How to Change Motion Detection on Eufy Doorbell

Adjusting motion detection on your Eufy doorbell helps reduce false alerts and improves security. This guide walks you through customizing sensitivity, setting motion zones, and optimizing settings via the Eufy app.

Key Takeaways

• Access motion settings via the Eufy Security app: All motion detection adjustments are made within the app, not on the doorbell itself.
• Customize motion sensitivity levels: Choose from low, medium, or high to match your environment and reduce unnecessary notifications.
• Set up motion zones for targeted detection: Define specific areas (like your driveway or porch) to monitor while ignoring others (like busy sidewalks).
• Enable Smart Detection to filter people and packages: Use AI-powered features to receive alerts only for relevant motion, like people or delivered packages.
• Schedule motion alerts for specific times: Activate motion detection only during certain hours to avoid nighttime disturbances.
• Test your settings after changes: Walk through your motion zones to ensure the doorbell responds correctly.
• Update firmware regularly: Keep your doorbell’s software current to access the latest motion detection improvements and bug fixes.

How to Change Motion Detection on Eufy Doorbell

If you’ve recently installed a Eufy doorbell or have been using one for a while, you might have noticed that it sometimes sends alerts when a leaf blows by or a car drives past. While motion detection is a key security feature, it can become annoying if it’s too sensitive or not properly configured. The good news? You can easily adjust the motion detection settings on your Eufy doorbell to better suit your needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing motion detection on your Eufy doorbell. Whether you want to reduce false alarms, focus on specific areas, or fine-tune sensitivity, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn how to access the settings, customize motion zones, adjust sensitivity levels, and even schedule when motion alerts are active. By the end of this guide, your Eufy doorbell will be smarter, more responsive, and perfectly tailored to your home.

Let’s get started!

Why Adjust Motion Detection on Your Eufy Doorbell?

Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why motion detection settings matter. Eufy doorbells are equipped with advanced sensors and AI technology to detect movement in front of your door. However, without proper configuration, these features can lead to:

• Too many false alerts: Wind, animals, or passing cars can trigger notifications, making it hard to know when a real visitor arrives.
• Missed important events: If sensitivity is too low, the doorbell might not detect someone approaching your door.
• Unnecessary battery drain: Frequent recordings and alerts can reduce battery life on wireless models.
• Privacy concerns: Motion detection in areas like neighbor’s driveways or public sidewalks may capture unwanted footage.

By adjusting your motion detection settings, you can strike the perfect balance between security and convenience. You’ll receive alerts only when it matters, save battery life, and avoid constant interruptions.

Prerequisites: What You’ll Need

Before making any changes, make sure you have the following:

• A compatible Eufy doorbell: This guide applies to most Eufy video doorbells, including the Eufy Video Doorbell 2K, Video Doorbell Dual, and Video Doorbell Slim.
• The Eufy Security app installed: Available for free on iOS and Android devices. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
• Your smartphone or tablet: You’ll use this to access the app and adjust settings.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection: Your doorbell must be connected to your home network for remote access.
• Admin access to the doorbell: You must be the owner or have permission to change settings.

If your doorbell is hardwired, ensure it has power. For battery-powered models, check that the battery is charged above 20% to avoid interruptions during setup.

Step 1: Open the Eufy Security App

The Eufy Security app is your central hub for managing all Eufy devices, including your doorbell. Here’s how to get started:

Launch the App

Open the Eufy Security app on your smartphone or tablet. If you haven’t used it in a while, you may need to log in with your Eufy account credentials.

Ensure Your Doorbell Is Connected

On the home screen, you should see your doorbell listed under “Devices.” If it’s not showing up, tap the “+” icon to add it. Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect if necessary.

Check for Updates

Tap on your doorbell’s name to open its live view. Then, tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to access settings. Scroll down and look for “Firmware Update.” If an update is available, install it before proceeding. Updated firmware often includes improvements to motion detection accuracy.

Step 2: Access Motion Detection Settings

Once you’re in the doorbell’s settings menu, it’s time to find the motion detection options.

