Fix Eufy Video Doorbell 3 Motion Sensor Not Detecting Passersby

When you install a smart doorbell, one of the first things you look forward to is the peace of mind that comes from knowing who is at your door. The Eufy Video Doorbell 3 is designed to deliver that peace with its built‑in motion sensor, which should alert you whenever someone passes by. If the sensor stops detecting passersby, you may feel like you’re losing that crucial layer of security. This guide walks you through the common causes and practical fixes for a motion sensor that isn’t working as expected.

The Eufy Video Doorbell 3 comes with a range of features that make it a strong contender in the smart home market. Its 2‑megapixel camera records crisp footage, the night vision mode keeps the footage clear even in low light, and the integrated 5‑band Wi‑Fi connectivity provides reliable streaming. The motion sensor is a critical component because it powers both the motion‑triggered recording and the real‑time alerts that you see on your phone. When it stops working, you’re left with a camera that might capture video but won’t notify you when someone is there.

Several factors can cause a motion sensor to stop detecting movement. Firmware bugs, misconfigured settings, or hardware issues can all play a role. Additionally, environmental conditions such as extreme lighting, heat sources, or even the presence of certain reflective surfaces can trick the sensor into false negatives. Understanding these factors is the first step in diagnosing and fixing the problem.

Verify that your device is running the latest firmware and that the companion app is up to date. The Eufy Doorbell 3 periodically releases updates that patch bugs and improve performance. If you’re running an older version, it might be missing critical improvements that address motion detection issues. Open the Eufy Home app, tap the doorbell icon, then tap the gear to access settings. The app will display the firmware version and offer an update button if one is available. On the same screen, check the app version and update it from the App Store or Google Play if needed. Keeping both firmware and app current reduces the likelihood of encountering software glitches that interfere with motion detection.

Double‑check that your time zone and location settings are correct. The motion detection logic in the Eufy system depends on the local time and geographic location to optimize detection windows, such as sunrise and sunset times. An incorrect time zone can shift the detection windows, causing the sensor to ignore movements that occur during the “inactive” period. In the app, go to Settings → General → Time Zone and Location and confirm the values. If you recently moved, updating these settings can instantly resolve false negatives.

Make sure the camera’s detection area is properly configured. The Eufy Doorbell 3 allows you to define “sensitivity zones” – rectangular regions within the camera’s field of view where motion will trigger an alert. If the sensor has been set to a narrow zone that excludes the path of passersby, you will not receive alerts. In the app, navigate to Settings → Motion Detection and review the zone settings. Drag the corners of the zone to encompass the area where people normally walk past the door. It’s often useful to set a slightly wider zone to avoid missing movements that drift off the edge of the camera’s view.

Adjust the sensitivity level of the motion sensor. The Eufy app provides a slider that sets how sensitive the sensor is to movement. If the slider is set too low, the sensor may ignore small movements, particularly those at a distance. Increase the sensitivity in small increments and test after each change. Watch the live feed on the app or on your phone; walk past the door while keeping your hand in the detection area to see if the motion indicator lights up. If it does, you’ve found a level that works for your environment.

Recalibrate the motion sensor if necessary. Some users find that after a firmware update or after changing the sensor’s angle, the system needs a brief recalibration. To do this, open the Motion Detection settings and look for a “Recalibrate” or “Reset” button. Click it and allow the doorbell to complete the process. This step can help the sensor adjust to changes in lighting or surrounding objects that may have interfered with its initial calibration.

Inspect the physical installation of the doorbell. The sensor’s effectiveness can be compromised if the doorbell is mounted too high, too low, or at an angle that hides part of its detection field. If the doorbell sits too high on the wall, it may not detect ground‑level movements. Conversely, a low placement can expose the sensor to dust or moisture. Adjust the mounting bracket to ensure the sensor faces outward, centered on the doorway, and that the camera is level. Use a laser level or a smartphone app that measures height to confirm proper alignment.

Keep the camera lens and the sensor optics clean. Dust, grime, or even fingerprints can obscure the sensor’s view and reduce its ability to detect motion. Using a soft, lint‑free cloth dampened with a mild cleaner, gently wipe the lens and the sensor area. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the protective coating. A clear view is essential for accurate detection.

