Want a wider field of view from your Ring Doorbell? This guide walks you through easy fixes—from adjusting the angle to using wedge kits and third-party mounts—to extend the horizontal view and improve home security coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Adjust the mounting angle: Tilt your Ring Doorbell slightly to expand the horizontal field of view without moving the entire unit.
- Use a Ring Wedge Kit: Official Ring accessories like the Wedge Kit allow you to angle your doorbell up to 15° for better coverage.
- Install a side-facing mount: Mounting the doorbell to a side wall or corner can dramatically increase horizontal visibility.
- Try third-party mounting brackets: Affordable aftermarket mounts offer greater flexibility and wider angles than standard setups.
- Reposition your doorbell higher: Elevating the device slightly can help capture more of the front yard or driveway.
- Use multiple cameras for full coverage: Pair your Ring Doorbell with other Ring cameras to eliminate blind spots.
- Check app settings and motion zones: Fine-tune detection zones in the Ring app to focus on areas you want to monitor most.
How to Extend Horizontal View of Ring Doorbell
If you’ve installed a Ring Doorbell and noticed blind spots on the sides of your front door, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with limited horizontal visibility, especially when trying to monitor packages, visitors, or activity near walkways and driveways. The good news? You don’t need to buy a new camera to fix this. With a few simple adjustments and the right accessories, you can significantly extend the horizontal view of your Ring Doorbell.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, step-by-step solutions to widen your Ring Doorbell’s field of view. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell Pro, or the newer Ring Video Doorbell (2021), these tips apply across most models. You’ll learn how to reposition your device, use official and third-party mounts, and tweak settings in the Ring app to get the best possible coverage.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer, wider view of your front entrance—giving you peace of mind and better home security.
Why Horizontal View Matters for Your Ring Doorbell
Visual guide about How to Extend Horizontal View of Ring Doorbell
Image source: images.nexusapp.co
Before diving into fixes, it’s important to understand why horizontal view matters. The standard field of view (FOV) for most Ring Doorbells is around 155° diagonally, which translates to roughly 110–120° horizontally. While that sounds wide, it often doesn’t capture everything you need—especially if your front door is recessed, near a corner, or flanked by walls or plants.
A narrow horizontal view can lead to:
– Missed package deliveries
– Inability to see people approaching from the side
– Reduced motion detection accuracy
– Blind spots near walkways or driveways
Extending the horizontal view helps you monitor more of your property, reduces false alerts, and ensures you don’t miss important activity. Whether you’re trying to catch a porch pirate or just want to see who’s walking up to your door, a wider angle makes a big difference.
Step 1: Adjust the Mounting Angle
One of the easiest ways to extend the horizontal view of your Ring Doorbell is by adjusting how it’s mounted. Even a small tilt can make a noticeable difference in what your camera sees.
Check Your Current Angle
Start by standing back and looking at your doorbell. Is it perfectly vertical? If so, it’s likely capturing a centered view directly in front of your door—great for head-on shots, but not ideal for side coverage.
Most Ring Doorbells come with a flat mounting plate that installs flush against the wall. This setup works well for straight-on views but limits side visibility.
Tilt the Doorbell Slightly
To widen the horizontal view, try tilting the doorbell slightly to one side—toward the area you want to monitor more closely. For example, if your driveway is to the left of your door, tilt the camera a few degrees to the left.
You can do this by:
– Loosening the screws on the mounting plate
– Gently angling the doorbell
– Tightening the screws back in place
Be careful not to over-tilt, as this can cause the image to appear skewed or make motion detection less accurate.
Test the View
After adjusting, open the Ring app and check the live view. Walk around the area to see how much more you can now see. If the view is still too narrow, consider moving to the next step.
Step 2: Use a Ring Wedge Kit
If adjusting the angle manually isn’t enough, the official Ring Wedge Kit is a game-changer. This accessory is specifically designed to extend the horizontal view of your Ring Doorbell by allowing you to angle it up to 15°.
What Is the Ring Wedge Kit?
