The check might be in the mail. Yep, Ring is settling a class-action lawsuit.
If your video doorbell is dying unexpectedly, this might be the reason why
Rushing to the front door to see who’s knocking is so 2010. Nowadays, people use doorbells with built-in video cameras. Ringing the doorbell now alerts you to their presence, and you can instantly see who it is. Tap or click here for three things you didn’t know you could do with a video doorbell.
But there is a catch. The doorbell needs to have a network connection and a power supply. If the latter fails, the camera and the doorbell won’t work. Sure, some models have a battery fail-safe that kicks in when the main power is interrupted.
That’s isn’t a guarantee, though, as some Google Nest doorbell owners found out. Read on to see the problems they have encountered and how to fix them.
Here’s the backstory
Complaints have flowed into Google’s support forum, with many describing their Google Nest doorbell has awful battery life. The issue seems to be around Google Nest Doorbell (battery) and Google Nest Cam (battery).
Here’s the problem. These devices are battery-powered and need to be recharged when they run low. However, when temperatures fall below freezing, the batteries cannot charge.
The battery-operated doorbell can’t charge sufficiently if the temperature drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. That leads to the device draining power and, if temperatures persist, runs flat. The minimum operating temperature is -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Google explained on a new support page that the lithium-ion battery in your Google Nest camera or doorbell won’t be able to charge if temperatures fall below freezing. The battery will still power your device, but it won’t charge. Google also warned that your battery might drain more quickly than expected.
How to keep your video doorbell charged
Google said your best option is to bring your video doorbell inside to charge its battery when temperatures fall to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. If you’re having this issue with a Nest Cam, Google said its system works differently than a Nest Doorbell.
The wires directly power the camera for wired installation setups with a Nest Cam (battery). That means at temperatures below freezing, the battery won’t charge. However, as long as the wired power source is available, the camera can operate at temperatures below -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20°C).
If you have ever thought of getting a video doorbell, why not take a look at our sponsor, SimpliSafe?
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When the doorbell rings, you can never be sure who is waiting for you on the other side. If you are not expecting a visitor, it would be great to see who’s knocking without having to go right up to the door.
Ring specializes in making doorbells that integrate with motion cameras, so you can take a peek before answering. The great thing about Ring is that the doorbell’s camera feed can be viewed on your smartphone from anywhere in the world. Not only can you keep track of deliveries, but you can also record porch pirates in the act. Tap or click for clever ways to stop porch pirates.
🌞 Smile for the camera: The sweet spot to mount your video doorbell is 48 inches from the ground. Most doorbell cams have a wide scope, so you don’t need to put them any higher. If you do, you might get notifications every time the sun crosses your porch.
The truth about doorbell cams
Think your cams are for your use only? Here’s why you should think again, in 60 seconds.
Waiting game: The wired model of Google’s Nest Doorbell is glitchy. After lots of complaints, it’s finally getting a fix. No confirmation on when, but it’s still good to know, in case you were considering replacing yours.
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