Installing your Doorbell Camera
Install your Doorbell Camera using these instructions
Video on how to install your Doorbell Camera
Quick start guide download (PDF)
Pre-installation checklist
Make sure you have the following items before you begin the installation:
- Screwdriver
- Cell phone or tablet
- Power drill (may be required)
Included materials:
- Doorbell Camera
- Wall mounting bracket
- Wall screws
- Masonry anchors
- Masonry drill bit
- Digital circuit adapter (only needed if you have a digital chime - see step 3)
Step 1: Check your Wi-Fi upload speed
The Doorbell Camera requires a minimum of 2.5 Mbps upload speed to operate. To confirm if you have adequate speeds with your current TELUS plan or if you have questions regarding other internet service providers, please contact 1-855-255-8828.
Step 2: Check existing doorbell wiring
The Doorbell Camera must be powered by doorbell wiring. It is not compatible with a wireless doorbell chime.
Wired doorbell (compatible):
- Doorbell button is connected to the wall by wires
- Chime is powered by wires coming from the wall
Wireless doorbell (not compatible):
- Uses batteries
- Chime plugged into an electrical outlet
- Intercom system
Step 3: Test existing doorbell
Make sure the existing doorbell works by pushing the button to sound the chime. If it is a wired doorbell and is not working, electrical work may be required. It is recommended to have a working chime box before installing the doorbell camera.
Step 4: Identify chime type
Identify whether the chime is mechanical (ding-dong) or digital (plays a melody). Both types are compatible, but the installation will be different depending on the type of chime. You can identify the type by looking inside the chime box. For more help watch the video explaining the difference between a mechanical and digital doorbell chime.
Chime types | Characteristic | Requirement |
---|---|---|
MechanicalMetal bar and striker pin. Makes a Ding-Dong sound when the doorbell is pressed. | No modification needed. | |
Digital | Speaker. Plays a melody when the doorbell is pressed. | Need to add a digital adapter. |
Important: If the chime has a metal bar and a striker pin, then it is mechanical. No modification is necessary and the digital adapter is not needed. However, if the chime has a speaker, then it is a digital chime and needs the digital adapter that is included in the box. In the physical installation of the camera section, see Step 8.
The recommended distance between the Wi-Fi router and the Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera should be no more than 20 feet.
Physical installation of the camera
Before beginning, turn off the breaker that controls your doorbell circuit.
Step 1:
Remove the existing doorbell. Disconnect the wires from the two terminals attached to the doorbell. Take care to prevent wires from slipping into the wall.
Note: Be careful when handling the wires in cold weather as they can be very fragile and easily damaged.
Step 2:
Determine your siding where the existing doorbell is installed. If you have vinyl or wood siding, you can go directly to Step 3. If you have stucco, brick or stone siding, you will need to drill two holes using a power drill and the masonry bit provided.
First you need to mark where you will be drilling the holes. Pull the two wires through the bracket hole and mark where the screws will be placed on the top and bottom. Make sure the bracket is properly aligned before marking and drilling.
Note: The two contact screws should be facing downwards.
Remove the bracket and, using a power drill with the masonry bit supplied, drill the holes where you marked. Insert the anchors into the holes.
Step 3:
Now it’s time to mount the bracket to the wall. Pull the 2 wires through the bracket hole and secure it to the mounting location with the screws.
Step 4:
Connect doorbell power to the bracket. Locate the two contact screws on the mounting plate and insert one wire under each screw and tighten. Avoid shorting the wires. Tuck any excess wire back into the wall.
Important: If your existing doorbell has no chime box and is directly connected to the transformer, you will need an additional 10ohm/10W resistor between the wire and the doorbell.
Note: Polarity does not matter. Slightly lift contacts on the back of the camera to make a more sturdy connection to prevent charging issues.
Step 5:
Attach the doorbell camera to the mounting bracket. Start with the top notch first and then press on the bottom face of the doorbell making it flush to the bracket.
Step 6:
Using a screwdriver, tighten the provided screw at the bottom of the doorbell camera to secure into place. Be careful not to strip the threads of the screw when fastening.
Step 7:
The camera will begin to power up. The LED will alternate between red and blue to indicate it is charging. Once it is fully charged, it will alternate between green and red. At this point, you can sync the device.
Step 8:
If you have a mechanical chime, your doorbell is ready to use. You will not need the digital adapter that is supplied. Move on to the next step.
If you have a digital chime, follow the steps to connect the digital adaptor to your chime and then proceed to the steps below.
Step 9:
Turn on the breaker that controls your doorbell circuit. The camera’s LED should begin to illuminate.
Install the camera on your SmartHome App
Don’t have the app or having trouble logging in? Click here to learn more.
- Log in to your TELUS SmartHome app on your mobile device
- Select Menu at the top left-hand corner
- Select + Add device
- Select Video camera
- Select the correct camera type
- Make sure your doorbell is connected to the doorbell wires, flush to the wall, and secured in place. Select Next
- Check that your Doorbell Camera’s light is alternating between green and red
- Type in a name for your camera and select Next
- Exit the TELUS SmartHome app and proceed to your phone’s Settings to connect to the SkyBell_XXXXXX network
- After you successfully connect to the SkyBell network, return to the TELUS SmartHome app and select Next
- Scan for your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your Wi-Fi password. Select Next
- The LED will double-flash orange, then alternate between blue and green for 30 seconds and finally arrive at a solid green. If the LED gets stuck on the double-flash orange mode, then it is likely the Wi-Fi password was entered incorrectly
- Configuring your doorbell should take a few minutes to complete
- Make sure to Enable push notifications and set up your notifications to receive calls from your Doorbell
- Your video feed should show up under Doorbell Camera on your TELUS SmartHome app
Managing your Doorbell Camera
Follow the instructions below to set up recording rules or manage the video clips from your doorbell camera all through your TELUS SmartHome mobile app.
- Log in to your TELUS SmartHome app
- Open Menu at the top left-hand corner
- Scroll down and select Doorbell camera
- Select Settings in the top right-hand corner to pull up the options for your doorbell. Here, you can:
- Rename your doorbell
- Set up doorbell call notifications
- Create or modify a Doorbell recording schedule
- Adjust your Doorbell Camera’s Motion Sensitivity and Detection mode
- Change LED colors
- Change chime settings and volume
Troubleshoot your video camera
Need help with your video camera? Visit telus.com/camerasupport for more step-by-step instructions to resolve your issue.