Smart doorbell cameras are becoming more popular as they offer convenience, security, and peace of mind for homeowners. They allow you to see and talk to whoever is at your door, even when you are away from home. They also record video clips of visitors and alert you to any motion or activity near your door.
However, not all smart doorbell cameras are suitable for small door frames. Some models are too bulky or require drilling holes in your wall. If you have a small door frame, you need to consider the size, shape, and installation method of the smart doorbell camera you want to buy.
In this article, we will show you how to choose and install a smart doorbell camera for small door frames. We will also recommend some of the best models that fit this criteria.
How to Choose a Smart Doorbell Camera for Small Door Frames?
When choosing a smart doorbell camera for small door frames, you need to pay attention to these factors:
Size and shape: The smart doorbell camera should be slim and compact enough to fit on your door frame without blocking the view or interfering with the door operation. You can measure the width and height of your door frame and compare it with the dimensions of the smart doorbell camera you are interested in. You can also look for models that have a square or rectangular shape, as they tend to fit better on small door frames than round or oval ones.
Power source: The smart doorbell camera can be powered by either wires or batteries. Wired models are more reliable and low-maintenance, as they don’t need to be recharged or replaced. However, they may require professional installation and drilling holes in your wall. Battery-powered models are easier and cheaper to install, as they don’t need any wiring or drilling. However, they need to be recharged every few weeks or months, depending on the usage and battery capacity.
Video quality: The smart doorbell camera should have a high-resolution video that can capture clear details of your visitors and surroundings. You should look for models that have at least 1080p resolution and a wide-angle lens that can cover a large area of your front door. You should also look for models that have night vision, HDR, and color modes that can enhance the video quality in different lighting conditions.
Specific alerts: The smart doorbell camera should have a motion sensor that can detect when someone approaches your door and send you an alert on your phone or smart speaker. However, some models can also distinguish between different types of motion, such as people, animals, vehicles, or packages. This can help you reduce false alerts and focus on the important events. You should look for models that have this feature or offer it as part of a subscription plan.
Compatibility: The smart doorbell camera should be compatible with your existing smart home devices and platforms, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, or SmartThings. This can allow you to control the smart doorbell camera with your voice or automate it with other smart devices. You should check the compatibility list of the smart doorbell camera you are interested in before buying it.
How to Install a Smart Doorbell Camera for Small Door Frames?
Once you have chosen a smart doorbell camera for small door frames, you need to install it on your door frame. The installation process may vary depending on the model and power source of the smart doorbell camera, but here are some general steps:
- If you have an existing wired doorbell, you need to turn off the power at the breaker box and remove the old doorbell button from the wall. You may need to use a screwdriver or a drill to do this.
- If you have a battery-powered smart doorbell camera, you need to charge it fully before installing it. You may need to use a USB cable or a charging dock to do this.
- If you have a wired smart doorbell camera, you need to connect it to the existing wiring of your old doorbell. You may need to use wire nuts or electrical tape to do this.
- If you have a battery-powered smart doorbell camera, you need to attach it to the mounting bracket that comes with it. You may need to use screws or adhesive tape to do this.
- If you have a wired smart doorbell camera, you need to attach it to the mounting plate that comes with it. You may need to use screws or anchors to do this.
- You need to align the smart doorbell camera with the mounting bracket or plate and snap it into place. You may need to use a level or a ruler to make sure it is straight and centered on your door frame.
- You need to turn on the power at the breaker box if you have a wired smart doorbell camera. You may also need to press a reset button on the smart doorbell camera to activate it.
- You need to download the app of the smart doorbell camera on your phone or tablet and follow the instructions to set up the device. You may need to scan a QR code, enter a serial number, or create an account to do this.
- You need to test the smart doorbell camera by pressing the button and checking the video and audio quality on your phone or tablet. You may also need to adjust the settings, such as the motion sensitivity, the alert frequency, or the subscription plan, to suit your preferences.
