How to Get Ring Doorbell Notification

This guide walks you through how to get Ring doorbell notifications on your smartphone or tablet. You’ll learn setup steps, app settings, and fixes for common issues like delayed or missing alerts.

Key Takeaways

• Download the Ring app: Essential for receiving notifications and managing your doorbell.
• Enable notifications in your phone settings: Both iOS and Android require permission for apps to send alerts.
• Check motion and alert zones: Customize where your Ring detects activity to reduce false alarms.
• Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal: Weak connections cause delayed or missed notifications.
• Update firmware and app regularly: Keeps your device secure and functioning properly.
• Use Do Not Disturb and Focus modes wisely: These can block Ring alerts if not configured correctly.
• Test notifications after setup: Confirm everything works before relying on your doorbell.

How to Get Ring Doorbell Notification: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Getting instant alerts when someone rings your doorbell or approaches your home is one of the best features of a Ring doorbell. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or just relaxing in another room, Ring doorbell notifications keep you connected and informed. But sometimes, these alerts don’t show up as expected. Maybe they’re delayed, missing entirely, or your phone doesn’t make a sound.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get Ring doorbell notification alerts reliably on your smartphone or tablet. We’ll cover everything from initial setup to advanced troubleshooting. By the end, you’ll know how to configure your device, optimize your settings, and fix common problems so you never miss a visitor again.

This guide is perfect for new Ring users setting up their doorbell for the first time, or existing owners who are experiencing notification issues. We’ll use simple language, clear steps, and real-world examples to make the process easy and stress-free.

Step 1: Download and Set Up the Ring App

The Ring app is the control center for your doorbell. Without it, you won’t receive notifications. Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Elite, the app is essential.

Download the App

Start by downloading the official Ring app from your device’s app store:

• For iPhone users: Open the App Store and search for “Ring – Always Home.”
• For Android users: Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Ring.”

Make sure you’re downloading the app developed by “Ring LLC” to avoid fake or malicious versions.

Create a Ring Account

Once installed, open the app and tap “Create Account.” You’ll need to provide:

• A valid email address
• A strong password
• Your phone number (for two-factor authentication)

After entering your details, check your email for a verification link. Tap it to confirm your account.

Add Your Doorbell to the App

Now it’s time to connect your physical doorbell to the app:

1. Tap the “+” icon in the top-right corner of the app.
2. Select “Set Up a Device.”
3. Choose “Doorbells” from the list.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code on your Ring doorbell (usually found on the back or inside the battery compartment).
5. The app will guide you through connecting your doorbell to your home Wi-Fi network.

Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want your doorbell to use. The setup process may take a few minutes.

Step 2: Enable Notifications in the Ring App

Even with the app installed, notifications won’t work unless they’re enabled. Here’s how to turn them on.

Open Notification Settings in the App

Inside the Ring app:

1. Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner.
2. Select “Devices.”
3. Choose your doorbell from the list.
4. Tap “Device Settings.”
5. Scroll down and tap “Notifications.”

You’ll see options for “Motion Alerts” and “Ring Alerts.” Both should be toggled ON.

Customize Alert Types

You can choose what kind of alerts you receive:

• Ring Alerts: When someone presses the doorbell button.
• Motion Alerts: When motion is detected (even if no one rings).

You can also set alert schedules. For example, you might want motion alerts only between 6 PM and 7 AM. Tap “Alert Schedule” to customize these times.

Set Up Notification Sounds

To make sure you hear alerts:

1. In the “Notifications” menu, tap “Notification Sound.”
2. Choose a sound from the list (e.g., “Classic Chime,” “Doorbell,” or “Alert Tone”).
3. Test the sound by tapping the play button.

Pick a sound that’s loud and distinct enough to hear from another room.

Step 3: Allow Notifications on Your Phone

The Ring app can only send alerts if your phone allows it. Both iPhone and Android have system-level settings that control app notifications.

For iPhone Users

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap “Ring.”
3. Tap “Notifications.”
4. Make sure “Allow Notifications” is turned ON.
5. Enable “Sounds,” “Badges,” and “Lock Screen” for full visibility.
6. Under “Notification Style,” choose “Banners” or “Alerts” so you see pop-ups.

Tip: If you use “Focus” modes (like Do Not Disturb), add Ring to your allowed apps. Go to Settings > Focus > [Your Focus Mode] > Apps > Add Ring.

For Android Users

1. Open “Settings” on your Android phone.
2. Tap “Apps” or “Applications.”
3. Find and tap “Ring.”
4. Tap “Notifications.”
5. Make sure “Allow notifications” is enabled.
6. Tap “Ring Alerts” and “Motion Alerts” and ensure they’re set to “Allow.”
7. Enable “Pop on screen” or “Priority” if available.

Some Android phones (like Samsung) have additional battery optimization settings that can block background apps. To prevent this:

• Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage > Ring > Unrestricted.

This ensures the Ring app stays active and can send alerts even when your screen is off.

Step 4: Optimize Motion and Alert Zones

Your Ring doorbell uses motion detection to trigger alerts. If it’s too sensitive, you’ll get false alarms from passing cars or animals. If it’s too narrow, you might miss important activity.

Adjust Motion Zones

To customize where your doorbell detects motion:

1. Open the Ring app.
2. Go to “Devices” > Select your doorbell > “Device Settings.”
3. Tap “Motion Settings” > “Motion Zones.”
4. Drag the corners of the zone to cover only areas you want monitored (e.g., your front walkway, not the street).
5. Tap “Save.”

Example: If your doorbell faces a busy sidewalk, shrink the zone to exclude foot traffic. This reduces unnecessary alerts while still catching visitors at your door.

