Why Is My Vivint Doorbell Camera Not Recording? (Let’s Fix)

Well, if your Vivint doorbell camera not recording, what is the purpose of having a high-end doorbell? Just for ringing?

This is unacceptable, and in this guide, we’ll help you start recording.

There is a wide variety of possibilities, some of which include improper motion detection setup, issues with the app, and outdated firmware.

So, we’ll walk you through everything in no time!

Let’s get started!

8 Ways to Fix When Vivint Doorbell Camera Not Recording!

Note: Before you proceed, check if your camera has made any recordings by navigating to Camera → Recordings.

1. Allow Vivint to Record

So, by default, the Vivint doorbell will not start a recording upon motion detection.

There’s a separate feature in the Vivint application that allows the doorbell to initiate a recording whenever there’s a recognized motion. 

Here’s how to enable Vivint’s recording:

1. Open the Vivint Smart Home app and tap Cameras.
2. Tap on your Vivint doorbell camera from the options.
3. Press the “Settings” button in the upper-right corner.
4. Find “Recordings for visitor detection and doorbell press”.
5. Set the feature to “On” and exit the doorbell’s menu.

From now on, the Vivint doorbell will initiate a recording each time there’s a motion detection or a press of the doorbell’s button. 

If Vivint is still not capturing, then this means the visitor detection settings of your doorbell must also be configured.

Let’s learn how!

2. Adjust the Visitor Detection

The visitor detection settings define how and when your doorbell picks up motion and, therefore, starts to record.

Those are essential options for your Vivint doorbell’s functionality and should be configured through the Vivint application. 

To access the visitor detection settings, go to the Vivint app → “Vivint Doorbell” → “Camera” → “Settings” → “PIN entry” → “Detection Settings”. 

Sensitivity Adjustment

So, begin by specifying the Vivint doorbell’s motion sensitivity first.

The feature measures how sensitive your doorbell is to movement and what intensity of motion is required to start an event.

We recommend setting this feature to “Medium” or “High” based on how often you wish to receive motion alerts. 

Object Size Adjustment

The object size determines the exact object size that will trigger Vivint’s motion detection.

The feature is particularly helpful if you’re looking to capture particular objects that have roughly similar sizes, such as cars or bicycles passing the front of your home.

The object size adjustment slider is right underneath the sensitivity one, so drag it towards the right to increase the capture size. 

Capture Area Adjustment

The last but not least important detection setting is the capture area. Also called an “activity zone”, this is the area in which your camera will pick up movement.

Anything outside of the capture area will not be recognized as movement, and therefore, no recording will be initiated. 

There will be a picture taken from your camera’s live feed along with an adjustable orange square.

Position and/or extend the square to define the exact capture area of your doorbell. 

3. Adjust the App’s Notifications

The Vivint doorbell might be recording events, but you’re not receiving alerts due to disabled push notifications or app settings.

So, the next step is to check if the Vivint app’s notifications are disabled on your iPhone or Android smartphone through the app settings.

So, navigate to your smartphone’s settings and go to “Storage” (for Androids) or “Notifications” for iPhone.

Find the Vivint app in the section, access the app’s settings, and make sure all of the notifications are allowed.

Quick Tip: You can customize how and when to receive notifications from the Vivint app in the “Notifications” options of your smartphone. 

4. Check the Doorbell Alignment

Another reason why the Vivint doorbell camera is not recording could be improper alignment.

The camera needs to face an upright position and have a clear view of the yard, porch, or street.

Also, ensure the doorbell faces the way where all of the motion happens.

If you’ve installed the doorbell on the inner or outer side of your doorbell and not on the exact front, your doorbell will miss out on all of the action, and therefore, no recordings will be made. 

Note: Ensure the security screws of the camera are tightened and the faceplate doesn’t move.

5. Check the Doorbell Wi-Fi Status

The Vivint doorbell could be missing out on recordings due to an unstable Wi-Fi connection.

You can use the Vivint app to run diagnostics and speed tests of your connection to detect problems.

5.1 How to Check Vivint’s Wi-Fi Status?

1. Open the Vivint app, then navigate to “Devices”.
2. Enter your master PIN for the Vivint application.
3. Tap on your doorbell icon from the list of devices. 
4. Go to “Settings” → “Wi-Fi Settings” in the menu.
5. Then, find the Wi-Fi diagnostics and status options.

