Changing the WiFi on your Ring Doorbell is simple with the Ring app. This guide walks you through disconnecting from your old network and reconnecting to a new one—whether you’ve moved, upgraded your router, or just need better signal strength.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to change WiFi networks: All WiFi changes must be done through the official Ring app, not the device itself.
- Ensure your new network is 2.4 GHz compatible: Most Ring Doorbells only work on 2.4 GHz networks, not 5 GHz.
- Stay close to your doorbell during setup: You’ll need to be within Bluetooth range (about 30 feet) to reconnect.
- Keep your doorbell charged or hardwired: A low battery can interrupt the setup process.
- Restart your router if connection fails: Sometimes a simple reboot resolves connectivity issues.
- Test your connection after setup: Use Live View to confirm your doorbell is online and working properly.
- Update your Ring app regularly: New app versions often include bug fixes and improved setup features.
How to Change the WiFi on the Ring Doorbell
If you’ve recently moved, upgraded your internet service, or noticed your Ring Doorbell keeps going offline, it might be time to change the WiFi network it’s connected to. Whether you’re switching from one router to another or just want a stronger signal, updating your Ring Doorbell’s WiFi settings is easier than you think.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of changing the WiFi on your Ring Doorbell—no technical expertise required. From preparing your device to troubleshooting common issues, we’ve got you covered. By the end, your smart doorbell will be securely connected to your new network and ready to keep your home safe.
Why You Might Need to Change Your Ring Doorbell’s WiFi
There are several common reasons you might need to update your Ring Doorbell’s WiFi connection:
- Moving to a new home: Your old WiFi network won’t be available, so you’ll need to connect to your new router.
- Upgrading your internet plan or router: New equipment often means a new network name (SSID) or password.
- Poor signal strength: If your doorbell frequently disconnects, switching to a stronger or closer network can help.
- Changing your WiFi password: For security reasons, you may update your network password, which requires reconnecting all devices.
- Adding a mesh network or extender: If you’ve installed a WiFi extender, you may want your doorbell to connect through it for better coverage.
No matter the reason, the process is straightforward—and we’ll show you exactly how to do it.
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need
Before diving into the setup, make sure you have the following:
- The Ring app installed on your smartphone or tablet: Available for free on iOS and Android.
- Your new WiFi network name (SSID) and password: Double-check for typos—this is a common cause of setup failure.
- Access to your Ring Doorbell: You’ll need to be near the device (within 30 feet) during setup.
- A charged battery or hardwired power source: If your doorbell is battery-powered, ensure it’s charged. Low power can disrupt the connection process.
- Your smartphone or tablet nearby: You’ll use this to guide the setup via Bluetooth.
Having these items ready will make the process smooth and stress-free.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Ring Doorbell’s WiFi
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get started. Follow these steps carefully to successfully change your Ring Doorbell’s WiFi network.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don’t have it installed, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Once opened, log in with your Ring account credentials. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” link to reset it.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell Device
From the home screen, tap on the device icon (usually a camera or doorbell symbol) to view your Ring devices.
Locate your Ring Doorbell in the list and tap on it to open its control panel.
Step 3: Access Device Health
In the device control panel, scroll down and tap on Device Health. This section shows your doorbell’s current status, including battery level, signal strength, and connected WiFi network.
Step 4: Tap “Change WiFi Network”
Under the WiFi section, you’ll see your current network name. Tap on Change WiFi Network.
The app will prompt you to confirm that you want to disconnect from the current network. Tap Continue.
Step 5: Put Your Doorbell in Setup Mode
Now, you’ll need to physically interact with your doorbell to put it into setup mode.
- For battery-powered models: Remove the faceplate and press and hold the orange button on the back of the device for about 10 seconds. You’ll see a light ring flash white, then blue. This means it’s in setup mode.
- For hardwired models: Press and hold the button on the front of the doorbell for 10 seconds until the light ring flashes white, then blue.
Once the light turns blue, your doorbell is ready to connect to a new network.
Step 6: Follow the In-App Setup Wizard
Return to the Ring app. It should automatically detect your doorbell in setup mode. If not, tap Refresh or restart the app.
