Requirements:
When using Buddy away from home, and while on the move, here are some things you need to know.
The monitor will need a strong internet connection to work. For security reasons, it will not work on a public Wi-Fi network.
Buddy does not connect directly to your phone’s mobile data automatically. You’ll need to either:
• enable and connect to the mobile hotspot on your phone, or
• connect Buddy to a mobile Wi-Fi router.
Connection, and therefore video feed quality, will depend on your mobile signal and network coverage.
Your Buddy will always connect to the strongest internet signal it can find. It may roam in order to do this and while it is roaming, you may experience a temporary loss of signal – it may say 'device offline'.
Using your phone's hotspot
The first time you connect to your phone’s hotspot / mobile signal, it may take a couple of minutes to connect.
First ensure you are out of range of any WiFi networks, you could turn off your router if at home. In your phone settings, make your hotspot available/discoverable or turn it on. Your Buddy should connect to your hotspot, you may need to enter your hotspot’s password into the Dote app.
After you have used your phone’s hotspot once, it should be stored as a remembered network and your Buddy should automatically connect to it - provided it is the strongest internet signal available and you have hotspot turned on, made it discoverable and/or enabled maximum compatibility features. It may take 15-30 seconds to connect.
Some older phone models …??
Go here for FAQs if you’re having trouble connecting to a hotspot.
While using your phone’s hotspot may work, there is a more reliable option.
Using a mobile router:
For the best portable monitoring experience when travelling, we recommend using a mobile Wi-Fi router with a data SIM. While Buddy can connect using your phone’s hotspot, a dedicated mobile router usually provides a more stable internet connection — especially during longer journeys or when using Buddy in the car. These can be purchased from around £30+, and many mobile data providers offer low-cost data-only SIM plans or pay-as-you-go SIMs.
CarPlay / Android Auto:
Buddy is not currently compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However you should be able to use CarPlay or Auto and stream the video from the Dote Buddy monitor to your phone as well.
While some parents may choose to use phone hotspot or screen mirroring features in the car, we can’t guarantee performance or reliability across all vehicles and devices.
Go here for more info on connecting.
For more info on using the battery go here.