A common problem reported by many users is a Vivint doorbell that rings without anyone pressing the button at the front door. This can happen randomly, and at odd hours which makes it even worse.
While rarely there may be a prankster, the issue is actually a glitch in the system that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
A Vivint doorbell that rings on its own is caused by hardware and software failures. Before calling Vivint or returning the unit, try the suggestions and tips listed in this article to fix the problem by yourself.
How to Fix Vivint Doorbell Keeps Ringing Issue
Inspect the doorbell button
First thing, you need to check the doorbell button to see if it’s clean. Sometimes dirt or something else gets stuck in the button, closing the connection and causing the doorbell to ring randomly. Layers of dirt mixed with skin oils may harden and keep the button pressed.
Simply take a look at the button and make sure nothing is stuck there. Specifically, check for:
- Wet or oily marks
- Dirt
- Gunk and other materials
- Broken button
- Stuck button
Additionally, you may wipe and clean the button and the whole panel using alcohol. You may also use a toothpick to access the tight spots and ensure that any dirt stuck is removed.
Some suggest even using a little amount of WD-40 to smooth the mechanism (but be careful not to use too much).
Check the internet connection
If the push button on the doorbell works fine, then it’s time to check the internet connection. You can refresh the configuration by simply restarting or rebooting the drive.
Most of the errors or other unknown issues may be solved by just restarting the system (such as the doorbell, router, modem, etc).
So, reboot the doorbell first (power it off, wait one minute and then power it back on). Then you can reboot the router or modem (unplug it for at least one minute and then power it back on). Once the units are online, check if the doorbell still rings randomly.
Reset the Vivint doorbell
To reset the Vivint doorbell is quite easy; all you have to do is to press and hold the doorbell’s button for 10 to 15 seconds.
The LED lights will go through various colors indicating that the unit is about to be reset. Wait until it blinks yellow twice and then you can release the button.
If the reset procedure went through, the light in the button should temporarily stay yellow before turning white. Basically, the unit will reboot, refresh the settings, come back online, and then you can check it out if the random ringing continues.
If you want to factory reset the unit (bring all the settings to the default value), press the button for about 20 seconds (so, 5 seconds more than the step above) and wait until the light blink yellow twice. If you do a factory reset, you need to re-set up the unit and perform all the rest of the configurations.
Adjust the motion detection parameters
The Vivint doorbell uses the motion detection feature to detect movement in front of the camera’s sensor. The motion detection option uses multiple parameters that can be adjusted accordingly to improve the performance of the doorbell.
Navigate to the Sky Control Panel of your Vivint system and find the navigation bar on the home screen. Tap the camera icon (or the doorbell thumbnail). Open up the camera settings and then enter the 4-digit PIN that allows Administrator privileges.
Go to the Visitor Detection Section and then select the Detection Setting option. In this section, you should see the Motion Detection box. You can adjust the pavement, size, sensitivity, and area that you’re interested in (remove irrelevant objects such as trees that may trigger the camera).
Play a bit with the settings until you get them right. Basically, try to minimize any false alerts that make the Vivint doorbell ring randomly.
Check the battery
Vivint doorbell batteries are supposed to last from 3 to 5 years depending on use. Additionally, the Vivint app notifies the user when the batteries are running low and need replacement. If the doorbell is ringing erratically, check the phone app to ensure that the batteries are fine. If they are low, the doorbell may start to act up.
Normally, the app will send out alerts and messages when the battery is roughly at 20% capacity giving the user enough time to replace it.
If you get such notifications, inspect the doorbell as soon as possible and replace the expired battery. In some models, expired batteries may cause the doorbell to ring randomly.
Contact Vivint technical support and ask them for battery replacement. You can also open up the unit yourself, note the battery model, and order replacements online. Depending on the contract, you may have the installer access the doorbell.
Check the chime
Another thing you can try is turning off the chime while working to find the solution. In some cases, you may reconnect the chime back on and the random ring will go away.
It has been reported that sometimes the chime gets defective over time and needs to be replaced or perform troubleshot on it.
So, disable the chime, enable it again, and check if the issue persists. Or, if the chime is bothering you way too much, simply disable it while figuring out what’s causing the error.
Compatibility issues and firmware
If you’re mixing brands in your doorbell system setup, you need to ensure that Vivint units are compatible with third-party devices.
For example, the Vivint security system is not compatible with Ring add-ons, or other brands, for that matter. It’s recommended to have all the devices on the setup from the same brand and manufacturer.
Then you need to ensure that the firmware and software on the Vivint system and apps are updated to the latest version.
You should do this not just for security reasons, but to apply fixes and patches that may have caused the Vivint doorbell to unexpectedly ring. Check the system and find out if there are any updated packages available.
Check the voltage
If your doorbell is the wired version, inspect the cabling and make sure the wires are properly connected and nothing is loose. Sometimes the cables may become worn out, or burned, trace each wire and see if anything is abnormal. Inspect the terminals for any debris.
Additionally, you may need to check the breaker box to ensure that none of the switches have been tripped. Sometimes in the outlet or connection water has gone in, see if there’s water residue and ensure all the wiring is undamaged.
Contact the support
If none of these suggestions worked for your case, you can contact Vivint tech support for further assistance. Vivint support number is 800-216-5232 and the live technician provides assistance from 9 AM-5 PM Eastern Time.
Additionally, you may email Vivint at support@vivint.com and make sure to include full details of the issue, error messages, and the exact model of the affected unit.
Conclusion
The reasons why a Vivint doorbell randomly rings may be related to the call button (on the unit itself) being stuck or broken.
Ensure that the button is clean, without any dirt or build-up in the crevices. If the button is stuck, then the doorbell will be always in ringing mode.
Other things you can do are check the wiring, check the battery, make sure the firmware is updated, adjusting the motion detection parameters. Lastly, you can contact Vivint tech support for further assistance.