The app will now guide you through the WiFi setup process:
- Tap Continue when prompted.
- Select your new WiFi network from the list of available networks.
- Enter your WiFi password carefully. Make sure Caps Lock is off and there are no extra spaces.
- Tap Connect.
The app will send the network credentials to your doorbell via Bluetooth. This may take a minute or two.
Step 7: Wait for Connection Confirmation
Once your doorbell receives the new WiFi information, it will attempt to connect. You’ll see a progress bar in the app.
If successful, you’ll receive a confirmation message: “Your device is now connected to [Network Name].”
If it fails, don’t panic—we’ll cover troubleshooting in a later section.
Step 8: Test Your Connection
To ensure everything is working:
- Tap the Live View button in the app to see a real-time video feed from your doorbell.
- Check the signal strength in Device Health—it should show “Good” or “Excellent.”
- Test motion detection by walking in front of the doorbell and checking for alerts.
If all features are working, congratulations—you’ve successfully changed your Ring Doorbell’s WiFi!
Tips for a Smooth WiFi Change
To avoid common pitfalls and ensure a hassle-free experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a 2.4 GHz network: Most Ring Doorbells (except the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and Elite) only support 2.4 GHz WiFi. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name, consider splitting them for clarity.
- Place your router closer to the doorbell: If possible, position your router or a WiFi extender near your front door to improve signal strength.
- Avoid special characters in your WiFi password: Some symbols (like &, %, or spaces) can cause connection issues. Stick to letters, numbers, and basic punctuation.
- Restart your router before setup: A quick reboot can resolve temporary network glitches.
- Update your Ring app: Make sure you’re using the latest version for the best compatibility and features.
Following these best practices will save you time and frustration.
Troubleshooting Common WiFi Issues
Even with careful preparation, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues:
Issue 1: Doorbell Won’t Enter Setup Mode
If the light ring doesn’t flash blue when you press the button:
- Make sure the battery is charged. A low battery can prevent setup mode.
- Try pressing the button again—sometimes it takes a few attempts.
- For hardwired models, check that power is reaching the doorbell. Use a voltage tester if needed.
Issue 2: App Can’t Find the Doorbell
If the Ring app doesn’t detect your doorbell in setup mode:
- Ensure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on.
- Move closer to the doorbell—Bluetooth range is limited.
- Close and reopen the Ring app.
- Restart your phone and try again.
Issue 3: Connection Fails After Entering Password
If the doorbell tries to connect but fails:
- Double-check your WiFi password for typos.
- Ensure you’re connecting to a 2.4 GHz network.
- Try moving your router closer or using a WiFi extender.
- Reset your doorbell by holding the orange button for 20 seconds, then retry setup.
Issue 4: Doorbell Connects But Has Poor Signal
If your doorbell connects but the signal is weak:
- Check the signal strength in Device Health. If it’s “Poor,” consider relocating your router.
- Install a Ring Chime Pro, which acts as a WiFi extender specifically for Ring devices.
- Reduce interference by keeping the doorbell away from metal objects, thick walls, or electronic devices.
Issue 5: Doorbell Keeps Disconnecting
If your doorbell frequently goes offline:
- Ensure your WiFi network is stable and not overloaded with devices.
- Update your router’s firmware.
- Contact Ring Support if the issue persists—there may be a hardware problem.
When to Contact Ring Support
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and your doorbell still won’t connect, it’s time to reach out for help.
Contact Ring Support through the app:
- Go to More > Help & Feedback > Contact Us.
- Choose your issue and describe what you’ve already tried.
- You can chat, call, or email depending on your preference.
Their team is knowledgeable and can often resolve issues remotely or guide you through advanced diagnostics.
Final Thoughts
Changing the WiFi on your Ring Doorbell is a simple process that can make a big difference in performance and reliability. Whether you’re upgrading your home network or moving to a new place, following this guide ensures a smooth transition.
Remember to use the Ring app, stay close to your device, and double-check your network details. With a little patience, your smart doorbell will be back online and keeping your home secure in no time.
By staying proactive about your doorbell’s connectivity, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted video, instant alerts, and peace of mind—all thanks to a strong and stable WiFi connection.