This guide walks you through the complete process of installing your Telus Doorbell Camera, from gathering tools to final app setup. Whether you’re replacing an old doorbell or installing a new one, we’ll help you get it working smoothly and securely.
Key Takeaways
- Check compatibility first: Ensure your existing doorbell wiring and voltage meet Telus Doorbell Camera requirements before starting.
- Turn off power safely: Always shut off the circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock during installation.
- Use the Telus Smart Home app: The app is essential for pairing, configuring, and managing your doorbell camera.
- Secure mounting is key: Properly align and tighten the doorbell to prevent wobbling and ensure clear video angles.
- Test after installation: Verify motion detection, live view, and two-way audio work before finishing.
- Keep firmware updated: Regular updates improve performance, security, and add new features.
- Contact support if needed: Telus offers customer support for installation issues or connectivity problems.
How to Install Telus Doorbell Camera: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve decided to upgrade your home security with the Telus Doorbell Camera—great choice! This smart device lets you see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere using your smartphone. Whether you’re replacing an old doorbell or installing a brand-new one, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful setup.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to install your Telus Doorbell Camera, connect it to your Wi-Fi, pair it with the Telus Smart Home app, and customize its settings for maximum security and convenience. We’ll cover everything from tools and safety tips to troubleshooting common issues. No prior experience? No problem. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Visual guide about How to Install Telus Doorbell Camera
Image source: images.ctfassets.net
Before you grab your screwdriver, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will save time and prevent frustration.
Tools and Materials
- Telus Doorbell Camera kit (includes camera, mounting plate, screws, and wires)
- Screwdriver (Phillips head)
- Drill and drill bits (if mounting on brick, stucco, or concrete)
- Voltage tester (to confirm power is off)
- Wire strippers (if you need to trim or re-strip wires)
- Smartphone or tablet with the Telus Smart Home app installed
- Stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz band required)
- Ladder (if your doorbell is high up)
- Optional: Level tool (to ensure the doorbell is straight)
Check Your Existing Doorbell System
Not all doorbells are the same. The Telus Doorbell Camera works best with homes that have existing doorbell wiring and a transformer that provides 8–24 volts AC. Here’s how to check:
Step 1: Locate your current doorbell button. It’s usually near your front door.
Step 2: Gently remove the faceplate using a screwdriver. You should see two wires connected to the back.
Step 3: Use a voltage tester to check the voltage. If you’re not comfortable doing this, consider hiring an electrician. Most modern doorbells run on 16V, which is perfect.
Important: If your home doesn’t have existing wiring, the Telus Doorbell Camera may not be the best fit unless you’re willing to run new wires or use a wireless alternative. Telus also offers battery-powered smart doorbells, so check your model type.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Safety first! Working with electrical wires can be dangerous if the power is still on.
Locate Your Circuit Breaker
Go to your home’s main electrical panel (usually in the basement, garage, or utility closet). Look for the breaker labeled “Doorbell,” “Chime,” or something similar. If you’re unsure, turn off the main breaker to be safe.
Test the Power
After turning off the breaker, go back to your doorbell and press the button. If the chime doesn’t ring, the power is off. For extra safety, use a non-contact voltage tester near the wires to confirm no electricity is flowing.
Tip: Place a piece of tape over the breaker switch so no one accidentally turns it back on while you’re working.
Step 2: Remove the Old Doorbell
Now that the power is off, it’s time to remove your existing doorbell.
Unscrew the Faceplate
Use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding the old doorbell in place. Carefully pull the faceplate away from the wall.
Disconnect the Wires
You’ll see two wires connected to the back. Loosen the screws holding them and gently pull the wires free. Don’t cut them—just disconnect them.
Pro Tip: Take a photo of the wiring before disconnecting. This will help you remember which wire goes where if you need to reinstall the old doorbell later.
Remove the Mounting Plate
If there’s an old mounting plate, unscrew it from the wall. You may need to patch small holes later, but for now, just remove it.
Step 3: Prepare the Wires
The Telus Doorbell Camera needs a good connection to function properly.
Strip the Wire Ends
If the wire ends are frayed or too short, use wire strippers to expose about 1/4 inch of copper. This ensures a solid connection.
Secure the Wires
Tape the wires to the wall or use a wire holder to keep them from slipping back into the wall. You’ll need them accessible for the next step.
Step 4: Install the Mounting Plate
The mounting plate is the base that holds your doorbell camera securely.
Position the Plate
Hold the Telus mounting plate against the wall where you want the doorbell. Make sure it’s level—use a level tool if you have one. The ideal height is about 48 inches from the ground, so most people can see the camera lens clearly.
Mark the Screw Holes
Use a pencil to mark where the screw holes will go. If you’re mounting on wood, you can screw directly into the wall. For brick, stucco, or concrete, you’ll need to drill pilot holes and use wall anchors.
Drill and Secure
Drill pilot holes if needed, then screw the mounting plate into place. Make sure it’s tight and doesn’t wobble.
Tip: If your doorbell is on a corner or angled surface, Telus offers a wedge kit (sold separately) to adjust the viewing angle.
Step 5: Connect the Wires to the Doorbell Camera
Now it’s time to connect your doorbell camera to the wiring.
