Smart Detect is an AI-powered video analysis feature that identifies what triggered your camera and reports it specifically: a person, a pet, or a package. Instead of receiving a generic motion notification every time a leaf blows past your camera, Smart Detect sends you an alert only when it detects something that matters.
What Smart Detect can identify
Detection type | What it looks for |
Person | A human entering the camera frame |
Pet | An animal entering the camera frame |
Package | A parcel or delivery left in the camera frame |
✓ | TIP You can enable any combination of detection types per camera. For example, enable Person only to suppress pet-triggered alerts, or enable all three if you want to know about any activity. |
Requirements
• An active Standard Plan or Pro Plan
• One of the following compatible cameras: Abode Cam 2, Outdoor Smart Camera, Wireless Video Doorbell, or Iota Hub camera
• The latest firmware installed on each camera (see below)
! | NOTE Smart Detect is not available on the free plan. A Standard or Pro plan must be active before the feature can be enabled. |
Step 1. Update your camera firmware
Before enabling Smart Detect, confirm each camera is running the latest firmware. Smart Detect may not function correctly on older firmware versions.
1. Open the Abode app and tap the Menu icon.
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Check for Firmware Updates".
3. Tap "Install Updates" if any are available. If all cameras are already up to date, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2. Enable Smart Detect
Once firmware is up to date, enable Smart Detect from System Settings. You can choose which detection types to enable for all cameras at once, or configure each camera individually.
Enable Smart Detect for all cameras at once
1. In the Abode app, tap the Menu icon.
2. Tap "System Settings".
3. Tap "Smart Detect".
4. Toggle on Person, Pet, Package, or any combination of the three. These settings apply to all compatible cameras on your system.
Enable Smart Detect for an individual camera
1. In the Abode app, tap the Devices tab.
2. Tap the camera you want to configure.
3. Tap the Settings icon (gear).
4. Find Smart Detect and toggle on the detection types you want for that camera.
✓ | TIP Configuring cameras individually lets you tailor detection to each location. For example, you might enable Person and Package on your front door camera, but only Person on an indoor camera. |
Step 3. Update your notification preferences
Once Smart Detect is enabled, update your notification settings to receive alerts for each detection type. By default, Smart Detect events will appear in your Timeline but may not generate a push notification until you enable them.
1. In the Abode app, tap the Menu icon.
2. Tap "Notifications".
3. Tap "Devices".
4. Under the Cameras category, tap "Smart Detection".
5. Enable notifications for Package, Person, and/or Pet according to your preferences.
Smart Detect FAQ
Will Smart Detect replace my existing motion notifications?
No. Smart Detect works alongside standard motion detection. You can run both simultaneously, or switch to Smart Detect only to reduce the volume of generic motion alerts. Update your notification preferences in the Notifications settings to control what you receive.
Does Smart Detect work in the dark or at night?
Smart Detect works best in good lighting conditions. Detection accuracy may be reduced in low-light environments. Color Night Vision on compatible cameras can improve performance in darker conditions.
How quickly does Smart Detect identify what triggered the camera?
Smart Detect analysis runs after the clip has been recorded. The detection result appears in your Timeline and triggers a notification within a few seconds of the clip being processed.
Can Smart Detect trigger CUE automations?
Yes. Person, Pet, and Package detection events can be used as triggers in CUE automations. For example, you could create an automation that turns on a porch light when a person is detected at the front door.
Why is Smart Detect not detecting correctly?
If Smart Detect is missing events or identifying the wrong type, check the following:
• Confirm your camera firmware is fully up to date
• Ensure the camera has a clear, unobstructed view with adequate lighting
• Check that Smart Detect is enabled for the specific detection types you want in System Settings or the individual camera settings
• For package detection, make sure the delivery area is within the camera frame and not partially obscured