Connecting your Ring Doorbell Pro to Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) can be tricky due to outdated browser limitations. This guide walks you through every step—from checking compatibility to troubleshooting common issues—so you can successfully manage your doorbell using IE11.
Key Takeaways
- IE11 has limited support for modern web apps: Ring’s web portal relies on newer web standards that IE11 doesn’t fully support, which can cause connection problems.
- Use the Ring mobile app as a primary tool: While IE11 can access basic features, the Ring app on iOS or Android offers a smoother, more reliable experience.
- Ensure your network meets Ring’s requirements: A stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection with at least 2 Mbps upload speed is essential for Ring Doorbell Pro functionality.
- Update your browser or switch to a modern alternative: For full access, consider using Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox instead of IE11.
- Enable compatibility mode in IE11: This can help load the Ring website more effectively by mimicking older browser behavior.
- Clear cache and cookies regularly: Accumulated data can interfere with login and streaming performance in IE11.
- Contact Ring Support if issues persist: Their team can provide device-specific guidance and remote diagnostics.
Introduction: Why Connecting Ring Doorbell Pro to IE11 Is Challenging
If you’re trying to connect your Ring Doorbell Pro to Internet Explorer 11 (IE11), you’re not alone—but you might be fighting an uphill battle. While IE11 was once a dominant browser, it’s now considered outdated and lacks support for many modern web technologies that Ring’s online platform depends on. This guide will help you understand the limitations, walk you through the best workarounds, and show you how to get the most out of your Ring Doorbell Pro—even when using IE11.
In this comprehensive how-to guide, you’ll learn:
- Why IE11 struggles with Ring’s web interface
- Step-by-step instructions to connect your Ring Doorbell Pro using IE11
- How to optimize IE11 settings for better compatibility
- Alternative methods to manage your doorbell if IE11 fails
- Troubleshooting tips for common connection issues
By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to access your Ring Doorbell Pro, whether through IE11 or a more reliable alternative. Let’s get started.
Understanding the Ring Doorbell Pro and IE11 Compatibility
Before diving into setup, it’s important to understand why connecting your Ring Doorbell Pro to IE11 is difficult. The Ring Doorbell Pro is a smart device that relies on cloud-based services and real-time video streaming. These features require modern web standards like HTML5, WebRTC, and secure HTTPS protocols—technologies that IE11 either partially supports or doesn’t support at all.
Internet Explorer 11, released in 2013, was designed for older websites and lacks many of the security and performance features found in today’s browsers. Microsoft itself ended support for IE11 in June 2022, encouraging users to switch to Microsoft Edge, which offers better speed, security, and compatibility.
When you try to access the Ring website (ring.com) or the Ring web portal via IE11, you may encounter:
- Blank or frozen screens
- Login errors or failed authentication
- Video streaming that won’t load
- Missing buttons or broken layouts
These issues occur because Ring’s web interface uses JavaScript frameworks and responsive design elements that IE11 can’t interpret correctly. Even if you manage to log in, functionality will likely be limited.
That said, it’s not impossible to use IE11 with your Ring Doorbell Pro—it just requires extra steps and realistic expectations. The goal isn’t to achieve full functionality, but to access basic controls like viewing live video, checking event history, or adjusting settings when a modern browser isn’t available.
Prerequisites: What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before attempting to connect your Ring Doorbell Pro to IE11, make sure you have the following:
1. A Fully Charged or Hardwired Ring Doorbell Pro
Your doorbell must be powered and connected to Wi-Fi. If it’s battery-powered, ensure it’s charged to at least 50%. For best results, hardwire it using the Pro Power Kit (included) to avoid power-related disconnections.
2. A Stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Network
Ring Doorbell Pro only works on 2.4 GHz networks—it does not support 5 GHz. Your Wi-Fi signal should be strong at the doorbell’s location. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to check signal strength. Aim for at least -65 dBm or better.
3. Minimum Internet Speed
Ring recommends at least 2 Mbps upload speed for smooth video streaming. You can test your speed at speedtest.net. If your upload speed is below 1 Mbps, consider upgrading your internet plan or relocating your router.
