Getting notifications from your Ring doorbell is essential for home security. This guide walks you through setup, app settings, and troubleshooting to ensure you never miss a visitor again.
Key Takeaways
- Download the Ring app: Available on iOS and Android, the app is required to manage notifications and view live video.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: A stable 2.4GHz or 5GHz network ensures reliable alerts and video streaming.
- Enable motion and doorbell alerts: Customize sensitivity and zones to reduce false alarms while staying informed.
- Check device settings: Ensure your Ring doorbell is charged or wired properly to avoid power-related notification failures.
- Adjust phone notification settings: Allow Ring app notifications in your device’s settings to receive alerts.
- Use Motion Schedules: Set specific times for motion alerts to avoid disturbances during sleep or work hours.
- Troubleshoot common issues: Restart devices, update firmware, and check for app glitches if notifications stop working.
How to Get Notifications from Ring Doorbell
If you’ve installed a Ring doorbell but aren’t receiving notifications when someone rings the bell or approaches your door, you’re not alone. Many users face this issue due to misconfigured settings, poor Wi-Fi, or overlooked app permissions. The good news? It’s usually easy to fix.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get notifications from your Ring doorbell—step by step. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Video Doorbell Elite, or a newer model like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, the process is similar. We’ll cover everything from initial setup to advanced customization and troubleshooting.
By the end, you’ll know how to ensure your Ring doorbell sends timely alerts to your phone, tablet, or even Alexa-enabled devices. You’ll also learn how to reduce false alarms and keep your home secure without constant interruptions.
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Download and Set Up the Ring App
Visual guide about How to Get Notifications from Ring Doorbell
Image source: smarthomeways.com
Before you can receive notifications, you need the Ring app. This free app is the control center for your doorbell and all other Ring devices.
Download the App
Go to the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android) and search for “Ring – Always Home.” Download and install the app.
Create or Log In to Your Ring Account
Open the app and either log in with your existing Ring account or create a new one. You’ll need a valid email address and password. If you’re new, follow the prompts to verify your email.
Add Your Doorbell
Once logged in, tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner and select “Set up a device.” Choose “Doorbells” and follow the on-screen instructions.
The app will guide you through scanning the QR code on your doorbell (usually found on the back or side). If you can’t scan it, you can enter the serial number manually.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Next, the app will ask you to connect your doorbell to your home Wi-Fi network. Make sure you’re near your doorbell during this step.
– Select your Wi-Fi network from the list.
– Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully.
– Choose between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. For most Ring doorbells, 2.4GHz is recommended for better range, though 5GHz can offer faster speeds if your doorbell supports it and you’re close to the router.
Wait for the app to confirm the connection. This may take a minute or two.
Complete Setup
Once connected, the app will finalize the setup. You’ll be prompted to name your doorbell (e.g., “Front Door”) and choose a location. This helps if you have multiple Ring devices.
Now your doorbell is online and ready to send notifications—but only if the right settings are enabled.
Step 2: Enable Notifications in the Ring App
Even with a successful setup, notifications won’t work unless they’re turned on. Here’s how to enable them.
Open the Ring App
Launch the app and tap on your doorbell from the dashboard.
Go to Device Settings
Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to access settings.
Select “Motion Settings”
This controls alerts when motion is detected. Tap “Motion Alerts” and toggle it to “On.”
Adjust Motion Zones (Optional but Recommended)
To avoid false alerts from passing cars or animals, customize your motion zones:
– Tap “Motion Zones” and draw areas on the screen where you want motion detection.
– Avoid areas like busy sidewalks or driveways if they cause too many alerts.
Set Motion Sensitivity
Slide the sensitivity bar to your preference:
– Low: Only large movements trigger alerts.
– Medium: Balanced detection.
– High: Even small movements (like a leaf blowing) may trigger alerts.
For most homes, “Medium” works well.
Enable Doorbell Press Alerts
Go back to the main device settings and tap “Doorbell Press Alerts.” Make sure this is toggled on. This ensures you get a notification every time someone presses the doorbell.
Enable Live View and Two-Way Talk (Optional)
These features let you see and speak to visitors. While not required for notifications, they enhance the experience.
Step 3: Allow Notifications on Your Phone
Even if the Ring app is set up correctly, your phone might block notifications. Here’s how to fix that.
For iPhone Users
– Go to “Settings” > “Notifications.”
– Scroll down and find “Ring.”
– Tap it and enable “Allow Notifications.”
– Choose your preferred alert style (Banners, Alerts, or None).
– Turn on “Sounds” and “Badges” for full alerts.
– Enable “Critical Alerts” if available (this bypasses Do Not Disturb).
For Android Users
– Go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Ring.”
– Tap “Notifications.”
– Make sure “Allow notifications” is turned on.
– Tap “Doorbell Press” and “Motion Alerts” and ensure they’re enabled.
– On some Android phones, go to “Battery” settings and set Ring to “Unrestricted” to prevent the app from being closed in the background.
Test the Notification
Have someone press your doorbell or walk into the motion zone. You should receive a notification within a few seconds. If not, proceed to troubleshooting.
Step 4: Customize Notification Preferences
Ring lets you personalize how and when you receive alerts. This helps reduce noise and keeps you informed only when it matters.
Set Up Motion Schedules
If you don’t want alerts at night or during work hours:
– In the Ring app, go to your doorbell settings.
– Tap “Motion Schedules.”
– Tap “+ Add Schedule.”
