I heard mixed reviews about the doorbell with only batteries, I don’t have a cable running to the door so could only use it with batteries. Do they die fast? I also take it HomeKit integration would probably be a heavy drain on the battery?
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@simov97 It’s great that you’re looking into the Smart Video Doorbell G4! From the reference information, using this doorbell solely on battery power can indeed lead to quicker battery drainage, especially when integrated with HomeKit. Here are some insights:
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Battery Life: The doorbell uses six AA 1.5V LR6 batteries. Under average usage conditions, such as activating 35 times a day with each activation lasting 10 seconds, the battery life is about four months. However, this can vary based on your specific usage patterns.
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HomeKit Integration: When connected with HomeKit, the doorbell records video whenever it’s triggered by motion, which can consume more power. The recording continues until the motion stops, which could significantly shorten battery life compared to using it with the Aqara Home app alone.
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Power Saving Tips: To prolong battery life, you might consider using the Power Saving Mode, which turns off the PIR detection function. The doorbell will then only be triggered by pressing the bell or remote viewing in the app. Also, using new batteries of the same model together and ensuring minimal wireless interference can help extend battery life.
If you’re set on using only batteries, it might be a good idea to keep an eye on your usage and possibly have spare batteries on hand. Feel free to ask more questions or share your experience once you have it set up!
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I’ve had the doorbell for over a year and I run it on battery power, mostly because I’ve been too lazy to deal with wiring it up. I’ve had to change the batteries every 4-5 months which isn’t bad considering I regularly log in and watch the live camera feed for extended periods.
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It’s pretty good that it lasts almost half a year. I don’t know how you have the configurations, depending on how they are, you can add a little more time. Especially with the amount of data it must detect, that is. In your case, do you use rechargeable or disposable batteries?
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I use disposable batteries. I find rechargeable don’t last nearly as long, especially in these types of applications.
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4-5 months in battery is actually quite good! Do you have integrated with HomeKit or do you just use the Awara app?
I have it integrated with HomeKit and rarely use the Aqara app.
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I also have it integrated into HomeKit and that’s where I usually answer calls. In addition, the integration with the HomePod and telling you who is calling is great.
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I have a G4 connected to battery. I am way up North, so it gets really cold in the Winter. Battery lasts 4 months or so in the Summer, but barely 50 days in the Winter.
I can’t be upset about it though. Physics.
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Whatever you do, don’t have construction going on outside your door! We’re having a new front porch added to our house and that has whipped our batteries! 
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At the moment I have not been able to verify that in winter, I hope it does not happen to me, since in my area in winter it is quite cold. If not, I’ll have to look for a solution
I use batteries in mine. Usually get 3 months between battery change. I find bulk buying amazon industrial AAs is the cheapest option.
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I had a eufy battery doorbell for a years because my house didn’t have wiring for a doorbell.
Since moving house, which has doorbell wiring, I’ve now got the G410 wired in and I’m so pleased I don’t more have to keep checking the battery level and the constant monitoring view is a massive bonus to me.
I would not go back to a battery doorbell
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