Moving soon? Don’t forget your Ring Doorbell! This guide walks you through safely deactivating, removing, and transferring your device to your new home—or properly disconnecting it if you’re leaving it behind. Keep your account secure and avoid surprises during your move.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivate before moving: Always remove your Ring Doorbell from your account before uninstalling it to prevent unauthorized access or false alerts.
- Transfer ownership easily: Use the Ring app to transfer your device to the new homeowner or renter in just a few taps.
- Back up important recordings: Save any critical videos to your phone or cloud before deactivating, as they may be lost during the process.
- Physically uninstall safely: Turn off power at the breaker, use the right tools, and follow proper steps to avoid damaging your doorbell or wall.
- Reinstall at your new home: Set up your Ring Doorbell again using the app, ensuring strong Wi-Fi and correct placement for optimal performance.
- Factory reset if needed: If you’re selling or giving away the device, perform a factory reset to erase all personal data.
- Update your address in the app: Keep your Ring account accurate by updating your location after your move.
How to Deactivate Ring Doorbell When Moving
Moving to a new home is exciting—but it also comes with a long checklist. One item that often gets overlooked? Your Ring Doorbell. Whether you’re taking it with you or leaving it for the next owner, properly deactivating your Ring Doorbell is essential. Doing it wrong could lead to security risks, lost footage, or setup headaches down the road.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of deactivating your Ring Doorbell when moving. You’ll learn how to safely remove the device, transfer ownership, back up your recordings, and reinstall it at your new place—all while keeping your account secure and your data protected. Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Elite, these steps apply to all models.
Let’s get started!
Why Deactivating Your Ring Doorbell Matters
Visual guide about How to Deactivate Ring Doorbell When Moving
Image source: media.printables.com
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand why deactivating your Ring Doorbell matters—especially when moving.
Your Ring Doorbell is more than just a camera. It’s connected to your Ring account, linked to your Wi-Fi, and may contain sensitive video recordings. If you simply unplug it and leave it behind, the next person could potentially access your account, receive your alerts, or even view your past recordings if they’re not properly removed.
On the other hand, if you’re taking the doorbell with you, failing to deactivate it first could cause connection issues at your new home. The device might still be registered to your old address, leading to incorrect location data, failed motion alerts, or difficulty reconnecting to your new Wi-Fi network.
Deactivating your Ring Doorbell ensures:
– Your personal data stays private
– The new homeowner (if applicable) gets a clean start
– You can reinstall the device smoothly at your new location
– You avoid false alarms or missed notifications
Think of deactivation as the digital “unplugging” of your device—just as important as physically removing it from the wall.
Step 1: Back Up Important Recordings
Before you do anything else, take a moment to back up any important video recordings. Once you deactivate your Ring Doorbell, access to your event history may be limited—especially if you cancel your Ring Protect plan or transfer ownership.
How to Save Videos from Your Ring App
1. Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-left corner.
3. Select “History” from the list.
4. Browse through your recorded events and tap on any video you want to save.
5. Tap the download icon (usually a downward arrow or cloud with an arrow) to save the video to your device.
6. Repeat for all important clips.
Pro Tip: If you have a Ring Protect subscription, your videos are stored in the cloud for up to 180 days (depending on your plan). However, once you deactivate the device, cloud access may be restricted. Save what you need now.
Alternative: Use Screen Recording
If the download option isn’t available (some older models or free accounts have limitations), you can use your phone’s screen recording feature:
– Play the video in the Ring app
– Start a screen recording (on iPhone: swipe down for Control Center; on Android: swipe down and tap screen record)
– Stop recording once the video ends
– Save the file to your camera roll
While not ideal, this method ensures you keep a copy of critical footage.
Step 2: Remove the Doorbell from Your Ring Account
Now it’s time to digitally disconnect your doorbell from your Ring account. This step is crucial—even if you’re taking the device with you.
