Changing the network settings on your Ring Doorbell is essential for maintaining a strong Wi-Fi connection and ensuring reliable performance. This guide walks you through the entire process—from accessing the app to reconnecting your device—with clear, easy-to-follow steps.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app: All network changes must be made through the official Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal: Place your doorbell within range of your router or use a Wi-Fi extender for better connectivity.
- Know your network credentials: Have your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password ready before starting the process.
- Restart devices if needed: Power cycling your doorbell and router can resolve connection issues during setup.
- Update firmware regularly: Keep your Ring Doorbell updated to avoid compatibility problems with new networks.
- Use 2.4 GHz band: Most Ring Doorbells work best on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, not 5 GHz.
- Contact support if stuck: Ring’s customer support can help troubleshoot persistent network issues.
How to Change Network Setting on Ring Doorbell
If you’ve moved to a new home, upgraded your Wi-Fi router, or are experiencing connectivity issues with your Ring Doorbell, changing the network settings is a necessary step. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Elite, the process is similar and can be completed using the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to change the network setting on your Ring Doorbell. We’ll walk you through each step—from preparing your device and accessing the app to reconnecting to a new Wi-Fi network and troubleshooting common problems. By the end, your Ring Doorbell will be back online and ready to keep your home secure.
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell’s Network Settings?
There are several reasons why you might need to update your Ring Doorbell’s network settings:
- Moving to a new location: If you’ve moved houses, your old Wi-Fi network won’t be available, so you’ll need to connect to a new one.
- Router replacement or upgrade: Upgrading to a new router often means a new network name (SSID) or password.
- Wi-Fi signal issues: Weak signals can cause your doorbell to go offline frequently. Switching to a stronger network or using a Wi-Fi extender can help.
- Network security changes: If your network password has changed, your doorbell will lose connection until you update the settings.
- Switching between bands: Some users may want to switch from a congested 2.4 GHz network to a less crowded one, or vice versa.
No matter the reason, changing your network settings is a straightforward process—but it requires careful attention to detail to avoid connection errors.
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need
Before starting the network change process, make sure you have the following:
- A smartphone or tablet: You’ll need to use the Ring app (available for iOS and Android).
- Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password: Double-check these details to avoid typos.
- Access to your Ring Doorbell: You’ll need to be near the device to put it into setup mode.
- A stable internet connection: Your phone should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect your doorbell to.
- Optional: A Wi-Fi extender or mesh system: If your doorbell is far from the router, this can improve signal strength.
Having these items ready will make the process smoother and reduce the chance of errors.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
The first step in changing your Ring Doorbell’s network settings is to open the Ring app on your mobile device.
Launch the App
Find the Ring app icon on your phone or tablet and tap to open it. If you don’t have the app installed, download it from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
Visual guide about How to Change Network Setting on Ring Doorbell
Image source: shs-media.storage.googleapis.com
Log In to Your Account
Enter your email address and password to log in. If you’ve forgotten your login details, use the “Forgot Password” option to reset them.
Ensure You’re on the Right Network
Make sure your phone is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want your Ring Doorbell to use. If you’re switching to a new network, connect your phone to that network first.
Step 2: Access Your Device Settings
Once you’re logged into the Ring app, you’ll need to navigate to your doorbell’s settings.
Go to the Dashboard
The app will open to the dashboard, which shows all your Ring devices. Look for your doorbell in the list.
Select Your Doorbell
Tap on the image or name of your Ring Doorbell to open its live view or event history.
Open Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️) to access the device settings menu.
Step 3: Start the Network Setup Process
Now that you’re in the device settings, you’re ready to begin changing the network.
Find the Wi-Fi Settings
Scroll down in the settings menu until you see the “Device Health” or “Network” section. Tap on “Wi-Fi Network” or “Change Wi-Fi Network.”
Begin Setup Mode
The app will prompt you to put your Ring Doorbell into setup mode. This is necessary for the device to search for available networks.
Step 4: Put Your Ring Doorbell in Setup Mode
To connect to a new network, your Ring Doorbell must be in setup mode. The method varies slightly depending on your model.
For Ring Video Doorbell (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Gen)
- Remove the faceplate of your doorbell (if applicable).
- Locate the orange setup button on the back or side of the device.
- Press and hold the button for 5–10 seconds until the light ring on the front flashes white.
- Release the button. The doorbell is now in setup mode.
For Ring Doorbell Pro or Pro 2
- Locate the setup button on the side of the device.
- Press and hold it for 5 seconds until the LED light flashes white.
- Release the button.
For Ring Doorbell Elite
- The Elite model is hardwired and doesn’t have a physical setup button.
- Instead, use the Ring app to initiate setup mode remotely.
- Follow the on-screen prompts in the app to begin the process.
Wait for Confirmation
Once in setup mode, the app will detect your doorbell and display a confirmation message. This may take 10–30 seconds.
Step 5: Select Your New Wi-Fi Network
With your doorbell in setup mode, the app will now scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
Choose Your Network
A list of nearby networks will appear. Tap on the name (SSID) of the network you want to connect to.
Enter the Password
Carefully type in your Wi-Fi password. Make sure to include uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters exactly as they appear.
Important: Use 2.4 GHz Band
Most Ring Doorbells are designed to work on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, make sure you select the 2.4 GHz one. Some newer models support 5 GHz, but 2.4 GHz is more reliable for doorbells due to better range and wall penetration.
