This guide walks you through how to delete a doorbell on Ring using the Ring app, whether you’re replacing it, moving, or troubleshooting. Follow simple steps to remove your device without affecting other Ring products.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a Ring doorbell removes it from your account: This stops live viewing, motion alerts, and cloud recordings for that device.
- Use the Ring app for deletion: The process is done entirely within the app—no need to physically uninstall the doorbell first.
- Factory reset may be needed for resale or reuse: If you’re giving away or selling the doorbell, perform a factory reset after deletion.
- Deletion doesn’t affect other Ring devices: Your cameras, alarms, or other doorbells will remain active and unaffected.
- You can re-add the doorbell later: If you change your mind, you can reinstall and reconnect the same device to your account.
- Check subscription status before deleting: Ensure your Ring Protect Plan isn’t tied solely to the doorbell you’re removing.
- Troubleshooting helps if deletion fails: Common fixes include app updates, Wi-Fi checks, and restarting your phone.
How to Delete a Doorbell on Ring: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve decided it’s time to remove your Ring doorbell—whether you’re upgrading, moving, or just no longer need it—you might be wondering how to do it properly. Deleting a doorbell on Ring is a straightforward process, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid confusion, preserve your data, and ensure your other smart home devices keep working smoothly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of deleting a Ring doorbell using the Ring app. We’ll cover why you might want to delete it, what happens when you do, and how to troubleshoot if things don’t go as planned. By the end, you’ll feel confident managing your Ring devices like a pro.
Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Elite, the deletion process is nearly identical. Let’s get started.
Why Delete a Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Delete a Doorbell on Ring
Image source: alphr.com
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why someone might want to delete their Ring doorbell. Understanding your reason can help you decide whether deletion is the right move—or if there’s a better alternative.
You might want to delete your Ring doorbell if:
- You’re moving to a new home: If you’re taking the doorbell with you, you’ll need to remove it from your current account before setting it up at the new location.
- You’re replacing it with a newer model: Upgrading to a Ring Doorbell 4 or Ring Doorbell Wired? Delete the old one to avoid clutter in your app.
- You no longer want the device: Maybe you’ve decided smart doorbells aren’t for you, or you’re switching to a different brand.
- You’re troubleshooting issues: If your doorbell is malfunctioning and support recommends removing it, deletion might be part of the fix.
- You’re selling or giving it away: To protect your privacy and ensure the new owner can set it up fresh, you must delete it from your account.
It’s important to note that deleting the doorbell doesn’t physically remove it from your door—it only removes it from your Ring account. You’ll still need to unscrew and disconnect it if you’re taking it down.
What Happens When You Delete a Ring Doorbell?
Deleting your Ring doorbell has several effects. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and avoid surprises.
When you delete a doorbell from your Ring account:
- Live viewing stops: You’ll no longer be able to see real-time video from the doorbell.
- Motion and ring alerts are disabled: Your phone won’t receive notifications when someone approaches or presses the button.
- Cloud recordings are deleted: Any videos saved to the cloud under your Ring Protect Plan will be permanently removed.
- The device disappears from the app: It will no longer appear in your list of devices.
- Shared users lose access: If you’ve shared access with family or friends, they’ll no longer be able to view or control the doorbell.
However, deleting the doorbell does not affect:
- Other Ring devices (like indoor cameras or security systems)
- Your Ring Protect subscription (unless it’s only covering this one device)
- Your account settings or login information
If you’re unsure whether to delete, consider temporarily disabling motion alerts or turning off live view instead. But if you’re sure, let’s move on to the steps.
Step-by-Step: How to Delete a Doorbell on Ring
Deleting a Ring doorbell is done entirely through the Ring app. You don’t need to be near the doorbell or have it powered on—just your smartphone and an internet connection.
Here’s how to do it, step by step.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
First, make sure you have the latest version of the Ring app installed on your phone. You can check this in your device’s app store (Google Play or Apple App Store).
Once updated, open the app and log in with your Ring account credentials. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, you may need to verify your identity.
Step 2: Go to the Device Dashboard
After logging in, you’ll land on the home screen, which shows your list of Ring devices. This is your Device Dashboard.
Look for the doorbell you want to delete. It should appear as a tile with a live preview (if it’s online) or a still image.
Tap on the doorbell’s tile to open its live view or settings.
Step 3: Access Device Settings
Once the doorbell is open, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the screen. This is the Settings button.
Tap it to enter the device settings menu.
Step 4: Scroll Down to “General”
In the settings menu, scroll down until you find the “General” section. This is where most device management options are located.
Tap on “General” to expand the options.
Step 5: Select “Remove Device”
Inside the General settings, look for the option labeled “Remove Device.” It’s usually near the bottom of the list.
Tap on it. The app will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the doorbell.
Step 6: Confirm Deletion
A pop-up window will appear, warning you that removing the device will:
- Delete all recordings
- Stop alerts and live viewing
- Remove shared access
Read the message carefully. If you’re sure, tap “Remove” or “Delete” to confirm.
The app will process the request. This may take a few seconds. Once complete, the doorbell will disappear from your Device Dashboard.