Identify the Terminals
On the back of the Telus Doorbell Camera, you’ll see two terminals labeled “Front” and “Trans.” These correspond to the two wires from your wall.
Attach the Wires
Loosen the terminal screws, insert the exposed wire ends, and tighten the screws securely. It doesn’t matter which wire goes to which terminal—the doorbell is not polarity-sensitive.
Important: Make sure the wires are firmly connected and not touching each other to avoid short circuits.
Step 6: Attach the Doorbell Camera to the Mounting Plate
With the wires connected, it’s time to mount the camera.
Align the Camera
Hold the doorbell camera against the mounting plate. The bottom edge should snap into place first.
Secure with Screws
Use the provided security screws to fasten the camera to the plate. These screws require a special tool (usually included) to prevent tampering.
Tip: Don’t overtighten the screws—this can crack the plastic housing.
Step 7: Restore Power and Test the Doorbell
Now that everything is installed, it’s time to turn the power back on.
Turn On the Breaker
Go back to your electrical panel and flip the breaker back on.
Test the Doorbell
Press the doorbell button. You should hear the chime inside your home. If not, double-check your wiring and breaker.
Note: The doorbell camera itself doesn’t make a sound—it sends a notification to your phone. The chime unit inside your home handles the sound.
Step 8: Download and Set Up the Telus Smart Home App
The Telus Smart Home app is your control center for the doorbell camera.
Download the App
Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for “Telus Smart Home.” Download and install it.
Create or Log In to Your Account
If you’re new to Telus Smart Home, create an account using your email and a secure password. If you already have an account, log in.
Add Your Doorbell Camera
Tap the “+” icon in the app and select “Add Device.” Choose “Doorbell Camera” from the list.
Scan the QR Code
The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the back of your doorbell camera. Use your phone’s camera to scan it.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions
The app will guide you through connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network. Make sure you’re connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band—5 GHz is not supported.
Tip: Choose a strong Wi-Fi password and ensure your router is close enough for a stable signal.
Step 9: Configure Your Doorbell Camera Settings
Once connected, customize your doorbell to suit your needs.
Set Up Motion Zones
In the app, go to “Motion Settings” and define areas where you want motion detection. For example, you might want alerts when someone approaches the front door but ignore movement in the street.
Adjust Sensitivity
You can set how sensitive the motion detection is. High sensitivity catches more movement but may cause false alerts (like from passing cars).
Enable Two-Way Audio
Make sure two-way audio is turned on so you can speak to visitors through the app.
Set Up Notifications
Choose when and how you receive alerts—push notifications, email, or both. You can also set quiet hours to avoid disturbances at night.
Invite Family Members
Share access with family members by inviting them via email. They’ll need to download the app and accept the invitation.
Step 10: Test Everything
Before you call it a day, make sure everything works.
Test Live View
Open the app and tap “Live View” to see the camera feed. Check for clarity, lighting, and angle.
Test Motion Detection
Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion. You should receive a notification within a few seconds.
Test Two-Way Audio
Speak through the app and listen for sound from the doorbell. Ask someone to speak outside and listen through the app.
Test Night Vision
Turn off the lights and check the video quality. The infrared LEDs should provide clear black-and-white footage.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Even with careful installation, problems can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.
Doorbell Not Powering On
- Check that the breaker is on.
- Verify the wires are securely connected.
- Use a voltage tester to confirm power at the doorbell.
- If no power, the transformer may be faulty—consider replacing it.
No Wi-Fi Connection
- Ensure you’re using a 2.4 GHz network.
- Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Restart your router and the doorbell camera.
- Re-enter your Wi-Fi password in the app.
Blurry or Dark Video
- Clean the camera lens with a soft cloth.
- Adjust the mounting angle to avoid glare from sunlight or lights.
- Ensure night vision is enabled in the app.
Delayed Notifications
- Check your internet speed—slow connections cause delays.
- Close other apps using bandwidth.
- Update the app and camera firmware.
Two-Way Audio Not Working
- Check microphone and speaker permissions in your phone settings.
- Ensure the doorbell isn’t muted in the app.
- Test in a quiet environment to rule out background noise.
Maintenance and Best Practices
To keep your Telus Doorbell Camera working perfectly, follow these tips.
Clean the Lens Regularly
Dust, dirt, and spiderwebs can block the camera. Wipe the lens gently with a microfiber cloth every few weeks.
Update Firmware
Telus releases updates to improve performance and security. Enable automatic updates in the app or check manually monthly.
Check Battery (If Applicable)
If you have a battery-powered model, monitor the battery level in the app and recharge or replace as needed.
Review Recordings
Check your recorded clips periodically to ensure the camera is capturing important events.
Secure Your Account
Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication in the Telus Smart Home app to protect your privacy.
Conclusion
Installing your Telus Doorbell Camera is a smart way to enhance your home security. With this guide, you’ve learned how to safely remove your old doorbell, connect the new camera, pair it with the app, and customize its settings. From checking voltage to testing two-way audio, every step has been covered to ensure a smooth experience.
Remember, the key to success is preparation and patience. Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Telus customer support if you run into trouble. Once installed, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you can see and speak to anyone at your door—no matter where you are.
Your home is now smarter, safer, and more connected. Welcome to the future of doorbell technology!