Changing the Ring Doorbell 2 battery is simple and takes just minutes. This guide walks you through every step, from removing the old battery to installing a new one and re-syncing your device. No tools? No problem—we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Always power off the device before removing the battery to avoid damage or electrical issues.
- Use only genuine Ring batteries or approved replacements to ensure safety and optimal performance.
- The battery compartment is secured with a security screw—you’ll need a Phillips #0 or #1 screwdriver to access it.
- Reconnect your doorbell to the Ring app after replacing the battery to restore full functionality.
- Keep your old battery for recycling—most electronics stores accept lithium-ion batteries.
- Regular maintenance extends battery life—clean contacts and check for firmware updates.
- If your doorbell won’t turn on after replacement, reset it using the orange button on the back.
How to Change the Ring Doorbell 2 Battery
If your Ring Doorbell 2 is acting sluggish, not connecting to Wi-Fi, or simply not turning on, it might be time to replace the battery. Don’t worry—this is one of the most common fixes for smart doorbells, and it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned DIYer, this guide will walk you through the entire process of changing the Ring Doorbell 2 battery safely, efficiently, and without frustration.
In this comprehensive how-to guide, you’ll learn exactly how to remove the old battery, install a fresh one, and reconnect your doorbell to the Ring app. We’ll also share practical tips to extend battery life, troubleshoot common issues, and answer frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll feel confident maintaining your Ring Doorbell 2 like a pro.
No special tools? No problem. We’ll show you what you need and how to get the job done with minimal hassle. Let’s get started!
Why Your Ring Doorbell 2 Battery Needs Replacing
Before diving into the replacement process, it’s helpful to understand why your Ring Doorbell 2 battery might need changing in the first place. The Ring Doorbell 2 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that typically lasts between 6 to 12 months, depending on usage, climate, and settings.
Cold weather can drain the battery faster, while frequent motion alerts and live view usage will also shorten its lifespan. If you notice your doorbell frequently going offline, taking longer to charge, or shutting down unexpectedly, it’s a strong sign the battery is nearing the end of its life.
Other warning signs include:
- The Ring app showing a low battery warning (below 20%)
- The doorbell failing to respond to button presses
- Delayed notifications or poor video quality
- The device overheating during charging
Replacing the battery promptly ensures your doorbell stays reliable and your home remains secure. Plus, a fresh battery improves video clarity, motion detection, and overall responsiveness.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Changing the Ring Doorbell 2 battery is a straightforward task, but having the right tools and materials on hand will make the process smoother and safer. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools
- Phillips #0 or #1 screwdriver – This is essential for removing the security screw on the battery compartment. Most standard small screwdrivers will work.
- Soft cloth or microfiber towel – Useful for cleaning the doorbell and battery contacts.
- Optional: Magnetic screwdriver – Helps prevent dropping the tiny screw during removal.
Replacement Battery
- Genuine Ring Doorbell 2 battery (Model: 8ABR020) – Always use an official Ring battery or a certified third-party replacement. Avoid cheap knockoffs, as they may damage your device or pose a fire risk.
Other Supplies
- Charger (USB cable and power adapter) – You’ll need this to charge the new battery before installation, or to recharge the old one if you’re reusing it temporarily.
- Smartphone with the Ring app installed – Required for reconnecting and configuring your doorbell after battery replacement.
- Stable Wi-Fi connection – Ensures your doorbell syncs properly with the app.
Safety Tips
- Always turn off the doorbell before removing the battery.
- Avoid touching the battery terminals with wet or dirty hands.
- Do not puncture, crush, or expose the battery to extreme heat.
- Work in a well-lit, dry area to prevent accidents.
Having everything ready ahead of time saves time and reduces the risk of mistakes. Now that you’re prepared, let’s move on to the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Power Down Your Ring Doorbell 2
Before touching any components, it’s crucial to power down your Ring Doorbell 2. This prevents electrical shorts, protects the internal circuitry, and ensures your safety.
How to Turn Off the Doorbell
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone.
- Tap the Devices tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select your Ring Doorbell 2 from the list.
- Tap the Device Health option.
- Scroll down and tap Turn Off Device.
- Confirm the action when prompted.
Once the device is off, you’ll see a notification in the app confirming the doorbell is disconnected. This step is non-negotiable—never remove the battery while the device is powered on.
