Smart doorbells offer convenience, but poor setup can put your home at risk. Hackers have used doorbell cameras to spy, steal video footage, and invade privacy. Attackers use weak passwords or unpatched firmware to take control of it in different real-life attacks. A hacked doorbell does more than just video leak, it grants access to your home network. Simple actions help prevent most threats. The right settings, including strong passwords and firmware updates, can prevent the leakage of data and harm to personal security.

What Are the Ways to Prevent Smart Doorbell Hacking?

The following are the 10 ways to protect your smart doorbell from hacking attempts and unauthorized access:

1. Use a Strong, Unique Wi-Fi Password

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

3. Regularly Update Your Doorbell’s Firmware

4. Set Strong App Login Credentials

5. Use a Secure Home Wi-Fi Network

6. Limit Shared Access to Trusted Users Only

7. Turn Off Remote Viewing When Not Needed

8. Monitor Account Activity for Suspicious Logins

9. Use a Firewall or Network Segmentation (Advanced)

10. Understand and Adjust Privacy Settings

Use a Strong, Unique Wi-Fi Password

Do not use default passwords or passwords that are easy to figure out. Make it strong by using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Do not use names, date of birth or word repetitions. Write it offline and put it in a safe place. This does not allow strangers to get to your doorbell by your home network.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security. You confirm your identity with a code delivered by SMS or app after you enter your password to the account settings of Ring, Google Nest, and other leading brands. Turn on this feature in the security section of your app.

Regularly Update Your Doorbell’s Firmware

The manufacturers publish firmware updates to correct bugs and security holes. Launch your doorbell application and see updates available. Install any security patches and updates whenever available. Every update enhances security and stops previously exploited imperfections from being attacked

Set Strong App Login Credentials

Do not use one common login across other services. Use a long, complex password unique to your doorbell app. Password managers are ideal for creating and storing complex passwords. Do not save passwords in a browser on shared computers. 

Use a Secure Home Wi-Fi Network

Allow WPA2 or WPA3 in your Router settings. Change the SSID to something you cannot be traced and do not input your name or address. Turn off guest login unless there is an important reason. Keep router firmware updated and use strong login credentials.

Limit Shared Access to Trusted Users Only

Allow the entry of only members of the family. Do not share with guests or other unknown users. Take away access as soon as someone moves out or has no need. Go to your app to see a list of active users and delete those that are unidentified.

Turn Off Remote Viewing When Not Needed

Turn off the remote view when you are not at home or watching the area. This minimizes risk and exposure. Remove integrations or third-party access to the app. Allow remote access only when required to monitor or deliver alerts.

Monitor Account Activity for Suspicious Logins

Most smart doorbell apps show the history of login by place, device, and time. Access the activity log and scan through any unfamiliar IP addresses or new devices accessing it. Log out unknown devices and update passwords if activity looks suspicious.

Use a Firewall or Network Segmentation (Advanced)

Keep the smart home devices on a different network from phones and PCs. Use your router settings to make a guest network. Limit the traffic between devices using a smart firewall. Only allow the doorbell to access the internet.

Understand and Adjust Privacy Settings

Make sure your privacy settings are set correctly in the smart doorbell app. Disable audio recording, geolocation, or automatic cloud storage when you do not need it. Turn off third-party data sharing and enable only the necessary features for monitoring and alerts.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Doorbell Was Hacked?

Here are 4 immediate actions to take if you suspect your smart doorbell has been hacked:

1. Reset your device using the app or a physical reset button to restore default settings.

2. Change any related passwords, such as the doorbell app, Wi-Fi used, connected cloud storage, and email accounts.

3. Report the issue to customer support, ask them to provide security aid, and confirm any suspicious activity.

4. Check the app and router logs for unknown devices, unfamiliar IP addresses, or irregular login times.