Getting notifications on your Ring Doorbell ensures you never miss a visitor, package, or suspicious activity. This guide walks you through setup, customization, and troubleshooting to keep your alerts working smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Enable Motion and Ring Alerts: Make sure both motion detection and doorbell press notifications are turned on in the Ring app.
- Check Notification Settings on Your Phone: Ensure your phone’s settings allow notifications from the Ring app, including background app refresh and Do Not Disturb exceptions.
- Customize Alert Zones: Use Motion Zones to reduce false alerts and focus on areas that matter most, like your front walk or driveway.
- Update the Ring App Regularly: Keep the app updated to access the latest features and bug fixes that improve notification reliability.
- Test Your Doorbell After Setup: Press the button or walk in front of the camera to confirm notifications arrive promptly on your device.
- Troubleshoot Common Issues: If alerts stop, restart the app, check Wi-Fi strength, or re-sync your device through the Ring app.
- Use Linked Devices for Better Coverage: Pair your Ring Doorbell with Alexa Echo devices or Ring Chimes for audible alerts even when your phone is silent.
How to Get Notifications on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell—great choice! But now you’re wondering, “Why am I not getting notifications when someone rings the bell or walks by?” Don’t worry. Getting notifications on your Ring Doorbell is essential for home security, and once set up correctly, it’s incredibly reliable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure you receive timely alerts—whether someone’s at your door, a package is delivered, or motion is detected. We’ll cover initial setup, app configuration, customization options, and troubleshooting tips. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional notification system that keeps you informed 24/7.
Let’s get started!
Why Ring Doorbell Notifications Matter
Visual guide about How to Get Notifications on Ring Doorbell
Image source: hellotech.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why notifications are so important. Your Ring Doorbell isn’t just a camera—it’s your first line of defense against unwanted visitors, package theft, or unexpected guests. Without notifications, you might miss critical moments:
– A delivery person leaving a package
– A neighbor checking on your home
– A suspicious person lingering near your door
Notifications give you real-time awareness. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on vacation, you can respond quickly—whether that means answering the door via two-way talk, calling the police, or simply checking who stopped by.
Plus, with customizable settings, you can reduce false alerts (like trees swaying in the wind) and focus only on what matters.
Prerequisites: What You’ll Need
Before setting up notifications, make sure you have the following:
– A fully installed and powered Ring Doorbell (wired or battery-powered)
– The Ring app downloaded on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
– A stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz recommended; some models support 5 GHz)
– Your Ring account logged in and synced with the doorbell
– Your phone’s notification settings enabled for the Ring app
If your doorbell isn’t installed yet, refer to Ring’s official installation guide first. Once it’s up and running, we can move on to notifications.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Select Your Device
The Ring app is your control center for all Ring devices. Here’s how to access your doorbell settings:
Launch the Ring App
Open the Ring app on your smartphone. If you haven’t logged in yet, enter your email and password.
Go to the Dashboard
You’ll see a dashboard with all your Ring devices. Tap on your doorbell’s name or image to open its live view.
Access Device Settings
Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the screen. This opens the device settings menu, where you’ll configure notifications.
Step 2: Enable Motion and Ring Alerts
Now that you’re in the settings, it’s time to turn on notifications. There are two main types of alerts:
– **Ring Alerts**: Triggered when someone presses the doorbell button.
– **Motion Alerts**: Triggered when the camera detects movement.
Both should be enabled for full coverage.
Turn On Ring Alerts
In the Device Settings menu, look for “Ring Alerts” or “Doorbell Press Alerts.” Toggle the switch to “On.”
> 💡 Tip: If you have a Ring Chime or Echo device, you can also enable sound alerts there. We’ll cover that later.
Enable Motion Alerts
Scroll down to “Motion Settings” and tap it. Then, toggle “Motion Alerts” to “On.”
You’ll also see options like “Motion Sensitivity” and “Motion Zones.” We’ll explore those in the next section.
Step 3: Customize Motion Zones (Optional but Recommended)
One of the most powerful features of Ring Doorbell is Motion Zones. These let you define specific areas where you want to receive alerts—and ignore others.
For example, you might want alerts when someone approaches your front door but not when cars drive by on the street.
Access Motion Zones
In the Motion Settings menu, tap “Motion Zones.” You’ll see a live view of your camera with a grid overlay.
Draw Your Zones
Tap and drag to create custom zones. You can have up to three zones. Areas inside the zones will trigger alerts; areas outside won’t.
> 📌 Example: Draw a zone covering your front walkway and porch, but leave the street and sidewalk outside the zone.
Adjust Sensitivity
Use the “Motion Sensitivity” slider to control how easily motion triggers an alert.
– Low: Only large movements (like a person walking)
– Medium: Moderate sensitivity (recommended for most homes)
– High: Detects small movements (may cause false alerts)
Start with Medium and adjust based on your experience.
Step 4: Check Your Phone’s Notification Settings
Even if Ring alerts are on, your phone might block them. Here’s how to ensure your phone allows Ring notifications.