– Choose the days and times (e.g., “Weekdays, 9 AM – 5 PM”).
– Set motion alerts to “Off” during those times.
This is great for avoiding alerts when you’re home or sleeping.
Enable Smart Alerts (Ring Protect Plan Required)
With a Ring Protect subscription ($3.99/month or $39.99/year), you get advanced features:
– Person Detection: Only alerts when a person is detected, not animals or vehicles.
– Package Detection: Alerts when a package is left at your door.
– Vehicle Detection: Alerts when a car enters your driveway.
These reduce false alarms and make notifications more useful.
Choose Notification Types
In the Ring app:
– Tap your profile picture > “App Settings” > “Notifications.”
– Choose whether to receive push notifications, emails, or both.
– Enable “Chime Notifications” if you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro.
Set Up Alexa Alerts (Optional)
If you have an Alexa device:
– Open the Alexa app.
– Go to “Devices” > “Cameras” > select your Ring doorbell.
– Enable “Doorbell Press Announcements.”
– Say, “Alexa, announce when the doorbell rings.”
Now, when someone presses the doorbell, Alexa will say, “Someone is at the front door.”
Step 5: Ensure Your Doorbell Has Power
A dead or weak battery can prevent notifications. Here’s how to check and maintain power.
Battery-Powered Doorbells
– Open the Ring app and go to your doorbell.
– Check the battery level under “Device Health.”
– If below 20%, recharge the battery.
– Remove the doorbell from the mount, take out the battery, and charge it with the included USB cable.
– Reinsert and remount.
Wired Doorbells
– Ensure your doorbell is connected to a working transformer (16–24V AC).
– If the doorbell keeps losing power, the existing doorbell wiring may be insufficient.
– Consider hiring an electrician or using a Ring Plug-In Adapter (for compatible models).
Use a Solar Charger (Optional)
For battery models, a Ring Solar Charger can keep the battery topped up using sunlight. Attach it to the back of the doorbell.
Step 6: Optimize Wi-Fi for Reliable Alerts
Weak Wi-Fi is a common cause of missed notifications. Here’s how to improve your signal.
Check Signal Strength
In the Ring app:
– Go to your doorbell > “Device Health.”
– Look at “Wi-Fi Signal Strength.”
– “Excellent” or “Good” is ideal. “Poor” or “Fair” may cause delays or dropped alerts.
Move Your Router Closer
If possible, move your Wi-Fi router closer to the doorbell. Even 10–15 feet can make a big difference.
Use a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh System
If your router is far away, use a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network (like Eero or Google Nest WiFi) to boost coverage.
Use a Ring Chime Pro
The Ring Chime Pro doubles as a Wi-Fi extender. Plug it into an outlet between your router and doorbell to strengthen the signal.
Avoid Interference
Keep your doorbell away from:
– Microwaves
– Cordless phones
– Thick walls or metal objects
These can block Wi-Fi signals.
Troubleshooting: Why Aren’t I Getting Notifications?
If you’ve followed all steps and still aren’t getting alerts, try these fixes.
1. Restart Your Phone and Doorbell
– Turn your phone off and on.
– For battery doorbells: Remove and reinsert the battery.
– For wired doorbells: Turn off the power at the breaker for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
2. Update the Ring App and Firmware
– Open the App Store or Google Play and check for Ring app updates.
– In the Ring app, go to your doorbell > “Device Health” > “Firmware.” If an update is available, install it.
3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi
– In the Ring app, go to your doorbell settings.
– Tap “Wi-Fi Network” and reconnect to your network.
– Re-enter the password if needed.
4. Check Do Not Disturb and Focus Modes
– On iPhone: Go to “Settings” > “Focus” and ensure Ring is allowed.
– On Android: Go to “Settings” > “Digital Wellbeing” > “Do Not Disturb” and add Ring as an exception.
5. Reinstall the Ring App
– Delete the app from your phone.
– Re-download it from the app store.
– Log in and re-add your doorbell.
6. Reset Your Doorbell
As a last resort, perform a factory reset:
– Press and hold the setup button (usually on the back) for 20 seconds.
– The light will flash, then turn solid.
– Re-add the doorbell in the app.
7. Contact Ring Support
If nothing works, visit support.ring.com or call Ring customer service. They can check your device remotely and help resolve hardware or account issues.
Tips for Better Notification Experience
To get the most out of your Ring doorbell notifications:
- Use multiple devices: Install the Ring app on your phone, tablet, and family members’ devices so everyone gets alerts.
- Enable geofencing: In the Ring app, go to “App Settings” > “Geofencing” to get alerts only when you’re away from home.
- Pair with smart lights: Use IFTTT or Alexa routines to turn on lights when motion is detected.
- Keep the app open occasionally: Some phones close background apps to save battery. Open Ring once a week to keep it active.
- Clean your doorbell lens: Dust or dirt can reduce motion detection accuracy. Wipe the lens with a soft cloth monthly.
Conclusion
Getting notifications from your Ring doorbell is simple once you know the steps. Start by setting up the Ring app, enabling alerts, and allowing notifications on your phone. Customize motion zones and schedules to reduce false alarms, and ensure your doorbell has strong Wi-Fi and power.
If notifications stop working, try restarting devices, updating software, or checking your phone’s settings. With a little troubleshooting, you’ll never miss a visitor, delivery, or potential security issue again.
Your Ring doorbell is more than a camera—it’s your home’s first line of defense. By following this guide, you’ll make sure it’s always working for you.
Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy peace of mind with every ring.