Smart doorbells have become one of those home gadgets that once you have one, you wonder how you ever lived without it. They let you see who’s at your door whether you’re upstairs, at work, or even on vacation. You can chat with delivery drivers, check on visitors, and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity right from your phone.
But as much as smart doorbells give you flexibility and help deter crime, they also open up new opportunities for hackers if you’re not careful. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the cool features and forget that these devices are part of your home network.
If you’re investing in a smart doorbell, it’s just as important to think about how to secure it as it is to pick the right brand. And while having the best internet provider Lincoln offers can help keep your connection strong and reliable, there’s a lot more you can do to protect your smart doorbell from unwanted visitors of the digital kind.
Start With a Strong Wi-Fi Foundation
Your smart doorbell depends on your home Wi-Fi to work. That means your network security is its first line of defense. Make sure your Wi-Fi uses WPA3 encryption if possible, or at least WPA2. Change your network’s default name (SSID) so it doesn’t give away the brand of your router or your address.
While you’re at it, set a strong, unique Wi-Fi password. Avoid using simple phrases like your street name or “12345678.” The stronger your password, the harder it is for someone to sneak into your network and mess with your devices.
Update Firmware Regularly
Just like your phone or laptop, your smart doorbell needs updates. These firmware updates fix security bugs and keep your device running smoothly.
Many people ignore update notifications or assume their devices update automatically, but this isn’t always the case. Check your doorbell app regularly to make sure your firmware is up to date. If your device supports automatic updates, turn that feature on so you don’t have to remember.
Use a Strong App Login
Most smart doorbells come with an app you use to view footage, receive alerts, and talk to visitors. Your app login is a major point of access for your device.
Use a unique password for this account and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) if it’s offered. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password.
This way, even if someone guesses your password, they still won’t be able to get into your account without that second code.
Set Up Separate User Accounts
If your family or roommates also need access to your smart doorbell, avoid sharing your main login information. Many smart doorbell systems let you create separate user accounts or grant temporary access.
This gives you better control over who can view footage or change settings. Plus, you can remove access easily if someone moves out or no longer needs it.
Check Your Privacy Settings
Most smart doorbells allow you to adjust what gets recorded and who can see it. Take the time to review your privacy settings in the app.
You might want to limit how long recordings are stored or set up zones so your camera only records specific areas. This can help protect your neighbors’ privacy and reduce unnecessary data stored in the cloud.
Secure Your Physical Device
A lot of people focus only on digital security and forget the physical side. Your smart doorbell is, after all, sitting right outside your home.
Install it securely so it’s hard to remove or tamper with. Some devices come with special security screws to prevent easy theft. You can also consider adding a protective cover or mount for an extra layer of defense.
Monitor Alerts and Activity Logs
Keep an eye on your app’s activity logs to see if there are any logins or actions you don’t recognize. Many smart doorbell apps show you when and where your account was accessed.
If you see any suspicious activity, change your passwords immediately and review your security settings. Staying aware of what’s happening with your device can help you catch potential problems before they escalate.
Invest in a Reliable Internet Connection
All these security steps work best when your doorbell stays connected. Spotty Wi-Fi can cause interruptions and leave your doorbell vulnerable if it disconnects often.
Choosing the best internet provider Lincoln has available means fewer outages and smoother performance for your smart devices. With a solid connection, your doorbell can keep updating, recording, and alerting you when it needs to.
Final Thoughts
Your smart doorbell can make your home feel safer and more convenient, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your security. By taking these practical steps, you can enjoy all the benefits — from chatting with visitors to keeping an eye on packages — without worrying about digital intruders.
So go ahead, enjoy that new tech upgrade. Just remember, securing it is just as important as installing it. With a little effort, your smart doorbell can truly be a smart move for your home.
