Charging your 2nd generation Ring doorbell is simple but requires the right steps to ensure safety and battery longevity. This guide walks you through removing the device, using the correct charger, and troubleshooting common issues—so your smart doorbell stays powered and ready.
Key Takeaways
- Use only the official Ring USB cable and a compatible power source: Avoid third-party chargers to prevent damage or slow charging.
- Remove the doorbell from the mounting bracket before charging: The battery is not removable, so you must take the whole unit down.
- Charge in a dry, indoor environment: Never charge your Ring doorbell outside or in wet conditions.
- A full charge takes 5–10 hours: Plan ahead, especially during cold weather when charging slows.
- Check battery level in the Ring app: Monitor charge status and receive low-battery alerts to avoid unexpected outages.
- Reinstall securely after charging: Ensure the doorbell clicks into place and the security screw is tightened.
- Clean the charging port regularly: Dust or debris can interfere with charging—use a dry toothbrush or compressed air.
How to Charge Your 2nd Generation Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve recently installed a 2nd generation Ring doorbell—or you’re just getting the hang of maintaining it—you might be wondering how to keep it powered up. Unlike traditional wired doorbells, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. That means you’ll need to charge it periodically to keep your smart home security system running smoothly.
Charging your Ring doorbell is straightforward, but there are a few important steps and best practices to follow. Doing it wrong—like using the wrong charger or charging it in the rain—can damage the device or shorten its battery life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from safely removing your doorbell to reattaching it after a full charge. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips, charging times, and how to monitor your battery level using the Ring app.
By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident charging your 2nd generation Ring doorbell like a pro—and you’ll know exactly what to do if something goes wrong.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Visual guide about How to Charge 2nd Generation Ring Doorbell
Image source: lifehacker.com
Before you begin the charging process, gather the following items:
- The official Ring USB charging cable (included with your doorbell)
- A USB power adapter (5V/2A recommended)
- A Phillips-head screwdriver (for the security screw)
- A clean, dry indoor space to charge the device
- Your smartphone with the Ring app installed
Important: Avoid using third-party or fast-charging USB cables and adapters. While they might seem convenient, they can overheat the battery or deliver inconsistent power, potentially damaging your doorbell over time. Stick to the official Ring cable and a standard 5V/2A wall adapter for the safest, most reliable charge.
Step 1: Check the Battery Level in the Ring App
Before you remove your doorbell, it’s smart to check how much charge is left. This helps you decide whether a full charge is needed or if a quick top-up will do.
Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone. Make sure you’re logged into the account linked to your doorbell.
Navigate to Device Health
Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top-left corner, then select “Devices.” Choose your Ring doorbell from the list. Scroll down to the “Device Health” section.
View Battery Status
You’ll see a battery icon with a percentage. If it’s below 20%, it’s time to charge. The app may also show a “Low Battery” warning. If the battery is critically low (below 10%), your doorbell may stop recording or sending motion alerts until it’s recharged.
Pro Tip: Enable low-battery notifications in the app settings so you’re alerted before the battery runs out completely.
Step 2: Safely Remove the Ring Doorbell from the Mount
Since the battery is built into the doorbell, you can’t remove it separately. You’ll need to take the entire unit off the wall to charge it.
Turn Off Power (If Hardwired)
If your Ring doorbell is hardwired to your home’s electrical system (in addition to the battery), turn off the power at the circuit breaker before removing it. This prevents any electrical shock or short-circuiting.
Locate the Security Screw
At the bottom of the doorbell, you’ll see a small security screw. This prevents the doorbell from being easily removed by someone else.
Unscrew and Lift Off
Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the security screw. Once it’s loose, gently lift the doorbell upward and away from the mounting bracket. It should slide out easily.
Caution: Don’t force it. If it feels stuck, double-check that the screw is fully loosened. Forcing the doorbell can damage the mounting bracket or the device itself.
Step 3: Prepare for Charging
Now that your doorbell is off the wall, it’s time to get it ready for charging.
Find a Dry, Indoor Location
Choose a clean, dry spot indoors—like a table or countertop. Never charge your Ring doorbell outside, in a garage, or in humid areas like bathrooms. Moisture can damage the internal components and void your warranty.
Inspect the Charging Port
Look at the micro-USB port on the back of the doorbell. If you see dust, lint, or debris, gently clean it with a dry toothbrush or a can of compressed air. A dirty port can prevent a solid connection and slow down charging.
Use the Official Ring Cable
Plug the official Ring USB cable into the micro-USB port on the back of the doorbell. Make sure it’s fully inserted—there should be a slight click or firm fit.
Connect to a Power Source
Plug the other end of the USB cable into a 5V/2A wall adapter, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet. Avoid using computer USB ports, as they often provide less power and can result in slower charging.
Example: A standard phone charger (like the one that came with your iPhone or Android) works perfectly. Just make sure it’s not a fast-charging or high-voltage adapter.
Step 4: Charge the Doorbell
With everything connected, your doorbell will begin charging automatically.
Check the LED Indicator
When charging starts, a small LED light on the front of the doorbell will turn solid red. This means it’s receiving power and charging properly.
Monitor Charging Progress
The red light will remain on while charging. Once the battery is fully charged, the light will turn off. This usually takes between 5 to 10 hours, depending on how low the battery was.
Note: Charging time can be longer in cold temperatures. If your doorbell was stored in a cold garage or outside during winter, let it warm up to room temperature before charging.
Use the Ring App to Track Progress
While the doorbell is charging, you can’t check the battery level in the app—it only updates when the device is connected to Wi-Fi. But once you reinstall it, the app will show the new charge level.