5.2 Tips to Improve Vivint Wi-Fi Status:

• Perform a reboot on the network router and modem.
• Unplug the router’s service cable for several minutes.
• Disconnect unused devices from your Wi-Fi network.
• Configure the network’s WPA through the router GUI.

Note: To access your router settings, go to http://192.168.0.1/ and sign in via admin/admin or admin/password.

6. Clear Vivint Doorbell’s Storage

Exhausted doorbell SD or cloud storage could prevent the camera from making new recordings, especially if you have an older model that doesn’t support overwriting. 

The Vivint app does not allow for manually deleting activities or recordings, so the best way to erase your doorbell’s storage is to re-add the camera from the app. 

6.1 How to Delete Vivint From the App?

1. Open the Vivint app and tap on your doorbell’s banner.
2. Enter the security PIN to unlock the camera’s settings.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page to view all the options.
4. Now, tap the “Delete camera” button and then confirm.
5. Wait until the camera and all recordings are uninstalled.

6.2 How to Re-add Vivint to the App?

1. First, temporarily disarm your Vivint security system.
2. Tap “DEVICES” under “SMART HOME SETTINGS”.
3. Enter your PIN to unlock the system devices section.
4. Tap “Add new device,” then press “Doorbell camera”.
5. Follow the instructions to re-add your Vivint doorbell.

The space occupied by the camera recordings on the SD or cloud storage will become available again.

So, test if your doorbell detects motion and recordings by standing in front of the camera. 

Alert: Re-adding the doorbell works as a form of factory reset. 

7. Create a Custom Motion Zone (DIY)

Well, as we’ve clarified earlier, the doorbell won’t record unless there is a strictly defined motion zone within the Vivint app.

Since, in most cases, the software is limited or ineffective, there’s a special approach to determine the activity zone of your Vivint doorbell via “physical masking”.

So, the advantages of this method include enhanced accuracy, customization according to the user’s preferences, and, of course, extreme cost-effectiveness.

However, the physical masking may be prone to weather conditions, so it’s best to isolate your camera. 

Here are the steps to create a custom motion zone for Vivint!

Identify Unwanted Detection Areas

Use your Vivint doorbell’s live feed through the app to view which of the POV areas you wish to isolate.

The masking may isolate all of the corners or even central positions of your camera’s view where there’s no motion.

Design a Masking Template

Once you’ve outlined the doorbell’s camera areas that you wish to cover, use a paper or a piece of plastic that’s been designed to fit perfectly.

Install the Mask

Finally, carefully install the mask according to your template and material of selection.

You can use glue or something else to attach the mask as long as it covers those areas. 

Then, check how the camera’s motion detection performs and, if needed, apply the necessary adjustments. 

8. Install a Reflective Surface (DIY)

Most smart doorbell cameras use AI to distinguish different types of motion, hence, that could be the reason why the Vivint doorbell camera not recording.

By strategically placing a small mirror or reflective sticker near your driveway or garage, you can create a scenario where the driver’s face becomes visible—even if the car windows are closed.

To get a good grasp of what we’re speaking about, read the steps below:

Step #1 Identify the Camera’s View

Stand in the position where you want the motion to trigger (e.g., near your driveway entrance).

Observe where the camera is positioned and what areas it covers, and if possible, check past recordings to see where motion detection usually fails.

Step #2 Choose a Reflective Surface

You can use the following materials to create a reflective surface:

• A small convex mirror 
• Reflective tape or a sticker.
• A DIY mirror setup.

Step #3 Position the Reflection Spot

Place the mirror or reflective material at a height and angle where it can catch and reflect a driver’s face when they approach.

Common placement spots include a nearby wall, fence, post, or even a mailbox.

Test it by having someone drive up to see if their reflection is visible from the camera’s perspective.

Step #4 Adjust and Test

Check if the camera now records when the driver arrives, when someone passes in front, or whenever a driver arrives.

Adjust the reflective surface as necessary to create the perfect motion-capturing environment. 

Note: If your camera is still not recording, feel free to contact Vivint customer service or try to claim a replacement by using your product warranty.