The Ring Wedge Kit includes a specially shaped mounting plate that fits between your wall and the doorbell. It comes in two versions: one for standard Ring Doorbells and one for the Ring Doorbell Pro.
The wedge creates a slight incline, which shifts the camera’s field of view to the side—perfect for capturing more of your yard, driveway, or side walkway.
How to Install the Wedge Kit
Installing the Wedge Kit is straightforward:
1. Turn off power to your doorbell (if hardwired) or remove the battery.
2. Unscrew and remove the existing mounting plate.
3. Attach the Wedge Kit plate to the wall using the included screws.
4. Secure your Ring Doorbell to the new plate.
5. Turn the power back on or reinsert the battery.
Once installed, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in horizontal coverage. The camera now points slightly to the side, giving you a broader view of the area.
Tips for Best Results
– Choose the wedge direction based on your needs (left or right).
– Combine the wedge with a slight manual tilt for even better coverage.
– Use the Ring app to fine-tune motion zones after installation.
The Wedge Kit is affordable (usually under $20) and highly recommended for anyone with side blind spots.
Step 3: Install a Side-Facing or Corner Mount
For maximum horizontal coverage, consider mounting your Ring Doorbell to a side wall or corner instead of directly above your door. This technique dramatically increases the field of view and eliminates blind spots.
Why Side Mounting Works
When you mount the doorbell to the side of your doorframe or on a corner wall, the camera naturally captures a wider horizontal angle. Instead of looking straight ahead, it can see down the walkway, across the driveway, or toward your gate.
This setup is especially useful if:
– Your front door is recessed
– You have a narrow porch
– You want to monitor a side entrance or pathway
How to Mount on a Side Wall
1. Choose a location on the side wall that has a clear view of your desired area.
2. Ensure the spot is within range of your Wi-Fi signal.
3. Use the standard mounting plate or a compatible bracket.
4. Secure the doorbell at a height of 48 inches (recommended by Ring).
5. Angle the camera slightly downward and toward the front yard.
Using a Corner Mount
A corner mount takes side mounting to the next level. By placing the doorbell at the corner of your house, you can capture two directions at once—perfect for monitoring both the front door and the side of your property.
You can buy a corner mounting bracket from Ring or third-party sellers. These brackets are designed to fit snugly into 90° corners and provide a stable base for your doorbell.
Considerations
– Make sure the mounting surface is sturdy and weather-resistant.
– Avoid placing the doorbell too close to windows or reflective surfaces, which can cause glare.
– Test the Wi-Fi signal strength before final installation.
Step 4: Try Third-Party Mounting Brackets
If you want even more flexibility, third-party mounting brackets offer advanced angles and customization options that go beyond what Ring’s official accessories provide.
Benefits of Third-Party Mounts
Many aftermarket mounts are designed to:
– Tilt up to 30° or more
– Swivel for adjustable angles
– Fit irregular surfaces (brick, stucco, metal)
– Support multiple camera models
Popular brands include:
– Eken
– Zmodo
– Amcrest
– Generic universal mounts (available on Amazon)
These mounts often come with ball-and-socket joints, allowing you to fine-tune the angle after installation.
How to Choose the Right Mount
When shopping for a third-party mount, look for:
– Compatibility with your Ring model
– Adjustable tilt and swivel
– Durable materials (aluminum or high-grade plastic)
– Easy installation (screws, anchors, or adhesive options)
Avoid cheap plastic mounts that may warp or break in extreme weather.
Installation Tips
1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
2. Use wall anchors if mounting on drywall or brick.
3. Test the angle before tightening all screws.
4. Secure any loose wires with cable clips.
Third-party mounts are a great option if you’re tech-savvy and want maximum control over your camera’s positioning.
Step 5: Reposition Your Doorbell Higher
Believe it or not, the height of your Ring Doorbell can affect its horizontal view. Mounting it slightly higher than the recommended 48 inches can help capture more of the surrounding area.