Navigate to Motion Detection

In the settings menu, look for an option labeled “Motion Detection,” “Alerts,” or “Detection Settings.” Tap on it to open the motion configuration panel.

Understand the Main Options

You’ll typically see several sub-menus, including:

• Motion Sensitivity: Controls how easily the doorbell detects movement.
• Motion Zones: Allows you to define specific areas for detection.
• Smart Detection: Enables AI-based filtering for people, packages, and vehicles.
• Alert Schedule: Lets you set times when motion alerts are active.

Each of these plays a role in fine-tuning your doorbell’s behavior. We’ll cover them in detail in the next steps.

Step 3: Adjust Motion Sensitivity

Motion sensitivity determines how responsive your doorbell is to movement. If it’s too high, you’ll get alerts for every breeze. If it’s too low, you might miss visitors.

Choose Your Sensitivity Level

In the Motion Detection menu, tap on “Motion Sensitivity.” You’ll usually see three options:

• Low: Best for areas with frequent wind, trees, or passing traffic. Reduces false alerts but may miss slow-moving objects.
• Medium: A balanced setting for most homes. Good for general use.
• High: Ideal for quiet areas or when you want maximum detection. May trigger more alerts.

Start with “Medium” and adjust based on your experience. For example, if you live on a busy street, try “Low.” If your porch is secluded, “High” might work better.

Test the Setting

After changing the sensitivity, walk in front of the doorbell at different speeds. Check your phone to see if you receive alerts. If not, increase the sensitivity. If you get too many alerts, lower it.

Pro Tip: Use Smart Detection Instead

Instead of relying solely on motion sensitivity, consider enabling Smart Detection (covered below). It uses AI to distinguish between people, packages, and other motion, reducing the need for extreme sensitivity adjustments.

Step 4: Set Up Motion Zones

Motion zones let you tell your doorbell exactly where to “look” for movement. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce false alerts.

Why Use Motion Zones?

Imagine your doorbell covers your entire front yard, including the sidewalk and street. Without motion zones, every pedestrian or car will trigger an alert. By defining zones, you can focus only on your porch, driveway, or walkway.

How to Create Motion Zones

1. Tap on “Motion Zones” in the Motion Detection menu.
2. You’ll see a live preview of your doorbell’s view with an overlay grid.
3. Tap and drag to draw rectangular zones where you want motion detection active.
4. You can create multiple zones (e.g., one for the porch, one for the driveway).
5. To remove a zone, tap the “X” in the corner of the rectangle.
6. Tap “Save” when finished.

Best Practices for Motion Zones

• Exclude high-traffic areas: Avoid covering sidewalks, streets, or neighbor’s driveways.
• Focus on entry points: Include your front door, walkway, and driveway.
• Adjust zone size: Smaller zones reduce false alerts but may miss wide movements.
• Use overlapping zones carefully: Overlapping can cause duplicate alerts.

Example: Urban Home Setup

If you live in a city with foot traffic, create a narrow zone directly in front of your door. Exclude the sidewalk and street. This ensures you only get alerts when someone approaches your home.

Example: Suburban Home Setup

In a quieter neighborhood, you might include your driveway and walkway. Set a wider zone to capture visitors coming from different directions.

Step 5: Enable Smart Detection

Smart Detection is one of Eufy’s standout features. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze motion and determine whether it’s a person, package, vehicle, or something else.

How Smart Detection Works

When motion is detected, the doorbell’s camera captures a short clip and analyzes it using onboard AI. It then categorizes the event and sends an alert only if it matches your preferences.

Enable Smart Detection

1. In the Motion Detection menu, tap on “Smart Detection.”
2. Toggle the switch to “On.”
3. Choose which types of motion you want to be alerted about:
• Person: Alerts when a human is detected.
• Package: Alerts when a package is left at the door (available on select models).
• Vehicle: Alerts when a car or bike enters the frame.
4. Tap “Save” to apply changes.

Benefits of Smart Detection

• Fewer false alerts: No more notifications for leaves, animals, or shadows.
• Relevant notifications: You’ll know when a person or package arrives.
• Customizable alerts: Turn off vehicle detection if you don’t need it.

