Door / Access

• doorstep safety and monitoring 
• answering the door

A video doorbell is a smart device that lets you see and talk to someone at your front door, even if you're not home. Here’s how it works:

• It looks like a regular doorbell but has a built-in camera and microphone.
• When someone presses the bell (or even just walks near it), it sends a live video to a phone or tablet.
• You can see who’s there and speak to them through the app, just like a video call.
• Some models also record video clips, so you can check who visited later.

It’s useful for keeping your home safe, checking deliveries, or answering the door without needing to get up, especially helpful for older adults or people with mobility issues.

Video doorbells can also be connected to other compatible smart devices:

• Connecting to a smart speaker can allow use voice commands without the need for a smartphone; if the smart speaker has a screen it can be used to view who is at the door. 
• Connecting to a smart TV means the doorbell can be viewed on the television screen.
• Connecting to smart lights can mean that when someone presses the door bell or it detects motion a light is switched on. 

Buy from shops that sell standard doorbells or electrical devices or search for 'video doorbells' on the internet.

• Enhanced Security: Video doorbells provide extra security meaning that it's possible to see and in some cases speak to the person who is at the door before opening it. Some can also record who visits the property, which can be useful for identifying and recording suspicious activity. This could help with checking that the person visiting is who they say they are. They can alert if someone comes near the door but doesn't ring the bell. Most video doorbells have night vision, meaning the video is clear even in low light.  If someone who lives alone is vulnerable to cold callers or unwanted visitors and can't manage this themselves a video doorbell can enable a friend or relative to provide support if needed by them having the doorbell app and checking visitors.
• Reduced risk: For people who have difficulty walking a video doorbell can mean that they can answer on their phone and ask the person to wait or to leave a delivery meaning they don't need to rush to the door and risk falling.
• Convenience: Monitor the doorstep from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet. This is especially useful for managing deliveries and visitors, reducing the likelihood of an important package or guest being missed. With a video doorbell, the door can be answered from anywhere, whether at work, on holiday, or simply in another room. This remote access adds a significant level of convenience and peace of mind. 
• Deterrence: The presence of a video doorbell can deter potential intruders, as they know they are being recorded. This added visibility can make a home less attractive to burglars. 
• Customisable Motion Detection: Set up motion detection zones to receive alerts only for specific areas, reducing false alarms from passing cars or pedestrians. 

• Suitability: Video door bells come in different sizes, styles and with different functions. Think about the quality of the video, high-definition (HD) video resolution will ensure clear and detailed footage and make it easier to see who is at the door. Having reliable two-way audio makes sure you can speak clearly to visitors. Versions with motion detection and alerts have the ability to send alerts if someone approaches the door but doesn’t ring the doorbell. Night vision modes means video footage works in low-light. 
• Compatibility: Will it need to be connected to other smart devices? If so, check compatibility.
• Ease of Installation: Battery-operated models are generally easier to install, while wired models may require professional installation or purchase of a kit to enable it to be plugged into a standard plug socket. If a battery-operated version is chosen think about who will change the batteries. If a wired version is chosen, they are generally more reliable and don't require battery replacements, but installation may be more complex. Think about who will install it and if an electrician is needed. Door bells which link to an app, another smart device or store video in cloud storage will require Wi-Fi those that store video on a micro-SD card only might not need this. Wi-Fi speed and mobile phone network signal strength can both affect the speed that alerts will be received, these might not always be received straight away. 
• Storage Options: Consider how the video footage is stored. Some models offer local storage via a micro-SD card, while others provide cloud or online storage. Cloud storage may require a subscription fee.
• Privacy: Think about whether it records any conversations or video when it detects movement or when the doorbell has been pressed. Who would have access to these recordings? Does the person whose house it is understand what it does and who has access to the recordings or live video and can they make a decision about whether they want this? If they don't it will need to be considered whether it's in their best interests, this guidance from the Alzheimer's Society in relation to cameras is relevant to video doorbells: Can I install CCTV at home to keep an eye on my loved one living with dementia? | Alzheimer's Society
• Video from video doorbells is similar to CCTV and should not record outside of the person's own private property. Most video doorbells allow field of vision to be set up but if this isn't possible signs may need to be displayed. Guidance on this is available from the Information Commissioners Office website: Home CCTV systems | ICO
• Cost and value for money: More expensive versions may have additional features but if these aren't needed it's not worth paying more. Some video doorbells require a subscription fee to use them, others if storage of video footage is needed and some don't have a subscription fee.