Gone are the days of the simple doorbell chime. Today’s video wireless doorbells have features that go far beyond just letting you know someone’s at the door.

But what exactly can you do with one besides answering the door remotely? Here are some surprising ways a smart doorbell can enhance your life.

A doorbell that connects to a phone can send real-time alerts to your smartphone, no matter where you are.

The most attention-grabbing type of notification might be the option for an actual phone call. This can be especially helpful if you’re in another room, have your phone on silent, or prefer a more traditional notification method. However, most smart doorbells also offer the option for standard app notifications or video calls.

Concerned about porch pirates snatching your deliveries? Motion sensor doorbell functionality allows you to receive alerts whenever someone approaches your door, even if they don’t press the button. You can then use the camera doorbell app to see who it is and even speak to them remotely, letting them know you’re aware of their presence.

Using a smart home integration system, such as IFTTT, you can create an automated rule where motion detection on your doorbell triggers your outdoor lights to switch on.

This increases security by deterring potential intruders at night and improves visibility for both you and your visitor when arriving late. No more fumbling for keys in the dark!

Beyond just having your front porch lights come on, you can connect your smart doorbell to your smart home lights. Program your smart lights to turn on in a specific colour or subtly increase brightness when the doorbell rings.

You can do this with your Echo device, too, and receive both visual and auditory Alexa notifications.

If you have a strategically placed smart doorbell, keeping an eye on your car doesn’t require a separate security camera. A smart video doorbell offers customisable motion detection zones, which allow you to focus the doorbell camera’s attention on specific areas, like your parked car. You’ll receive an instant notification on your phone whenever motion is detected in that zone.

Consider video doorbells with night vision capabilities for comprehensive driveway and car security. 

Imagine relaxing on the couch when your doorbell rings, and without lifting a finger, you see who’s at the door – on your giant TV screen!

The good news is that you don’t necessarily need a brand-new TV to unlock this feature. Many smart security doorbells are compatible with various streaming devices and smart TV platforms.

Whether you have a dog walker, a cleaning service, or a handyman coming by, a smart home video doorbell allows you to monitor things remotely. You can see who arrives and departs, ensuring tasks are completed as planned. This provides peace of mind and fosters trust with the people you rely on.

For those with elderly relatives living alone or teenagers staying home after school, a wireless doorbell can offer invaluable peace of mind. Use the smart doorbell features to check in remotely, see if they’ve made it home safely, or simply have a quick video chat.

Doorbell video camera footage can reveal stray animals wandering onto your property, allowing you to take action if necessary. You might also catch sight of animals trying to raid your bins at night.

Unfortunately, life can be unpredictable. In the case of a break-in attempt, vandalism, or any suspicious movement in the proximity, footage captured by your smart doorbell camera can be invaluable evidence for the police. Clear video recordings can help identify perpetrators and increase your chances of recovering stolen items.

A camera doorbell app typically allows you to store and share footage from your doorbell cameras easily. However, remember to check your local laws regarding video recording and privacy. Read more about video surveillance guidance.

Think about integrating your doorbell with other smart home devices. For example, connect it to your smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when someone arrives, or sync it with your smart lock for keyless entry for trusted visitors.

At Arlo, we believe in creating smart home solutions that give you peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for a ring doorbell alternative or simply want to upgrade your traditional doorbell, Arlo has a solution for you. Browse our wireless doorbell today and discover the many ways Arlo can help enhance your life.