Limitations to Know

Smart Detection isn’t perfect. In low light or poor weather, accuracy may drop. Also, it requires a strong Wi-Fi connection and may use slightly more battery on wireless models.

Step 6: Set an Alert Schedule

You don’t need motion alerts 24/7. Setting a schedule ensures you’re only notified when it matters—like during the day or when you’re away.

Why Use an Alert Schedule?

If you’re home at night, you probably don’t need alerts every time your cat walks by. A schedule lets you silence notifications during specific hours.

How to Set a Schedule

1. Go to the Motion Detection menu.
2. Tap on “Alert Schedule” or “Do Not Disturb.”
3. Choose “Custom Schedule” or “Set Times.”
4. Select the days of the week and the time range when alerts should be active.
5. For example, set alerts from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays.
6. Tap “Save” to apply.

Advanced Scheduling Tips

• Sync with your routine: Set alerts only when you’re likely to be away or asleep.
• Use geofencing (if available): Some Eufy models can detect when you’re home and adjust alerts automatically.
• Create multiple schedules: Have different settings for weekdays and weekends.

Step 7: Test Your Settings

After making changes, it’s crucial to test your doorbell to ensure everything works as expected.

Conduct a Motion Test

1. Have someone walk through each motion zone at different speeds.
2. Check your phone to see if you receive alerts.
3. Test at different times of day, especially at night, to ensure night vision and motion detection work together.
4. Leave a package at the door to test package detection (if enabled).

Review Recorded Clips

Go to the “Events” or “History” tab in the app. Review recent recordings to see if the doorbell captured the right moments and ignored false triggers.

Adjust as Needed

If you notice issues—like missed alerts or too many false alarms—go back and tweak the sensitivity, zones, or Smart Detection settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best settings, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix common issues:

Doorbell Isn’t Detecting Motion

• Check sensitivity: Increase the motion sensitivity level.
• Verify motion zones: Ensure the area is covered by a zone.
• Clean the lens: Dirt or debris can block the sensor.
• Restart the doorbell: Power cycle it by removing the battery or turning off the breaker for 10 seconds.

Too Many False Alerts

• Lower sensitivity: Reduce the motion sensitivity setting.
• Narrow motion zones: Exclude areas with frequent movement.
• Enable Smart Detection: Filter out non-human motion.
• Check for reflections: Bright lights or shiny surfaces can trigger false alerts.

Smart Detection Not Working

• Update firmware: Ensure your doorbell has the latest software.
• Check Wi-Fi signal: Weak connections can affect AI processing.
• Reposition the doorbell: Ensure it has a clear view of the area.
• Contact support: If issues persist, reach out to Eufy customer service.

Battery Drains Too Fast

• Reduce motion sensitivity: High sensitivity uses more power.
• Limit motion zones: Fewer zones mean less processing.
• Use a schedule: Turn off alerts when not needed.
• Enable power-saving mode: Available on some models to extend battery life.

Tips for Optimal Motion Detection

To get the most out of your Eufy doorbell, keep these best practices in mind:

• Keep the lens clean: Wipe it monthly with a soft, dry cloth.
• Position the doorbell correctly: Mount it at a 15–30 degree downward angle for best coverage.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Sun glare can interfere with motion sensors.
• Use two-way audio wisely: Talking through the doorbell can trigger motion alerts.
• Regularly review settings: Adjust them seasonally (e.g., more leaves in fall).

Conclusion

Changing motion detection on your Eufy doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to improve your home security experience. By adjusting sensitivity, setting up motion zones, enabling Smart Detection, and scheduling alerts, you can reduce false alarms and focus on what truly matters—keeping your home safe.

Remember, the key is to test and refine your settings over time. Every home is different, so what works for your neighbor might not work for you. Take the time to experiment, and don’t hesitate to revisit the settings as your needs change.

With the steps in this guide, you’re now equipped to customize your Eufy doorbell like a pro. Enjoy smarter alerts, fewer interruptions, and greater peace of mind.