Changing the WiFi network on your Ring Doorbell is simple with the right steps. This guide walks you through disconnecting from your old network, reconnecting to a new one, and troubleshooting common issues—ensuring your doorbell stays secure and functional.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app: All WiFi changes must be made through the official Ring app, not your phone’s settings.
- Stay within range: Your phone and Ring Doorbell must be near the new WiFi router during setup.
- Check network compatibility: Ring Doorbells only support 2.4 GHz networks, not 5 GHz.
- Reconnect after moving: If you relocate your doorbell, you’ll need to update the WiFi settings.
- Power matters: Ensure your doorbell has sufficient battery or hardwired power before starting.
- Test after setup: Always verify the connection by checking live view or motion alerts.
- Reset if needed: A factory reset can resolve stubborn connection problems.
How to Change WiFi on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve moved to a new home, upgraded your internet plan, or your old WiFi network is acting up—whatever the reason, knowing how to change WiFi on Ring Doorbell is a must-have skill for any smart home owner. The good news? It’s easier than you think. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can reconnect your doorbell to a new network and keep your home security running smoothly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from preparing your device to testing the final connection. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell Pro, or any other model, the steps are nearly identical. We’ll also cover common pitfalls, troubleshooting tips, and expert advice to ensure your doorbell stays online and responsive.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently switch your Ring Doorbell to a new WiFi network without calling tech support. Let’s get started!
Why You Might Need to Change Your Ring Doorbell’s WiFi
Visual guide about How to Chang Wifi on Ring Doorbell
Image source: heckhome.com
Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why you’d want to change the WiFi network in the first place. Understanding the reasons can help you avoid future issues and make smarter decisions about your home network.
One of the most common reasons is moving to a new house or apartment. When you relocate, your old WiFi network won’t be available, so your Ring Doorbell will lose its connection. Without a working internet link, features like live view, motion alerts, and two-way audio won’t function.
Another reason is upgrading your internet service. Maybe you’ve switched from a basic plan to a faster fiber connection, or you’ve installed a new router with better coverage. In these cases, your Ring Doorbell may still be connected to the old network, which could slow down performance or cause dropouts.
Sometimes, the issue is simpler: your current WiFi network is unstable or too congested. If you’ve added dozens of smart devices to your home—like lights, cameras, and speakers—your network might be overwhelmed. Switching to a less crowded network or a dedicated IoT (Internet of Things) band can improve your doorbell’s reliability.
Lastly, you might need to change WiFi if you’ve renamed your network or changed the password. Even a small change like updating your WiFi password will break the connection to your Ring Doorbell, requiring a reconnection.
No matter the reason, the process is straightforward—but it does require careful attention to detail. Let’s break it down step by step.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start changing the WiFi on your Ring Doorbell, make sure you have the following ready:
- Your smartphone or tablet: You’ll need to use the Ring app, which is available for iOS and Android.
- The Ring app installed and logged in: Make sure you’re signed into the same account linked to your doorbell.
- Access to your new WiFi network: You’ll need the network name (SSID) and password.
- Your Ring Doorbell powered on: If it’s battery-powered, ensure it has at least 50% charge. If hardwired, confirm the power is connected.
- Proximity to your WiFi router: Both your phone and the doorbell should be within range of the new network during setup.
It’s also a good idea to have a ladder or step stool if your doorbell is mounted high, and a helper can make the process easier—especially if you’re troubleshooting.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Locate Your Device
The first step in changing your Ring Doorbell’s WiFi is to open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don’t already have it, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Once installed, log in using the same email and password you used when setting up your doorbell. If you’ve forgotten your login details, use the “Forgot Password?” link to reset them.
After logging in, you’ll see the main dashboard. This screen shows all your Ring devices—cameras, doorbells, and alarms. Look for your doorbell in the list. It should display the device name (e.g., “Front Door” or “Ring Doorbell 2”) and a thumbnail image from the last recorded event.
Tap on your doorbell to open its live view or settings. You’ll now be in the device control screen, where you can see a live feed (if connected), check battery level, and access settings.
Navigate to Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the screen, you’ll see a gear icon (⚙️). Tap it to open the Device Settings menu. This is where you’ll find all the configuration options for your doorbell, including motion settings, video quality, and—most importantly—WiFi settings.
Scroll down until you see the “Device Health” or “Network” section. Tap on it to view your current connection status. Here, you’ll see the name of the WiFi network your doorbell is currently connected to, signal strength, and other diagnostics.
This is a good time to check if your doorbell is already having connection issues. If the signal strength is weak or the status shows “Offline,” changing the WiFi network might help—but you’ll need to follow the steps carefully to avoid losing access entirely.
Step 2: Start the WiFi Setup Process
Now that you’re in the Device Settings, it’s time to begin the WiFi change process.
Look for an option labeled “Change WiFi Network” or “Reconnect to WiFi.” The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your Ring model and app version, but it will be clearly visible in the Network or Device Health section.
Tap on this option. The app will prompt you to confirm that you want to change the network. Select “Yes” or “Continue.”
At this point, the app will instruct you to put your Ring Doorbell into setup mode. This is a crucial step—your doorbell needs to be ready to receive new network information.
