Mounting your Ring Doorbell 2 doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide walks you through every step—from choosing the right location to final testing—so you can enjoy enhanced home security in under an hour. No experience needed!
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right location: Mount your Ring Doorbell 2 at chest height (48 inches) and within Wi-Fi range for optimal performance and clear video.
- Gather the right tools: You’ll need a drill, screwdriver, level, and possibly a wire stripper if hardwiring to existing doorbell wires.
- Use the included mounting bracket: The adjustable wedge and corner kit help angle the doorbell for better motion detection and camera view.
- Secure the device properly: Always use the anti-theft screw and security screwdriver to prevent tampering and theft.
- Test before finalizing: Check Wi-Fi signal, live view, and motion zones in the Ring app before tightening everything.
- Hardwiring vs. battery: Decide whether to use rechargeable battery power or connect to existing doorbell wiring for continuous power.
- Follow safety first: Turn off power at the breaker if hardwiring, and never work on live electrical circuits.
How to Mount Ring Doorbell 2: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So you’ve got your hands on a Ring Doorbell 2—great choice! This smart doorbell offers HD video, two-way talk, motion alerts, and night vision, all designed to keep your home safer and more connected. But before you can start seeing who’s at the door, you need to mount it properly.
Don’t worry—this isn’t rocket science. With the right tools, a little patience, and this detailed guide, you’ll have your Ring Doorbell 2 securely installed and ready to go in under an hour. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned home improver, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to mount your Ring Doorbell 2, including choosing the best spot, preparing the area, installing the mounting bracket, connecting power (battery or hardwired), and setting it up in the Ring app. We’ll also share practical tips, troubleshoot common issues, and help you avoid mistakes that could affect performance.
Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Visual guide about How to Mount Ring Doorbell 2
Image source: cdn.shopify.com
Before you grab your drill and head to the front door, make sure you have everything you need. Having the right tools and materials on hand will save you time and frustration.
Here’s a checklist of what to gather:
- Ring Doorbell 2 – Obviously!
- Mounting bracket – Comes in the box; includes standard and wedge options.
- Screws and anchors – Also included; use anchors if mounting into brick, concrete, or drywall.
- Drill – A cordless drill with a 3/16” drill bit works best.
- Screwdriver – Phillips head; the security screwdriver (included) is for the anti-theft screw.
- Level – A small bubble level ensures your doorbell isn’t crooked.
- Pencil – For marking drill holes.
- Measuring tape – Helps find the ideal mounting height.
- Wire stripper (optional) – Only if hardwiring to existing doorbell wires.
- Smartphone or tablet – To use the Ring app during setup.
- Wi-Fi network – Your doorbell needs a strong 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal (5 GHz is not supported).
Pro tip: If you’re hardwiring, turn off the power to your existing doorbell at the circuit breaker before touching any wires. Safety first!
Step 1: Choose the Best Location
Where you mount your Ring Doorbell 2 makes a big difference in how well it works. A poor location can lead to weak Wi-Fi, blind spots, or false motion alerts.
Here’s what to consider:
Ideal Mounting Height
Ring recommends mounting the doorbell at chest height, which is typically around 48 inches (4 feet) from the ground. This height gives the camera a clear view of visitors’ faces and packages left at the door.
Avoid mounting it too high (like near the roof) or too low (near the ground). Too high, and you’ll only see the top of people’s heads. Too low, and the camera might not detect motion properly or could be easily tampered with.
Proximity to Wi-Fi Router
Your Ring Doorbell 2 needs a strong Wi-Fi signal to stream video and send alerts. Ideally, it should be within 30 to 50 feet of your router, with minimal obstructions like thick walls, metal doors, or large appliances.
If your front door is far from the router, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to boost the signal. You can also test the signal strength using the Ring app before mounting.
Field of View
The Ring Doorbell 2 has a 155-degree diagonal field of view. You want this to cover the walkway, driveway, or porch area where visitors approach.
Avoid pointing it directly at a busy street or neighbor’s yard—this can trigger false motion alerts. Use the adjustable mounting bracket (more on that below) to angle the camera slightly downward or sideways for the best coverage.
Protection from the Elements
While the Ring Doorbell 2 is weather-resistant (rated IP55), it’s best to mount it under an eave, awning, or porch roof if possible. This protects it from direct rain, snow, and harsh sunlight, which can affect performance and longevity.
