A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide on Installing Your Vivint Doorbell Camera

Erik Goodman
20 min

Table of Contents

Smart home technology is rapidly changing the landscape of home security, and doorbell cameras are at the forefront of this revolution. In this article, you will find a detailed, easy-to-follow guide on equipping your home with a Vivint Doorbell Camera. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie to tech installations – we’ll take it step by step to ensure a seamless process.

When it’s about safeguarding our homes, every detail matters. Installing a doorbell camera can quite literally offer security right at your doorstep, allowing you to screen visitors and keep an eye on your entrance remotely. Among the myriad of options available, Vivint’s offers a sleek design, high-definition video, and compatibility with the comprehensive Vivint smart home system, making it a popular choice for homeowners worldwide.

From unboxing your new gadget to configuring its high-tech settings in the Vivint app, our guide will help you thoroughly navigate through it. Equip yourself with basic tech and installation know-how, a few household tools, and your brand new doorbell camera, and keep reading for a detailed guide on enhancing your doorstep security.

Exploring the Notable Characteristics of the Video-Intercom Produced By Vivint

The doorbell camera engineered by Vivint is packed with a range of advanced features that go significantly beyond simply recording video. These functionalities are designed to enhance home security and transform the way you engage with visitors.

Main Features

Crystal Clear Video: The Vivint Doorbell Camera boasts a high-definition (1080p) sensor coupled with a wide-angle lens, delivering clear and comprehensive surveillance of your home exterior.

Intelligent Notifications: Using smart motion detection technology, the doorbell camera can discern between people, cars, and movements, delivering appropriate alerts to your mobile device to keep you informed of what is happening at your doorsteps.

Two-way Communication: With the in-built speaker and microphone, you can converse with your visitors even when you are not home. The device also supports quiet mode, allowing you to remotely request a visitor to leave a message.

Additional Characteristics

  • Infrared Night Vision: The camera is outfitted with infrared night vision, allowing you to identify visitors or possible intruders, even in dim-lit or darker conditions.
  • Customizable Surveillance Area: You can decide the areas that you want to focus on for monitoring by customizing the surveillance field, avoiding unnecessary alerts from traffic or passersby.
  • Integrated with Smart Home Ecosystem: This video doorbell flawlessly integrates with the Vivint Smart Home ecosystem, enabling remote control, monitoring and streamlined notifications through a single mobile app.

Putting together all these high-tech components, the Vivint doorbell camera brings a new sense of relief to homeowners, making it easier than ever to keep an eye on your home – no matter where you are. Plus, with its sleek design, it enhances the curb appeal of your home.

Selecting the Perfect Spot for Your Vivint Video Doorbell

When setting up your Vivint video doorbell, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is where to place it. This component’s positioning can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your home security system. Here are several factors to consider in choosing the ideal location.

Your Front Door Visibility

The video doorbell’s main function is to provide a clear view of who’s at your front door. Therefore, ensure it’s installed in such a way that it provides a wide, unobstructed view of your porch or entrance. Be mindful of potential obstructions such as bushes, decorations, or other elements that might block the camera’s view.

Lighting Conditions

An important aspect to consider for a clear picture quality is the lighting conditions. While most video doorbells have night vision capabilities, the positioning can impact this feature’s effectiveness. Avoid direct sun exposure to avoid glare and consider areas that offer good illumination at night.

Height of Installation

Most security experts suggest installing a video doorbell at about chest height – approximately 48 to 54 inches from the ground. This height generally provides the best vantage point for identifying faces.

Connection to Wi-Fi

Don’t forget about the Wi-Fi connection. For optimal video quality and fast response times, your video doorbell should be within a reasonable range of your Wi-Fi router.

Protection from Weather and Vandalism

Lastly, consider a location that offers some protection from harsh weather elements and vandalism. Look for areas that are not directly exposed to rain, snow, or intense heat. Also, an excessively conspicuous or accessible location might attract vandals.

In conclusion, finding the perfect spot for your Vivint video doorbell installment requires careful consideration of various factors. Taking your time to evaluate these will ensure that this vital component of your home security system functions optimally.

