Changing the time on your Ring Doorbell is simple and essential for accurate event logs. This guide walks you through syncing your device with the correct time zone, adjusting settings via the Ring app, and troubleshooting common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Doorbells sync time automatically via the Ring app: Manual time changes aren’t supported, but you can ensure accurate time by syncing with your phone’s settings.
- Correct time zone settings are crucial: An incorrect time zone causes time drift and inaccurate timestamps on videos and alerts.
- Update your Ring app and device firmware regularly: Outdated software can cause time sync failures and other performance issues.
- Check your phone’s date and time settings: Since the Ring app pulls time from your mobile device, ensure it’s set to automatic.
- Reconnect your doorbell if time issues persist: Re-linking the device to Wi-Fi or restarting it can resolve sync problems.
- Use the “Device Health” feature to diagnose issues: This tool in the Ring app helps identify connectivity or sync problems affecting time accuracy.
- Contact Ring Support for persistent problems: If troubleshooting fails, professional help ensures your doorbell functions correctly.
How to Change Time on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever noticed that your Ring Doorbell is showing the wrong time on video recordings or motion alerts? Maybe a visitor rang the bell at 3:00 PM, but the timestamp says 2:47 PM. Or perhaps your motion alerts are logging events an hour off due to daylight saving time. These time discrepancies can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to review footage or verify activity around your home.
The good news? You don’t need to manually set the time on your Ring Doorbell like you would on a traditional clock. Instead, Ring devices automatically sync time based on your mobile device and the settings in the Ring app. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to change time on Ring Doorbell—or more accurately, how to ensure your Ring Doorbell displays the correct time.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
- Why your Ring Doorbell might show the wrong time
- How time syncing works with Ring devices
- Step-by-step instructions to fix time issues
- How to check and adjust time zone settings
- Troubleshooting tips for persistent problems
- Best practices to prevent future time errors
Whether you’ve just installed your Ring Doorbell or noticed a time drift over the past few weeks, this guide will help you get accurate timestamps so you can trust your security footage. Let’s get started.
Why Is the Time Wrong on My Ring Doorbell?
Before diving into the fix, it’s important to understand why your Ring Doorbell might be displaying the incorrect time. Most time-related issues stem from one of the following causes:
Visual guide about How to Change Time on Ring Doorbell
Image source: pcguide.com
1. Incorrect Time Zone Settings
Your Ring Doorbell uses the time zone configured in the Ring app to timestamp events. If your app is set to the wrong time zone—say, you’re in Pacific Time but the app thinks you’re in Eastern Time—your recordings will be off by several hours. This is one of the most common reasons for time errors.
2. Phone’s Date and Time Not Set to Automatic
The Ring app syncs time based on your mobile device. If your phone’s date and time are manually set or not updating automatically, the Ring app will pull incorrect time data. This affects not only the app display but also the timestamps sent to your doorbell.
3. Daylight Saving Time (DST) Confusion
When daylight saving time begins or ends, some devices fail to adjust automatically. If your phone or the Ring app doesn’t recognize the time change, your doorbell may continue using the old time for a day or two.
4. Outdated Ring App or Firmware
Software updates often include fixes for time sync issues. If your Ring app or doorbell firmware is outdated, it may not communicate properly with Ring’s servers, leading to time drift or incorrect timestamps.
5. Weak or Unstable Wi-Fi Connection
Your Ring Doorbell needs a stable internet connection to sync time with Ring’s cloud servers. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak or intermittent, the device may fail to update its internal clock, resulting in outdated or incorrect time stamps.
6. Device Was Recently Moved or Reset
If you’ve recently moved your Ring Doorbell to a new location or performed a factory reset, the device may not have reconnected properly to the correct time zone or network settings.
Understanding these causes will help you pinpoint the issue and apply the right fix. Now, let’s walk through the steps to ensure your Ring Doorbell shows the correct time.
Step 1: Check and Update Your Phone’s Date and Time Settings
The first and most important step in fixing time issues on your Ring Doorbell is ensuring your mobile device is set correctly. Since the Ring app relies on your phone’s time and location data, any inaccuracies here will carry over to your doorbell.
For iPhone Users
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap General.
- Tap Date & Time.
