Always know who's coming and going by swapping your existing doorbell with a smart doorbell. The Home Depot carries a wide range of smart doorbells to choose from, making it easy to find a style you like at a price that works within your budget. You don't need an electrician to install your doorbell. In fact, you don't need to hard-wire these doorbells at all, because many of them are battery operated for ultimate convenience and can be installed in as little as an hour. We’ll show you all the tools and steps you need to tackle this easy, DIY project.
There are 7 steps to completing this project:
Most smart doorbells feature an internal battery. Plug the doorbell into an outlet using the provided cord and watch for the light to turn green, indicating a full charge. Typically, the batteries will last for between 6 and 12 months before they need recharging. Once the battery is charged, place it back inside of the doorbell housing.
Your doorbell should sit about 4.5 feet above the ground. Measure up the wall and put the doorbell in place, using a level to ensure it’s straight. Once the doorbell is level, use your pencil to mark the 4 holes. Make sure the doorbell is easily reachable and that the camera is not obstructed by plants, pillars, or any other architectural details.
Using your electric drill and the appropriate drill bit, drill four holes where you marked them. Make sure the bit you select is appropriate for the home's exterior. A masonry bit may be required if you have a brick, stone, stucco, or concrete exterior.
Using either your electric drill and a screwdriver bit or a hand screwdriver, attach the doorbell using four screws. Don't worry, the screws will be hidden from view during the next steps. The screws needed should be included with the doorbell you've selected.
To use your doorbell, you’ll need the appropriate app on your smartphone. Once the app is downloaded, start following the step-by-step guide to complete the installation process. The exact instructions may vary based on the make and model of the doorbell you chose.
If multiple people in the home would like to monitor the doorbell, consider adding the app to additional smartphones. Some of our smart doorbells are even compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Once you’ve completed the installation process and you’re able to operate the smart doorbell from your smartphone or tablet, add the faceplate. This faceplate provides a sleek, finished look to your new camera doorbell. Many of these units even feature a few different faceplate options, making it easy to coordinate the look of the doorbell to the style of your home.
Now that you've installed your smart doorbell, it's time to test your doorbell with your mobile phone. See if all the alerts are working properly and make sure the camera is positioned to give you the view you need. If any adjustments are necessary, complete them at this time.
