Security Cameras and Doorbells

Troubleshooting and setup (2)

Something not working? Start here.

• Outdoor Camera Placement and Weak Wi-Fi

  Mounting height and angles, testing signal at the mount spot, and fixes for weak camera Wi-Fi.

• How to Secure Your Security Camera

  Seven steps from two-factor sign-in and updates to IoT networks and safe sharing.

Buying guides (6)

Ready to buy? These guides name specific products and what to check first.

• Best Security Cameras Without a Subscription

  Wi-Fi cameras that record locally to microSD or built-in storage with no monthly plan required.

• Best Solar Security Cameras

  Wire-free outdoor cameras with solar power and local recording.

• Best Indoor and Pet Cameras Without a Subscription

  Indoor pan/tilt cameras for pets and home with local recording and privacy features.

• Best HomeKit Secure Video Cameras

  Cameras for Apple Home, plus the iCloud+ and home hub requirements explained.

• Best PoE Camera and NVR Kits

  PoE and NVR explained, with kits for 24/7 whole-home recording to a local drive.

• Best Video Doorbells Without a Subscription

  Doorbells that record locally, plus wired vs battery power and chime compatibility.

Comparisons and explainers (3)

Not sure which type you need? These explain the choice.

• Battery vs Wired Security Cameras

  Recording, installation, upkeep and cold-weather differences between battery and plug-in cameras.

• Local vs Cloud Storage for Security Cameras

  microSD, hubs, NVRs and cloud plans compared, and which to choose.

• Will a Smart Doorbell Work With My Home?

  Check transformer voltage, chime type, Wi-Fi at the door, Matter support and mounting.

Brand setup and fixes (7)

Steps, light meanings and offline fixes for a specific brand, from the maker’s own help pages.

• Ring Doorbell or Camera Offline? Fixes

  Signal strength ranges, reconnecting to new Wi-Fi, power checks and Chime Pro, from Ring's help center.

• Reolink Camera Setup and Offline Fixes

  Wi-Fi setup by QR code or Ethernet, 2.4 vs 5 GHz models, router settings, Connection Failed, doorbell power and resets, from Reolink support.

• Google Nest Cam and Doorbell Offline and Wi-Fi Fixes

  Offline cameras, setup errors, status lights, 2.4 vs 5 GHz, upload speed, doorbell power and resets, from Google support.

• Arlo Camera Setup and Offline Fixes

  Arlo camera lights, 2.4 GHz setup, SmartHub offline fixes, changing Wi-Fi and placement, from Arlo support.

• Eufy Camera and HomeBase Setup and Fixes

  HomeBase 3 lights, Ethernet setup, eufyCam pairing, and offline fixes for HomeBase and SoloCam, from eufy support.

• Wyze Camera Setup and Offline Fixes

  Status lights, 2.4 GHz and dual-band router fixes, factory reset and offline steps for Wyze Cam, from Wyze support.

• Blink Camera Setup and Offline Fixes

  Sync Module lights, setup, new Wi-Fi, and fixes for “Camera is offline” and “Sync Module is offline,” from Blink support.

Other topics

Home Wi-Fi Help · Smart Home and Matter · Brand Setup and Fixes · Recommended gear · Search all guides