- Make sure the toggle for Set Automatically is turned ON (green).
- If it’s off, turn it on. Your phone will now sync time with Apple’s servers based on your location.
- Verify that the correct time zone is displayed below the toggle.
Tip: If you’re traveling, your iPhone may switch time zones automatically. Once you return home, double-check that it’s back to your local time zone.
For Android Users
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Tap System (or General Management on Samsung devices).
- Tap Date & Time.
- Enable the toggle for Automatic Date & Time.
- Also enable Automatic Time Zone if available.
- Confirm that the displayed time and time zone match your current location.
Note: Some Android phones may label these settings differently. Look for options like “Use network-provided time” or “Automatic date & time.”
Once your phone’s time is set correctly, open the Ring app and check if the timestamps now appear accurate. If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Verify and Update Time Zone in the Ring App
Even if your phone’s time is correct, your Ring Doorbell may still show the wrong time if the app is configured for the wrong time zone. Here’s how to check and fix it:
Open the Ring App and Navigate to Device Settings
- Launch the Ring app on your smartphone.
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner.
- Select Devices from the menu.
- Choose your Ring Doorbell from the list of devices.
- Tap Device Settings (usually represented by a gear icon).
Check the Time Zone Setting
- Scroll down to the General Settings section.
- Look for an option labeled Time Zone or Location & Time Zone.
- Tap on it to view the current setting.
- If the time zone is incorrect, tap the dropdown menu and select the correct one for your area (e.g., Pacific Time, Eastern Time, Central Time, etc.).
- Save your changes.
Example: If you live in Los Angeles, make sure “Pacific Time (PT)” is selected. If you’re in New York, choose “Eastern Time (ET).”
After updating the time zone, your Ring Doorbell should begin syncing with the correct time within a few minutes. You can verify this by checking a recent motion alert or video recording.
Step 3: Update the Ring App and Device Firmware
Outdated software is a common cause of time sync issues. Ring regularly releases updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance security. Ensuring both your app and doorbell firmware are up to date can resolve time discrepancies.
Update the Ring App
- Open your device’s app store (App Store for iPhone, Google Play Store for Android).
- Search for “Ring” in the search bar.
- If an update is available, you’ll see an Update button. Tap it to install the latest version.
- Once updated, reopen the Ring app and log in if prompted.
Update Your Ring Doorbell Firmware
- Open the Ring app and go to Devices.
- Select your doorbell and tap Device Health.
- Look for a section labeled Firmware Version.
- If an update is available, you’ll see a message like “Update Available” or “Firmware Update Ready.”
- Tap Update and wait for the process to complete. This may take a few minutes.
- Your doorbell will restart automatically once the update is installed.
Note: Firmware updates require a stable Wi-Fi connection. Make sure your doorbell is within range of your router and has at least 70% battery (for battery-powered models).
After updating both the app and firmware, check your doorbell’s timestamps again. If the time is still incorrect, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Step 4: Restart Your Ring Doorbell
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve time sync issues by forcing the device to reconnect to Ring’s servers and pull the correct time data.
For Wired Ring Doorbells (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Wired)
- Turn off the power to your doorbell at the breaker box or disconnect the wires temporarily.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Restore power or reconnect the wires.
- Wait for the doorbell to boot up (you’ll hear a chime or see a light indicator).
- Open the Ring app and check if the time is now correct.
For Battery-Powered Ring Doorbells (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell, Battery)
- Remove the battery from the back of the doorbell.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Reinsert the battery.
- Press the front button to wake up the device.
- Wait a few minutes for it to reconnect to Wi-Fi and sync time.
Tip: After restarting, give your doorbell 5–10 minutes to fully reconnect and sync with the Ring servers.
If the time is still off after a restart, proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Reconnect Your Doorbell to Wi-Fi
A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can prevent your Ring Doorbell from syncing time properly. Reconnecting the device to your network can refresh the connection and resolve sync issues.
Reconnect via the Ring App
- Open the Ring app and go to Devices.
- Select your doorbell and tap Device Health.
- Tap Reconnect to Wi-Fi or Change Wi-Fi Network.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect your doorbell to your home network.
- Make sure you’re within range of your router during this process.
- Once reconnected, wait a few minutes and check the time stamps.