Essential Equipment for Setting Up a Vivint Doorbell Camera

Installing a Vivint doorbell camera is a straightforward task that most people can handle with ease. However, you will need a few basic tools to make the process even easier and ensure the camera is securely fastened. Here’s a quick list of the tools you’ll need:

  • Drill: A power drill is essential for creating holes in your wall to mount the camera. Make sure you have a suitable drill bit for your wall’s material (wood, masonry, etc.).
  • Screwdriver: A simple hand tool makes it easy to drive the screws into the wall and secure the camera in place.
  • Level: A small level can help ensure your camera is straight, which is crucial for getting the best view of your doorstep.
  • Pencil: A pencil comes in handy for marking the spots on the wall where you plan to drill.
  • Wire strippers: If any wiring is involved in your doorbell setup, a pair of wire strippers can help safely expose the conductive metal within your home’s power cables.

Keep in mind that the Vivint doorbell camera comes with its mounting screws and wall anchors. So you don’t need to worry about finding appropriate screws.

Before you begin, you should ensure you have all the necessary tools at hand. This helps keep the process smooth and allows you to install the doorbell camera without any unnecessary interruptions. Although installing a doorbell camera may seem daunting, with these tools and a little patience, you’ll have it set up and running in no time.

Making your Home Ready for the Vivint Doorbell Camera Set-up

Optimizing your home for the installation of Vivint Doorbell Camera will ensure that the setup process is smooth and your security system functions perfectly. There are a few preparatory steps that you can follow.

Checking your Doorbell’s Compatibility

Before anything else, it’s required to verify whether your current doorbell system is compatible with the Vivint Doorbell Camera. The device typically works well with mechanical and digital doorbells. Just ensure your doorbell system uses a 16-24VAC power source.

Ensuring your Wi-Fi Signal Strength

The next step is confirming if your Wi-Fi signal strength is sufficient for the camera’s optimal operation. Your Wi-Fi network should be active and ready. For optimal performance, a high-speed Internet connection with a minimum upload speed of 1.5 Mbps per camera is advised. If your connection is slower, consider enhancing your Wi-Fi strength before proceeding with the installation.

  1. Evaluate your Wi-Fi signal strength where you plan to install your camera as this will affect its performance.
  2. You can test the signal strength with a Wi-Fi analyzer application available on smartphones or through online platforms.
  3. If your Wi-Fi signal strength is weak, you can get a Wi-Fi extender to help boost your signal.

Analyze the Installation Location

Also, consider the physical location where you plan to place your Vivint Doorbell Camera. The location should be prepared and suitable for the installation. It needs to be free from obstructions such as posters or decorations. It should be at an ideal height, typically four to five feet from the ground and should provide a clear view of your porch and entrance area.

NoExisting Video Doorbell?

If you don’t have an existing doorbell, don’t fret. The Vivint Doorbell Camera works as a standalone device. You merely need to identify the perfect installation spot and either hire a professional or follow the manufacturer’s easy-to-follow installation guide.

Thorough preparation prior to the Vivint Doorbell Camera setup will guarantee a smoother installation process and optimal functioning of the device, ensuring your home is secure.

Procedure for Arranging Your Vivint Door-View Cam

Getting a new Vivint door viewer cam promises enhanced security for your home. Properly mounting it is crucial to ensure that it delivers the desired surveillance coverage. The process is fairly intuitive and with careful attention to the procedure, you can set it up without much hassle. Here are step by step instructions on how to successfully position and install your Vivint door viewer cam.

Initial Preparations

Before going into the installation process, be sure to have all the necessary installation equipment ready. This typically includes mounting brackets, screws, a drill and a leveler. You may need to adjust your door frame to accommodate the device or install an additional cover to protect it from environmental elements. Ensure your doorbell is connected to a power source, and that your Wi-Fi network is working properly.

Mounting the Vivint Door Viewer Camera

Start off by attaching the mounting brackets to your chosen spot using the provided screws. The location should be conducive for the camera to have a clear view of the outside. Use the level tool to make sure the brackets are straight. It’s critical that the brackets are securely fastened because they will be supporting the weight of the device.

