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Having a smart camera on your property can give you a sense of security and peace of mind. But just installing a solid model seldom does the job. Certain oversights can significantly undermine your camera’s effectiveness and features. To truly get your money’s worth from the device, avoid making these mistakes.
1Buying the Wrong Camera
Smart cameras are no longer few and far between. A quick search on Amazon or Best Buy will reveal just how many options you have. The thing is, though, not all cameras are created equal. For instance, a particular model might work great during the day but poorly in low-light conditions. If you require nighttime surveillance, it’s easy to see how such a camera might not be of much use to you.
As with most devices, there are various features andthings to consider before you purchase a home security camera. I recommend doing your research and spending at least a few days comparing and, perhaps, even testing a couple of models before you pick one for your home’s security.
2Poor Placement
You can purchase the best smart home camera, but unless you place it just right, it’s not going to offer the coverage you need. This may sound pretty obvious, but I’ve seen a lot of people install their smart cameras in the wrong spots.
Especially when installing a smart camera outdoors, you want to verify you’ve not placed it in plain sight since it could be stolen, but you’ll also want to avoid placing it too far away from the action. Additionally, you’ve got to be mindful of decorations obstructing your view.
Seasonal changes like growing foliage can also create obstructions that weren’t there at the time of installing the camera. Unless you put sufficient thought into the location of your camera, you might find yourself moving it around constantly. Before setting up your device, be sure to check thebest places to install smart camerason your property and strategically position them so you get the best coverage.
3Installing a Smart Camera Beyond the Wi-Fi Range
If you have a fairly large home or are trying to secure areas outside your home with a smart camera, an issue you might run into is maintaining Wi-Fi connectivity. If your camera is too far away from the router, it might struggle to record high-quality video, experience delays, or may even disconnect entirely.
This happened to me, but I was able to fix the issue by investing in a Wi-Fi extender. There are variousways to boost your Wi-Fi signal and extend the range, so pick one that’s most feasible for your setup. You’ll also want to check whether your internet itself is fast enough to support multiple devices. If the overall bandwidth is what’s causing an issue, consider upgrading your internet plan and router.
4Ignoring Updates
Like other smart devices, your smart camera needs to be kept up-to-date with the latest firmware and software updates. Timely updates are necessary if you want to take advantage of security patches and new features that can improve your user experience.
With my security camera, I was surprised to find that auto-updates were turned off. I was able to enable this setting and haven’t had to manually install any updates since, so I highly recommend checking the update settings on your camera.
If the camera doesn’t have an auto-update option, set a reminder to manually update the camera. It’s easy to forget, but ignoring updates can leave you and your home prone to security vulnerabilities.
5Using Easy-to-Guess Passwords
If your smart camera came with a default username and password, be sure to change it as soon as you set it up, even if you think the default password is secure enough. You don’t know who has access to it, and not setting up a unique, complex password can leave your device open to hacking.
I also recommend changing your password at least twice a year to further reduce the chance of unauthorized access or hacking. If the device has any additional features, like two-factor authentication or encryption, enable them as well.
Think you’ll set too complex a password that you won’t remember yourself? There are variousways to create unforgettable passwords that you won’t forget, from including characters from your favorite nursery rhyme to using a keyboard pattern.
6Not Going Over the Footage
I know, I know, once a smart camera is set up in a corner of the living room or outside the home, it’s all too easy to forget about it and go on with your life as usual. But setting up a smart camera is only half the battle. You’ll also want to make time to review the footage it captures.
Now, I’m guilty of this myself. I rely on the camera’s alerts and notifications for the most part. But if I see something unusual, I’ll go back and review the feed.
I’m not saying you need to watch every second of the captured footage, but it helps to periodically scan through the recordings to spot problems that may have gone unnoticed and catch any unfamiliar activity that wasn’t detected.
7Relying on a DIY Installation
I get it, a DIY installation is far more affordable than contracting a professional to do it for you. And with the wealth of information that’s available on YouTube, it’s tempting to do it yourself.
If you have the skills for it, don’t think twice about installing a smart camera on your own. But if you’re not entirely confident, it might be worth investing in a professional installation. A professional is going to know the best places to install the camera and what settings to configure so you get the most out of the system. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your camera was properly installed outweighs the savings of going the DIY route.
If you’re trying to take your security up a notch, a smart camera is a great place to begin. Avoiding these pitfalls can make your camera all the more effective and secure.