Pro Tip: If your Wi-Fi signal is weak at the doorbell location, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or moving your router closer to improve connectivity.
After reconnecting, your doorbell should sync time automatically. If not, try the next troubleshooting method.
Step 6: Use the Device Health Tool to Diagnose Issues
The Ring app includes a built-in diagnostic tool called Device Health that can help identify why your doorbell isn’t syncing time correctly.
How to Access Device Health
- Open the Ring app.
- Go to Devices and select your doorbell.
- Tap Device Health.
- Review the status of key components:
- Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Should be “Good” or “Excellent.”
- Battery Level: Should be above 50% for reliable performance.
- Last Activity: Should show recent events (e.g., motion detected, doorbell pressed).
- Firmware Version: Should be up to date.
If any of these indicators show a problem—such as weak Wi-Fi or outdated firmware—address it using the steps above. The Device Health screen may also display specific error messages like “Time Sync Failed” or “Connection Lost,” which can guide your troubleshooting.
Step 7: Reset and Re-Setup Your Ring Doorbell
If none of the previous steps have resolved the time issue, a full reset and re-setup may be necessary. This process restores your doorbell to factory settings and allows you to configure it from scratch, ensuring all settings—including time zone—are correct.
How to Reset Your Ring Doorbell
- Locate the orange button on the back or side of your doorbell (location varies by model).
- Press and hold the button for 20 seconds until the light ring flashes white.
- Release the button. The device will reset and restart.
Re-Setup Your Doorbell in the Ring App
- Open the Ring app and tap the + icon to add a new device.
- Select Doorbells and follow the setup wizard.
- Scan the QR code on your doorbell or enter the serial number manually.
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
- When prompted, select the correct time zone and location.
- Complete the setup and test the doorbell.
Warning: Resetting your doorbell will erase all settings and recorded events. Make sure you’ve reviewed any important footage before proceeding.
After re-setting up, your doorbell should sync time correctly. If the problem persists, it may be a hardware or account issue requiring professional support.
Troubleshooting Common Time Sync Issues
Even after following all the steps above, some users may still experience time problems. Here are solutions to common scenarios:
Time Is Off by Exactly One Hour
This usually indicates a daylight saving time (DST) issue. Ensure your phone and Ring app recognize DST changes. If not, manually adjust the time zone or wait 24 hours for automatic correction.
Time Drifts Gradually Over Days
This suggests a weak Wi-Fi signal or firmware bug. Move your router closer, use a Wi-Fi extender, or contact Ring Support for a firmware patch.
Time Resets After Power Outage
Wired doorbells may lose time sync during power outages. Once power is restored, the device should reconnect and sync automatically. If not, restart it manually.
Multiple Devices Show Different Times
Ensure all Ring devices are linked to the same account and time zone. Check each device’s settings individually.
Best Practices to Prevent Future Time Issues
To avoid time sync problems in the future, follow these best practices:
- Keep your Ring app updated: Enable automatic updates in your app store.
- Use automatic time settings on your phone: Never manually set the date or time.
- Check time zone after traveling: If you travel across time zones, verify your settings when you return home.
- Monitor Device Health regularly: Check the status weekly to catch issues early.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage: Use extenders if needed to boost signal at your doorbell.
When to Contact Ring Support
If you’ve tried all the steps above and your Ring Doorbell still shows the wrong time, it’s time to contact Ring Support. They can check your account settings, server sync status, and device diagnostics remotely.
To get help:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap the menu icon and select Help & Support.
- Choose Contact Us and describe your time sync issue.
- Include your device model, app version, and steps you’ve already tried.
Ring’s support team is available 24/7 and can often resolve issues within minutes.
Conclusion
Changing the time on your Ring Doorbell isn’t about manually setting a clock—it’s about ensuring your device syncs correctly with your phone and the Ring app. By following the steps in this guide, you can fix time discrepancies, improve the accuracy of your security footage, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your doorbell is working as intended.
Remember: Your Ring Doorbell relies on your phone’s time and the app’s settings to display accurate timestamps. Keep both updated, check your time zone, and use the Device Health tool to stay on top of any issues. With a little maintenance, your Ring Doorbell will keep perfect time—and keep your home secure.