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4 Minute Read
4 Minute Read One of the most popular features of ButterflyMX smart intercoms is the ability for tenants to receive video calls from visitors directly on their smartphone. However, a common frustration reported by residents is lag in video calls — when the audio and video are delayed, choppy, or out of sync.
This issue can lead to missed visitors, awkward communication, or slow door unlock responses. The good news is that most lag problems are fixable with the right troubleshooting. In this guide, we’ll break down the main causes of video call lag and what property managers and tenants can do to resolve it.
The most common reason for lag is weak connectivity on either end of the video call:
The ButterflyMX device may have poor Wi-Fi coverage.
The tenant’s phone may have weak mobile data or Wi-Fi signal.
✅ Quick Fixes:
Ensure the intercom is within range of a strong Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
Tenants should test their phone signal strength (switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data if one is weak).
Property managers can consider installing a mesh Wi-Fi system or Ethernet cabling for more stable connections.
Video calls require steady bandwidth. If dozens of devices are connected to the same network, calls may stutter or lag.
✅ Quick Fixes:
Create a dedicated VLAN (network segment) for the ButterflyMX system.
Encourage tenants to limit heavy streaming or downloads during peak times.
Upgrade to a high-capacity router that can handle multiple simultaneous streams.
ButterflyMX requires at least 5 Mbps upload and download speeds for stable video performance. If the building’s internet service falls below this, calls may lag.
✅ Quick Fixes:
Run a speed test at different times of day.
Upgrade to a higher-speed internet package.
Consider business-class ISP plans for large multi-unit properties.
Lag can also be caused by outdated software:
The tenant’s ButterflyMX mobile app.
The intercom’s firmware.
✅ Quick Fixes:
Tenants should update the ButterflyMX app regularly via the App Store or Google Play.
Property managers should check the ButterflyMX admin dashboard for firmware updates.
Restart both the app and the intercom after updates to clear cached issues.
Older or overloaded phones may not process video calls smoothly. Even with strong internet, performance lag can appear.
✅ Quick Fixes:
Close unused apps running in the background.
Restart the phone before heavy use.
Recommend tenants keep their device’s operating system updated.
Wireless interference from other devices can slow down video streaming. High latency (delay in data transfer) also contributes to lag.
✅ Quick Fixes:
Use a wired Ethernet or PoE connection for the intercom to avoid wireless interference.
Change Wi-Fi channels on the router to reduce congestion.
Place the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, or heavy electronics.
ButterflyMX relies on cloud servers to process calls. Although rare, latency can occur due to server load or routing issues.
✅ Quick Fixes:
If multiple tenants report lag at the same time, escalate the issue to ButterflyMX support.
Test video call performance at different times of day to rule out temporary server load.
Lag in video calls may be frustrating, but it’s usually caused by connectivity issues, outdated software, or network congestion — all problems with straightforward fixes.
For Tenants:
Keep apps and phones updated.
Ensure strong Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Restart devices regularly.
For Property Managers:
Provide stable, high-speed internet with dedicated resources for ButterflyMX.
Use wired connections where possible.
Monitor system updates and hardware health.
👉 By working together, tenants and property managers can ensure that ButterflyMX delivers smooth, real-time video calls, keeping buildings both secure and convenient.