Avoid mounting it in areas with extreme heat (like near a south-facing wall in summer) or where water might pool.
Accessibility
Make sure the doorbell is easy to reach for maintenance—like recharging the battery or cleaning the lens. You don’t want to need a ladder every time you need to service it.
Step 2: Decide on Power Source: Battery or Hardwired?
The Ring Doorbell 2 gives you two power options: rechargeable battery or hardwired to existing doorbell wiring. Each has pros and cons.
Battery-Powered Installation
This is the easiest and most flexible option. The Ring Doorbell 2 comes with a removable rechargeable battery that lasts about 6 to 12 months, depending on usage.
Pros:
- No wiring needed—great for renters or homes without existing doorbell wires.
- Easy to install and relocate.
- Works during power outages (as long as Wi-Fi is up).
Cons:
- Battery needs recharging every 6–12 months.
- You’ll need to remove the doorbell to charge it.
Hardwired Installation
If your home has existing doorbell wiring (typically low-voltage, 8–24V AC), you can hardwire the Ring Doorbell 2 for continuous power.
Pros:
- No need to recharge the battery.
- More reliable for heavy usage (frequent motion alerts, live views).
Cons:
- Requires access to doorbell wires.
- More complex installation.
- Won’t work during power outages unless you have a backup battery (sold separately).
Important: Even if you hardwire the doorbell, the Ring Doorbell 2 still uses the battery as a backup. So you’ll still need to charge it occasionally, but much less often.
Step 3: Prepare the Mounting Area
Now that you’ve chosen your location and power source, it’s time to prep the area.
Turn Off Power (If Hardwiring)
If you’re connecting to existing wires, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the wires are dead before touching them.
Remove Old Doorbell (If Applicable)
If replacing an old doorbell, unscrew and remove it. Disconnect the wires and cap them with wire nuts for safety. You’ll reconnect them later if hardwiring.
Clean the Surface
Wipe down the mounting area with a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, or grease. This helps the screws grip better and ensures a secure mount.
Check for Obstructions
Make sure there’s nothing in the way—like a door frame, window, or decoration—that could block the camera or motion sensor.
Step 4: Install the Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket is the backbone of your installation. It holds the doorbell securely and allows for angle adjustments.
Choose the Right Bracket
The Ring Doorbell 2 comes with two bracket options:
- Standard bracket: For flat surfaces.
- Wedge bracket: Angles the doorbell 15 degrees downward for better coverage on porches or steps.
- Corner bracket: For mounting on the corner of a wall or door frame.
Choose the one that best fits your setup. Most people use the standard or wedge bracket.
Position the Bracket
Hold the bracket against the wall at 48 inches high. Use a level to make sure it’s straight. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
If using the wedge or corner bracket, make sure the angled side faces the direction you want the camera to point.
Drill Pilot Holes
Use a 3/16” drill bit to create pilot holes where you marked. This prevents the wall from cracking, especially on brick or concrete.
If mounting into drywall, use the included wall anchors for extra support. Insert them into the pilot holes.
Secure the Bracket
Line up the bracket with the holes and screw it in place using the provided screws. Don’t overtighten—this can strip the screws or damage the bracket.
Double-check that the bracket is level and firmly attached.
Step 5: Connect the Wires (If Hardwiring)
If you’re hardwiring, now’s the time to connect the wires.
Strip the Wires
Use a wire stripper to remove about 1/4 inch of insulation from the ends of the doorbell wires. This exposes the copper for a solid connection.
Attach Wires to the Bracket
The mounting bracket has two terminals labeled “Front” and “Trans.” It doesn’t matter which wire goes where—just connect one wire to each terminal and tighten the screws.
Make sure the wires are secure and not touching each other.
Tuck Wires Neatly
After connecting, gently tuck the wires back into the wall to keep them out of the way.
Step 6: Attach the Ring Doorbell 2
Now for the fun part—mounting the doorbell itself.
Insert the Battery
If using the battery (even if hardwiring), make sure it’s fully charged and inserted into the doorbell. Slide it in until it clicks.
Snap the Doorbell onto the Bracket
Align the doorbell with the bracket and press it firmly until it clicks into place. You should hear a satisfying snap.
