
- For iOS devices: Head to Settings → Notifications, locate your doorbell app (like Google Home or Nest), and switch Allow Notifications to ON.
- For Android devices: Go to Settings → Apps & Notifications → See all apps, find your doorbell app, and make sure notifications are enabled.
It’s also a good idea to review the app’s internal settings. Make sure specific alerts, such as motion or security notifications, are activated. After making these adjustments, test the system by triggering an event to confirm you’re receiving alerts without delays.
When should I get professional help for video doorbell notification delays?
If you've already tried steps like improving your Wi-Fi connection, updating your doorbell's firmware, or tweaking app settings but still face delays, it might be time to call in a professional. Persistent problems could stem from hardware issues, faulty wiring, or a complex network setup that requires specialized tools and know-how.
For instance, if network tweaks like optimizing your Wi-Fi or switching to a static IP address don't fix the issue, a professional can pinpoint the root cause and provide effective solutions. TekDash offers both on-site and remote support for smart home devices, including video doorbells and network systems, to help ensure everything runs smoothly.