Step 7: Verify Deletion
To make sure the deletion was successful, go back to your home screen and check your list of devices. The doorbell should no longer appear.
You can also try searching for it in the app—it won’t show up.
What to Do After Deleting Your Ring Doorbell
Now that your doorbell is removed from your account, there are a few important next steps, depending on your situation.
If You’re Keeping the Doorbell
If you plan to reinstall the doorbell at a new location or give it to someone else, you should perform a factory reset. This clears all settings and prepares the device for a new owner.
To factory reset most Ring doorbells:
- Locate the orange or black reset button on the back or side of the device.
- Press and hold it for 15–20 seconds using a paperclip or pin.
- The light will flash, then turn solid—this means the reset is complete.
After resetting, the doorbell will be like new and ready to set up again.
If You’re Selling or Giving It Away
Always factory reset before transferring ownership. This protects your privacy and ensures the new user can claim the device.
Include the original packaging, mounting hardware, and charging cable if possible. Also, let the new owner know they’ll need to download the Ring app and create an account.
If You’re Replacing It
If you’re upgrading to a new Ring doorbell, you can install the new one right away. Follow the setup instructions in the app, and your new device will appear in your dashboard.
You don’t need to wait—deletion and setup can happen on the same day.
If You’re Moving
If you’re taking the doorbell to a new home, delete it from your current account, factory reset it, then set it up at the new location using the same Ring app.
Make sure your new Wi-Fi network is ready and has a strong signal near the door.
Troubleshooting: What If Deletion Doesn’t Work?
Sometimes, the deletion process might fail. Here are common issues and how to fix them.
The “Remove Device” Option Is Missing
If you can’t find the “Remove Device” button, try these fixes:
- Update the Ring app: Outdated versions may have bugs. Go to your app store and check for updates.
- Restart your phone: A simple reboot can resolve glitches.
- Check your internet connection: A weak or unstable Wi-Fi or cellular signal can prevent the app from communicating with Ring’s servers.
- Log out and back in: Sometimes, re-authenticating your account refreshes the app’s permissions.
The Doorbell Still Appears After Deletion
If the device remains in your dashboard after you’ve tried to delete it:
- Force close the app: Close it completely and reopen it.
- Clear the app cache (Android): Go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Reinstall the app (iOS/Android): Uninstall and reinstall the Ring app, then log back in.
- Contact Ring Support: If nothing works, reach out to Ring’s customer service for help.
You Get an Error Message
Common error messages include “Unable to remove device” or “Connection failed.” These are usually due to:
- Poor Wi-Fi signal: Move closer to your router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Server issues: Ring’s servers may be down. Check Ring’s status page or social media for updates.
- Account permissions: If you’re a shared user (not the owner), you can’t delete devices. Only the account owner can remove devices.
The Doorbell Is Offline
You can still delete a doorbell even if it’s offline. The app will process the removal once it reconnects.
However, if the doorbell has been offline for a long time, Ring may automatically remove it after 30 days.
Important Tips Before You Delete
Before you hit that delete button, keep these tips in mind:
- Back up important recordings: If you have videos you want to save, download them first. Go to the “History” tab in the app, select the video, and tap the download icon.
- Check your Ring Protect Plan: If your subscription only covers this doorbell, deleting it may cancel your plan. Contact Ring to adjust your coverage.
- Notify shared users: Let family or friends know they’ll lose access so they’re not confused later.
- Take a photo of the setup: If you’re reinstalling later, snap a picture of the wiring and mounting plate for reference.
- Don’t delete during setup: If you’re in the middle of installing a new doorbell, wait until it’s fully set up before removing the old one.
Can You Re-add a Deleted Doorbell?
Yes! Deleting a doorbell doesn’t permanently erase it from existence. You can re-add it to your account at any time.
To do this:
- Reinstall the doorbell on your door (if it’s been removed).
- Power it on and connect it to Wi-Fi.
- Open the Ring app and tap “Set Up a Device.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect it.
The doorbell will appear in your dashboard again, and you can restore your settings—though recordings will not be recovered.
Alternatives to Deleting Your Ring Doorbell
Deletion isn’t always necessary. Consider these alternatives:
- Temporarily disable motion alerts: Go to Settings > Motion Settings > toggle off “Motion Alerts.”
- Turn off live view: You can still receive alerts but won’t see video.
- Remove shared access only: If someone else is misusing the doorbell, remove them from “Shared Users” instead.
- Put the doorbell in “Do Not Disturb” mode: This silences notifications without deleting the device.
These options let you keep the device active while reducing its functionality.
Final Thoughts
Deleting a doorbell on Ring is a simple but important process. Whether you’re moving, upgrading, or just simplifying your smart home, knowing how to remove a device properly ensures a smooth transition.
Remember: deletion only removes the device from your account—it doesn’t physically uninstall it. Always factory reset before selling or giving it away, and back up any important recordings first.
With the steps in this guide, you can confidently manage your Ring devices and keep your smart home running smoothly.
If you run into issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ring Support or consult the Ring Help Center. And if you change your mind, you can always re-add your doorbell later.
Now you’re ready to delete your Ring doorbell like a pro!