With the brackets completely secure, you are now ready to mount your device. Note the mounting hole at the back of the doorbell cam, line it with the brackets and proceed to mount it in place. Gently slide the camera onto the bracket until it ‘clicks’ into position. Test the installation by slightly tugging on the device to make sure it’s firmly held in place.

The final step is configuring the doorbell cam to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Follow the instructions on your Vivint Smart Home app to complete this step.

Always remember, the effectiveness of your doorbell cam in providing the desired security largely depends on its proper installation. So take your time while installing it and carefully follow the instructions to ensure a successful set up.

How to Configure Your Vivint Home Security Doorbell Camera using the Vivint Smart Home Application

Integrating your Vivint video doorbell camera with the Vivint Smart Home App is a simple way to increase the security of your home. Through the application, you get to control and monitor the camera on your doorstep directly from your smartphone or tablet. This guide will help walk you through the process.

Steps for Doorbell Camera Configuration

Firstly, be sure that your smartphone or tablet has the Vivint Smart Home App installed. If not, you can download it from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your doorbell camera.

To pair your doorbell camera with the app, perform the following steps:

  1. Launch the Vivint Smart Home App on your handheld device.
  2. Log in using your account credentials.
  3. Tap on the menu icon, usually seen as three horizontal lines.
  4. Select ‘Devices’ from the menu list.
  5. Tap the ‘+’ icon on the upper right corner of the screen to add a new device, then select ‘Cameras’.
  6. Choose your Vivint Doorbell Camera from the list of available devices.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.

Once these steps are completed, your doorbell camera should now be connected to your Vivint Smart app. You can now view live feeds, get alerts on your device whenever motion is detected, and even interact with visitors directly from the app.

Remember, to ensure maximum functionality, always keep your Vivint Smart Home App up-to-date. Regular updates often come with patches to bugs and improvements to security features that keep your home protected.

Note: If you experience any difficulties in connecting your doorbell camera to the app, don’t hesitate to contact Vivint’s customer support for assistance.

Steps to Link Your Wireless Doorbell Camera with Vivint to Your Wi-Fi Network

To enhance your home security system, it is essential to connect your doorbell camera produced by Vivint to your Wi-Fi network. Below are the necessary steps to achieve this task successfully.

Step 1: Preparing for Connection

Firstly, ensure that your Wi-Fi network is active and secure. Double-check that your internet connection strength is optimal in the area where you installed your doorbell. Misconnection issues or disconnections may occur if the Wi-Fi signal strength is less than optimal.

Step 2: Accessing the Vivint Smart Home App

Download the Vivint Smart Home App on your preferred device. The app is readily available on the App Store and Google Play Store. Once downloaded, open the application and navigate to the devices page.

Step 3: Adding Your Vivint Doorbell Camera

In the Vivint Smart Home App, select ‘Add Device’. Choose ‘Camera’ from the available devices list and select your specific Vivint Doorbell Camera model. The system will then prompt you to enter your camera’s details, which are usually located at the bottom of the camera.

Step 4: Connecting to Your Wi-Fi Network

The next step is establishing a connection with your Wi-Fi network. Once you have entered your camera details, you will be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi network details. Please enter the name of your network (SSID) and your password. Make sure that you enter the details correctly to avoid connectivity issues.

Step 5: Finalizing the Connection

After you’ve entered all the necessary details, simply click on ‘Connect’ to finalize the process. The application will then start connecting your camera to your network. It may take a few moments, so be patient. Once the connection is successful, your Vivint Doorbell Camera is set up and ready to go, giving you enhanced security with real-time video monitoring.

Your wireless Vivint Doorbell camera needs a steady Wi-Fi connection to provide you with the seamless security you need. Once connected, you can easily monitor your doorstep through the Vivint Smart Home App.

Navigating Issues with Your Vivint Doorbell Camera Installation

There might be instances when you encounter difficulties while setting up your Vivint Doorbell Camera. Knowing how to troubleshoot these issues can save you time and prevent further frustration.

