Changing the WiFi on your Ring Video Doorbell is simple with the right steps. This guide walks you through disconnecting from your old network, connecting to a new one, and troubleshooting common issues—all in under 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app: All WiFi changes must be done through the official Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Ensure strong signal: Your new WiFi network should have a strong signal at the doorbell’s location to avoid connection drops.
- Know your network details: Have your new WiFi name (SSID) and password ready before starting the process.
- Reconnect within 30 seconds: After removing the doorbell from power, you must reconnect it quickly to enter setup mode.
- Test after setup: Always verify live view and motion alerts work after switching networks.
- Update firmware: Keep your Ring device updated to ensure compatibility with newer WiFi standards like WPA3.
- Use 2.4 GHz band: Ring Video Doorbells only work on 2.4 GHz networks, not 5 GHz.
How to Change the WiFi on Ring Video Doorbell
If you’ve moved to a new home, upgraded your internet service, or simply changed your WiFi network, you’ll need to update your Ring Video Doorbell to connect to the new network. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds! In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing the WiFi on your Ring Video Doorbell, whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Video Doorbell 3, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, or Ring Video Doorbell Elite.
We’ll cover everything from preparing your device and network to troubleshooting common connection issues. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently switch your Ring doorbell to a new WiFi network without calling tech support. Plus, we’ll share pro tips to keep your doorbell running smoothly for years to come.
Why You Might Need to Change Your Ring Doorbell’s WiFi
Visual guide about How to Change the Wifi on Ring Video Doorbell
Image source: gambrick.com
There are several common reasons why you might need to change the WiFi network your Ring Video Doorbell is connected to:
- Moving to a new home: Your old WiFi network won’t be available, so you’ll need to connect to your new home’s internet.
- Upgrading your router: New routers often come with new network names (SSIDs) and passwords.
- Changing internet providers: Switching from one ISP to another usually means a new network setup.
- Network security updates: You may want to update your WiFi password for better security.
- Improving signal strength: If your current network is weak at the doorbell location, switching to a stronger or closer network can help.
No matter your reason, the process is the same. Let’s get started.
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need
Before changing your Ring doorbell’s WiFi, make sure you have the following:
- Your smartphone or tablet: With the Ring app installed and logged into your Ring account.
- Access to your new WiFi network: Know the network name (SSID) and password.
- A stable internet connection: So the app can communicate with Ring’s servers.
- Your Ring Video Doorbell: Fully charged or hardwired and powered on.
- A ladder (if needed): To safely reach your doorbell if it’s mounted high.
- A screwdriver (optional): In case you need to remove the doorbell from the mount.
Important Notes Before Starting
- Ring Video Doorbells only support 2.4 GHz WiFi networks. They do not work with 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both bands, make sure you’re connecting to the 2.4 GHz one.
- Your new network should have a strong signal at the doorbell’s location. Weak signals can cause disconnections and poor video quality.
- If your doorbell is hardwired, it still uses WiFi for internet communication—power is separate from connectivity.
- Changing the WiFi will temporarily disconnect your doorbell from the Ring app. This is normal.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change WiFi on Ring Video Doorbell
Follow these steps carefully to successfully change your Ring doorbell’s WiFi network.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the same account that’s linked to your doorbell.
- If you have multiple Ring devices, select your doorbell from the dashboard.
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner.
- Select “Devices” from the menu.
- Choose your Ring Video Doorbell from the list.
Step 2: Access Device Health
Once you’ve selected your doorbell, you’ll see a screen with device details.
- Scroll down and tap on “Device Health”.
- This section shows your current WiFi network, signal strength, battery level (if applicable), and firmware version.
- Look for the “Change WiFi Network” option. Tap it.
> 💡 Tip: If you don’t see “Change WiFi Network,” make sure your doorbell is online and the app is updated to the latest version.
Step 3: Remove Power from the Doorbell
Now comes the physical part. You’ll need to disconnect power from your doorbell to trigger setup mode.
If Your Doorbell is Battery-Powered:
- Use a ladder to safely reach your doorbell.
- Press the small release button on the bottom of the doorbell and gently pull it away from the mount.
- Remove the battery by sliding it out or pressing the release tab.
- Wait about 5 seconds, then reinsert the battery.
- Quickly reattach the doorbell to the mount. You have about 30 seconds to do this before the device resets.
If Your Doorbell is Hardwired:
- Turn off power to the doorbell at the circuit breaker or remove the wires from the terminals.
- Wait 5–10 seconds.
- Restore power by turning the breaker back on or reconnecting the wires.
- Your doorbell will restart and enter setup mode.
> ⚠️ Warning: Always turn off power at the breaker when working with hardwired devices to avoid electric shock.
Step 4: Reconnect to the Ring App
Once your doorbell restarts, it will broadcast a temporary WiFi network called “Ring-XXXX” (where XXXX is a number).
- Go to your phone’s WiFi settings (not the Ring app).
- Look for the “Ring-XXXX” network and connect to it. No password is needed.
- Return to the Ring app. It should automatically detect that your doorbell is in setup mode.
- If prompted, tap “Continue” or “Set Up Device”.
> 💡 Tip: If your phone doesn’t automatically switch back to your home WiFi after setup, manually reconnect to your home network in your phone’s settings.
