Is your wireless doorbell not working?
Don’t throw it away just yet because here is a rundown of common issues and a guide for troubleshooting your wireless doorbell!
Before we begin to go into troubleshooting steps to resolve any issue you have with your wireless doorbell, it is worth having a quick read of this article covering how a wireless doorbell works.
Understanding how your wireless doorbell works is a significant part of learning how to troubleshoot it. Once you understand how it works, you can go through each stage systematically until you have resolved the issue, sent it back, or just resigned yourself to the fact it is broken and thrown it out!
5 Most Common Wireless Doorbell Problems – Infographic
What Are The Symptoms?
There are many signs that your wireless doorbell is broken. Check out this post for more information.
Symptoms include:
The doorbell is not working completely, intermittently working, and the doorbell rings on its own, among others.
- Is the push button not working?
- Is the chime not switching on?
- Does it work intermittently?
- Does it all switch on, but the chime doesn’t sound?
Wireless Doorbell Not Working – Push Button-Related Problems
Wireless Communication Issues
The push button is the wireless transmitter. In other words, when you press the button, the signal travels up the antenna cable inside the push button unit and sends out a signal to be received by the chime.
Several things can weaken or even destroy the signal between the signal transmitter and the receiver before the receiver can receive it.
We refer to these as areas of interference, and they can include:
- Walls
- Electrical Items
- Other Wireless Items
- Distance
Objects In The Way (Walls, etc.)
Wireless doorbells will give you a range of operations; basically, the furthest the transmitter and receiver can be apart.
Unfortunately, this range is ‘clear sight,’ which means it will work if there is nothing in the way.
Where there are walls in the way (walls in a house, who would have thought it!), the signal will weaken as it passes through each wall.
If the wireless doorbell states that it works over a range of 1000 ft, you should take 40% of that range if quite a few walls are in the way.
For instance, it is 100 feet with no obstructions and 40 feet with multiple obstacles.
Electrical Items and Other Wireless Objects
Interference can be a huge problem with any wireless communication.
Suppose you have a house full of wireless smart objects. In that case, you may get some interference that will reduce your wireless doorbell range and cause intermittent connectivity issues.
To troubleshoot interference issues with your wireless doorbell, make sure you identify any other wireless devices and switch them off.
Then, test your doorbell.
If it works every time, switch on each device until the problem returns.
Now that you have identified the issue’s source, consider adjusting your setup to reduce interference.
Can you switch your other devices to another frequency? For example, can you move another device away from the wireless doorbell transmitter/receiver? Are you in a position to move your wireless doorbell?
Distance
This one is obvious.
If you have issues with your wireless doorbell, move it closer to the transmitter during troubleshooting. If it works perfectly, move it away a few feet at a time, and continue to test.
Weather Damage
Some people will go for a wireless doorbell without checking if it is weatherproof. It would help if you had a waterproof wireless doorbell rated IP44 or more to ensure water would not damage it.
Environmental Factors
The push-button is likely to be outside, which means it is exposed to environmental factors, such as:
- Temperature extremes
- Water damage from the rain
- Wind Damage
- Heat Damage
- Damage from Wildlife
Check your manual for the operating temperature range.
Do you live in a climate that breaches either the minimal or maximum temperature? Has it reached those levels recently?
Is your push-button waterproof? Wireless doorbells exposed to the elements should have a protection rating of IP44, which means it is protected from water spray from all angles.
It will break if you do not have a waterproof push button and it rains.
Has it been windy recently? Could anything have blown onto the push button, which caused it to break?
Wireless Doorbell Not Working – Chime Issues
It can be frustrating if your wireless doorbell is no longer working and you have narrowed the issue down to the chime. The chimes are more difficult to troubleshoot when compared with a push button.
There are some things you can do, though, so let’s take a look.
No Power To The Chime
Chimes are usually powered by a regular power socket, although they can also be battery-powered, allowing for a more portable chime.
Mains Powered Chimes
If it is a mains-powered chime, the first thing you will need to check for a power button on the chime. Is it switched on?
Then move onto the actual power socket. Is it working and switched on?
Plug something else into it to test and rule this out.
If you have a working socket, but the wireless doorbell chime is still not working, check the environmental factors.
If the wireless doorbell chime is in your house, it will likely be within the operating temperature range (Specified in your manual).
Have you been away from your house, and the central heating system has not been on? Is it possible that the temperature has dipped below the operating range? It is worth bearing in mind if you live in a climate where this can happen.
This becomes more likely if the chime is out in a garage or a shed.
Battery Powered Chime
If the chime is battery-powered, you must check to ensure you have turned it on!