Secure with the Anti-Theft Screw
Use the included security screwdriver to tighten the anti-theft screw at the bottom of the doorbell. This prevents thieves from easily removing it.
Don’t skip this step—it’s a small effort that adds big security.
Step 7: Set Up in the Ring App
Your doorbell is mounted, but it’s not ready to use until you set it up in the Ring app.
Download the Ring App
If you haven’t already, download the free Ring app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Create or Log In to Your Account
Open the app and sign in with your Ring account. If you don’t have one, create it using your email and a secure password.
Add Your Device
Tap the three-line menu (☰) > Set Up a Device > Doorbells > Ring Video Doorbell 2.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The app will guide you through:
- Scanning the QR code on the back of the doorbell.
- Connecting to your Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz only).
- Testing the live view.
- Setting up motion zones.
- Adjusting notification settings.
Test the Doorbell
Once setup is complete, test everything:
- Press the doorbell button to see if it rings your phone.
- Check the live view for clear video and audio.
- Walk in front of the doorbell to test motion detection.
If something isn’t working, don’t panic—we’ll troubleshoot below.
Step 8: Fine-Tune and Optimize
Now that your doorbell is working, let’s make sure it’s performing at its best.
Adjust Motion Zones
In the Ring app, go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones. Draw zones where you want motion detected (like the walkway) and exclude areas you don’t (like the street).
This reduces false alerts and saves battery.
Set Notification Preferences
Choose when and how you want to be notified. You can set quiet hours, enable person-only alerts, or adjust sensitivity.
Enable Two-Way Talk
Test the two-way audio by speaking through the app while someone stands at the door. Make sure the volume is clear on both ends.
Check Night Vision
After dark, check the live view to ensure the infrared night vision is working. The image should be clear and in black and white.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Weak Wi-Fi Signal
Symptoms: Laggy video, frequent disconnections, poor live view.
Solutions:
- Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Ensure the doorbell is within 30–50 feet of the router.
- Avoid placing the router behind thick walls or metal objects.
- Switch to a less congested Wi-Fi channel (use a Wi-Fi analyzer app).
Doorbell Not Charging or Losing Power
Symptoms: Battery drains quickly, doorbell shuts off.
Solutions:
- Recharge the battery fully using the USB cable.
- If hardwiring, check that the wires are securely connected and the transformer provides 8–24V AC.
- Avoid extreme temperatures—cold weather reduces battery life.
Motion Alerts Not Working
Symptoms: No alerts when someone approaches.
Solutions:
- Check motion zones in the app—make sure they cover the right area.
- Increase motion sensitivity.
- Ensure the doorbell is angled correctly (not pointing at trees or shadows).
- Clean the lens—dirt or spider webs can block the sensor.
Live View is Blurry or Pixelated
Symptoms: Video looks low quality or choppy.
Solutions:
- Check Wi-Fi signal strength in the app.
- Reduce video quality in settings if bandwidth is limited.
- Clean the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth.
Doorbell Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
Symptoms: App says “offline” or fails to connect.
Solutions:
- Make sure you’re using a 2.4 GHz network (5 GHz is not supported).
- Restart your router and the doorbell.
- Re-add the device in the app.
- Move closer to the router during setup.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Doorbell Running Smoothly
Your Ring Doorbell 2 is built to last, but a little maintenance goes a long way.
- Clean the lens monthly: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dust, dirt, or water spots.
- Check the battery every 6 months: Recharge it if it drops below 20%.
- Inspect the mount annually: Make sure screws are tight and the bracket isn’t loose.
- Update the app and firmware: Ring regularly releases updates for security and performance.
- Trim nearby plants: Overgrown bushes or trees can block the camera or trigger false motion alerts.
Conclusion
Mounting your Ring Doorbell 2 is a smart investment in your home’s security—and it’s easier than you think. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to choose the perfect spot, install the mounting bracket, connect power, set up the app, and troubleshoot common issues.
Remember: take your time, use the right tools, and don’t skip the anti-theft screw. A little effort now means years of reliable performance.
Once your doorbell is up and running, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you can see, hear, and speak to anyone at your door—whether you’re home or halfway around the world.
So go ahead, give it a try. Your smarter, safer home is just a few screws away.