Step 5: Select Your New WiFi Network
The Ring app will now scan for available WiFi networks.
- Wait for the list of networks to appear.
- Find your new WiFi network (make sure it’s the 2.4 GHz one).
- Tap on it to select it.
> 🔍 Note: If you don’t see your network, try moving closer to your router or refreshing the list. Some networks may be hidden—see troubleshooting below.
Step 6: Enter Your WiFi Password
After selecting your network, you’ll be prompted to enter the password.
- Type in your WiFi password carefully. It’s case-sensitive.
- Double-check for typos—common mistakes include confusing “0” (zero) with “O” or “l” with “I”.
- Tap “Connect” or “Next”.
> 💡 Tip: If you’re unsure of your password, check your router’s label or log into your router’s admin page.
Step 7: Wait for Connection
The app will now attempt to connect your doorbell to the new WiFi network.
- This may take 1–2 minutes.
- You’ll see a progress bar or status message like “Connecting to WiFi…”
- Once connected, the app will confirm success and return to the device dashboard.
> ✅ Success! Your Ring doorbell is now connected to the new WiFi network.
Step 8: Test Your Doorbell
After setup, it’s important to test your doorbell to ensure everything is working.
- Open the Ring app and go to your doorbell’s live view.
- Check that the video feed is clear and responsive.
- Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion detection.
- Verify that you receive a notification on your phone.
- Test the two-way audio by speaking through the app.
If all features work, your setup is complete!
Troubleshooting Common WiFi Change Issues
Even with careful steps, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.
Issue 1: Doorbell Won’t Enter Setup Mode
If your doorbell doesn’t show up in the app after removing power:
- Make sure you removed power for at least 5 seconds.
- For battery models, ensure the battery is fully charged.
- Try removing and reinserting the battery again.
- For hardwired models, double-check that power was fully disconnected and restored.
- Wait up to 2 minutes—sometimes the device takes time to reboot.
> 💡 Pro Tip: If the issue persists, try resetting your doorbell to factory settings using the setup button (see user manual for location).
Issue 2: Can’t Find Your WiFi Network
If your new network doesn’t appear in the list:
- Ensure your router is broadcasting the 2.4 GHz band.
- Some routers combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one name (e.g., “HomeWiFi”). You may need to split them in your router settings.
- Move closer to your router—signal may be too weak at the doorbell location.
- Restart your router and try again.
- If your network is hidden (not broadcasting SSID), you’ll need to manually add it in the Ring app when prompted.
Issue 3: Incorrect Password Error
If the app says the password is wrong:
- Double-check the password for typos.
- Try typing it in a notes app first, then copy and paste.
- Ensure Caps Lock is off.
- If you recently changed your WiFi password, make sure you’re using the new one.
- Reset your router’s password if needed.
Issue 4: Weak Signal or Frequent Disconnections
If your doorbell connects but keeps dropping:
- Check the signal strength in the Ring app under Device Health.
- Move your router closer to the front door or use a WiFi extender.
- Avoid placing the router behind thick walls, metal objects, or appliances like microwaves.
- Consider upgrading to a mesh WiFi system for better coverage.
- If using a battery doorbell, ensure it’s not in a metal enclosure, which can block signals.
> 💡 Pro Tip: Ring recommends a signal strength of at least -65 dBm for reliable performance. You can check this in the Device Health section.
Issue 5: App Freezes or Crashes During Setup
If the Ring app becomes unresponsive:
- Close and reopen the app.
- Restart your phone or tablet.
- Ensure the app is updated to the latest version.
- Try the setup process again from the beginning.
- If problems continue, uninstall and reinstall the Ring app.
Pro Tips for a Smooth WiFi Switch
To make future WiFi changes easier, follow these best practices:
- Label your networks: Name your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands differently (e.g., “HomeWiFi_2.4” and “HomeWiFi_5”) to avoid confusion.
- Keep firmware updated: Ring regularly releases updates that improve connectivity and security. Enable auto-updates in the app.
- Use a strong password: Protect your WiFi with a unique, complex password to prevent unauthorized access.
- Test signal before mounting: Use a WiFi analyzer app to check signal strength at your doorbell location before final installation.
- Document your settings: Keep a record of your WiFi name and password in a secure place.
When to Contact Ring Support
Most WiFi issues can be resolved with the steps above. However, contact Ring Support if:
- Your doorbell won’t power on after multiple attempts.
- The app consistently fails to detect the device.
- You’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and still can’t connect.
- Your doorbell is under warranty and may have a hardware issue.
You can reach Ring Support through the app (Menu > Help & Feedback) or visit support.ring.com.
Conclusion
Changing the WiFi on your Ring Video Doorbell is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. Whether you’re moving, upgrading your internet, or just improving security, updating your doorbell’s network ensures it stays connected and functional.
By using the Ring app, removing power to trigger setup mode, and carefully entering your new network details, you can complete the switch in under 15 minutes. Always test your doorbell afterward to confirm live view, motion alerts, and audio are working properly.
Remember: use only 2.4 GHz networks, keep your firmware updated, and ensure strong signal strength at the doorbell location. With these tips, your Ring doorbell will continue to protect your home reliably—no matter which WiFi network you’re on.
Now that you know how to change the WiFi on your Ring Video Doorbell, you can confidently manage your smart home setup with ease. Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a working Ring doorbell!