How to Use the Video Doorbell With a Plug-In Power Adapter
Overview
The Video Doorbell Series 2 requires a continuous power source to function - generally through existing doorbell wiring. If your home does not have doorbell wiring already set up, you may connect the Video Doorbell to a plug-in power adapter instead.
Power adapters are sold at retailers like Amazon and your local hardware store, but when choosing a power adapter, keep in mind that the Video Doorbell requires one that supplies 20-24V, 500mA and is outdoor rated.
Looking to purchase a Video Doorbell Series 2? You can find it available for purchase on our website (opens in new tab).
Video Doorbell Requirements
Before installing the Video Doorbell with a plug-in power adapter, you must have the following:
A plug-in power adapter that supplies 20-24V, 500mA and is outdoor-rated
An outdoor-rated power outlet with a waterproof cover
Before Getting Started
Before installing the Video Doorbell, you will need to confirm that your setup aligns with the requirements mentioned above.
What’s in the Box:
Video Doorbell Series 2
Mounting bracket
Wedge and corner adapters
Chime Connector and jumper wires (neither are required when installing the Video Doorbell with a plug-in power adapter)
Installation hardware
You Will Also Need
A drill with a 3/32” drill bit when installing on wood or siding, or a ¼” masonry drill bit when installing on brick, stone, or stucco
A Phillips head screwdriver
Wire stripper or wire cutters
A pen or pencil for marking drill holes
Electrical tape (optional)
How to Install the Video Doorbell
Add the Video Doorbell Pro in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App
Open the SimpliSafe® Mobile App on your smartphone or tablet
Navigate to the three-bar menu on the upper left corner and select Add Device or Camera
Select Cameras from the list of available products, and then Video Doorbell Series 2
Unplug Your Power Adapter
If your power adapter is currently plugged in, unplug it to cut the power to its wires.
Select the Chime Type
The SimpliSafe® app will then ask you what kind of chime box you have. When installing the Video Doorbell with a power adapter, you must select the digital chime option, even though you do not have a chime box as part of your setup.
Install the Corner Adapter
If you are installing the Video Doorbell on a slanted surface, or want to adjust the camera’s view to the left or right, install the included corner adapter to ensure the Video Doorbell captures your desired view.
If you only want to install the Video Doorbell’s wedge adapter, or want to install the Video Doorbell flat on your surface, refer to the steps below.
Turn the mounting bracket around so its back is facing up
Connect the mounting bracket to the side of the corner adapter that is marked “C”
To tilt your Video Doorbell to the left, make sure that the letter “D” on the front of the corner adapter is on the right side
To tilt your Video Doorbell to the right, make sure that the letter “D” on the front of the corner adapter is on the left side
After connecting the corner adapter to the mounting bracket, you may either install the wedge adapter to tilt the Video Doorbell’s view upright, or secure the mounting bracket to the surface.
Install the Wedge Adapter
The wedge adapter should be used if you want to tilt the Video Doorbell’s view up. The wedge adapter can either be installed on top of the corner adapter, or directly on the mounting bracket.
How to Install the Wedge Adapter on Top of the Corner Adapter
Hold the mounting bracket and corner adapter together, with the letter “D” on the previously installed corner adapter facing up
Connect the side of the wedge adapter with the letter “B” to the letter “D” on the corner adapter
To confirm that the wedge adapter was installed correctly, tilt it upright and confirm that the thickest part of the wedge adapter is at the top of the mounting bracket
How to Install the Wedge Adapter Directly on the Mounting Bracket
Turn the mounting bracket around so its back is facing up
Connect the bracket to the wedge adapter’s side that is marked with the letter “A”
To confirm that the wedge adapter was installed correctly, tilt it upright and confirm that the thickest part of the wedge adapter is at the top of the mounting bracket
Secure the Mounting Bracket to The Surface
Thread your doorbell wiring through the opening of any adapters you installed and the mounting bracket
Hold the mounting bracket in place and drill pilot holes through the top and bottom holes of the mounting bracket
If you are installing the Video Doorbell on a wood or vinyl surface, use a drill with a 3/32 inch drill bit
If you are installing the Video Doorbell on a brick, stone, or stucco surface, you will need to insert wall anchors into the pilot holes
Use a drill with a ¼ inch masonry drill bit to create your pilot holes; and then use a hammer to lightly tap the wall anchors into place
Line up the mounting bracket and any attached adapters with the pilot holes
Secure them in place using the included screws and your own Phillips head screwdriver
If you are installing just the mounting bracket without any adapters, you can affix it to your surface using the two shorter screws
If you have attached any adapters to the mounting bracket, you will need to use the longer screws
Attach the Power Adapter Wiring to the Video Doorbell
Loosen the terminal screws on the back of the Video Doorbell
Wrap the tips of the exposed power adapter wires into a hooked shape
Hook each wire behind one of the screws - we recommend hooking each wire to the left of the screws so they do not touch
Tighten the terminal screws to secure the wires in place
Attach the Video Doorbell to the Mounting Bracket
Guide the power adapter wiring back through the opening in the wall
Slot the hooks at the top of the Video Doorbell into the mounting bracket
Press the Video Doorbell flush against the mounting bracket
Using the included security tool, tighten the security screw at the bottom of the Video Doorbell in place
Once the Video Doorbell is attached to the mounting bracket, plug the power adapter in at its outlet
The Video Doorbell can take up to a minute to power up. You’ll know the Video Doorbell has power and is ready for setup when you see a steady white status light on the top of the device, below the camera lens
Connect the Video Doorbell to Wi-Fi
The SimpliSafe® app will prompt you to connect the Video Doorbell to the same Wi-Fi network your Base Station is connected to
You may either select “Connect” to pair the camera to that network, or select “Choose a different network” if you wish to connect the Video Doorbell to a different Wi-Fi network
You will next be asked to name the Video Doorbell by picking one of our pre-selected names or selecting “Custom Name” to input your own
Next, you will see the “Choose a doorbell to install” screen in the app. Select your Video Doorbell when it appears on screen to finish connecting it to Wi-Fi
Once the Video Doorbell successfully connects to Wi-Fi, you will see a confirmation message on the screen
Test the Video Doorbell’s Chime
When the Video Doorbell is connected to a power adapter, the Base Station will make a sound whenever the doorbell is rung. After installing the Video Doorbell, press its button to confirm that it chimes from the Base Station. By default, the Base Station’s chime volume will be set to Low, but this can be customized in the Video Doorbell’s settings once setup is complete. If the Base Station did not make a sound, please refer to the Video Doorbell Series 2 Won’t Ring article in the Help Center.
Enroll the Video Doorbell Series 2 in Active Guard Outdoor Protection
If you are subscribed to either our Pro Plus or Pro monitoring plans (opens in new tab), you will then be prompted to enroll your Video Doorbell Series 2 in Active Guard Outdoor Protection. If you do not want to enroll your camera now, you may always do so at a later time (opens in new tab).