Why This Step Matters
Powering down the device prevents accidental damage to the motherboard or battery connector. It also ensures that the doorbell doesn’t try to reconnect to Wi-Fi while you’re working on it, which could cause errors or glitches.
If you skip this step, you risk corrupting the firmware or triggering a false alarm in the app. Taking 30 seconds to power down can save you hours of troubleshooting later.
Step 2: Remove the Ring Doorbell 2 from the Mounting Bracket
With the device powered off, the next step is to carefully remove the doorbell from its mounting bracket. The Ring Doorbell 2 is designed to be easily detachable, but it’s held in place by a security screw to prevent theft.
Locate the Security Screw
The security screw is located at the bottom of the doorbell, just below the camera lens. It’s a small Phillips-head screw that secures the faceplate to the mounting bracket.
Unscrew the Security Screw
- Use your Phillips #0 or #1 screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise.
- Apply gentle pressure to avoid stripping the screw head.
- Once loosened, carefully remove the screw and set it aside in a safe place (a small bowl or magnetic tray works well).
Lift the Doorbell Off the Bracket
- Gently lift the bottom of the doorbell away from the wall.
- Slide the entire unit upward to disengage it from the mounting bracket.
- Support the doorbell with your other hand to prevent it from falling.
The doorbell should now be free from the wall. Be careful not to pull too hard on the wires if your doorbell is hardwired—though the Ring Doorbell 2 is primarily battery-powered, some users connect it to existing doorbell wires for backup power.
Pro Tip
If you’re replacing the battery frequently, consider using a magnetic screw holder or labeling the screw so you don’t lose it. Losing the security screw can make reassembly difficult and leave your doorbell vulnerable to theft.
Step 3: Access the Battery Compartment
Now that the doorbell is removed, you’ll need to access the battery compartment. The battery is housed inside the main unit and is protected by a secure panel.
Flip the Doorbell Over
Turn the doorbell over so the back is facing up. You’ll see a rectangular panel with a small indentation—this is the battery cover.
Remove the Battery Cover
- Use your fingernail or a flat tool (like a plastic spudger) to gently pry open the battery cover.
- Start at the indentation and work your way around the edges.
- The cover should pop off easily—do not force it.
Once the cover is removed, you’ll see the rechargeable lithium-ion battery seated inside a plastic tray. The battery is connected to the doorbell via a small connector with two wires (usually red and black).
Important Note
Do not pull on the wires. The battery is held in place by a connector that must be unplugged before removal. Pulling the wires can damage the internal circuitry.
Step 4: Disconnect and Remove the Old Battery
With the battery compartment open, it’s time to safely disconnect and remove the old battery.
Unplug the Battery Connector
- Locate the small plastic connector where the battery wires meet the main board.
- Gently squeeze the sides of the connector and pull it straight out.
- Avoid twisting or bending the connector—this can break the pins inside.
Remove the Battery from the Tray
- Lift the battery out of the plastic tray.
- If it’s stuck, wiggle it gently from side to side.
- Do not use excessive force—lithium-ion batteries can be damaged if bent or punctured.
Inspect the Battery and Compartment
Take a moment to check the battery and compartment for any signs of damage:
- Swelling or bulging of the battery
- Leakage or corrosion on the terminals
- Dirt or debris inside the compartment
If you notice any of these issues, do not reuse the battery. Dispose of it properly and clean the compartment with a dry cloth before installing the new battery.
Pro Tip
If the battery is swollen, stop immediately. Swollen batteries can be dangerous and should be handled with care. Place it in a non-flammable container and take it to a recycling center.
Step 5: Install the New Ring Doorbell 2 Battery
Now that the old battery is out, it’s time to install the new one. This step is just as important as the removal—proper installation ensures reliable performance and prevents future issues.
Prepare the New Battery
- Unpack the new Ring Doorbell 2 battery (Model: 8ABR020).
- Check that it’s fully charged. If not, connect it to the charger for at least 4–6 hours before installation.
- Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of dust.
Insert the New Battery
- Place the new battery into the plastic tray, aligning the terminals with the connector slot.
- Make sure the battery sits flat and secure—there should be no gaps or wobbling.
- Press down gently to ensure it’s fully seated.
Reconnect the Battery Connector
- Take the connector from the new battery and align it with the port on the main board.
