Forgetting your Ring Doorbell means removing it from your account, Wi-Fi network, or mobile app. This guide walks you through every method—whether you’re troubleshooting, selling your home, or switching devices—so you can disconnect safely and completely.
Key Takeaways
- Understand what “forgetting” means: It involves removing the device from your Ring account, disconnecting it from Wi-Fi, or deleting it from the app.
- Use the Ring app for most removals: The official app is the easiest way to unlink your doorbell from your account.
- Factory reset for full disconnection: If you’re selling or giving away the device, a hard reset ensures no personal data remains.
- Remove from Wi-Fi network separately: Forgetting the doorbell in the app doesn’t always remove it from your router’s connected devices list.
- Check shared users and subscriptions: Remove shared access and cancel Ring Protect plans before forgetting the device.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the device won’t forget, try restarting the app, checking internet, or contacting support.
- Keep records for future setup: Note your device serial number and model in case you need to reconnect later.
How to Forget Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve decided it’s time to part ways with your Ring Doorbell. Maybe you’re moving, upgrading to a newer model, or just no longer need the extra surveillance at your front door. Whatever the reason, knowing how to forget Ring Doorbell properly is essential to protect your privacy, free up space in your account, and ensure the device is ready for its next owner—or a fresh start.
Forgetting your Ring Doorbell isn’t just about unplugging it or tossing it in a drawer. It involves a few digital and physical steps to fully disconnect it from your life. This guide will walk you through every method, from using the Ring app to performing a factory reset, removing it from your Wi-Fi, and even handling shared access or subscriptions. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to forget your Ring Doorbell—completely and confidently.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Might Want to Forget Your Ring Doorbell
Visual guide about How to Forget Ring Doorbell
Image source: robots.net
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. There are several common reasons people choose to forget their Ring Doorbell:
- Moving to a new home: You don’t want your old doorbell still linked to your account—or worse, recording your new neighbors.
- Selling or giving away the device: If you’re passing it on, you need to wipe all your personal data and access.
- Upgrading to a newer model: Switching from a Ring Video Doorbell 2 to a Ring Video Doorbell Pro? You’ll want to remove the old one first.
- Troubleshooting persistent issues: Sometimes, the best fix is to remove and re-add the device.
- Privacy concerns: You may no longer want video recordings stored in the cloud or accessible via your app.
- Canceling Ring Protect: If you’re ending your subscription, you might also want to remove the device.
No matter your reason, the process is straightforward—but it’s important to do it correctly. Skipping steps could leave your device partially connected, which might cause confusion or security risks down the line.
Method 1: Forget Ring Doorbell Using the Ring App (Recommended)
The easiest and most reliable way to forget your Ring Doorbell is through the official Ring app. This method removes the device from your account, stops cloud recordings, and disconnects it from your Ring Protect plan (if applicable).
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. You can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if needed.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
Enter your email and password to access your Ring account. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, complete that step as well.
Step 3: Go to Device Dashboard
Once logged in, tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner. Then select Devices from the menu. You’ll see a list of all your Ring devices—cameras, doorbells, alarms, etc.
Step 4: Select Your Doorbell
Tap on the Ring Doorbell you want to forget. This will open the device’s control panel, where you can view live video, adjust settings, and more.
Step 5: Access Device Settings
Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the screen and tap it. This opens the settings menu for that specific device.
Step 6: Scroll Down and Tap “Remove Device”
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the settings page. You’ll see a red button labeled Remove Device. Tap it.
Step 7: Confirm Removal
The app will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the device. It may warn you that this action will stop all recordings and disconnect the device from your account. Tap Remove to proceed.
Step 8: Wait for Confirmation
The app will process the request. Within a few seconds, you should see a confirmation message saying the device has been successfully removed.
Tip: After removal, the device will no longer appear in your app. However, it may still be connected to your Wi-Fi network. We’ll cover how to remove it from your router later.
Method 2: Factory Reset Your Ring Doorbell
If you’re selling, donating, or giving away your Ring Doorbell, a factory reset is essential. This wipes all settings, Wi-Fi credentials, and personal data from the device, returning it to its original out-of-the-box state.
A factory reset is also useful if the app method doesn’t work or if you no longer have access to your Ring account.
Step 1: Locate the Reset Button
The reset button is usually a small, recessed button on the back or side of the doorbell. You’ll need a paperclip, SIM tool, or similar thin object to press it.
– Ring Video Doorbell (1st–4th Gen): The reset button is on the back, near the bottom.
– Ring Video Doorbell Pro: The reset button is on the right side.
– Ring Video Doorbell Elite: The reset button is on the back, near the Ethernet ports.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Reset Button
Insert your tool into the reset hole and press the button. Hold it down for 15 to 20 seconds. You’ll know it’s working when the LED light on the front of the doorbell starts flashing.
– On most models, the light will flash white or blue during the reset.
– On the Ring Doorbell Pro, the light ring will flash white.
Step 3: Wait for the Reset to Complete
Continue holding the button until the light stops flashing and turns off completely. This usually takes about 30 seconds total. Once the light is off, release the button.
Step 4: Confirm the Reset
The device is now reset. If you press the doorbell button, the LED should flash in a pattern indicating it’s ready to be set up again (usually a slow white pulse).
Note: A factory reset does not automatically remove the device from your Ring account. You should still use the app method above to fully disconnect it.