For iPhone Users
1. Go to **Settings** > **Notifications**.
2. Scroll down and tap **Ring**.
3. Make sure “Allow Notifications” is toggled on.
4. Enable “Lock Screen,” “Notification Center,” and “Banners.”
5. Tap “Sounds” and choose a notification tone (optional).
6. Under “Do Not Disturb,” ensure Ring is allowed to bypass silence.
For Android Users
1. Go to **Settings** > **Apps** > **Ring**.
2. Tap **Notifications**.
3. Ensure “Allow notifications” is on.
4. Tap “Notification categories” and enable “Motion Alerts” and “Ring Alerts.”
5. Check “Do Not Disturb” settings and add Ring to the allowed apps list.
> ⚠️ Important: Some Android phones (like Samsung or Xiaomi) have aggressive battery-saving modes that kill background apps. Go to **Battery** > **App power management** and exclude Ring from optimization.
Step 5: Enable Background App Refresh
For notifications to work when the app isn’t open, your phone must allow Ring to run in the background.
On iPhone
Go to **Settings** > **General** > **Background App Refresh**. Make sure it’s on, and toggle Ring to “On.”
On Android
Go to **Settings** > **Apps** > **Ring** > **Mobile data & Wi-Fi**. Enable “Allow background data usage” and “Unrestricted data usage.”
This ensures Ring can send alerts even when you’re using other apps.
Step 6: Test Your Notifications
After setup, it’s crucial to test your system.
Test Ring Alerts
Ask someone to press your doorbell button. You should receive a notification within 5–10 seconds.
Test Motion Alerts
Walk in front of the camera within your Motion Zone. You should get an alert.
If you don’t receive notifications:
– Check your Wi-Fi signal (weak connections delay alerts)
– Restart the Ring app
– Reboot your phone
– Re-sync your doorbell in the app (Device Settings > General > Reconnect to Wi-Fi)
Step 7: Use Linked Devices for Enhanced Alerts
Want alerts even when your phone is on silent? Link your Ring Doorbell to other devices.
Pair with Ring Chime
A Ring Chime is a plug-in device that plays a sound when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected.
1. Plug in your Chime.
2. Open the Ring app > Devices > Add Device > Chime.
3. Follow the setup prompts.
4. In Chime settings, choose alert sounds and volume.
Now, even if your phone is off, you’ll hear the chime.
Connect to Alexa Echo Devices
If you have an Echo speaker or display:
1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Go to **Devices** > **Cameras** > **Ring**.
3. Enable the Ring skill and link your account.
4. Say, “Alexa, show me the front door” to view the live feed.
5. Enable announcements: “Alexa, announce when the doorbell rings.”
Now, Alexa will speak alerts aloud.
Step 8: Adjust Notification Frequency and Types
Ring lets you fine-tune how often you get alerts to avoid notification fatigue.
Set Motion Frequency
In Motion Settings, choose:
– **Frequent**: Alerts for every motion event
– **Standard**: Alerts with a short delay between events (recommended)
– **Light**: Only major motion events
Standard is best for most users—it reduces spam while keeping you informed.
Enable Smart Alerts (If Available)
Some Ring models support Smart Alerts, which use AI to distinguish between people, packages, and animals.
1. Go to Device Settings > Smart Alerts.
2. Toggle on “People Only” or “Packages Only” to filter alerts.
This reduces false alarms from pets or leaves.
Step 9: Update the Ring App and Firmware
Outdated software can cause notification issues.
Update the App
– iPhone: Open the App Store > tap your profile > scroll to Ring > tap “Update.”
– Android: Open Google Play Store > search Ring > tap “Update.”
Update Device Firmware
The Ring app usually updates firmware automatically. To check:
1. Go to Device Settings > Device Health.
2. Look for “Firmware Version.”
3. If an update is available, tap “Update Now.”
Firmware updates improve performance, security, and notification reliability.
Troubleshooting: Why Aren’t I Getting Notifications?
If notifications still aren’t working, try these fixes:
1. Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Weak Wi-Fi delays or blocks alerts. Use the Ring app’s “Device Health” to check signal strength. If it’s “Poor,” move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
2. Restart Your Doorbell
For battery models: Remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, reinsert.
For wired models: Turn off the power at the breaker for 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
3. Re-sync the Device
In the Ring app: Device Settings > General > Reconnect to Wi-Fi. Follow the prompts to re-link your doorbell.
4. Clear App Cache (Android)
Go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Storage > Clear Cache. This removes corrupted data that may block notifications.
5. Check for Do Not Disturb or Focus Mode
On iPhone: Swipe down for Control Center—ensure Do Not Disturb is off.
On Android: Pull down the notification shade—check if Focus Mode is active.
6. Reinstall the Ring App
As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the Ring app. Log back in and reconfigure your devices.
Pro Tips for Better Notification Management
– **Use Quiet Hours**: In the Ring app, set “Quiet Hours” to silence alerts during sleep or work hours.
– **Share Access**: Add family members to your Ring account so they also receive alerts.
– **Monitor Battery Life**: Low battery can delay notifications. Check Device Health regularly.
– **Use a Strong Wi-Fi Password**: Prevents unauthorized access that could disrupt service.
– **Keep Your Phone Charged**: Dead phones don’t get notifications!
Conclusion
Getting notifications on your Ring Doorbell is simple once you know the steps. By enabling alerts, customizing motion zones, checking phone settings, and using linked devices, you’ll never miss a visitor again.
Remember: consistent notifications depend on a strong Wi-Fi connection, updated software, and proper app configuration. Test your system regularly and adjust settings as needed.
With your Ring Doorbell working at full capacity, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is always within reach—even when you’re not there.
Now go ahead, press that doorbell button, and enjoy the satisfying *ding-dong* of success!