It may sound simple, and you are likely to have checked this first, but you need to find the switch and ensure it is switched to the on position!
Flat Batteries
The same as any other battery-powered device. It will not work if you have flat batteries! Even if they are brand new batteries, check with another set to be sure and rule this out.
Check The Battery Compartment For Liquid
Liquid damage will cause problems, primarily when it has found its way into the battery compartment.
If you find some liquid, you must find out what the liquid is.
Any liquid is a concern!
If it is battery fluid, the batteries are faulty, so you need to clean out the battery terminal and add a new set of batteries.
If it is water, you need to find out how it got there to ensure it does not happen again.
Consider testing the wireless doorbell when you are confident that you have fixed any water leak and completely dried the battery compartment.
Any other liquid is sure to have come from a spillage! This can be common if you have a small child running around your house!
Make sure you keep your device away from any potential spillages.
Clean The Battery Connectors
The longer your wireless doorbell chime sits in the same position, not being moved regularly, the more dust and dirt it will collect.
If you are getting no power to the chime unit, check the battery connectors to ensure nothing is blocking the energy flow from the battery.
Common battery terminal issues are caused by dust, dirt, and rust. Rust can form if it has been the victim of water damage in the past. As soon as you see rust, it would be best to consider replacing the unit.
You will need cotton swabs and white vinegar to clean the battery terminals. Then proceed with the following steps:
- Dip the swab into the vinegar
- Brush around the battery contacts until clean
- Use a dry cloth to clean any excess fluid around the battery contacts
They may have added a plastic tag to stop the batteries from connecting during transit for newly purchased wireless doorbells. Well worth checking for the plastic tag if it is a new unit that is not working!
Why would a doorbell stop working?
The most likely answers are; discharged battery, water damage, frequency interference, or signal blockers. You should first replace the battery, especially if your doorbell only works intermittently or only works close to the receiver. If that does not work, take a look for water damage.
How long do wireless doorbell batteries last?
That depends on how many times it is pushed! You should expect to only change the battery every 2 years on average. The batteries need to be replaced sooner if you have a video doorbell.
Why does my doorbell ring when there is no one there?
This happened to me! My neighbor’s car remote used the same frequency as my doorbell. So I fixed it by synchronizing the doorbell again. That forced it to choose another frequency.
Conclusion
If you have been through all of the above and are still having issues with your wireless doorbell, it may be time to consider buying a new one.
Please look at our best wireless doorbell list for some ideas, and forget about your old wireless doorbell not working!
Good luck!
My neighbour’s car key connects with my wireless door bell and it rings every time they use their car. Is there anything I can do to stop it?
Hi
Thanks for getting in touch!
It is very likely that the remote car key is working on the same frequency as your wireless doorbell and may cause interference.
Can you please let me know which wireless doorbell you have?
Kind regards
This is happening to our door bell our neighbours gate fob is setting off our bell every time they leave their house SF16C3 silverCrest
Hi Colette
Thanks for getting in touch. Some wireless doorbells use the same frequency as other wireless devices, unfortunately.
I would go through the process of resynchronizing the doorbell and receiver again. This resolved it for me with another doorbell. Sometimes it will reconnect on a different frequency. You can access manual here if you need to know how to do it:
https://www.libble.eu/silvercrest-sfs-16-c3—ian-306753/online-manual-842784/
Let me know how you get on
Our sado tech 21201000 suddenly began ringing CONTINUOUSLY during the night. We had to unplug the Receivers to stop it.
Hi Don
This can indicate a fault with the device, unfortunately. Is there anything that is interfering with the doorbell receiver? how many times did it ring overnight?
Thanks
I held the button on the outside one for 15 seconds & it broke the inside one that was working beautiful playing music Now neither one works
Hi Elsie
We are sorry to hear that you are having problems with your wireless doorbell.
Which wireless doorbell do you have? Hopefully, we can help.
Kind regards
My wireless door bell quit working aster just 2 months. I checked the battery in the button , it is good. It plugs in and is getting power as it lights up. I have pushed that little reset button. But it just does not chime’
Hi Joyce
I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your wireless doorbell. What is the make and model of the doorbell? I will certainly do my best to help you out.
Kind regards
My wireless doorbell has stopped working I have changed the batteries, doesn’t appear to be any damage.
When I press the button I can see the light light up blue (which does only seem to appear on left side, not sure if it always did that though) but can’t get it to make a noise with receivers. They work and I have tried to pair but nothing.
Thanks in advance
David
Hi David
Thank you for getting in touch! What is the make and model of the doorbell please?
