A video doorbell has become an increasingly popular home security tool over the past few years. With their live video streaming, motion detection alerts, two-way audio, and smart integrations, video doorbells allow you to see who is at your door anytime from your smartphone.
Installing a video doorbell yourself can save you money on installation fees. While each video doorbell model has its own set of instructions, the general installation process involves preparing the installation area, turning off the power, removing any existing doorbell, mounting and wiring the new video doorbell, and testing that everything is working properly.
This comprehensive DIY installation guide will provide detailed steps, tools needed, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting tips to help you install your video doorbell with confidence.
Tools and Materials Needed
To install your video doorbell, you will need to gather the following tools and materials:
- Safety gear:
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Tools:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Power drill
- Masonry drill bits (if installing on brick, concrete, stucco, etc.)
- Screwdrivers
- Phillips
- Flathead
- Wire strippers
- Voltage tester
- Caulking gun (for cable holes)
- Other:
- Video doorbell kit (includes doorbell unit, mounting bracket, screws and anchors, wiring nuts, and installation guide)
- Extra wire if the existing wire is too short
Make sure to check the installation guide that comes with your specific video doorbell to see if any specialty tools or additional materials are required.
Step 1: Turn Off Power
Before doing any work, you will want to turn off power to the area where you’ll be installing the video doorbell. This crucial safety step avoids any risk of electric shock.
Here is how to turn off the power:
- Locate your main circuit breaker panel, most likely in the basement, garage, or utility closet.
- Identify the circuit breaker that controls the power to your existing doorbell. This will often be labeled.
- Flip this circuit breaker to the OFF (down) position.
You can double-check that the power is off by using a non-contact voltage tester near any exposed wires.
Step 2: Remove Existing Doorbell (If Applicable)
If you currently have a traditional doorbell installed, you will need to remove it before installing your new video doorbell.
Carefully remove the doorbell button and any housing around it. Unscrew any screws securing it in place.
Once the doorbell itself is removed, you will be left with the wiring coming out of the wall. Loosen any clamps or screws holding the wires in place and disconnect them. Take note of what colors go to what terminal.
Often, you will have two wires:
- Front wire (goes to the button)
- Trans wire (goes to the transformer)
If you have a digital chime, there may be additional wires.
Ensure no wires are left hanging out of the open hole when done. You may want to stuff some insulation or fireproof caulk in the hole to seal it up.
Step 3: Assess Installation Area
Take a close look at the area around your door where you plan to install the video doorbell and consider the optimal positioning. Most importantly, you want to ensure the camera has a wide field of view to properly see visitors at the door.
Ideal installation spots:
- 5-6 feet off the ground
- No obstructions like decorations or overhangs
- Positioned where visitors would naturally stand to press doorbell
Additionally, check WiFi signal strength in the chosen area using your smartphone. Video doorbells require adequate 2.4 GHz WiFi connectivity to operate properly. If the signal is weak, you’ll want to consider relocating your wireless router closer to the door for a strong connection.
Finally, see if existing doorbell wiring is available to use. This is preferred as it offers continuous charging. If no wiring exists, you will need a battery-powered video doorbell model instead. Measure to confirm wire length is adequate.
Step 4: Install the Mounting Bracket
Video doorbells come with either angled or flat mounting brackets. Attach this bracket securely to the wall where you plan to install the doorbell using the included screws.
To mount on siding:
- Use #6 or #8 exterior-grade screws at least 1-inch long
- Pre-drill pilot holes with a 3/32” drill bit to avoid cracking siding
- Ensure screws are anchored into solid framing behind the siding
On masonry:
- Use masonry anchors and exterior-grade screws
- Drill holes using a masonry drill bit before inserting anchors
Mounting on drywall:
- Use hollow wall anchors
- Drill holes with a 5/32” drill bit before anchoring
Step 5: Install Wiring
For wired video doorbell models, you will need to connect the existing wires from your doorbell transformer to the wires on the back of the video doorbell itself.
Start by stripping about 1/2” insulation from the ends of each wire using wire strippers. Connect matching wire colors using twist-on wire nuts. Follow the wiring diagram that came with your specific video doorbell kit.
Once wiring nuts are securely twisted on, wrap each connection with electrical tape. This seals and insulates exposed wiring from moisture and prevents shorts.
Finally, if holes need to be drilled to run wiring, make sure to caulk around cables to seal any gaps.
Step 6: Mount and Connect Video Doorbell
Carefully insert the wired video doorbell onto the installed mounting bracket and connect the locking tabs. Ensure all buttons and connectors line up properly.
For battery-powered video doorbells, slide the device onto the mounting plate and lock tabs into position.
Step 7: Secure and Seal
With the video doorbell now mounted onto the bracket, you want to ensure proper sealing from outdoor elements.
If there are any gaps between the mounting plate and the wall, fill them with exterior-grade caulk. This prevents air and moisture from getting in behind.
You should also caulk around any holes where wires enter from inside the wall. Seal up the entry point with fire-resistant caulk or foam.
Step 8: Activate and Test
You’re almost done! The last step is to restore power, connect, and test out your newly installed video doorbell.
- Turn the circuit breaker powering the doorbell back ON at your main panel.
- Open the video doorbell mobile app and follow the on-screen pairing process. This will connect via WiFi and activate the device.
- Test out motion detection by waving your hand in front of the camera. You should receive a push alert.
- Press the button on the doorbell and ensure you hear the chime inside ring. Video stream should appear in the app.
- Conduct an audio test by speaking through the open app with someone at the door. Sound should transmit clearly both ways.
If everything checks out, the installation is complete! You can now take advantage of your video doorbell’s security and convenience features.
Read More: The Future Is Now: Exploring The Benefits Of Smart Appliances
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Despite best efforts, you may run into an issue during or after installing your video doorbell. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
No power:
- Check the circuit breaker to ensure power is flowing to the doorbell wires
- Verify wiring connections are properly matched with no loose connections
- Test wires with a multimeter to check for voltage
WiFi connection issues:
- Double-check check WiFi password entered in the app
- Try moving the wireless router closer to the doorbell for a better signal
- Enable 2.4GHz band on the router if accidentally connected to 5GHz band
Video cutting out:
- Check mounting angle to ensure camera has clear line of sight
- Look for and remove any obstructions or overhangs blocking view
- Adjust motion zones if needed so camera isn’t falsely triggered
Fuzzy picture:
- Wipe camera lens gently with microfiber cloth
- Check WiFi signal strength with no competing networks causing interference
No chime sound:
- Verify chime connector wires are properly matched to the same terminals as your existing doorbell had been connected to
- Test chime by directly connecting wires to battery to ensure unit functions properly
Still having trouble? Contact video doorbell manufacturer’s support team or consult a professional electrician.
Conclusion
Installing a DIY video doorbell is very doable for the average homeowner. By following proper precautions and the steps outlined above, you can save on installation costs and still end up with professional quality results.
The key is taking your time, carefully planning the optimal positioning, double-checking wires and connections, and properly sealing the doorbell installation from outdoor elements.
As you can see, video doorbells require running some basic low-voltage wiring and drilling exterior walls for proper mounting. So, existing skill and comfort working around the home is preferred. Always exercise safety and ask for assistance if you’re unsure at any point in the process.