Why Height Matters
A higher position gives the camera a “bird’s-eye” perspective, which can reduce obstructions (like plants, mailboxes, or cars) and widen the visible area. It also helps the camera see over packages left at the door.
How High Should You Go?
Ring recommends 48 inches, but you can safely go up to 60 inches (5 feet) without losing video quality. Just make sure:
– The camera still covers the doorbell button
– Motion detection remains effective
– The view isn’t too high to see faces clearly
Adjusting the Angle When Raising
When mounting higher, tilt the camera slightly downward to keep the focus on the ground level. This prevents the view from being too high and missing important activity.
Use a level to ensure the camera isn’t crooked, and test the live view in the Ring app to confirm coverage.
Step 6: Use Multiple Cameras for Full Coverage
Sometimes, one camera just isn’t enough. If you have a large front yard, multiple entrances, or long driveways, consider adding a second Ring camera to eliminate blind spots.
Pairing with Other Ring Devices
You can use:
– Ring Spotlight Cam
– Ring Floodlight Cam
– Ring Indoor Cam
– Ring Stick Up Cam
Place these cameras in strategic locations—like the side of your house, near the driveway, or at a back door—to cover areas your doorbell can’t reach.
Syncing Cameras in the Ring App
All Ring devices connect to the same app, so you can:
– View all cameras on one screen
– Set up motion alerts for specific zones
– Create a custom security dashboard
This multi-camera setup gives you 360° coverage and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Step 7: Fine-Tune Settings in the Ring App
Even with the best mounting, your Ring Doorbell’s settings play a big role in how well it captures activity. Use the Ring app to optimize motion detection and focus on the areas that matter most.
Adjust Motion Zones
1. Open the Ring app and select your doorbell.
2. Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones.
3. Draw zones around the areas you want to monitor (e.g., driveway, walkway).
4. Reduce sensitivity in areas with frequent false alerts (like trees or passing cars).
This helps your doorbell focus on relevant motion and reduces unnecessary notifications.
Enable People-Only Mode
If your model supports it, turn on People-Only Mode. This uses AI to detect only human movement, ignoring pets, vehicles, or blowing leaves.
Check Video Quality and Night Vision
Make sure your video quality is set to “Best” and that night vision is enabled. A clear image helps you see more details, even in low light.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix common issues when trying to extend your Ring Doorbell’s horizontal view.
Problem: Image Is Skewed or Crooked
If your video looks tilted, the mounting plate may not be level. Use a spirit level during installation and double-check the angle. You can also adjust the view slightly in the app, but physical alignment is best.
Problem: Wi-Fi Signal Is Weak After Repositioning
Moving the doorbell too far from your router can cause connection issues. Use a Wi-Fi extender or move your router closer. Ring recommends a signal strength of at least -65 dBm for reliable performance.
Problem: Motion Detection Is Inaccurate
If the camera misses people or triggers false alerts, revisit your motion zones. Narrow the zones to focus on high-traffic areas and reduce sensitivity in busy zones.
Problem: Glare or Reflections
If sunlight or streetlights cause glare, try repositioning the camera slightly or using a hood or shade. Avoid mounting directly opposite bright windows.
Final Tips for Maximum Coverage
– Clean the camera lens regularly to maintain clear video.
– Update your Ring Doorbell firmware through the app.
– Use a strong, unique password for your Ring account.
– Consider a Ring Protect Plan for cloud storage and advanced features.
Conclusion
Extending the horizontal view of your Ring Doorbell doesn’t require a professional installation or expensive upgrades. With simple adjustments—like tilting the camera, using a Wedge Kit, or switching to a side mount—you can dramatically improve your home’s security coverage.
Whether you’re monitoring for packages, keeping an eye on visitors, or just want better peace of mind, these tips will help you get the most out of your Ring Doorbell. Start with the easiest fixes, test your results, and gradually add accessories as needed.
Remember, the goal is to eliminate blind spots and capture as much of your front yard as possible. With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell can become a powerful tool for home security—giving you a wider, clearer view of what matters most.