Set Motion Sensitivity

You can also adjust how sensitive the motion detection is:

1. In “Motion Settings,” tap “Motion Sensitivity.”
2. Slide the bar from “Low” to “High.”

Start with “Medium” and test it. If you get too many false alerts, lower it. If you’re missing motion, increase it.

Enable Smart Alerts (Optional)

Ring’s newer models support “Smart Alerts,” which use AI to distinguish between people, packages, and animals.

1. In “Motion Settings,” tap “Smart Alerts.”
2. Toggle ON “People Only” if you only want alerts when a person is detected.
3. You can also enable “Package Alerts” to get notified when a delivery is left at your door.

This feature reduces noise and helps you focus on what matters.

Step 5: Ensure Strong Wi-Fi Connection

A weak Wi-Fi signal is one of the most common reasons for delayed or missing Ring doorbell notifications. Your doorbell needs a stable internet connection to send alerts in real time.

Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength

The Ring app shows your doorbell’s signal strength:

1. Go to “Devices” > Select your doorbell.
2. Look for the Wi-Fi icon and signal bars.
3. Green = Strong, Yellow = Fair, Red = Weak.

If it’s yellow or red, your connection may be unstable.

Improve Wi-Fi Coverage

Here are ways to boost your signal:

• Move your router closer to the doorbell, if possible.
• Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network system (like Google Nest Wi-Fi or Eero) to cover dead zones.
• Switch to the 2.4 GHz band — Ring doorbells work best on 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz, because it has better range.
• Reduce interference from microwaves, cordless phones, or thick walls.

Tip: Avoid placing your router behind metal objects or in cabinets.

Test Your Internet Speed

Use a speed test app (like Speedtest by Ookla) to check your upload and download speeds. Ring recommends:

• At least 2 Mbps upload speed for HD video.
• At least 1 Mbps for standard definition.

If your speed is too low, contact your internet provider or consider upgrading your plan.

Step 6: Update Firmware and App

Outdated software can cause bugs, security issues, and notification problems. Ring regularly releases updates to improve performance.

Update the Ring App

To update the app:

• iPhone: Open the App Store > Tap your profile icon > Scroll to “Ring” > Tap “Update.”
• Android: Open Google Play Store > Tap the menu > “Manage apps & device” > “Updates available” > Update Ring.

Enable auto-updates to stay current automatically.

Update Doorbell Firmware

Firmware updates happen automatically, but you can check:

1. Open the Ring app.
2. Go to “Devices” > Select your doorbell.
3. Tap “Device Health.”
4. Look for “Firmware Version.”
5. If an update is available, it will install overnight when the doorbell is idle.

Ensure your doorbell is charged (if battery-powered) and connected to Wi-Fi for updates to work.

Step 7: Test Your Notifications

After setup, it’s important to test that everything works.

Test Ring Alerts

Ask someone to press your doorbell button. You should receive a notification within 5–10 seconds. If not, check:

• Is the app open or running in the background?
• Is your phone in Do Not Disturb mode?
• Is the doorbell connected to Wi-Fi?

Test Motion Alerts

Walk in front of your doorbell to trigger motion. You should get an alert. If not:

• Check motion zones and sensitivity.
• Ensure “Motion Alerts” are enabled in the app and phone settings.

Use the Ring App’s Test Feature

The app includes a built-in test:

1. Go to “Devices” > Select your doorbell.
2. Tap “Device Health.”
3. Tap “Test Chime” or “Test Motion.”

This simulates a ring or motion event and checks if notifications are sent.

Troubleshooting Common Notification Issues

Even with proper setup, you might still face problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.

Notifications Are Delayed

If alerts arrive minutes late:

• Check your Wi-Fi signal strength.
• Restart your router and doorbell.
• Close other apps using bandwidth (like streaming or downloads).
• Update the app and firmware.

No Sound on Notifications

If you see the alert but hear no sound:

• Check your phone’s volume — make sure it’s not on silent or vibrate.
• Ensure “Sounds” are enabled in the Ring app notification settings.
• Test the notification sound in the app.
• Restart your phone.

Notifications Stop Working After Phone Update

Sometimes, phone updates reset app permissions:

• Re-enable notifications for Ring in your phone’s settings.
• Check Focus/Do Not Disturb modes.
• Reinstall the Ring app if needed.

Battery-Powered Doorbell Not Sending Alerts

Low battery can affect performance:

• Check the battery level in “Device Health.”
• Charge or replace the battery.
• Ensure the doorbell is fully charged before testing.

Multiple Devices, Only One Gets Alerts

If you have multiple phones linked to one Ring account:

• Make sure all devices have the Ring app installed and notifications enabled.
• Check that each phone has permission to receive alerts.
• Log out and back in on devices that aren’t receiving alerts.

Best Practices for Reliable Ring Notifications

To keep your Ring doorbell notifications working smoothly, follow these tips:

• Keep the app updated — Enable auto-updates on your phone.
• Charge your doorbell regularly — Low power can delay alerts.
• Avoid extreme temperatures — Heat and cold can affect battery life and performance.
• Clean the lens and sensors — Dust and dirt can block motion detection.
• Review alert history — Check the “Timeline” in the app to see past events and identify patterns.
• Use a Ring Chime (optional) — This plug-in device plays a loud chime inside your home, even if your phone is off.

Conclusion

Getting reliable Ring doorbell notifications is essential for home security and convenience. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to set up the Ring app, enable notifications on your phone, optimize motion settings, strengthen your Wi-Fi, and troubleshoot common issues.

Remember, the key to success is consistency. