Changing the wifi on your Ring Doorbell is easier than you think. This guide walks you through every step, from preparing your new network to reconnecting your device. No tech skills required—just follow along and get your doorbell back online fast.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation is key: Before changing your wifi, make sure your new network is active, stable, and within range of your doorbell.
- Use the Ring app: All wifi changes must be done through the official Ring app—there’s no physical button or web interface for this.
- Reconnect in setup mode: You’ll need to put your doorbell into setup mode using the orange button or QR code scan.
- Signal strength matters: A weak wifi signal can cause disconnections—test your signal at the doorbell location before and after setup.
- Keep your old network active: Don’t delete or turn off your old wifi until the new connection is confirmed working.
- Update firmware if needed: Sometimes outdated firmware prevents successful reconnection—check for updates in the app.
- Troubleshoot with live support: If issues persist, Ring’s 24/7 customer support can help walk you through advanced fixes.
How to Change Wifi on a Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve moved to a new house, upgraded your internet plan, or just want to switch your Ring Doorbell to a stronger wifi network. No worries—changing the wifi on your Ring Doorbell is totally doable, even if you’re not a tech whiz. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from start to finish, with clear instructions, helpful tips, and troubleshooting advice.
Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Elite, the steps are very similar. The key is using the Ring app and following the setup mode correctly. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to change wifi on a Ring Doorbell—and keep it connected reliably.
Let’s get started!
Why You Might Need to Change Your Ring Doorbell’s Wifi
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why someone would need to change their Ring Doorbell’s wifi connection. Here are the most common reasons:
- Moving to a new home: Your new place likely has a different wifi network, so your doorbell needs to connect to the new router.
- Upgrading your internet service: If you’ve switched providers or upgraded to a faster plan, your network name (SSID) or password may have changed.
- Improving signal strength: Maybe your current wifi is too weak at the front door. Switching to a 2.4GHz band or a mesh network can help.
- Security concerns: If you suspect someone has accessed your old network, changing the wifi adds a layer of protection.
- Router replacement: Got a new router? Your doorbell will need to reconnect to the updated network.
No matter your reason, the process is straightforward—but it does require a few specific steps. Let’s break it down.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before changing the wifi on your Ring Doorbell, gather these essentials:
- Your smartphone or tablet: You’ll need the Ring app installed and logged into your account.
- Access to your new wifi network: Know the network name (SSID) and password.
- A stable internet connection: Your phone should be connected to the new wifi or have strong cellular data.
- Your Ring Doorbell: Make sure it’s powered (battery or wired) and within range of the new network.
- A ladder (if needed): Depending on where your doorbell is mounted, you may need to reach it safely.
Pro tip: Test your new wifi signal at the doorbell location before starting. Use your phone to check signal strength—ideally, you want at least 2-3 bars. If the signal is weak, consider using a wifi extender or moving your router closer.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Select Your Device
The first step is simple: open the Ring app on your phone.
Launch the Ring App
Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Ring app. You can check for updates in your device’s app store. Once opened, log in with your Ring account credentials if you aren’t already.
Go to Device Dashboard
On the home screen, you’ll see a list of your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to update. This will open the device’s live view or event history.
Access Device Settings
In the top-right corner, tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open the device settings menu. This is where you’ll find options for wifi, motion, alerts, and more.
Step 2: Put Your Doorbell into Setup Mode
To change the wifi, your doorbell needs to be in setup mode—just like when you first installed it.
Locate the Orange Button
On most Ring Doorbells (except the Pro and Elite), there’s a small orange button on the back or side of the device. You’ll need to press and hold this button to enter setup mode.
Press and Hold the Button
Use a paperclip, SIM tool, or small pin to press and hold the orange button for about 10–15 seconds. You’ll see a light on the front of the doorbell start to flash—this means it’s in setup mode.
For Ring Doorbell Pro or Elite
If you have a wired model like the Pro or Elite, there’s no physical button. Instead, go to the Ring app, select your device, tap “Device Health,” then “Reconnect to Wifi” or “Change Wifi.” The app will guide you through the process.
Wait for the Light to Flash
Once in setup mode, the front light will blink white or blue. This tells you the doorbell is ready to connect to a new network. Keep the app open—it will detect the device automatically.
Step 3: Connect to the Doorbell’s Temporary Network
Now, your phone needs to connect to the doorbell’s temporary wifi network so the app can send the new network info.
Go to Your Phone’s Wifi Settings
On your smartphone, go to Settings > Wifi. You should see a new network named something like “Ring-XXXX” (where XXXX is a number). This is your doorbell’s temporary network.
Connect to the Ring Network
Tap on the “Ring-XXXX” network and connect. You may be prompted to enter a password—this is usually “ringwifi” or found in the Ring app under setup instructions.
Return to the Ring App
Once connected, go back to the Ring app. It should automatically detect that your phone is linked to the doorbell and prompt you to proceed.
Troubleshooting Tip
If you don’t see the Ring network, make sure your doorbell is still in setup mode. If the light has stopped flashing, press the orange button again. Also, ensure your phone’s wifi is turned on and not in airplane mode.
Step 4: Select Your New Wifi Network
Now it’s time to tell your doorbell which network to connect to.
Choose Your Network
In the Ring app, you’ll see a list of available wifi networks. Scroll through and select your new network (the one you want your doorbell to use).
Enter the Password
Type in the password for your new wifi network. Be careful—passwords are case-sensitive. Double-check for typos, especially with uppercase letters, numbers, or symbols.
Confirm the Selection
Tap “Continue” or “Connect.” The app will send the network information to your doorbell over the temporary connection.
Wait for Confirmation
Your doorbell will attempt to connect to the new network. This can take 30 seconds to a few minutes. You’ll see a progress bar in the app.
Important Note on Wifi Bands
Ring Doorbells only work on 2.4GHz wifi networks. If your router broadcasts both 2.4GHz and 5GHz under the same name, make sure your doorbell connects to the 2.4GHz band. Some routers let you split the networks into separate names (e.g., “HomeWifi_2.4” and “HomeWifi_5”)—this can help avoid confusion.
Step 5: Confirm the Connection and Test
Once the app says “Connected,” it’s time to verify everything is working.
Check Device Health
Go back to the device settings in the Ring app and tap “Device Health.” Look for the wifi signal strength—ideally, it should show “Good” or “Excellent.” If it says “Poor,” your signal may be too weak.
Test Live View
Tap the live view button to see a real-time video feed from your doorbell. If the video loads quickly and clearly, the connection is strong.
Trigger a Motion Alert
Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger a motion alert. Check if you receive a notification on your phone and if the video saves to your timeline.
Check for Firmware Updates
While in Device Health, look for a “Firmware” section. If an update is available, install it. Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues.
Reconnect Your Phone to Your Home Wifi
Don’t forget to go back to your phone’s wifi settings and reconnect to your home network. Your phone was temporarily connected to the doorbell’s network, so it won’t have internet access until you switch back.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with careful steps, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
“Unable to Connect to Wifi” Error
If the app says it can’t connect, double-check the password. Also, ensure your router isn’t blocking new devices. Some routers have “guest mode” or “device limits” that prevent connections.
Weak or No Signal
If the signal is weak, try moving your router closer or using a wifi extender. Ring recommends a minimum signal strength of -65 dBm. You can use a wifi analyzer app to check this.
Doorbell Not Entering Setup Mode
If the orange button doesn’t work, make sure the doorbell has power. For battery models, charge it fully. For wired models, check the transformer and wiring.
App Not Detecting the Doorbell
Restart the Ring app and your phone. Also, ensure Bluetooth is enabled—it helps the app communicate with the doorbell during setup.
Forgot Your Old Wifi Password
No problem. You don’t need the old password to change to a new network. Just follow the steps above—your doorbell will forget the old network once it connects to the new one.
Still Stuck? Contact Ring Support
Ring offers 24/7 customer support via chat or phone. They can remotely guide you through advanced troubleshooting, including factory resets or signal diagnostics.
Tips for a Stronger, More Reliable Connection
Changing your wifi is one thing—keeping your doorbell connected is another. Here are some pro tips to ensure long-term reliability:
- Use a dedicated 2.4GHz network: If your router supports it, create a separate 2.4GHz network just for smart devices like your doorbell.
- Place your router centrally: The closer your router is to the doorbell, the better the signal. Avoid placing it in basements or behind thick walls.
- Install a wifi extender: If your front door is far from the router, a wifi extender can boost the signal significantly.
- Avoid interference: Microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can interfere with 2.4GHz signals. Keep your router away from these devices.
- Update regularly: Check for app and firmware updates monthly to ensure optimal performance.
- Use a strong password: While not directly related to connectivity, a secure network prevents unauthorized access that could disrupt your devices.
When to Consider a Hardwired Solution
If you’re constantly dealing with weak signals or battery drain, it might be time to upgrade to a wired model.
Ring Doorbell Pro or Elite
These models connect directly to your home’s electrical system and use Power over Ethernet (PoE) for the Elite. They’re more reliable for high-traffic areas or homes with poor wifi coverage.
Professional Installation
If you’re not comfortable working with electrical wiring, hire a professional. Many electricians offer Ring installation services, and some even include wifi optimization.
Cost vs. Benefit
While wired models cost more upfront, they eliminate battery changes and often provide better video quality and faster alerts.
Final Thoughts: Stay Connected, Stay Secure
Changing the wifi on your Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a little patience, you can switch networks in under 15 minutes. The key is following the steps in order: open the app, enter setup mode, connect to the temporary network, select your new wifi, and test the connection.
Remember, your doorbell is your first line of defense for home security. A strong, stable connection ensures you never miss a visitor, delivery, or potential threat. By keeping your network updated and your device well-maintained, you’re not just changing wifi—you’re upgrading your peace of mind.
So go ahead, give it a try. And if you run into any hiccups, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ring support or revisit this guide. You’ve got this!