Step 5: Reinstall the Doorbell
After the battery is fully charged, it’s time to put your doorbell back on the wall.
Disconnect the Charger
Unplug the USB cable from the doorbell and the wall adapter.
Align with the Mounting Bracket
Hold the doorbell so the back aligns with the mounting bracket on the wall. Slide it downward until it clicks into place.
Tighten the Security Screw
Use your Phillips-head screwdriver to tighten the security screw at the bottom. This ensures the doorbell stays secure and can’t be easily removed by someone else.
Test the Connection
Open the Ring app and check the device status. You should see a strong Wi-Fi signal and a full or high battery percentage. Try triggering a motion alert or live view to confirm everything is working.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a 2nd Gen Ring Doorbell?
Charging time depends on several factors:
- Battery level before charging: A completely dead battery takes longer than a half-charged one.
- Power source: A 2A adapter charges faster than a 1A adapter or computer USB port.
- Temperature: Cold environments slow down charging. Ideal charging temperature is between 50°F and 86°F (10°C to 30°C).
- Cable quality: Using the official Ring cable ensures optimal power delivery.
On average, a full charge takes 5 to 10 hours. If your doorbell is at 10%, expect closer to 8–10 hours. If it’s at 50%, 3–4 hours may be enough.
How Often Do You Need to Charge It?
Battery life varies based on usage:
- Low usage (few motion events): Lasts 6–12 months
- Moderate usage (daily motion alerts): Lasts 3–6 months
- High usage (frequent live views, constant motion): Lasts 1–3 months
Factors that drain the battery faster include:
- Frequent live streaming
- High video quality settings (1080p)
- Cold weather (batteries lose efficiency below 32°F/0°C)
- Poor Wi-Fi signal (device works harder to stay connected)
Tip: If you live in a cold climate, consider hardwiring your Ring doorbell to reduce battery drain. The 2nd generation model supports both battery and hardwired power.
Troubleshooting Common Charging Issues
Even with proper care, you might run into charging problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
The Doorbell Won’t Charge
- Check the cable and adapter: Try a different USB cable or power source. If another device charges fine with the same setup, the issue is likely with the doorbell.
- Inspect the charging port: Look for dirt, corrosion, or damage. Clean gently with a dry brush.
- Try a different outlet: Sometimes outlets fail or have loose connections.
- Reset the doorbell: Press and hold the orange button on the back for 20 seconds to reset it. Then try charging again.
The LED Light Doesn’t Turn On
If the red LED doesn’t light up when plugged in:
- The battery may be completely dead. Leave it plugged in for 30 minutes and check again.
- The cable or adapter may be faulty. Test with known-working accessories.
- The doorbell may have a hardware issue. Contact Ring support if problems persist.
Charging Is Very Slow
- You’re using a low-power USB port (like on a laptop). Switch to a wall adapter.
- The cable is damaged or not the official Ring cable. Replace it.
- The battery is old or degraded. After 2–3 years, lithium-ion batteries lose capacity. Consider a replacement.
Battery Drains Too Fast After Charging
- Check for firmware updates in the Ring app. Outdated software can cause battery drain.
- Reduce motion sensitivity or disable motion zones you don’t need.
- Lower video quality from 1080p to 720p in the app settings.
- Ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong. Weak signals force the doorbell to use more power to stay connected.
Tips to Extend Battery Life
Want to go longer between charges? Try these proven strategies:
- Enable Motion Scheduling: Set your doorbell to only record motion during certain hours (e.g., 7 PM to 7 AM).
- Use Motion Zones: Limit detection to areas like your front walkway, not the busy street.
- Turn Off Live View Notifications: Only use live view when needed.
- Keep Firmware Updated: Ring regularly releases updates that improve battery efficiency.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: If possible, install your doorbell in a sheltered area away from direct sun or cold winds.
Can You Charge the Ring Doorbell While It’s on the Wall?
Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended.
You can plug the USB cable into the back of the doorbell while it’s mounted, but this is risky. The cable can get pinched, damaged, or pulled loose by weather or animals. It also looks messy and may not provide a stable connection.
Best practice: Always remove the doorbell from the mount to charge it. It only takes a minute and ensures a safe, reliable charge.
What to Do If the Battery Won’t Hold a Charge
If your Ring doorbell charges but dies quickly—or won’t charge at all—the battery may be failing.
- Age: Lithium-ion batteries last 2–3 years with regular use.
- Symptoms of a bad battery: Rapid drain, failure to charge, or the device shutting off unexpectedly.
- Solution: Contact Ring customer support. They may offer a replacement under warranty (typically 1 year).
If your doorbell is out of warranty, you can purchase a replacement battery kit from Ring or third-party sellers—but installation requires disassembling the device, which can be tricky. For most users, replacing the entire doorbell is easier and safer.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Ring Doorbell Powered and Protected
Charging your 2nd generation Ring doorbell doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right tools, a little planning, and attention to detail, you can keep your smart doorbell running smoothly for years.
Remember: always use the official Ring USB cable, charge indoors, and reinstall the doorbell securely. Monitor battery levels in the app, and take steps to reduce unnecessary drain. And if you run into issues, don’t panic—most problems have simple fixes.
By following this guide, you’ll not only extend the life of your doorbell’s battery but also ensure your home stays protected with reliable, around-the-clock security.
Now that you know how to charge your Ring doorbell the right way, you can enjoy peace of mind—knowing your front door is always being watched.