Evaluate environmental factors that might interfere with motion detection. Strong artificial lighting, such as LED strip lights or direct sunlight, can create hotspots that cause the sensor to misinterpret static objects as movement. Similarly, heat sources like a heater or a fireplace can produce thermal fluctuations that confuse the sensor. Try moving a bright lamp or adjusting the position of nearby heat sources to see if that restores detection. In some cases, installing a small shade or adjusting the angle of the doorbell can mitigate these effects.

Check the battery status and power connection. A doorbell running on a low battery may throttle performance, including the motion sensor. If your Eufy Doorbell 3 is powered by a rechargeable battery, ensure it is fully charged before testing. If it’s a wired version, verify that the power cable is securely connected and that there are no loose connections or damage to the wires. An intermittent power supply can cause the sensor to reset or fail to process movement correctly.

Look for interference from other wireless devices. Devices that transmit on the same 2.4 GHz band, such as baby monitors, cordless phones, or microwaves, can interfere with the doorbell’s Wi‑Fi and sensor signals. If you suspect interference, try moving such devices away from the doorbell’s location or switch the doorbell to a different channel via the app. Some users also switch their home network to 5 GHz if the doorbell supports it; this can reduce congestion and improve sensor performance.

Review the notification settings in the app. Even if the sensor detects movement, you might not receive an alert if notifications are disabled or if your phone’s notification permissions are turned off. In the app, go to Settings → Notifications and ensure that the “Motion Detected” toggle is on. Also confirm that your phone’s operating system allows the Eufy app to send notifications. If you’ve disabled Do Not Disturb or set a custom quiet time that overlaps with when people usually pass by, the doorbell may silently record without alerting you.

Test motion detection after each adjustment. After making any change, run a test to confirm whether the sensor works. Walk past the door in the defined detection zone and watch for the motion indicator light on the doorbell itself and the corresponding notification on your phone. Repeat the test multiple times to rule out intermittent issues. If you still don’t get alerts, move to the next step in the troubleshooting chain.

Common pitfalls and quick fixes. A few quick actions can often solve the problem:

• Reset the motion detection zones to the default “full view” and then retune the sensitivity.
• Reboot the doorbell by unplugging it for 30 seconds (or using the battery reset method) and plugging it back in.
• Clear the cache of the Eufy app on your phone to ensure it is communicating with the doorbell correctly.
• Check for physical obstructions such as a large object or a curtain that may block the sensor’s view.

Advanced troubleshooting: use diagnostic mode. The Eufy Home app includes a diagnostic mode that can log sensor activity and other system data. Enable diagnostics by going to Settings → System → Diagnostic. After enabling, let the doorbell run for a few minutes while you simulate motion. The app will record data that you can export and send to Eufy support. This detailed information can pinpoint sensor misbehavior that isn’t obvious through standard settings.

Reset to factory settings as a last resort. If all else fails, performing a factory reset will restore the doorbell to its original configuration. This will erase all custom settings, including Wi‑Fi credentials, so you will need to set up the device from scratch. To reset, press and hold the button on the back of the doorbell for about 10 seconds until the LED flashes. Follow the on‑screen instructions in the app to reinstall the device. After a fresh setup, test motion detection again to verify that the problem has been resolved.

Seek help from the Eufy community and support team. Many users share their experiences on forums, Reddit, or the Eufy community pages. Search for similar issues to see if others have found solutions specific to your model or environment. If you’re still stuck, contact Eufy customer support with a description of the problem, the steps you’ve taken, and any diagnostic logs. Provide screenshots of the app settings if possible; these can expedite the troubleshooting process.

Summary and final thoughts. A motion sensor that stops detecting passersby can stem from software glitches, misconfigurations, environmental interference, or hardware wear. By systematically verifying firmware, settings, installation, and environmental factors, you can isolate and fix most issues. Keep your device and app updated, calibrate the sensor regularly, and maintain a clear field of view. If the sensor continues to fail after thorough troubleshooting, consider contacting professional support or evaluating a replacement unit. With the right adjustments, your Eufy Video Doorbell 3 should reliably alert you whenever someone is at your doorstep, restoring that essential layer of smart home security.