Best Smart Doorbell Cameras for Small Door Frames
To help you choose a smart doorbell camera for small door frames, we have selected some of the best models that fit this criteria. Here are our recommendations:
Arlo Video Doorbell
This is our top pick because it has a slim and stylish design, a high-resolution video with a 180-degree field of view, and a subscription plan that lets it distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, or packages. It also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings. It is a wired model that requires professional installation and costs around $150.
Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K (Wired)
This is our runner-up because it has a compact and sleek design, a 2K video with a 160-degree field of view, and no subscription fees. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. It is a wired model that requires professional installation and costs around $120.
Ring Video Doorbell Wired
This is our budget pick because it has a small and simple design, a 1080p video with a 155-degree field of view, and a low-cost subscription plan that offers cloud storage and advanced features. It also works with Alexa and SmartThings. It is a wired model that requires professional installation and costs around $60.
Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K (Battery-Powered)
This is our wireless pick because it has an easy and flexible installation, a 2K video with a 160-degree field of view, and no subscription fees. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. It is a battery-powered model that lasts up to six months on a single charge and costs around $200.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I measure my door frame size?
A: You can use a tape measure or a ruler to measure the width and height of your door frame. You should measure the space between the door and the wall, as well as the space above and below the door. You should also check if there are any obstructions or decorations on your door frame that may interfere with the smart doorbell camera installation.
Q: How do I choose between a wired or a battery-powered smart doorbell camera?
A: The choice between a wired or a battery-powered smart doorbell camera depends on your preference and situation. A wired smart doorbell camera is more reliable and low-maintenance, as it does not need to be recharged or replaced. However, it may require professional installation and drilling holes in your wall. A battery-powered smart doorbell camera is easier and cheaper to install, as it does not need any wiring or drilling. However, it needs to be recharged every few weeks or months, depending on the usage and battery capacity.
Q: How do I troubleshoot my smart doorbell camera if it is not working properly?
A: If you encounter any problems with your smart doorbell camera, such as poor video quality, weak signal, low battery, or false alerts, you can try these steps:
- Check if your smart doorbell camera is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and has enough bandwidth. You may need to move your router closer to your smart doorbell camera or use a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal.
- Check if your smart doorbell camera has enough power and is not affected by extreme temperatures. You may need to recharge or replace your battery if it is low or damaged. You may also need to protect your smart doorbell camera from direct sunlight or rain with a weatherproof cover or shade.
- Check if your smart doorbell camera has the latest firmware and software updates. You may need to update your device manually or automatically through the app.
- Check if your smart doorbell camera settings are appropriate for your needs. You may need to adjust the motion sensitivity, activity zones, alert frequency, video quality, or subscription plan according to your preferences.
- Contact customer support if none of these steps solve your problem. You may need to reset or replace your device if it is defective or damaged.
Q: How do I access the video recordings and voice messages from my smart doorbell camera?
A: You can access the video recordings and voice messages from your smart doorbell camera through the app on your phone or tablet. You can also view them on your smart speaker or TV if they are compatible with your smart doorbell camera. You can also download or share them with others if you have a subscription plan that offers cloud storage.
Q: How do I protect my smart doorbell camera from theft or vandalism?
A: You can protect your smart doorbell camera from theft or vandalism by installing it securely on your door frame and using a tamper-resistant screw or a security lock. You can also use the siren feature or the two-way audio to scare away intruders. You can also report the theft or vandalism to the police and provide them with the video evidence from your smart doorbell camera.
Q: How do I integrate my smart doorbell camera with other smart home devices and platforms?
A: You can integrate your smart doorbell camera with other smart home devices and platforms by using the app of your smart doorbell camera or the app of the compatible device or platform. You can also use voice commands or routines to control your smart doorbell camera with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, IFTTT, or SmartThings. You can also create custom scenes or automations to make your smart doorbell camera work with other smart devices according to your needs.
Conclusion
A smart doorbell camera can be a great addition to your home security system, especially if you have a small door frame. You just need to choose the right model that fits your door frame size, power source preference, video quality expectation, specific alert requirement, and compatibility option. You also need to install it properly on your door frame and set it up on your phone or tablet. We hope this article was helpful for you in choosing and installing a smart doorbell camera for small door frames.
Featured Image by Freepik
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