How to Remove Your Device via the Ring App
1. Open the Ring app and log in.
2. Tap the menu icon (☰) and select “Devices.”
3. Find your doorbell in the list and tap on it.
4. Scroll down and tap “Device Settings.”
5. Select “General Settings.”
6. Tap “Remove Device.”
7. Confirm by tapping “Remove” when prompted.
Once removed, your doorbell will no longer send alerts, record events, or appear in your app. It’s now disconnected from your account.
Important: Do not skip this step. Even if you’re reinstalling the doorbell at your new home, it must be removed from your old location first to avoid conflicts.
What If You Can’t Access the App?
If you’ve already moved and no longer have access to your phone or the app, you can contact Ring Support:
– Visit support.ring.com
– Click “Contact Us”
– Choose “Account & Billing” or “Device Support”
– Explain your situation and request device removal
Have your account email and device serial number ready (found on the back of the doorbell or in the app before removal).
Step 3: Decide: Take It or Leave It?
Now that your doorbell is deactivated, you need to decide what to do with the physical device.
Option A: Take It With You
If you’re moving the doorbell to your new home, great! You’ll reinstall it later. But first, you need to safely remove it from the wall.
Option B: Leave It for the New Owner
If you’re leaving the doorbell behind (common in home sales or rentals), you have two choices:
1. **Transfer ownership** to the new resident
2. **Factory reset** the device so it’s ready for a fresh setup
We’ll cover both options in detail.
Step 4: Physically Remove the Doorbell
Whether you’re taking it with you or leaving it behind, you’ll need to safely uninstall the doorbell from your doorframe or wall.
Turn Off the Power
Warning: Ring Doorbells are hardwired and connected to your home’s electrical system. Always turn off power before removing the device to avoid electric shock.
1. Go to your home’s electrical panel (breaker box).
2. Locate the circuit that powers your doorbell (often labeled “Doorbell” or “Front Door”).
3. Flip the breaker to the “Off” position.
4. Test the doorbell button to confirm power is off.
Pro Tip: Use a non-contact voltage tester near the wires to double-check that power is off.
Remove the Doorbell from the Wall
1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws on the bottom of the doorbell faceplate.
2. Gently pull the doorbell away from the wall. The wires will be connected underneath.
3. If your model has a security screw (small screw on the side), use a hex key (usually included with the doorbell) to loosen it first.
4. Carefully disconnect the wires by unscrewing the terminal screws or pulling the wire connectors apart.
5. Cap the exposed wires with wire nuts to prevent short circuits.
6. Patch any screw holes or damage to the wall if needed.
Note: If you’re leaving the doorbell for the new owner, you may choose to leave the wires exposed and capped, so they can easily reconnect it.
Store the Doorbell Safely
If you’re taking the doorbell with you:
– Place it in its original box or a padded container
– Keep all screws, tools, and mounting hardware together
– Label the box “Ring Doorbell – Fragile”
Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture during the move.
Step 5: Transfer Ownership (If Leaving It Behind)
If you’re selling your home or renting it out and want the new resident to use the doorbell, you can transfer ownership through the Ring app.
How to Transfer Your Ring Doorbell
1. Open the Ring app and go to “Devices.”
2. Select your doorbell.
3. Tap “Device Settings” > “General Settings.”
4. Choose “Transfer Device.”
5. Enter the new owner’s email address.
6. Tap “Send Transfer Request.”
The new owner will receive an email with instructions to accept the transfer. Once accepted:
– The device moves to their Ring account
– You lose all access to the device and its history
– They can set up their own Ring Protect plan (if desired)
Important: Only transfer ownership if you trust the new owner. Once transferred, you cannot reclaim the device.
What If the New Owner Doesn’t Have Ring?
If the new resident doesn’t use Ring, they can still set up the doorbell themselves after a factory reset (see next section). Transferring is only necessary if they already have a Ring account.
Step 6: Factory Reset (Optional but Recommended)
Even if you’re transferring ownership, it’s a good idea to perform a factory reset. This ensures all your personal data—like Wi-Fi passwords, motion zones, and notification settings—are erased.