4. A Ring Account
You’ll need a registered Ring account (free or Ring Protect plan). If you don’t have one, create it on the Ring mobile app first—this is easier than using IE11.
5. Internet Explorer 11 Installed
Ensure IE11 is installed on your Windows PC. It comes pre-installed on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10. If you’re on Windows 11, IE11 is not included, but you can enable it via “Internet Explorer mode” in Microsoft Edge.
6. Administrator Access
You may need admin rights to adjust browser settings, install updates, or clear cache. Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator.
Once you’ve confirmed these prerequisites, you’re ready to begin the connection process.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ring Doorbell Pro for Setup
Before connecting via IE11, ensure your Ring Doorbell Pro is properly installed and linked to your Ring account. The best way to do this is through the Ring mobile app.
Install the Ring App on Your Smartphone
Download the Ring app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Open the app and sign in with your Ring account. If you don’t have one, tap “Create Account” and follow the prompts.
Set Up Your Doorbell Using the App
The app guides you through the entire setup process:
- Scan the QR code on your Ring Doorbell Pro
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz only)
- Test the doorbell chime and motion detection
- Adjust motion zones and notification settings
This step is crucial because the app handles the initial pairing and network configuration more reliably than any browser. Once your doorbell is online and working in the app, you can attempt to access it via IE11.
Verify Doorbell Status
In the Ring app, go to Devices > select your Doorbell Pro > check the status. It should show “Online” with a strong Wi-Fi signal. If it’s offline, troubleshoot the connection using the app’s built-in tools before proceeding.
Step 2: Access the Ring Website via Internet Explorer 11
Now that your doorbell is set up, let’s try accessing it through IE11.
Open Internet Explorer 11
Click the IE11 icon on your desktop or search for “Internet Explorer” in the Start menu. Launch the browser.
Navigate to the Ring Website
In the address bar, type https://ring.com and press Enter. Wait for the page to load. You may see a warning about outdated security settings—click “Continue to this website” if prompted.
Log In to Your Ring Account
Click “Sign In” in the top-right corner. Enter your email and password. If the login form doesn’t appear or the page looks broken, proceed to the next section on compatibility fixes.
If login is successful, you should see your dashboard with device options. Click on your Ring Doorbell Pro to access live view, event history, or settings.
Note: Even if you log in, features like live video streaming may not work due to IE11’s lack of WebRTC support. You might see a message like “Video not available” or a blank screen.
Step 3: Enable Compatibility Mode in IE11
To improve the chances of the Ring website loading correctly, enable Compatibility View in IE11.
Open Compatibility View Settings
Click the gear icon (Tools) in the top-right corner of IE11, then select Compatibility View settings.
Add Ring.com to the List
In the dialog box, type ring.com and click Add. Also add ring.com subdomains like app.ring.com if prompted. Click Close.
Refresh the Page
Press F5 or click the refresh button. The page should now render in a more compatible mode, potentially fixing layout issues or missing buttons.
Compatibility mode forces IE11 to emulate older browser behavior, which can help load websites that aren’t optimized for modern standards. While it won’t enable video streaming, it may allow you to view event history or adjust basic settings.
Step 4: Adjust Security and Privacy Settings
IE11’s strict security settings can block scripts and cookies needed for Ring’s website to function.
Lower Security Level (Temporarily)
Go to Tools > Internet Options > Security tab. Select the Internet zone and move the slider to Medium or Medium-High. Avoid setting it to Low unless necessary.
Enable Active Scripting
In the same Security tab, click Custom level. Scroll down to Scripting > Active Scripting and select Enable. Click OK.
Allow Cookies
Go to the Privacy tab. Move the slider to Medium or lower. Click Advanced and check Override automatic cookie handling. Set both First-party and Third-party cookies to Accept. Click OK.
Apply and Restart
Click Apply > OK, then close and reopen IE11. Try logging into Ring again.
Warning: Lowering security settings increases vulnerability to malware. Only do this temporarily and reset to higher levels after use.