The fact that you have a light on the transmitter is a good sign because it shows there is some activity. Do you have any buttons on the receiver? What happens when you press those, does it make any sound?
Kind regards
Hello! Thanks for writing this. I have gone through and checked point by point but still my doorbell isn’t working. When the doorbell is pressed the little red light on it lights up but no chime. When I press the button on the receiver it chimes. Can you please help, or do I need to bin it and buy a new one? It’s a BY302. Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Rebecca
Thanks for getting in touch! I would suggest starting again by matching the two units. Follow these instructions to see how you get on:
1. Press and hold the volume button on the receiver for 6 seconds (it should beep twice)
2. Press the doorbell push button
If it responds then wait 60 seconds before pressing it again. Once 60 seconds have passed, try it a few times to see if it is still responding.
You could also try adding a new battery into the push button, for reference, you will need a CR2032 battery 🙂 it could have just enough power to light up but not enough to send the signal.
If you have tried both and it still fails then you could have a faulty push button or receiver, unfortunately.
Please let us know how you get on with your faulty doorbell!
Kind regards
i HAVE A SYSTEM WITH 3 CHIMES AND 2 DOORBELLS . THE DOORBELLS RING ONE CHIME BUT NOT THE OTHER 2 WHAT COULD BE ISSUE. i HAVE REPLACED BATTERIES IN ALL DOORBELLS AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED
Hi Bob
Thanks for contacting us! It sounds like the other 2 receivers have lost connection with the push button.
If you can reply with the make and model I can give you instructions for resetting each receiver.
Kind regards
AWH
Hi, this is the second unit I have bought in 6 months, now the second one has stopped working. I have changed the batteries in the receiver and the push button. The blue light comes on but still it will not work. I am not very happy as they are not cheap to buy
Hi
Which unit do you have please?
Most wireless doorbells have a warranty (12 or 18 months) so hopefully, the unit that you are having issues with is still covered.
Kind regards
AWH
I’ve got a wireless doorbell that came with my house, the PCB says P/N: 085-6150-03 rev A if that’s of any use. Just put fresh batteries in both the doorbell and transmitter, and it only works from about 3″ away. Not exactly what I’d call useful. Do you have any tips on how to troubleshoot the range, or did I just waste $10 in new batteries?
Thanks!
Hi Jonathan
It seems that PCB is linking to an old Heath Zenith doorbell (SL-6150).
If it is that model, it does have a warranty but I expect that to have expired by now as it is the older model.
The fact that the doorbell now only works from a very close range indicates 1 of 2 things; Either there is not much power getting to the transmitter, or the transmitter itself is failing. It sounds like it is not able to generate enough power to transmit the signal over to the receiver.
The only thing you can do, other than buying a new doorbell, is to ensure the battery contacts and clean and rust free. If they are clean, and the batteries are good, it sounds like a problem with the transmitter which cannot be fixed, unfortunately.
Kind regards
AWH
Assistance please: I have a Jackson WC8181. It was working – now it is not working. I have replaced all 3 batteries. The chime unit operates manually, so I am assuming the problem is with the bell push unit.
I have second problem – last night and again this morning the chin unit began chiming and did so every 10 seconds or so until I removed the batteries.
Hi
Thank you for getting in touch!
You mentioned that you changed the batteries, does that include in the bell push unit? It is possible that the 10-second chime could indicate a low battery. It could also indicate interference. Have you installed any other wireless device recently? I had a wireless doorbell that chimed each time my neighbor locked and unlocked their car!
I notice as well that this particular model does not specify any waterproof rating. If it is not waterproof, it could be water damaged.
It would be worth contacting the manufacturer directly at support@ji.com.au to see if they can offer any assistance.
Kind Regards
AWH
I have a 1byone wireless door chime R/X SKU: o00QH-0013.
It has worked for a year but now each unit has new batteries and light up/chime independently but the push button doesn’t make the chime work.
Hi
Thank you for getting in touch!
Since changing the batteries, have you re-synced the receiver to the push button?
Follow these instructions:
Press the Pairing button on the back of the
receiver. Next press the push button. If pairing is
successful, the receiver should ring. It normally
takes about 10 seconds for the push button and
receiver to pair. If there is no pairing within 10
seconds, the receiver will exit the pairing mode.
Please try pairing again.
Check here for the user manuals:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1440501/1byone-O00qh-050.html
https://www.1byone.com/pub/media/product_tool/download_files/O00QH-0501/wireless_-doorbell-O00QH-0501.pdf
Let me know how you get on!
