Ecobee Doorbell Low Power Detected? (These Tricks Will Fix)

The Ecobee doorbell low power detected error typically occurs due to insufficient voltage and causes your doorbell light ring to turn solid red.

The main reason is often a worn-out or incompatible transformer that doesn’t meet the required 16VAC to 24VAC and 10VA minimum.

But don’t worry, before you consider costly replacements, there are simple fixes that can restore the power of your Ecobee doorbell, so let’s try them out.

How to Fix “Ecobee Doorbell Low Power Detected” Error?

Tip: Have you checked if you properly installed the doorbell’s face and mounting plate?

1. Drain Power at the Breaker

In some cases, residual power in your Ecobee doorbell system could be the cause of the error message, and change the doorbell’s LED from green to red.

We recommend temporarily cutting the power at the breaker to allow all the electricity to discharge. 

For this purpose, head to the breaker panel and push the “Chime” or “Doorbell” switch towards “Off”.

Wait for about 3 minutes, flip the breaker on, and wait for the Ecobee doorbell to turn on.

Important: While at the circuit breaker panel, check whether the spring for the doorbell’s power switch keeps the lever at the “On” side. 

2. Check Chime Adapter Setup

If your Ecobee doorbell’s power is running low, there could be an issue with the Ecobee Chime Adapter, which is essential for converting the power.

So, the next step is to conduct a thorough inspection of the adapter setup and spot any installation mistakes.

• Locate the Chime Adapter: The Chime Adapter is usually near your chime, typically on or inside the chime box, so just pop the cover off to get to it.

Step #1: Power Off the System

The doorbell system needs to be completely drained before touching the adapter and any of the connected wires.

Head over to your circuit breaker and flip the switch to shut off power to the doorbell and chime.

Step #2: Check the Chime Adapter Wiring

If the Chime Adapter’s wires are loose or connected improperly, the consistent power shortage will cause the Ecobee doorbell to display “Low Power”.

Access the chime box and inspect the wiring to make sure everything is connected properly.

The Ecobee Chime Adapter has the following connections:

• Transformer to Doorbell (Black/White Wire): Provides a low-voltage power supply for the doorbell system.
• Doorbell to Chime Adapter (Black/Red/Blue Wires): Enables the communication and power transfer between the doorbell and chime mechanism.
• Chime Adapter to Chime (Green/Yellow/Green Wires): Routes signals and power to the “FRONT” and “REAR” chime components.
• Doorbell to Transformer/Chime Adapter (Green Device): Central smart doorbell unit connecting electrical and communication systems.
• Transformer Block (Gray Box): Converts standard household electricity to the specific voltage required by doorbell components.

Step #3: Inspect the Lithium-Polymer Battery

An issue with the built-in lithium-polymer battery of the chime adapter will suspend the electrical supply of the doorbell.

So, we recommend accessing your adapter’s battery compartment and inspecting the lithium-polymer battery for any damage. 

Note: Reach out to the Ecobee customer support if the adapter’s battery seems to be leaking!

Step #4: Reinstall the Doorbell Chime Adapter

Over the long run, the Chime Adapter connection could become loose, which can cause issues with the power supply.

So, untie the adapter from all of the wires, and connect everything back together to verify it’s secure.

Follow the steps in your Ecobee mobile application to set it up.

Note: The Ecobee doorbell can generally work without the chime adapter, as long as the transformer delivers the correct amount of voltage. 

3. Inspect the Transformer Wiring

The most common reason for the “Low Power” message on the Ecobee doorbell is a problem with the transformer.

Before replacing the unit, there are several things you should attempt, such as inspecting the connections and testing the potency.

Step #1: Locate the Transformer

First, look near the circuit breaker or the chime housing to locate the transformer.

It could also be right next to the Ecobee Chime Adapter if you already know its location in your installation.

The adapter has a small metallic body with several outputs and inputs, intended for the chime, doorbell, and the Chime Adapter’s wires. 

Warning: Do not touch the transformer before disabling the power at the breaker.