Tip: Avoid Hidden Networks
If your network is hidden (not broadcasting its SSID), you’ll need to manually enter the network name and password. This can increase the chance of errors, so it’s best to temporarily enable SSID broadcasting during setup.
Step 6: Wait for Connection
After entering your network details, the app will attempt to connect your Ring Doorbell to the new Wi-Fi network.
Monitor the Progress
A progress bar or status message will appear in the app. This process usually takes 1–3 minutes.
Check the Light Ring
On most Ring Doorbells, the light ring will change colors to indicate status:
- Flashing white: Setup mode active.
- Solid white: Connecting to network.
- Solid green: Successfully connected.
- Flashing red: Connection failed.
Be Patient
Do not interrupt the process. Avoid closing the app or turning off your phone. If the connection fails, you’ll need to restart from setup mode.
Step 7: Test the Connection
Once your doorbell connects to the new network, it’s important to verify that everything is working properly.
Check Device Health
Return to the device settings in the Ring app and look at the “Device Health” section. It should show:
- Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Should be “Good” or “Excellent.”
- Connection Status: Should say “Connected.”
- Last Seen: Should update within the last few minutes.
Test Live View
Tap the “Live View” button to see a real-time video feed from your doorbell. If the video loads quickly and clearly, the connection is strong.
Trigger a Motion Alert
Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger a motion detection. Check if you receive a notification on your phone and if the event recording appears in the app.
Check Two-Way Audio
Tap the microphone icon during Live View and speak. You should hear your voice through the doorbell’s speaker, and others should hear you clearly.
Troubleshooting Common Network Issues
Even with careful setup, you might encounter problems when changing your Ring Doorbell’s network settings. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Doorbell Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
Possible Causes:
- Incorrect password.
- Weak signal.
- Router settings blocking the device.
Solutions:
- Double-check the Wi-Fi password for typos.
- Move closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Restart your router and try again.
- Ensure your router allows new devices to connect (check MAC filtering settings).
Weak or Unstable Signal
Possible Causes:
- Doorbell is too far from the router.
- Thick walls or interference from appliances.
Solutions:
- Install a Wi-Fi extender near the doorbell.
- Use a mesh Wi-Fi system for better coverage.
- Reposition your router to a central location.
- Avoid placing the router near microwaves, cordless phones, or metal objects.
Doorbell Keeps Going Offline
Possible Causes:
- Network congestion.
- Router reboots frequently.
- Power issues (for wired models).
Solutions:
- Switch to a less crowded Wi-Fi channel (use a Wi-Fi analyzer app).
- Set a static IP address for your doorbell in your router settings.
- Check wiring connections for Ring Doorbell Pro or Elite.
- Ensure the transformer provides adequate power (16–24V AC).
App Can’t Find the Doorbell in Setup Mode
Possible Causes:
- Doorbell not in setup mode.
- Phone not on the same network.
- Bluetooth interference.
Solutions:
- Press the setup button again and confirm the light is flashing.
- Make sure your phone is connected to the 2.4 GHz network.
- Turn off Bluetooth on your phone temporarily.
- Restart the Ring app and try again.
Firmware Update Required
Sometimes, your doorbell may need a firmware update to work with newer routers or security protocols.
- Go to Device Settings > Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
- Ensure your doorbell stays powered during the update.
Tips for a Stronger Wi-Fi Connection
A strong Wi-Fi signal is crucial for reliable Ring Doorbell performance. Here are some tips to optimize your network:
- Use a Wi-Fi extender: Place one between your router and doorbell to boost signal strength.
- Upgrade your router: Older routers may not support modern security standards or have weak signals.
- Reduce interference: Keep your router away from metal objects, mirrors, and appliances that emit electromagnetic waves.
- Change Wi-Fi channels: Use a tool like Wi-Fi Analyzer to find the least congested channel and switch your router to it.
- Enable WPA2 or WPA3 security: Avoid outdated protocols like WEP, which can cause compatibility issues.
- Set a static IP: Assign a fixed IP address to your doorbell in your router’s DHCP settings to prevent IP conflicts.
When to Contact Ring Support
If you’ve tried all the steps and your Ring Doorbell still won’t connect to the network, it may be time to contact Ring Customer Support.
Signs You Need Help
- The doorbell won’t enter setup mode.
- The app crashes during setup.
- You receive repeated “Connection Failed” errors.
- The device health shows “Offline” even after multiple attempts.
How to Contact Support
- Use the in-app support feature: Go to More > Help & Feedback.
- Visit the Ring Support website and start a chat or submit a ticket.
- Call Ring support at 1-800-679-5239 (US) or check local numbers for other regions.
Prepare Information
Before contacting support, have the following ready:
- Your Ring account email.
- Doorbell model and serial number (found in the app under Device Settings).
- Router make and model.
- Steps you’ve already tried.
Conclusion
Changing the network setting on your Ring Doorbell is a simple process when you follow the right steps. By using the Ring app, putting your device in setup mode, and carefully entering your Wi-Fi credentials, you can ensure a stable and secure connection. Remember to use the 2.4 GHz band, keep your firmware updated, and optimize your Wi-Fi signal for the best performance.
Whether you’re moving to a new home or troubleshooting connectivity issues, this guide equips you with everything you need to keep your Ring Doorbell online and functioning perfectly. With a strong network connection, you’ll enjoy reliable motion alerts, clear video, and seamless two-way communication—keeping your home safe and connected at all times.