Home security tech can help with Halloween, even if you’re short on decorating time. A few small setting changes can make a big difference for visitors, trick-or-treaters and guests — without complex setups or extra expense.
A couple of weeks before the big pumpkin day, check your video doorbell, home security cams and security systems to try these tricks. I use them at my own house to keep things fun with minimal effort, relying on devices many people already own.
Video doorbells and security cameras have two settings ripe for Halloween upgrades, chimes and Quick Replies. Both are designed to respond when someone (or something) rings the doorbell, so it’s a perfect way to prep your porch to receive guests.
To begin, you’ll have to find the chime or Quick Reply options in your settings. Systems may vary in how you enable Halloween tricks, so look up your personal security system for more information To help, here’s a quick rundown of popular brands:
- Ring: In the past, Ring has had Halloween options in Quick Replies from under its Smart Responses section in the app, like a Witch or Dracula greeting. That’s still a good bet for this year, but things are changing at Ring with the adoption of Alexa Plus Greeting for its more advanced devices, so I can’t guarantee everyone will find the Halloween options where they’ve been in the past. However, the latest customization options for Alexa Greetings should still allow you to craft a Halloween-themed greeting for Alexa to say.
- Vivint: Starting Oct. 16, use the Vivint app to set Doorbell chimes and Approach chimes, the latter of which plays early as trick-or-treaters draw near to the front door. Doorbell effects include Spooky Laugh, Howl at the Moon, Creepy Bells and several other options. Users will need a Vivint doorbell like the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro, and a Vivint Smart Hub with updated firmware to access these options.
- Eufy: Keep your app updated and view the Voice Response list for your doorbell during Halloween to add effects like a ghostly greeting. Alternatively, for some Eufy models you can cycle through different chimes manually on the doorbell to explore seasonal options. If nothing else, Eufy typically allows for custom responses where you can record your own spooky greeting.
- Google Home and Nest doorbells: Visit the doorbell Settings, choose Doorbell Theme, then choose the Halloween theme. Google Home used to give specific chime options but now does only a general Halloween chime. Keep in mind, the Google Home app is getting a significant revamp starting in October to streamline it, so your menus may look a little different, but the Halloween setting should still be there, and will naturally turn off after November 2.
Remember, these features often require a video doorbell, not just your standard security camera.
Move a security camera to your front porch and test two-way audio
This isn’t just about safety, either: Today’s wireless security cameras have two-way audio and motion detection, so you’ll know when people arrive and can use the audio feature to mimic a spooky greeting, like “Do you want to play a game?” or “We all float down here!” Get creative and practice your favorite voice.
Adhesive mounts make relocating a security cam easier, but you can also simply pop it off the mount and set it on porch railing or steps for the night. And if you happen to hide it in the shadows or bushes so a creepy voice can emanate from the dark… well, I won’t stop you.
Lower doorbell motion sensitivity for trick-or-treaters
Experiment with sensitivity settings and motions a day or two before Halloween so your system is ready. Along the way, you may even figure out how to keep your camera from triggering at every dog walker or delivery person that walks by as well.
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