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Smart doorbell: How to easily retrofit your doorbell  

A smart doorbell can make everyday life easier and ensure greater security. We reveal why you don't need a new doorbell system - just a small smart tool for retrofitting. 

What is a smart doorbell?

Did you miss another parcel because you didn't hear the doorbell in the garden or at the neighbour's? Annoying, but there is a simple solution: the smart doorbell. It notifies you on your smartphone when someone rings the doorbell - even when you'reout and about. The smart doorbell communicates with your network via Wi-Fi. This has a lot of potential to make your life easier. With Shelly, for example, you could be notified when the doorbell rings and then check the app on your smart camera to see who is asking to come in. You could also link the doorbell signal to a voice assistant or use it to control the light.

Convenience and security: the five advantages of a smart doorbell.

Advantages of a smart doorbell

The biggest advantage of integrating your doorbell system into your smart home is, of course, that you will no longer miss any visitors - no matter where you are. When the doorbell rings, you receive a push notification on your smartphone. You can also integrate your smart speaker, for example in the basement, garden, or another area where you can't hear the doorbell well, to let you know that someone is at the door. But these are by no means all the benefits. Above all, a smart doorbell increases convenience and security. Want a few practical examples? No problem.

Smart peephole: video surveillance when the doorbell rings

A smart doorbell can control and activate other networked components. For example, an IP camera can be switched on via a relay, such as the Shelly 1 Gen3. If someone presses the doorbell button at the front door, you can check directly in the camera app to see who is asking to come in or program a routine. The smart peephole provides a big plus in security, especially in the evening or at night. Even if the children are home alone, they can check the family tablet to see who is at the door before opening it. However, make sure that the video recording does not cover the neighboring property or public areas. 

Smart Intercom system

Let's take the scenario one step further: if the camera on the door is equipped with a microphone and a loudspeaker, it can also be used as an intercom system. For example, you can tell your grandma that you'll be there in five minutes to invite her in or ask the postman via the intercom whether he'll leave the parcel with your favorite neighbor. A smart doorbell with an intercom function is not only practical but also increases security in the home.  

Quiet, please: Mute the bell

Wonderful, your little one has finally fallen asleep and is having a cozy nap. Of course, the parcel carrier rings just at that moment - the child is awake again and the bedtime routine starts all over again. To prevent this, most doorbells (including analog ones) can be muted. But then, of course, you miss the parcel. So the solution is not ideal either. With a smart doorbell, on the other hand, you receive the push message quietly and discreetly via the app and can accept the parcel. Problem solved. 

Illuminating combo: smart light and networked doorbell

If your smart home knows that the doorbell is ringing, it can use this information for numerous automations and scenarios. For example, you could program the lights outside to switch on automatically at a certain time, saving you from having to install a motion detector.

Please open the door: Alexa as bouncer

If the doorbell is integrated into the smart home via the Shelly system, it can also be used to control an electric door opener. This means you can also open the door when you'reout and about. If you are at home, you can use voice commands to ask Alexa to open the door when the doorbell rings. The prerequisite for this is, of course, that the door opener is electrically controlled. However, make sure that this automation cannot be used by unauthorized persons and that children, for example, inadvertently give the voice command to open the door. 

Making analogue doorbells smart

Now that we have highlighted the advantages of a networked doorbell, the question arises as to how a smart doorbell can be integrated. If you are now thinking that the entire doorbell system needs to be replaced and complex wiring is imminent, can rest assured: It's easy with the Shelly Plus Uni. The small module is especially suitable for devices with low-voltage AC and DC applications and enables them to be controlled via the smart home. It has two solid-state relays with potential-free contacts, a pulse counter, one analog, and two digital inputs.

Shelly Plus Uni in practice

Using the solid-state relays, the Shelly Plus Uni can easily switch door openers, garage doors, or intercom systems on and off, for example. As the relays are potential-free, they can be integrated into existing systems without affecting their power supply. The pulse counter records how often the doorbell has been pressed. Thanks to the various inputs, you can connect different sensors and devices - for example, the button on your doorbell or an electric door opener. So the possibilities are endless. 

   
Shelly Plus Uni
Shelly Plus Uni
€17,73

Flexible implementation: building a smart doorbell

To make an analog doorbell smart, the Shelly Plus Uni is simply integrated into the electrical circuit of your doorbell and from then on detects the doorbell signal. It then sends this information to the Shelly system via WLAN. The analog chime is retained. Alternatively, you can also couple the Plus Uni with an electric door opener and a button to create a smart doorbell. 

If you want the sound signal to be triggered by the door opening, for example when someone enters your shop, you can also use a sensor that recognizes when the door opens or closes - for example the Shelly BLU-Motion to register the movement, or the BLU Door/Window Sensor, which detects when the door opens. The Shelly Plus Uni then triggers the sound. 

     
Shelly BLU Motion
Shelly BLU Motion
€23,68
Shelly BLU Door/Window List
Shelly BLU Door/Window
€20,11

Instructions: smart doorbell with Shelly Plus Uni

Installation in the circuit is simple, but should still be carried out by a specialist company. You can find an overview of Shelly-certified installers in your area on our website. 

During installation, the power supply to the doorbell is first switched off. The installer then connects the Shelly Plus Uni to the doorbell's power supply. The bell button output is connected to the input signal of the Shelly Plus Uni so that it can pass on the bell signal. A detailed wiring diagram is included with the Shelly Plus Uni. Of course, the implementation always depends on the conditions on-site. 

App integration of the doorbell

Once the wiring is complete, you can switch the power back on and download the Shelly Smart Control app to your smartphone to integrate the Plus Uni into your smart home. If the small device is in pairing mode, you can add it directly via "Add device" or the "+" symbol. Now simply select the Shelly Plus Uni from the list and enter the Wi-Fi access data. You can see from the status LED on the Shelly device that the pairing was successful. Follow the further instructions in the app and you can integrate your new smart doorbell into automations or scenarios that make your life easier. You can now also use it with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Samsung SmartThings.

Can any doorbell be made smart with Shelly?

Any bell can be transformed into a smart doorbell with Shelly. But there are a few technical requirements. Classic doorbells are equipped with a transformer and a bell button - the Plus Uni only needs to be connected in between. This means that all mechanical doorbells are compatible with the Shelly module. For electronic doorbells with control units that have a video or intercom function, for example, it makes sense to take a look at the wiring diagram to see where you can integrate the Plus Uni.

FAQs: Retrofitting a smart doorbell

Can I connect the doorbell to my mobile phone?

Yes, you can connect and control a smart doorbell that communicates via the Shelly Plus Uni with the Shelly Smart Control app on your smartphone. 

Can you use Alexa as a doorbell?

You can integrate Alexa by, for example, telling her that she has rung and where playing a melody, or triggering a routine with the doorbell signal. 

What can you do with a Shelly Plus Uni?

The Plus Uni has two potential-free relays, connection options for digital and analog sensors, and an integrated pulse counter. This means it can be used for a wide range of applications: from counting the pulses of a smart gas or water meter to automating the coffee machine.