Common Installation Challenges and Their Fixes

  • Camera not syncing: If your device refuses to pair with your mobile app or panel, it could be due to an unstable Wi-Fi connection or range issues. Check to ensure your Wi-Fi network is functioning well and is within range of the camera. If this doesn’t solve the issue, reconnect your device to the network or consider contacting Vivint’s support team.
  • Delayed notifications: If you notice a delay in receiving motion alerts, it could be due to latency issues or slow network speed. Test the speed and latency of your network to ensure it meets the required standards of your device. If the network speed is not the issue, you may need to adjust your camera’s motion sensitivity settings through the app.
  • Inadequate video quality: Poor video quality can be caused by an unstable network connection, insufficient bandwidth or incorrect setup. Crosscheck your internet speed and ensure your camera is properly positioned. If your camera is far from your router or there are signal obstructions between them, you may need to reposition your device or router to ensure a stronger connection.
  • Not functioning post-installation: It’s possible your device may fail to operate after installation. Check to make sure all physical connections are secure and the device is powered on. If the issue persists, contact Vivint’s support team.

Navigating installation troubles with your Vivint Doorbell Camera can seem daunting at first. But with a systematic approach, you should be able to identify and resolve most common issues. However, if you’re still facing difficulties post-troubleshooting, do not hesitate to reach out to Vivint’s customer support for assistance.

Verifying the Functionality of Your Vivint Doorbell Camera Following Setup

Executing a Functional Test for Your Newly Installed Doorbell Camera

Once you’ve finished setting up your Vivint doorbell camera, it’s necessary to conduct a series of tests to ensure it’s functioning correctly. These tests will assess both the audiovisual and connection aspects of the device, ensuring it’s ready to secure your premises.

Begin by standing in front of the doorbell camera. This device should promptly detect motion and start recording. The LED light will illuminate, affirming that the camera is functioning normally. The recorded footage should immediately appear in your Vivint smart home app. This helps to verify that the motion detection and footage recording features are operational.

Probe the Connection Efficiency

Another critical aspect to check is the connection status. Your Vivint doorbell camera ought to maintain a stable connection with the control panel or mobile app in order to relay real-time video feeds. Therefore, it’s best to test the camera’s connectivity using diverse network conditions. Try this during peak hours as well, to ensure the doorbell camera functions smoothly under varying circumstances.

Test the Audio System

The intercom feature plays a key role in the functionality of your doorbell camera. Your doorbell camera’s integrated speaker and microphone allow you to interact with visitors even when you’re not at home. Hence, it’s crucial to test the two-way audio communication system. You can do this by using the talk and listen feature via your smart home app.

  • Be aware of any latency, echo, or distorted sounds and ensure the volume level is adequate.
  • Check the doorbell sounds within your home when the button is pressed, confirming it is working correctly.

By performing a comprehensive series of tests on your doorbell camera, you can confirm that it is operational and ready to provide security for your home.

Maintaining Your Video Doorbell after Installation

The preventative care and regular maintenance of your video entry system or doorbell can ensure its optimal functionality and prolong its lifespan. Once you’ve successfully gone through the step-by-step process of setting up your doorbell video apparatus from Vivint, here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:

Regularly Clean your Doorbell Camera

With time, dust, debris and potential spider webs may accumulate on your device, obscuring its view. By using a soft, damp cloth — avoid harsh cleaning products — you can gently wipe away this obstruction from the camera lens. Circumvent the use of high-pressure hoses, for this could potentially damage your device.

Ensure Strong Wi-Fi Connection

Your Vivint doorbell security gadget relies heavily on the strength of your home’s Wi-Fi connection. Regularly test the strength of your connection and consider getting a Wi-Fi extender if there are areas in your house with poor signal. This will maintain the capability of your doorbell system to transmit crisp, clear images and notifications smoothly.

Battery Life Check

In case your device operates with a battery, take the time to check its level at regular intervals. This will circumvent incidents where your doorbell doesn’t work at crucial moments due to low battery. If your doorbell works on a rechargeable cell, ensure it gets charged before the battery level drops too significantly, to maintain its overall battery longevity.