Kind regards
I have a wireless b which has worked well but now the chime will only work when close to the bell push and I need it to work when I am further away. Does this mean I need a new one or is there a way to fix it. Thank you
Hi
That is a symptom of one of 3 things. Either:
The doorbell batteries need replacing (there is not enough power to send the wireless signal) or;
The transmitter or receiver is faulty (the transmitter is not sending a strong enough signal, or the receiver is not able to pick up the signal) or;
Battery connections are damaged (it could be water, etc)
It is worth checking the battery compartment for signs damage, and replacing the batteries in the transmitter. If you have changed the batteries, cleaned the battery compartment and your wireless doorbell is still not working, then you should consider replacing it.
Kind regards
AWH
Hi i have a byron by201f, i have put new batteries in both the push button and the receiver , they both have power but do not recognise each other. I dont appear to have a sync button either. I have tried to find a manual on line but have been unsuccessful so far, can you help?
Hi
The instructions for the Byron BY201F are as follows:
1. Hold the volume button on the receiver for 6 seconds (you should hear a beep-beep)
2. Press the transmitter button within 60 seconds
Hope that helps! If not, you can find the BY201f manual here.
Kind regards
AWH
When someone rings my Curv doorbell it continues ringing for 4-5 or more times having been only pressed once! Problem?
Hi
Yes, that could indicate an issue. What is the model number please?
Kind regards
AWH
CVD1807190746 HD wireless battery powered video doorbell 1080P Curv
Hi Nellie
It is worth getting in contact with Curv regarding this. If the doorbell is ringing 4-5 times with each press then it could be a faulty unit.
The Curv team can be contacted at: https://www.curv360.com/contact/
The phone number is also on that page.
Kind regards
I have -Model NO: QH-823AC
WIRELESS DOOR CHIME – Auto-learning Code Door Chime
This unit is new – it will only work in one of my power sockets. I want to use a closer one but it will not chime – it lights up on the button The socket works fine with other devices – There is a bit of a wall that it is behind but it is actually next to an open archway about 10 feet from the button and will not chime
Should these units work from a power board?
Thank you
Hi
I think I have found your device (QH-832AC Manual)
Looking at the specs of your wireless doorbell, it should work from any power socket, as long as it is:
Power: AC220~240V
As you mentioned, other devices work in the same socket so it is unlikely to be that. The only thing I can think of is that there is something close by that is causing interference, or blocking the signal. Do you have any large appliances near the socket you want to use?
If you have, it might be worth switching those off temporarily (if you can) just to test.
If you are still having issues, or you cannot find the fault then I suggest contacting the manufacturer: JIMMY@QUHWA.COM
Kind regards
AWH
I have a kinghtsbridge wireles door bell DC003 the chim work buT the push b d not work how can iget the bo of them to sync
Hi John
Thanks for getting in touch. You can find the instructions for completing the sync on the DC003 here:
https://www.electricalworld.com/Images/ModelDescriptions/Knightsbridge-DC008-Doorbell-200m-White-MP3-Instruction-Specification.pdf
Please let us know if you require any more information.
Kind regards
AWH
Hi, i have a DYNAMIC sounds wireless doorbell which has 3 plug in chimes and 1 bell push. At PRESENT only 1 chime is WORKING. Can you pleAse inForm of how to repair this. I cannot locate any Instructions anywhere.
Thanks
Ant
Hi Ant
Can you let me know the doorbell product number, please?
Thanks
Hi,
Thank for getting back to me.
on all of the 3 chimes there are 2 sets of numbers.
1 – 9338195250896 – (directly UNDER a BAR CODE)
2 – DS-1008 (under BAR CODE numbers)
Hi
No problem at all!
The bad news is that I have not been able to find the manual anywhere, but the good news is I have the contact details for the company who manufactured it: query@dynamicsounds.co.uk
They should be able to send you instructions for using the DS-1008.
Kind regards
AWH
HEllo i hope you can help me. I have I have a heatHco wireless doorbell model # WL-4A-A. my contractor put it when he put in our bigger door for my huSbands wheelchair but it worked ofF and on. I have changed the BATTERIES several times and it still won’t stay working . It it’ll work maybe once or twice and then won’t work again . I have checked on the heathco website and the model says it doesn’t exist
Hi Donna
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. I’ve searched for that model number and I cannot find it anywhere, is this model number on the receiver, or the push button?
