Changing your router on a Ring Doorbell is essential when upgrading your network or moving to a new Wi-Fi provider. This guide walks you through the entire process—from preparation to final testing—ensuring your doorbell stays connected and secure.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation is key: Before changing your router, ensure your new network is active and your Ring app is updated to avoid connection issues.
- Use the Ring app for setup: The official Ring app guides you through reconnecting your doorbell to a new Wi-Fi network with clear on-screen instructions.
- Check Wi-Fi signal strength: Place your doorbell within range of your new router—ideally within 30 feet—to maintain a strong, reliable connection.
- 2.4 GHz band is required: Most Ring Doorbells only work on 2.4 GHz networks, so confirm your new router broadcasts this frequency.
- Reconnect all devices: After changing routers, you may need to reconnect other Ring products like cameras or chimes for full system functionality.
- Troubleshoot early: If the doorbell fails to connect, restart both the device and router, and double-check network settings.
- Keep firmware updated: Regular updates improve compatibility and performance, especially after network changes.
How to Change Router on Ring Doorbell
Upgrading your home network or switching internet providers doesn’t have to mean losing the security and convenience of your Ring Doorbell. Whether you’ve installed a new router, moved to a different house, or simply want to improve your Wi-Fi coverage, knowing how to change the router on your Ring Doorbell is a valuable skill.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process—from preparing your new network to successfully reconnecting your doorbell. You’ll learn how to use the Ring app, avoid common pitfalls, and troubleshoot issues if they arise. By the end, your Ring Doorbell will be back online, sending real-time alerts and crystal-clear video to your smartphone.
Let’s get started!
Why You Might Need to Change Your Router
Visual guide about How to Change Router on Ring Doorbell
Image source: justsmarter.net
There are several reasons why you might need to change the router your Ring Doorbell is connected to. Understanding these scenarios can help you prepare better and avoid frustration during the transition.
First, you may have upgraded to a newer, faster router. Modern routers offer better range, improved security, and support for more devices. However, your Ring Doorbell won’t automatically connect to the new network—you’ll need to manually reconfigure it.
Second, you might be moving to a new home. Even if you bring your Ring Doorbell with you, the Wi-Fi network will be different. You’ll need to reconnect the device to your new router to restore functionality.
Third, your current router could be malfunctioning or experiencing frequent outages. Replacing it with a more reliable model can improve your doorbell’s performance and reduce missed motion alerts.
Lastly, you may have switched internet service providers (ISPs). New ISPs often provide their own routers, which means your Ring Doorbell must be reconnected to the new network.
No matter the reason, the process of changing your router is straightforward—especially when you follow the right steps.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start the router change process, gather the following items to ensure a smooth transition:
- Your new router: Make sure it’s installed, powered on, and connected to the internet.
- Ring Doorbell: Ensure it’s charged (for battery models) or properly wired (for hardwired models).
- Smartphone or tablet: You’ll need this to run the Ring app.
- Ring app installed and updated: Download the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
- Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password: Have these ready for your new router.
- Access to your doorbell: You’ll need to physically interact with the device during setup.
Having everything ready beforehand saves time and reduces the chance of errors.
Step 1: Prepare Your New Router
The first step in changing your router is ensuring your new network is properly set up and ready to accept connections.
Power On and Test the Router
Plug in your new router and wait for it to fully boot up. Most routers have indicator lights that show when they’re connected to the internet. Check that the internet light is solid or blinking green—this confirms you have an active connection.
Test the Wi-Fi by connecting a smartphone or laptop to the network. Open a website or stream a short video to verify the connection is stable and fast.
Confirm 2.4 GHz Network Availability
Most Ring Doorbells—including the Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, Doorbell 3, and Doorbell Pro—only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Some newer models, like the Ring Doorbell (2nd Gen) and Ring Doorbell Wired, also support 5 GHz, but 2.4 GHz is still recommended for better range and wall penetration.
Check your router settings to ensure the 2.4 GHz band is enabled. If your router uses a combined SSID (one name for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), you may need to temporarily separate the bands during setup. This makes it easier for the Ring app to detect the correct network.
Note the Network Name and Password
Write down your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. Double-check for typos—even a single incorrect character can prevent your doorbell from connecting.
If your network uses special characters or spaces in the password, make sure they’re entered correctly in the Ring app.
Step 2: Open the Ring App and Access Device Settings
Once your new router is ready, it’s time to use the Ring app to reconnect your doorbell.
Launch the Ring App
Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you haven’t used it in a while, you may be prompted to log in with your Ring account credentials.
Make sure you’re using the same account that was originally set up with your doorbell. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” option to reset it.
Navigate to Your Doorbell
On the home screen, tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner. Select “Devices” from the menu, then choose your Ring Doorbell from the list.
You should see a live view or the last recorded clip. If the doorbell is offline, you’ll see a gray screen with an “Offline” label.
Access Device Health
Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to open the device settings. Scroll down and select “Device Health.”
Here, you’ll see information about your doorbell’s battery level, Wi-Fi signal strength, and connection status. If it says “Offline” or “Weak Signal,” that’s expected—you’re about to fix it.
Step 3: Put Your Doorbell in Setup Mode
To reconnect your doorbell to a new router, you’ll need to put it into setup mode. This allows the device to search for and connect to your new Wi-Fi network.
Locate the Setup Button
The location of the setup button depends on your Ring Doorbell model:
- Battery-powered models (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2): Remove the faceplate and locate the orange setup button on the back of the device.
