Google Nest Doorbells: How to Adjust Motion Sensitivity for Fewer False Alerts

Motion sensitivity provides alerts when a person, vehicle, animal, or any motion is detected. There are three levels of motion sensitivity in Google Nest doorbells, including high, low, and medium. Medium is the default sensitivity level, and it detects specific movements in front of the camera. Low sensitivity ignores the distant cars and animals, whereas the high sensitivity level captures everything and provides frequent alerts. Adjust the sensitivity according to the requirements and residential area. High sensitivity consumes more battery in wireless Nest doorbells. Adjust the motion sensitivity to fewer or only the necessary alerts to avoid disruption and clutter.

How to Adjust Motion Sensitivity in the Google Home App

The Nest doorbells have wake-up and motion-sensitive alerts depending on the model. Install the Google Home App and tap on the devices tab, and then click on the doorbell. Press the three dots in the top right corner and go to the video. Choose the wake-up sensitivity and adjust the level according to the needs.

How to Customize Activity Zones for Better Accuracy

Go to the Google Home App and navigate to the settings of the app. Go to the events and click on the seen events to add a new zone. A live preview pops up with lines in the surroundings. Drag and push the lines to adjust the activity area to stay updated. Choose the people, animals, or vehicles to track their activity in a certain zone under event history and save the zone. A smaller area provides more frequent and clearer updates.

How to Use Smart Detection Features

There are multiple motion-related smart detection features in the Google Nest doorbell, including the familiar face, activity zone, motion alert, and push notification. Familiar face detection provides alerts with the name of the person who is inputted in the app. Google Nest doorbell also provides alerts for packages, people, and vehicles at a distance.

How to Test and Fine-Tune Sensitivity Settings

Adjust the motion sensitivity per demand and look at the results for 2 to 3 days. Observe the activity and level of alerts the app provides. High sensitivity provides more alerts and looks at the factors and objects that trigger the sensitivity. Adjust the level according to needs after observing it, or set it to default (Medium) if things get messed up.

What Are Tips for Reducing False Alerts?

Here are the four tips to reduce false alerts:

  1. Adjust Sensitivity During Busy Hours: Adjust the sensitivity according to the area you reside in. Busy roads and homes near parking provide excessive notifications in high sensitivity. Set the lower sensitivity in such an area and select the activity zones to avoid incidents.
  2. Avoid the Direct Road: Set the camera in a way that it does not capture the ones on the roads or sidewalks. 
  3. Use a Wedge Mount: Use a wedge mount to adjust the angle of the camera on the door. Keep it starting with a specific activity zone.
  4. Keep the Lens Clean: Make sure to clean the lens of the doorbell camera to avoid unnecessary alerts and for a clear view at night.
By Meagan Riche
Ricky Riche

Ricky Riche

My name is Ricky and I have been a mechanical engineer for 25 years. My 3D-printing journey started when I purchased my first doorbell camera. Once I installed it, I knew I needed to do something different. I wanted to see my doormat where delivery drivers would bring my items and I didn’t want to scroll through all the events. Due to my dissatisfaction, I started designing my own doorbell mounts. After some trial and error, I finally came up with the perfect mount solutions to meet multiple issues. We guarantee we have a doorbell mount on our shop to meet your specific concern.

See author's posts
Just added to your wishlist:
My Wishlist
You've just added this product to the cart:
Go to cart page