Step #2: Inspect the Connections

The transformer wires could be loose, which could also be the reason why it can’t send enough power to your chime or Ecobee doorbell. 

The doorbell transformer has a total of 3 wires:

• Black and white wires from the transformer to your adapter.
• The transformer is connected to the power source at the terminals.
• Red and white wires connect with the Ecobee doorbell unit.

Note: Ensure each of these wires is secured on the transformer’s terminals, then temporarily reactivate the power to test the doorbell.

Step #3: Test the Transformer Potency

A weak transformer may not convert enough voltage and cause the doorbell to lose power, even if the wiring is fine.

Use a multimeter, set it to “AC voltage”, and test your transformer output at the terminals.

So you need to verify it’s between 16V and 24V, as the Ecobee doorbell requires.

Note: If the multimeter’s readings are below 24V or there are no readings at all, you will need to replace the doorbell transformer. 

4. Re-add Ecobee From the App

A glitch in the Ecobee mobile application can cause issues with the doorbell and send false alerts, such as the Ecobee doorbell not getting power message.

So, we recommend removing the doorbell’s profile from the app and then re-adding it.

Let’s learn how to remove the doorbell first:

• Open the Ecobee app, go to “Home” and tap Ecobee.
• Tap the doorbell name below, then press“Main Menu”.
• Go to “Device Settings” and tap on “Remove Device”.
• Confirm removal to unregister the doorbell from the app.

Now, here’s how to re-add the doorbell:

• Press the plus and tap on “Add Device” → “Doorbell”.
• Ensure the doorbell’s light turns green during the setup.
• Set up all of the Ecobee doorbell settings in the prompts.
• Finalize the installation and check for the error message.

Tip: Reapply all of the doorbell settings to avoid losing sensitive data!

5. Bypass the Ecobee Adapter

If you have been using the Ecobee Chime Adapter even since your doorbell has been installed, the warning message could be adapter-related.

As mentioned previously, your Ecobee doorbell can work without a Chime Adapter, as long as the transformer’s voltage is entirely compatible.

To test, power off the system at the breaker, then disconnect the Chime Adapter and wire the doorbell directly to the transformer.

Turn the power back on, press the doorbell, and see if it lights up and rings without connecting the adapter.

Note: Wait for ~5–10 minutes to check if the doorbell displays an error!

6. “Unload” the Ecobee Transformer

The Ecobee doorbell could be underpowered due to a weak or overloaded transformer.

Another thing to try before replacing the transformer entirely with a new 16V–24V is to test a few things:

Check for Other Connected Devices

The transformer might be overloaded if there are additional devices connected, except for the chime and doorbell.

Trace the transformer wires to see if they access another installation and power another electrical appliance in your home.

Tip: Consult with a technician if you’re unable to track the wires or don’t know where to find the transformer (instructions in solution #3).

Test the Transformer on Another Device

While the transformer could be the issue, there’s a way to verify it so you can avoid buying a new one unnecessarily.

Well, connect the transformer with another installation or an electrical appliance, like a spare doorbell or a floodlight, while using a multimeter, to test the potency.

Replace the Doorbell Transformer

If nothing has helped, the transformer of your doorbell system might be long gone.

Shut off the power supply to your system at the breaker, disconnect the old transformer, and install a new one with 16–24 VAC, 10VA minimum, and 60 Hz frequency.

Quick Tip: Bring the blown transformer to a nearby convenience store to purchase an exact replacement or order it online.

7. Factory Reset the Ecobee Doorbell

If the Ecobee doorbell low power detected error won’t go away after trying all of the solutions, a factory reset might be the best final step. 

This process will erase all of the Ecobee settings and allow you to set up the doorbell initially, through the Ecobee application, from scratch.

Here’s how to start the factory reset:

• Find the Reset button on the doorbell’s back side.
• Hold the button until you hear the voice prompt.
• Press the Doorbell button on the first menu option.
• Wait for the LED indicator loop to turn solid green.
• Reconnect your doorbell to the app after the reset.

Alert: All of the doorbell’s settings will be permanently erased!