Smart home devices

Video doorbell not sending phone notifications

Usually phone notification permissions are off, the app is in battery-saver mode, or motion/ring alert settings were changed. Checking phone settings first resolves most cases.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–20 minutes
DIY cost
$0

Symptoms

  • Doorbell rings or detects motion but the phone stays silent
  • Notifications worked before and stopped suddenly
  • Only some notification types (motion vs. ring) come through
  • Notifications delayed by several minutes

Likely causes

  • CommonPhone notification permissions disabled for the appAn OS update or accidental tap can turn off notifications for a specific app.
  • CommonPhone's battery optimization killing the app in the backgroundAggressive battery-saving settings on some phones stop background apps from receiving push alerts.
  • PossibleIn-app alert settings turned down or offSome apps let you separately toggle motion alerts and ring alerts.
  • PossibleWeak Wi-Fi signal at the doorbell delaying uploadsA weak connection can delay or drop the event that triggers a notification.
  • Less commonDo Not Disturb or focus mode active on the phonePhone-level focus modes can silently block app notifications.

What to do

  1. Check your phone's notification settings and confirm the doorbell app is allowed to send alerts.
  2. Turn off battery optimization or 'background restriction' for the app in your phone's battery settings.
  3. Open the doorbell app and verify both motion and ring/press notifications are toggled on.
  4. Check that Do Not Disturb or a focus mode isn't active on the phone.
  5. Test the doorbell's Wi-Fi signal strength in the app; move the router or add a Wi-Fi extender if it's weak.
  6. Log out and back into the app, or reinstall it, to refresh the notification token.
  7. Confirm on a second phone or tablet whether the issue is device-specific or account-wide.

When to call a pro

If notifications fail on every phone and account settings look correct, contact the doorbell manufacturer's support to check server-side account issues.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.