Kind regards
Thanks
Hi. I just had to turn off the mains to change a socket. when i turned the power back on, my tecknet wireless doorbell started to bleep continuously. i changed the battery, still no better. tried to contact their technical support, utterly hopeless. its as if the company has zero way of contacting them. any help would be appreciated
Hi Gary
Thanks for getting in touch with us! It looks like Tecknet has recently changed hands as a company and you can now contact them using the following page: https://smartekbox.com/pages/contact-us
I hope that helps
Kind regards
AWH
Hi, I have the tecknet wireless doorbell, but the button on the door lights up but doesn’t ring. But the inside lights up and also plays a sound. What can I do to make sure the person who rings the doorbell at the outside knows the doorbell is working?
(sorry i’m not using capslock but its impossible to use small letters…)
Hi Karen
Thanks for getting in touch. Which model number do you have? I ask because I am not sure if the Tecknet push button should make any noise when it is pressed, it should just light up. I guess that doesn’t give the visitor 100% confidence the doorbell works though.
Let me know the model number and I’ll take a look through the manual.
Kind regards
AWH
We BOUGHT a alarm bell SYSTEM from Argos DECEMBER 2019 the PLUG-IN part is making a FUNNY NOISE INSTEAD of a chime COULD You weve been ontO argos they’Ve supplied Me with your details
Hi Philip
It sounds like the unit is faulty. Is it possible that the plug-in part has got wet somehow?
If this is the case, there is not much that can be done to fix the issue, but happy to source the manual (if we can). Do you have the make and model?
Thanks
AWH
Hi, I have a Quhwa qh-862a wireless doorbell. till now it was working normally but suddenly start sounding by itself without pushing transmitter. could not find users instructions. guess the reason is a batteries power lost. appreciate your advice.
thanks
igor
Hi Igor
Thanks for getting in touch. I think it is either the batteries or interference from an outside source (someone else’s doorbell or even someone unlocking their car can set off a wireless doorbell believe it or not).
I would contact the manufacturer of the doorbell – http://www.quhwa.com/contact-us/
Hopefully, they will be able to provide the manual or some additional assistance.
Kind regards
AWH
My doorbell rings continuously once you have pressed it – i have had to turn off the power on the receiver unit. any ideas?
Hi Nancy
Sorry to hear that you are having issues! A friend of mine had the same issue and it was because some water had entered the push button.
Can you check around the push-button for cracks/holes that may lead to water entering the device, please?
Thanks
Hello
I HAVE A BLYSS WIRELESS BELL. THIS NIGHT IT STARTED RINGING WITHOUT STOPPING. THE CALL BUTTON IS AT 1 METER, FROM THÉ RECEIVER, THÉ CALL BUTTON IS IN INTERIOR, SO NO POSSIBILITY OF WATER INSIDE IT
I TOOK THÉ BATTERIES OFF, THEN IN AGAIN, AND TRIED A RE-PAIRING FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL BUT STILL THÉ CONTINUOUS RINGING …
DO YOU HAVE A CLUE ?
THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE
Hi
Thanks for getting in touch!
There are a few reasons why your Blyss wireless doorbell is constantly ringing. It is usually water damage, interference, or a faulty unit. As you have ruled out the water damage, it has to be one of the others. You should consider testing it in another part of your home to see if it still has the problem. If it only has this issue in one place, it could be interference from something else. If the problem followed the area then the device is likely to be faulty and will need replacing.
Hope that helps!
I bought an E003 approx a year ago. It worked perfectly until about 5 weeks ago it rang during the night but no one was at the door a couple of weeks ago the same thing happened We thought perhaps late night revellers. But is rang twice today when no one was at the door. Can you advise please. Take Care Allan White
Hi Allan
Thanks for getting in touch! It sounds like you might be getting some interference from another device. A common device that causes wireless doorbells to chime is a neighbor locking or unlocking their car. These devices work on the same frequency. I had it before with a previous doorbell and had to replace it with another.
If it isn’t another device, then it could either need a new battery, or the push button could be water damaged. The E003 is rated IP44, which is good enough however, some water may have entered the push button.
I have another type of issue. I swapped out the battery for a new one and when I HOLD the metal backing that holds the battery, the device works, but if I don’t hold it, then it doesn’t ring. Any thoughts?
Hi, and apologies for the late reply! If this is still happening, it sounds like the doorbell transmitter might have weakened. By holding it, you are improving the transmission and range extends long enough for it to work. Ultimately, it sounds as if the doorbell is faulty.
I have an Avantek DB-12W.
For a long time the battery transmitter has been OK but the plug-in receiver doesn’t produce any sound even though the blue light is in.
Any solutions please?
Hi Tony
It is an obvious question – but is it possible the volume has been turned down on the receiver? Worth checking.
Outside of that, it is likely to have become faulty, given the symptoms.
If it is still in the warranty period, I suggest that you contact Avanket: support@iavantek.com
Hope that helps