Method 3: Remove Ring Doorbell from Your Wi-Fi Network
Even after removing the device from the Ring app, it may still appear as a connected device on your router. This doesn’t mean it’s active—it’s just a leftover entry. However, for full disconnection, it’s best to remove it from your Wi-Fi network too.
Step 1: Access Your Router’s Admin Panel
Open a web browser and type in your router’s IP address (common ones include 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in with your admin username and password.
Step 2: Find Connected Devices
Look for a section labeled Connected Devices, Device List, or DHCP Clients. This shows all devices currently or recently connected to your network.
Step 3: Locate Your Ring Doorbell
Find the entry for your Ring Doorbell. It may appear as “Ring-XXXX” or “RingDoorbell” followed by a series of numbers. The MAC address (a 12-digit code like AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF) can help you identify it.
Step 4: Remove or Block the Device
Some routers allow you to remove devices from the list or block them from reconnecting. Look for options like Remove, Forget, or Block. If your router doesn’t support this, you can change your Wi-Fi password—this will disconnect all devices, including the Ring Doorbell.
Tip: After changing your Wi-Fi password, reconnect your other devices (phones, laptops, smart home gadgets) using the new password.
Method 4: Remove Shared Users and Cancel Ring Protect
If you’ve shared access to your Ring Doorbell with family members or friends, or if you’re subscribed to Ring Protect, you’ll want to clean those up before forgetting the device.
Step 1: Remove Shared Users
In the Ring app, go to Devices > select your doorbell > Settings > Shared Users. Tap on each user and select Remove Access. Confirm when prompted.
Step 2: Cancel Ring Protect (If Applicable)
If you have a Ring Protect plan for this device, you should cancel it to avoid being charged.
– Go to Menu > Protect Plan.
– Select the plan associated with your doorbell.
– Tap Cancel Plan and follow the prompts.
Note: Canceling Ring Protect stops cloud recordings and smart alerts. Local recordings (if supported) may still work, but they won’t be saved.
Method 5: Physically Disconnect the Doorbell (Optional)
If you’re removing the doorbell permanently—say, because you’re moving or replacing it with a traditional doorbell—you’ll need to disconnect it from your home’s wiring.
Step 1: Turn Off Power
Go to your home’s electrical panel and turn off the circuit that powers your doorbell. This is usually labeled “Doorbell” or “Front Door.” Use a voltage tester to confirm the power is off.
Step 2: Remove the Doorbell
Unscrew the doorbell from the wall. Carefully disconnect the wires. If you’re installing a new doorbell, label the wires (front and transformer) for easy reconnection.
Step 3: Cap the Wires
Use wire nuts to cap the exposed wires and tuck them safely into the wall. This prevents accidental shocks and keeps your home safe.
Step 4: Patch the Wall (Optional)
If you’re not replacing the doorbell, you may want to patch the hole in the wall with spackle or drywall compound.
Safety Tip: If you’re not comfortable working with electrical wiring, hire a licensed electrician.
Troubleshooting: What If You Can’t Forget Your Ring Doorbell?
Sometimes, the process doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are common issues and how to fix them.
Issue 1: “Remove Device” Button Is Grayed Out
This usually means the device is offline or there’s a connectivity issue.
- Solution: Make sure your doorbell has power and is connected to Wi-Fi. Try refreshing the app or restarting your phone.
Issue 2: Device Still Appears in App After Removal
Sometimes, the app doesn’t update immediately.
- Solution: Force-close the Ring app and reopen it. If it still appears, log out and log back in.
Issue 3: Factory Reset Doesn’t Work
If the LED doesn’t flash or the device doesn’t reset:
- Solution: Make sure you’re holding the reset button long enough (at least 15 seconds). Try using a different tool or cleaning the reset hole with compressed air.
Issue 4: Can’t Access Your Ring Account
If you’ve lost access to your account:
- Solution: Use Ring’s account recovery tool or contact Ring Support. You may need to verify your identity.
Issue 5: Device Keeps Reconnecting to Wi-Fi
If your router keeps assigning an IP address to the doorbell:
- Solution: Use MAC address filtering to block the device permanently. Or, as mentioned earlier, change your Wi-Fi password.
Best Practices After Forgetting Your Ring Doorbell
Once you’ve successfully forgotten your doorbell, here are a few final steps to ensure a clean break:
- Keep a record: Note the device’s model and serial number (found on the back or in the app before removal) in case you need it for warranty or support.
- Check your email: Ring may send a confirmation email about the device removal. Keep it for your records.
- Update your smart home setup: If you used the doorbell with Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT, remove it from those integrations too.
- Consider data privacy: If you’re concerned about past recordings, contact Ring Support to request data deletion.
Conclusion
Forgetting your Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re moving, upgrading, or just simplifying your smart home, following these steps ensures a clean, secure disconnection. Start with the Ring app to remove the device from your account, perform a factory reset if you’re giving it away, and don’t forget to clean up your Wi-Fi network and shared access.
By taking the time to forget your Ring Doorbell properly, you protect your privacy, avoid unnecessary charges, and make the device ready for its next chapter—whether that’s with a new owner or in a recycling bin.
Remember: how to forget Ring Doorbell is about more than just unplugging a device. It’s about taking control of your digital footprint and making smart, intentional choices about your home security.
So go ahead—press that remove button with confidence. You’ve got this.