Step 5: Clear Cache and Cookies
Old or corrupted data can prevent the Ring website from loading properly.
Open Internet Options
Go to Tools > Internet Options.
Delete Browsing History
Under the General tab, click Delete… under Browsing history. Check the boxes for:
- Temporary Internet files and website files
- Cookies and website data
- History
- Form data
- Passwords (optional)
Click Delete. Wait for the process to complete, then restart IE11.
Clearing cache forces the browser to download fresh versions of web pages, which can resolve loading issues caused by outdated scripts.
Step 6: Use the Ring Web Portal (Limited Functionality)
If the main Ring website doesn’t work, try the direct web portal.
Go to app.ring.com
In IE11, navigate to https://app.ring.com. This is Ring’s dedicated web app for desktop users.
Log In Again
Enter your credentials. If the page loads, you may be able to:
- View recent events
- Download videos (if stored in Ring Protect)
- Adjust motion settings
- Enable/disable modes (Home, Away, etc.)
Live streaming will likely not work due to WebRTC limitations. For real-time viewing, use the mobile app or switch to a modern browser.
Step 7: Troubleshooting Common IE11 Issues
If you’re still having trouble, try these fixes.
Issue: Page Won’t Load or Shows Errors
Solution: Disable add-ons. Go to Tools > Manage add-ons. Disable all toolbars and extensions, then restart IE11. Some add-ons interfere with website scripts.
Issue: Login Fails or Redirects
Solution: Ensure your system clock is correct. IE11 uses time-based security certificates. Go to Control Panel > Date and Time and sync with an internet time server.
Issue: Video Doesn’t Play
Solution: IE11 doesn’t support WebRTC, the technology Ring uses for live video. There’s no fix within IE11. Use the mobile app or a modern browser for live streaming.
Issue: Buttons or Menus Are Missing
Solution: Zoom out. Press Ctrl + 0 to reset zoom to 100%. Sometimes elements are hidden due to scaling issues.
Issue: Constant Disconnections
Solution: Check your Wi-Fi signal at the doorbell. Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender. Also, ensure no other devices are hogging bandwidth.
Alternative: Use Microsoft Edge with IE Mode
If you’re on Windows 10 or 11, the best compromise is using Microsoft Edge with IE mode.
Open Microsoft Edge
Launch Edge and go to Settings > Default browser.
Enable IE Mode
Turn on Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode. Click Restart.
Add Ring.com to IE Mode
Go to edge://compat/ie. Click Add and enter ring.com. Now, when you visit Ring.com in Edge, it will load in IE mode—combining modern browser speed with legacy compatibility.
This method often works better than standalone IE11 and may allow limited functionality.
When to Switch to a Modern Browser
Despite your efforts, IE11 will never fully support Ring’s features. For the best experience, switch to:
- Google Chrome – Fast, secure, and fully supports Ring’s web app
- Mozilla Firefox – Open-source with strong privacy and compatibility
- Microsoft Edge – Built for Windows, with IE mode as a fallback
Download one of these browsers, install it, and log into Ring.com. You’ll gain access to live video, two-way audio, and full device controls.
Conclusion: Making the Most of IE11 with Ring Doorbell Pro
Connecting your Ring Doorbell Pro to Internet Explorer 11 is possible—but not ideal. Due to IE11’s outdated technology, you’ll face limitations in functionality, especially with live video and real-time features. However, by following this guide, you can access basic controls like event history and settings adjustments.
For the best experience, use the Ring mobile app as your primary tool. It’s designed for smart devices and offers reliable performance. If you must use a desktop browser, consider upgrading to Chrome, Firefox, or Edge with IE mode.
Remember: technology evolves, and so should your tools. While IE11 served us well in the past, modern browsers offer better security, speed, and compatibility—especially for smart home devices like the Ring Doorbell Pro.
By understanding the limitations and applying the right workarounds, you can stay connected to your doorbell—even on older systems. But for peace of mind and full functionality, upgrading your browser is the smartest long-term solution.