Put Your Doorbell in Setup Mode
The method for entering setup mode depends on your Ring Doorbell model:
- Battery-powered models (e.g., Ring Doorbell, Doorbell 2, Doorbell 3): Press and hold the orange button on the back of the device for about 10–15 seconds. You’ll hear a chime, and the light ring around the button will flash white. This means it’s in setup mode.
- Hardwired models (e.g., Ring Doorbell Pro, Pro 2): You’ll need to press the setup button located on the side or back of the device. Again, hold it for 10–15 seconds until the light flashes white.
If you’re unsure which model you have, check the product label on the back or refer to your original packaging.
Once the light is flashing, return to the Ring app. The app should detect that your doorbell is in setup mode and begin searching for available networks.
Step 3: Select Your New WiFi Network
After your doorbell enters setup mode, the Ring app will scan for nearby WiFi networks. This may take 10–30 seconds.
A list of available networks will appear on your screen. Look for your new WiFi network by name (SSID). If you don’t see it, make sure:
- Your phone is connected to the same 2.4 GHz band (Ring does not support 5 GHz).
- The network is not hidden (if it is, you’ll need to manually enter the name).
- You’re within range of the router.
Tap on your desired network. You’ll then be prompted to enter the WiFi password.
Enter the WiFi Password Carefully
Type in the password exactly as it appears—case-sensitive and including any special characters. A single typo can prevent the connection from working.
If you’re unsure of the password, check your router’s label or log into your router’s admin panel (usually via a web browser using the router’s IP address).
After entering the password, tap “Connect” or “Next.” The app will send the network credentials to your doorbell.
Step 4: Wait for the Connection to Complete
Once you’ve entered the password, your Ring Doorbell will attempt to connect to the new WiFi network. This process can take anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes.
During this time, the light ring on your doorbell will continue to flash white. Once connected, it will turn solid white for a few seconds, then return to its normal behavior (usually off or pulsing blue during motion).
In the Ring app, you’ll see a progress indicator. If successful, you’ll receive a confirmation message like “Connected to WiFi” or “Setup Complete.”
If the connection fails, the app will display an error message. Don’t panic—this is common and usually fixable. We’ll cover troubleshooting in a later section.
Step 5: Test Your Connection
After your doorbell connects to the new WiFi network, it’s essential to test the connection to ensure everything is working properly.
Here’s how:
Check Live View
Go back to the main dashboard in the Ring app and tap on your doorbell. Try opening the live view. If the video loads within a few seconds and you can hear audio, the connection is strong.
If the live view is slow to load, freezes, or shows a “Connection Failed” message, your signal may be weak. Try moving closer to the router or using a WiFi extender.
Test Motion Alerts
Walk in front of your doorbell to trigger a motion alert. You should receive a notification on your phone within 10–15 seconds. Open the notification and view the recorded clip.
If you don’t receive an alert, check your motion settings in the app. Make sure motion detection is enabled and the sensitivity is set appropriately.
Use Two-Way Audio
Tap the microphone icon in the live view and speak. You should hear your voice through the doorbell’s speaker. If there’s a delay or no sound, the connection may be unstable.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with careful setup, you might run into problems when changing the WiFi on your Ring Doorbell. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
“Unable to Connect to WiFi” Error
If the app says it can’t connect, double-check the following:
- Network frequency: Ring Doorbells only work on 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name, your phone might connect to 5 GHz while the doorbell tries 2.4 GHz. To fix this, temporarily rename your 2.4 GHz network (e.g., “HomeWiFi_2.4”) and select that one.
- Password accuracy: Re-enter the password carefully. Even a space or capital letter can cause failure.
- Signal strength: Move closer to the router during setup. Thick walls, metal objects, and interference from appliances can weaken the signal.
Doorbell Won’t Enter Setup Mode
If pressing the setup button doesn’t trigger the flashing light:
- Make sure the doorbell has power. For battery models, charge it fully.
- For hardwired models, check that the wires are securely connected and the breaker is on.
- Try pressing the button again—sometimes it takes a few attempts.
Live View Is Slow or Unresponsive
A weak signal can cause lag or disconnections. Try these fixes:
- Install a WiFi extender near your front door.
- Reposition your router for better coverage.
- Reduce interference by keeping the doorbell away from microwaves, cordless phones, or baby monitors.
Forgot to Change WiFi After Moving
If you’ve moved and your doorbell is offline, you can still reconnect it—but you’ll need to be near the old network or perform a factory reset.
To reset:
- Press and hold the orange button for 20 seconds until the light flashes red.
- Release and wait for the device to restart.
- Follow the initial setup process in the Ring app as if it were new.
Pro Tips for a Smooth WiFi Change
To make the process even easier, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Do it during the day: Natural light helps you see the doorbell’s light ring clearly.
- Use a strong password: Avoid simple passwords like “12345678”—they’re easy to mistype.
- Update the Ring app: Make sure you’re using the latest version for the best performance.
- Keep your phone charged: The setup process can drain your battery quickly.
- Write down your WiFi details: Keep the network name and password handy in case you need to re-enter them.
Conclusion
Changing the WiFi on your Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a little patience, you can switch networks in under 10 minutes and keep your smart doorbell working perfectly.
Remember: always use the Ring app, stay close to your router, and double-check your network settings. If you run into trouble, don’t hesitate to try a factory reset or contact Ring support.
By following this guide, you’ll ensure your doorbell stays connected, secure, and ready to protect your home—no matter where life takes you.