- Hardwired models (e.g., Ring Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Wired): The setup button is usually on the side or back of the unit.
For battery models, you’ll need to remove the faceplate using the security screw (if installed) or by gently prying it off with a flat tool.
Press and Hold the Setup Button
Press and hold the orange setup button for about 10–15 seconds. You’ll hear a voice prompt saying, “Now in setup mode,” and the LED light on the front will begin to flash white.
This indicates your doorbell is ready to connect to a new Wi-Fi network.
Wait for Confirmation
Release the button and wait a few seconds. The LED should continue flashing white. If it turns solid or stops flashing, repeat the process.
Do not proceed until you hear the voice confirmation and see the flashing light.
Step 4: Reconnect to the New Wi-Fi Network
Now that your doorbell is in setup mode, it’s time to connect it to your new router using the Ring app.
Return to the Ring App
Go back to the Ring app and return to the device settings for your doorbell. You should see a prompt asking if you want to reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Tap “Yes” or “Reconnect” to begin the process.
Select Your New Network
The app will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Look for your new router’s SSID in the list and tap on it.
If you don’t see your network, make sure your phone is connected to the same 2.4 GHz band. Some phones automatically connect to 5 GHz, which can interfere with the scan.
Enter the Wi-Fi Password
Type in the password for your new network. Be careful with capitalization, numbers, and special characters.
If you make a mistake, the app will usually notify you after a few seconds. You can then re-enter the password.
Wait for Connection
After entering the password, tap “Connect.” The app will send the network information to your doorbell.
You’ll see a progress bar as the device attempts to connect. This can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Listen for Voice Confirmation
Once connected, your doorbell will say, “Wi-Fi connected,” and the LED will turn solid white or green (depending on the model).
If you hear this message, congratulations—your doorbell is now linked to your new router!
Step 5: Test the Connection
After reconnecting, it’s important to verify that everything is working correctly.
Check Live View
Return to the Ring app and tap the live view button (usually a camera icon). You should see a real-time feed from your doorbell.
If the video loads quickly and is clear, your connection is strong.
Test Motion Alerts
Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger a motion alert. You should receive a notification on your phone within a few seconds.
Open the notification to view the clip. If it plays without buffering, your doorbell is functioning properly.
Verify Device Health
Go back to the Device Health section in the app. The Wi-Fi signal strength should show as “Good” or “Excellent.”
If it says “Weak,” consider moving your router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter problems when changing your router. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.
Doorbell Won’t Enter Setup Mode
If the LED doesn’t flash or you don’t hear the voice prompt, try the following:
- Ensure the doorbell is powered. For battery models, charge it fully or replace the batteries.
- Press the setup button firmly and hold it for the full 10–15 seconds.
- Reset the doorbell by holding the setup button for 20 seconds until it says “Factory reset.”
App Can’t Find the Wi-Fi Network
If your new router doesn’t appear in the list:
- Make sure your phone is connected to the 2.4 GHz band. Temporarily disconnect from 5 GHz if necessary.
- Move closer to the router to improve signal detection.
- Restart your phone and reopen the Ring app.
Incorrect Password Error
If the app says the password is wrong:
- Double-check the password for typos.
- Ensure Caps Lock is off.
- Try retyping the password slowly.
Weak or Unstable Connection
If the doorbell connects but the signal is weak:
- Move the router closer to the doorbell.
- Remove obstacles like thick walls, metal objects, or appliances that cause interference.
- Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to improve coverage.
Doorbell Goes Offline After Setup
If the doorbell disconnects shortly after connecting:
- Restart both the doorbell and the router.
- Check for firmware updates in the Ring app under Device Health.
- Ensure your router isn’t set to disconnect inactive devices.
Tips for a Smooth Router Transition
To make the process even easier, follow these best practices:
- Update the Ring app regularly: New versions often include bug fixes and improved connectivity features.
- Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password: This prevents unauthorized access and improves security.
- Avoid network congestion: Limit the number of devices connected to your 2.4 GHz band during setup.
- Label your networks: If you have multiple routers or extenders, name them clearly (e.g., “Home_WiFi_2.4”).
- Keep your doorbell charged: Low battery can cause connection issues, especially during setup.
Reconnecting Other Ring Devices
If you have other Ring products—like a Ring Security Camera, Ring Chime, or Ring Alarm—you may need to reconnect them to the new router as well.
The process is similar: open the Ring app, go to each device’s settings, and follow the Wi-Fi setup steps. Most devices will automatically reconnect if they’re within range and the network settings match.
However, some devices may require a manual reset. Check the Ring support page for model-specific instructions.
When to Contact Ring Support
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and your doorbell still won’t connect, it may be time to contact Ring Customer Support.
You can reach them through the Ring app by going to “Help” > “Contact Us,” or visit their support website at support.ring.com.
Have your device model, router information, and a description of the issue ready to speed up the process.
Conclusion
Changing the router on your Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation and a clear step-by-step approach, you can seamlessly transition to a new network and keep your home secure.
Remember to ensure your new router supports 2.4 GHz, use the Ring app to guide the setup, and test the connection thoroughly. If you run into issues, don’t panic—most problems can be resolved with simple troubleshooting.
By following this guide, you’ll maintain uninterrupted access to live video, motion alerts, and two-way audio. Your Ring Doorbell will continue to be a reliable part of your smart home ecosystem, no matter how many times you upgrade your network.
Stay connected, stay safe, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a properly configured Ring Doorbell.