Contact Customer Support for Troubleshooting

If you encounter any technical issues with the camera that the user guide and online instructions cannot fix, do not hesitate to reach out to the Vivint customer support team. A team of qualified professionals are available to assist you to ensure your video doorbell stays functional 24/7.

With regular upkeep and care, your Vivint doorbell camera can serve as a reliable part of your home security system for years to come.

Maximizing the Potential of Your Vivint Doorbell Cam

The Vivint Doorbell Camera is an innovative home security product that offers a range of impressive features. However, to get the most out of this advanced piece of technology, it’s important to understand its core capabilities.

One-Way Video and Two-Way Audio

One pivotal function of the Doorbell Camera by Vivint is the one-way video, and two-way audio feature. This function allows homeowners to see visitors without being noticed, and to converse with them vocally. Using this feature, you can maintain communication with delivery personnel, guests, or even potential intruders from the safety of your home.

Infrared Night Vision

Furthermore, the Vivint Doorbell Camera also delivers high-definition infrared night vision, ensuring clarity in all lighting conditions. This feature is particularly useful for identifying individuals or unusual activity around your property during the night.

Sensing of Packages

The ability to sense packages is another impressive aspect of the Vivint Doorbell Camera. Using its smart technology, it can notify you when a package is delivered at your doorstep. This can significantly reduce the chances of theft, providing peace of mind when you’re away from home.

Motion Detection

The Vivint Doorbell Camera’s motion detection feature offers the potential to alert homeowners when there is movement in the camera’s field of view. This can help provide early warning of anyone approaching the property and ‘event areas’ can be customized with specific detection zones for improved accuracy.

Utilize the full features of your Vivint Doorbell Camera to optimize your home security and gain peace of mind.

FAQ: How to install vivint doorbell camera

What are some key features of the Vivint Doorbell Camera?

The Vivint Doorbell Camera has several key features including the ability to automatically record and save 30-second clips when detecting motion, night vision, two-way communication, visitor detection, and the ability to remotely view and talk to people at your door.

Can I view my Vivint Doorbell Camera footage remotely?

Yes, you can use the Vivint Smart Home app to view live or recorded footage from your doorbell camera from anywhere in the world as long as you are connected to the internet.

Does the Vivint Doorbell Camera have night vision?

Yes, the Vivint Doorbell Camera is equipped with infrared night vision, so it can capture clear footage even in the dark.

Can the Vivint Doorbell Camera detect visitors?

Yes, the Vivint Doorbell Camera has a visitor detection feature that can notify you when someone is at your door, even if they don’t ring the bell.

Can I communicate through the Vivint Doorbell Camera?

Yes, the Vivint Doorbell Camera has a two-way communication feature that allows you to speak with the person at your door through your smartphone.

Does the Vivint Doorbell Camera automatically save footage?

Yes, if your Vivint Doorbell Camera detects motion, it automatically begins recording and saves a 30-second clip, which you can then review at a later time.

How can I access features of the Vivint Doorbell Camera?

You can customize the settings and access key features of the Vivint Doorbell Camera through the Vivint Smart Home app or your Smart Hub home control panel.

What is the quality of the video captured by the Vivint Doorbell Camera?

The Vivint Doorbell Camera captures high-definition video with a wide-angle view. Speaker and microphone quality are optimized to provide clear audio.

What are some key features of the Vivint Doorbell Camera?

The Vivint Doorbell Camera is packed with features including 180-degree lens with night vision, two-way audio capability, on-demand access, custom notifications, and smart clips recording. It is also equipped with visitor detection, which distinguishes people from passing cars, dancing shadows, or waving branches. This feature reduces false alerts and ensures you get the right notifications at the right time.

How can I take advantage of the Vivint Doorbell Camera’s two-way audio feature?

The two-way audio feature allows you to interact with visitors at your doorstep whether you’re at home or away. You can answer your door from the comfort of your couch or tell the delivery person to leave your package at the door even when you’re not at home. This feature enables you to communicate easily and directly through your Vivint Doorbell Camera, adding an extra layer of convenience and security to your home.

Share the material on social networks - discuss it with friends and colleagues

Discussion Step by Step Guide: How to Install Your Vivint Doorbell Camera