How to Factory Reset Your Ring Doorbell
The process varies slightly by model, but here’s the general method:
1. Remove the doorbell from the wall (as described earlier).
2. Locate the orange setup button on the back or side of the device.
3. Press and hold the button for 20–30 seconds.
4. Release when the light ring turns solid white (or blinks, depending on the model).
5. The device will restart and enter setup mode.
Model-Specific Tips:
– Ring Video Doorbell (1st–4th Gen): Hold the orange button for 20 seconds.
– Ring Doorbell Pro: Hold the button for 15 seconds until the light turns off and on.
– Ring Doorbell Elite: Use the Ring app to initiate a reset under “Device Health.”
After the reset, the doorbell is like new—ready for the next owner to set up from scratch.
Step 7: Reinstall at Your New Home (If Taking It)
If you’re moving your Ring Doorbell to your new house, it’s time to set it up again.
Prepare for Installation
Before mounting:
– Ensure your new home has compatible wiring (16–24V AC transformer)
– Check Wi-Fi signal strength at the door (use a Wi-Fi analyzer app if needed)
– Download the latest version of the Ring app
Mount the Doorbell
1. Attach the mounting bracket to the wall using the provided screws.
2. Connect the wires to the terminal screws on the back of the doorbell.
3. Secure the doorbell to the bracket and tighten the security screw (if applicable).
4. Turn the power back on at the breaker.
Set Up in the Ring App
1. Open the Ring app and tap “Set Up a Device.”
2. Select “Doorbell” and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell (or enter the serial number manually).
4. Connect to your new Wi-Fi network.
5. Configure motion zones, alerts, and notification settings.
6. Test the doorbell by pressing the button and checking live view.
Pro Tip: Use the Ring app’s “Device Health” feature to check signal strength and battery level (for battery-powered models).
Step 8: Update Your Address in the Ring App
Even if you’re not moving the doorbell, you should update your address in the Ring app for accurate emergency features (like police dispatch) and location-based alerts.
How to Change Your Address
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the menu icon (☰) and select “Control Center.”
3. Tap “Locations.”
4. Select your current location.
5. Tap “Edit” and update the address.
6. Save your changes.
Note: If you have multiple devices at different locations (e.g., a doorbell at a vacation home), you can create multiple locations in the app.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Doorbell Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi After Move
– Ensure your new Wi-Fi network is 2.4 GHz (most Ring devices don’t support 5 GHz).
– Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
– Restart your router and the doorbell.
No Power After Reinstallation
– Double-check that the breaker is on.
– Verify wire connections are secure.
– Test the transformer voltage with a multimeter (should be 16–24V AC).
App Says “Device Offline”
– Make sure the doorbell is properly seated on the mount.
– Check for loose wires.
– Re-add the device in the app if necessary.
New Owner Can’t Set Up the Doorbell
– Confirm the device was factory reset.
– Ensure they’re using the latest Ring app.
– Have them contact Ring Support if issues persist.
Final Tips for a Smooth Move
– Plan ahead: Deactivate your doorbell a few days before moving day to avoid last-minute stress.
– Label everything: Keep screws, wires, and tools organized in a labeled bag.
– Test before you go: After reinstalling, test the doorbell, motion detection, and two-way audio.
– Consider a Ring Protect Plan: If you’re taking the doorbell, re-subscribe to Ring Protect at your new location to keep your recordings secure.
Conclusion
Deactivating your Ring Doorbell when moving doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps—backing up recordings, removing the device from your account, safely uninstalling it, and either transferring ownership or reinstalling it at your new home—you’ll ensure a smooth transition with no security risks or technical hiccups.
Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or seller, taking the time to properly handle your Ring Doorbell protects your privacy, simplifies the move, and sets you (or the next owner) up for success. So before you pack that last box, don’t forget your doorbell. A few minutes now can save you hours later.
Safe moving—and welcome to your new home!