Video doorbell installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What video doorbell installation is

Video doorbell installation mounts a camera doorbell at the front door, connects it to existing doorbell wiring or battery power, and links it to a phone app and the home network for alerts and video. People install one to see who is at the door, talk to visitors and keep a record of deliveries and visits.

Signs you need it

  • You want to see and speak to visitors from your phone, even when you are not home
  • Your current doorbell is old, does not connect to Wi-Fi, or has stopped ringing
  • You get packages and want video of who took them, from the front step
  • You want alerts for motion at the door, not just for button presses
  • Your doorbell wiring is loose, corroded or hard to reach, and needs a careful look

What the pro does

  • Check the door for the mounting spot, the Wi-Fi signal and the field of view for the camera
  • Confirm the power source: an existing doorbell wire, a battery, or a plug-in power option
  • Remove the old doorbell and check the wiring, the transformer and the chime compatibility
  • Mount the doorbell and its bracket, and connect the wires or charge the battery
  • Link the doorbell to the app and the home network, then set the motion zones and alerts
  • Test the button, the chime, the motion alert and the two-way audio, and show the owner how to use them

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Wired or battery model, and whether the existing doorbell wiring can support it
  • Condition of the doorbell wiring, the chime and the transformer
  • Distance from the Wi-Fi router to the door, and whether a range extender is needed
  • Door material, such as brick, siding, stucco or a steel door frame, which changes the mounting
  • Whether a new transformer, chime or wiring run is needed
  • Whether the front door has enough room for a bracket that will not block the entry

What a written quote should spell out

  • The doorbell brand and model, and whether it is wired or battery powered
  • Mounting bracket, wiring connectors and any new chime or transformer
  • Wi-Fi range extender or network work, if needed, listed separately
  • Any wiring change at the transformer or panel, listed for the licensed electrician
  • App setup, motion zone setup and user training, shown as separate lines
  • Warranty on the doorbell and the labor, and who handles device faults

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will this doorbell work with my existing wiring and chime?
  • Is a battery model better for my door, and how often must it be charged?
  • How strong is the Wi-Fi at the door, and will you need an extender?
  • Who handles any wiring change at the transformer or the panel?
  • What does the motion alert cover, and can I set zones to avoid the street?
  • Who owns the app account, and can I add family members later?
  • What warranty covers the doorbell and the labor?

Red flags

  • They pull the old doorbell and leave the wires unchecked
  • They connect the doorbell to a transformer or chime without checking compatibility
  • They set the camera to cover the street or a neighbor's door without warning you
  • They leave the app set up on their own account
  • They do not test the chime and the button before leaving

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can choose a battery video doorbell, mount it with the included bracket, and set up the app and the motion zones. Do not work on doorbell wires while they are connected to a transformer, a chime or a panel, and do not touch the transformer or the breaker that feeds the doorbell, because those are live electrical parts. Call a pro for any wired install, any change to the chime or transformer, and any problem with the wiring.

Licenses and permits

Video doorbell installation is often done by installers without a separate license for battery models. Wired doorbell work that involves the transformer, the chime or the panel may require a licensed electrician, depending on the area. Check with your state or local licensing agency about the work that applies to your home.

Video doorbell installation questions

Do I need a chime to use a wired video doorbell?

Some video doorbells work without a mechanical chime by using a chime kit, or by sending alerts to your phone. Ask the installer which setup fits your wiring and what sound you will hear at the door.

Is a battery doorbell as good as a wired one?

A battery doorbell is easier to install and avoids transformer work, but the battery must be charged, and the camera may not record as often. A wired doorbell stays powered, which helps with constant recording. Ask the installer which fits your door.

Why does my video doorbell keep going offline?

The most common cause is a weak Wi-Fi signal at the door. Other causes include a low battery, a wiring problem, or an app setting that puts the doorbell to sleep. A pro can test the signal and the wiring before you change anything.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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