You can install a video doorbell in about an hour with a screwdriver and a little patience. The first choice is how it gets power: wired to your existing doorbell wiring, or wireless on a rechargeable battery. Either way, you’ll want to check your Wi-Fi signal and pick a good mounting spot before you drill anything.
Here’s how to install a video doorbell step by step, starting with the choice that shapes everything else.
Wired or wireless: which power option fits your home?
Wired doorbells connect to the low-voltage wires behind your old doorbell button. They never need charging and can usually run all the time. If your house already has a working doorbell, wired is often the easy route.
Wireless (battery) models mount with screws or adhesive and need no wiring. That’s great for renters, apartments or doors with no existing wires. The trade-off is that you’ll take the battery out and recharge it every so often, and heavy use drains it faster.
Not sure which suits you? Ask yourself two things. Do you have existing doorbell wires, and do you mind recharging now and then? If yes to the wires and no to recharging, go wired.
What to check before you start
A little prep prevents most problems. Before you buy or open the box, run through this checklist:
- Voltage. Wired doorbells need a low-voltage transformer within the range printed in the doorbell’s instructions.
- Chime type. Mechanical chimes inside the house often need a small adapter so the doorbell can ring them.
- Wi-Fi signal. Stand at the door with your phone and test the speed and strength.
- Mounting surface. Brick, vinyl siding and stucco each call for different hardware.
- Storage plan. Decide whether you want video saved in the cloud or on a local card or base.
Speaking of storage, our guide to the best video doorbells with local storage shows options that keep recordings at home.
How to install a wired video doorbell
Safety first. Turn off power to the doorbell at the breaker before touching any wires, even though doorbell wiring is low voltage. If you’re not sure which breaker it is, test the old button afterward to confirm it’s dead. Then follow these steps:
- Remove the old doorbell button and pull the wires gently out of the wall, taping them to the wall so they can’t slip back inside.
- Label each wire so you remember which is which.
- Install any chime adapter inside the chime box if your model requires one.
- Attach the wires to the terminals on the new doorbell’s mounting plate.
- Screw the plate to the wall, then snap the doorbell on.
- Restore power and follow the app to connect it to Wi-Fi.
If the wiring looks damaged, or you see anything that isn’t low voltage, stop and call an electrician. It’s not worth the risk.
How to install a wireless video doorbell
Battery models are simpler. Charge the battery first, since some arrive only partly charged. Then mount the bracket with the included screws, or with adhesive strips if the model allows it and your surface is smooth and clean.
Next, attach the doorbell to the bracket, open the app and walk through the setup. Some battery models also include a small chime that plugs into an outlet, so you’ll hear it indoors. Check that the doorbell has a secure latch or lock so it can’t simply be pulled off the wall.
Where to mount it and how high
Placement affects how useful your footage is. Many manufacturers suggest mounting around chest height, often a bit over four feet from the ground, so the camera sees faces and packages. Your model’s manual will have its recommended range, so follow that first.
Try to keep the camera out of direct sun and glare, and make sure nothing blocks its view, like a porch column. A mounting wedge can help if your door is set at an angle. Also keep your camera pointed at your own property, and be mindful of neighbors’ privacy. If you want a camera inside, our guide to the best indoor security cameras with a privacy shutter covers that.
Testing your Wi-Fi signal
A doorbell with a weak signal will lag, drop out or miss alerts. Check the signal in the app after setup. If it’s weak, try moving your router, adding a mesh node or Wi-Fi extender, or choosing a spot that gets better coverage.
Test it by pressing the button and answering from your phone while you’re away from home on cellular data. If it connects quickly and the video is smooth, you’re set. You can also pair it with a lock for a complete entry setup, and our look at the best smart locks with a fingerprint reader explains how.
Once it’s running, take a few minutes to read our security camera privacy tips so your footage and account stay protected.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a video doorbell without existing wiring?
Yes. A battery-powered model needs no wiring and mounts with screws or adhesive. You’ll just need to recharge or swap the battery from time to time.
Do I need to turn off the power to install one?
For wired models, yes. Switch off the breaker that powers the doorbell before you touch any wires, then restore it once everything is connected.
Will a video doorbell work with my old chime?
Often it will, but a mechanical chime usually needs a small adapter so it rings properly. Your doorbell’s manual lists what’s compatible.
The bottom line
Knowing how to install a video doorbell comes down to three checks: your power option, your chime, and your Wi-Fi. Sort those out first, mount the camera at a sensible height, and test the signal before you finish. After that, you’ll have a clear view of your front door.