Maintaining Your Video Door Phone: Tips for Longevity and Performance

So, you’ve invested in a video door phone to upgrade your home’s security. It’s a smart buy, as it gives you peace of mind by allowing you to see and speak with anyone at your door, sometimes with the added convenience of a lock system. But to keep your video door entry system working reliably day in and day out, proper regular maintenance is necessary.

Join us as we share practical, actionable tips for caring for your video door phone with lock, so it continues to protect you, your loved ones, and your home reliably for years to come.

Why Maintenance Matters for Your Video Door Phone

Your video doorbell is a crucial part of your home security, but like any electronic device exposed to the elements or subjected to continuous use, it requires care, which:

• Extends Lifespan: A little routine effort can save you from the need for a premature replacement of your entire video door entry system.
• Ensures Consistent Performance: Keep video sharp, audio clear, and motion detection accurate.
• Maintains Security: Prevent vulnerabilities and ensure remote access and door-unlock features work flawlessly.
• Saves Money: Catch issues early to avoid costly repairs or emergency replacements.

Keeping the Exterior Video Doorbell Unit Clean

The outdoor unit of your video door phone is constantly exposed to dirt, dust, rain, and cobwebs. Regular cleaning will ensure it continues to function optimally as it should!

1. Start with the camera lens. Use a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth, perhaps slightly dampened with water, to gently wipe away smudges and dirt. A dirty lens degrades video quality and makes it difficult to identify visitors.
   
2. Next, check the microphone and speaker vents. Clear any visible dust, debris, or insect nests using a soft-bristled brush or vacuum cleaner to ensure clear two-way audio communication.
   
3. Don’t forget the motion sensor and IR (infrared) night vision lens; keeping these clear is crucial for accurate detection and effective low-light performance.
   
4. Finally, wipe down the call button, keypad (if present), and the unit’s entire housing to remove grime and environmental residue.
   

Tip: Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive materials as these will damage the protective coatings and finish of your smart doorbell unit.

Staying Secure with Software & Firmware Updates

Physical cleanliness is one thing, but keeping the digital side of your video door phone healthy is equally important. Most smart home device vendors regularly release firmware and software updates to enhance performance, introduce new features, and, most notably, address security vulnerabilities in their devices. Neglecting these updates means leaving your smart video door phone with lock exposed to security risks, and it leads to diminished functionality over time.

Hence, always ensure your video doorbell system is on the latest software version. You can typically check for and apply these updates through the device’s dedicated mobile app, a web interface, or desktop software that the manufacturer provides. Make it a routine to check for updates and follow the instructions carefully, ensuring that you do not interrupt the ongoing update process.

Staying current helps guarantee your visitor entry system remains secure and operates at its peak efficiency!

Shop Onetouch’s Reliable Video Door Phone Range Now.

Maintaining Reliable Communication with Connectivity Checks

A modern video door phone with lock feature is only as good as its connection. Regardless of whether you have a wired or wireless video door entry system, regularly checking its connectivity is necessary for consistent communication.

For wireless units, routinely verify your Wi-Fi signal strength. A weaker signal means dropped calls, pixelated video feed, and delayed notifications. In the event of such a spotty connection, reposition your router or set up a Wi-Fi extender. If your system relies on wired connections (like Ethernet or power cords), periodically inspect the cables for any signs of fraying or loose connections. Ensure all plugs and ports are securely in place.

Additionally, confirm that your indoor monitor(s) and, most importantly, the smartphone app, are consistently synced with your video door phone. Make a habit of performing test calls from the outdoor unit to both the indoor monitor and your mobile app. It’ll ensure that the two-way audio and video are clear and that you’re receiving alerts promptly, keeping your door camera unit responsive when you need it most.

Ensuring the Devices Are Always Powered On

This is a no-brainer. For exterior doorbell units with a built-in backup battery, make it a habit to monitor battery levels via your smartphone app regularly. This allows you to recharge or replace them, ensuring your entry system is always ready to receive visitors, even during a power outage.

If your video door phone is hardwired or uses PoE (Power over Ethernet), periodically verify that its power supply is stable and uninterrupted. For a video door phone with lock integration, setting up a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is especially critical, as the lock mechanism requires consistent power to operate at all times.

Ensure that all power adapters are functioning correctly and that the electronic wiring is secure. Again, if your home experiences frequent power fluctuations, consider a UPS for your networking equipment to safeguard your intercom’s continuous operation.

Advanced Checks & Troubleshooting

• Recording & Storage: If your system uses an SD card or an NVR, check that recordings are saving correctly and that storage isn’t full. Back up any important footage to avoid losing critical information.
  
• Motion Detection Settings: Fine-tune the motion detection sensitivity and zones through the connected app to ensure you’re catching relevant activity without being inundated with false alarms from passing cars or pets.
  
• Door Lock Test: For those with a video doorbell with a lock feature, regularly test the remote unlock function. See if the door unlatches smoothly from both your indoor monitor and smartphone app. If you notice any sluggishness or failure, it’s a red flag to investigate the lock mechanism’s alignment or power source.
  
• Basic Troubleshooting: Consult the manual to restart the devices or reset settings to clear minor glitches.
  
• Professional Help: While simple troubleshooting steps can resolve many common issues, don’t hesitate to call in an expert for more complex problems, e.g., hardware failures or network configuration issues.

Prolong the Life of Your Video Door Entry System

Don’t let neglect compromise your home’s frontline security. Frequent maintenance is key to extending the life and optimising the performance of your video door phone unit. With proper, proactive care, your modern, upgraded doorbell shall continue to provide clear visuals, flawless communication, and essential peace of mind for a long time.

Explore Onetouch’s Reliable Solutions Designed for Lasting Performance. 

FAQ

1. How often should I clean the outdoor unit of my video doorbell?

A light wipe-down weekly is ideal. A more thorough cleaning of the camera lens and vents should be done monthly; however, you may need to do so more frequently if you live in a dusty or harsh environment.

2. Can extreme weather conditions affect the Onetouch video door phone’s lifespan?

Our smart doorbell units are IP65-rated and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. That said, extreme temperatures or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can degrade components over time. You can consult Onetouch for regular on-site checks.

3. Will performing maintenance myself void the warranty?

Routine cleaning and software updates will not void your devices’ warranty. However, do not attempt internal repairs or modifications to your video door entry system, as most manufacturers, including Onetouch, do not cover that under their specific warranty terms.

4. What warranty and support options do Onetouch provide?

Onetouch smart home products come with a standard 1-2 year warranty covering manufacturing defects. For firmware updates or troubleshooting, contact our support team via the mobile app or website for prompt remote assistance.