- Push it in firmly until it clicks into place.
- Do not force it—if it doesn’t fit easily, double-check the orientation.
Replace the Battery Cover
- Align the battery cover with the compartment.
- Press down firmly around the edges until it snaps into place.
- Ensure there are no gaps—this protects the battery from moisture and dust.
Pro Tip
If you’re unsure whether the connector is fully seated, gently tug on the wires. If the connector comes out, it wasn’t plugged in properly. Reconnect it and test again.
Step 6: Reattach the Doorbell to the Mounting Bracket
With the new battery installed, it’s time to put your Ring Doorbell 2 back on the wall.
Align the Doorbell with the Bracket
- Hold the doorbell with the camera facing outward.
- Slide the top of the unit into the mounting bracket first.
- Lower the bottom until it clicks into place.
Secure with the Security Screw
- Insert the security screw into the hole at the bottom.
- Use your screwdriver to tighten it clockwise.
- Do not overtighten—this can strip the screw or crack the plastic.
Test the Fit
Gently wiggle the doorbell to ensure it’s securely attached. If it moves or feels loose, re-tighten the screw or check the alignment.
Pro Tip
If you’re concerned about theft, consider using a tamper-resistant screw or a security mount. These add an extra layer of protection against vandals.
Step 7: Power On and Reconnect to the Ring App
Your doorbell is back in place—now it’s time to power it on and reconnect it to the Ring app.
Turn On the Device
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone.
- Go to Devices and select your doorbell.
- Tap Device Health.
- Tap Turn On Device and confirm.
The doorbell will power on and begin searching for your Wi-Fi network. This may take 1–2 minutes.
Reconnect to Wi-Fi
If the doorbell doesn’t automatically reconnect:
- Tap Device Health > Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to re-enter your Wi-Fi password if needed.
- Wait for the connection to establish (you’ll see a green checkmark when successful).
Test the Doorbell
- Press the doorbell button to trigger a notification.
- Open the Ring app and check that you receive an alert.
- Test live view to ensure video and audio are working.
- Check motion detection by walking in front of the camera.
If everything works, congratulations—you’ve successfully changed the Ring Doorbell 2 battery!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:
Doorbell Won’t Turn On After Battery Replacement
- Check the battery connection – Ensure the connector is fully seated.
- Verify the battery is charged – A new battery may need charging before first use.
- Press the orange reset button – On the back of the doorbell, press and hold the orange button for 15 seconds to reset the device.
Wi-Fi Connection Fails
- Move closer to the router – Weak signal can prevent connection.
- Restart your router – Power cycle your Wi-Fi to refresh the network.
- Update the Ring app – Ensure you’re using the latest version.
Battery Drains Quickly
- Reduce motion sensitivity – High sensitivity drains the battery faster.
- Disable unnecessary features – Turn off live view auto-start or frequent notifications.
- Check for firmware updates – Ring often releases updates to improve battery life.
Video Quality Is Poor
- Clean the camera lens – Use a microfiber cloth to remove dirt or smudges.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal – Weak signal affects video streaming.
- Recharge the battery fully – Low power can reduce video performance.
Tips to Extend Battery Life
To get the most out of your new battery, follow these best practices:
- Charge the battery fully before first use – This calibrates the battery for accurate charge readings.
- Avoid extreme temperatures – Don’t install the doorbell in direct sunlight or freezing conditions.
- Clean the battery contacts monthly – Use a dry cloth to remove dust and corrosion.
- Update firmware regularly – Ring releases updates that improve efficiency.
- Use a solar charger (optional) – Ring offers a solar panel accessory that keeps the battery charged.
Conclusion
Changing the Ring Doorbell 2 battery is a quick and easy task that anyone can do with the right tools and guidance. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ve learned how to safely remove the old battery, install a new one, and reconnect your doorbell to the Ring app. With proper maintenance, your Ring Doorbell 2 will continue to protect your home for years to come.
Remember to use only genuine Ring batteries, power down the device before starting, and test everything after installation. If you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips in this guide will help you resolve them quickly.
Regular battery care not only extends the life of your doorbell but also ensures reliable performance when you need it most. So the next time your Ring Doorbell 2 starts acting up, don’t panic—just grab a screwdriver and a fresh battery, and you’ll be back up and running in no time.
Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a fully functional smart doorbell.