Doorbell or camera alerts arriving late or not at all
Alerts that come late, or not at all, are frustrating when you want to know who is at the door. Late alerts are usually caused by phone settings, not by a faulty camera. This applies to Ring and Google Nest doorbells and cameras. Apps change their wording and menus from time to time, so what you see may differ slightly from the steps below.
Check your phone first
- Make sure notifications are switched on for the app. On iPhone, open Settings, then Notifications, then find Ring or Google Home. On Android, open Settings, then Apps, then the app, then Notifications.
- Switch off Do Not Disturb or Focus modes, or allow the app through them.
- Switch off battery saver modes for the app, which can delay alerts on Android.
- Make sure the app is allowed to refresh in the background.
Check the app's alert settings
- In Ring, open the device and look at Motion Settings and Notification options. Check motion alerts are switched on and any schedule is correct.
- In Google Home, open the camera or doorbell and look at its notification and activity settings. Check which alerts you have chosen.
Check the camera
- Motion zones set up wrongly can block alerts. Review them.
- A weak signal slows alerts. See our guide on cameras going offline.
- Low battery may restrict how often battery devices wake up.
Subscriptions
Some features, such as saved recordings or certain alerts, need a paid plan. The details depend on the brand and plan. Check the account page in the app if something has stopped.
Test it
Walk in front of the camera, or press the doorbell, and watch how long the alert takes. Try with phone Wi-Fi on and then using mobile data, to see whether your home network is the issue.
When to get more help
Get help if alerts have never arrived, stopped after a phone change, or are always several minutes late despite a strong signal. We can check settings with you.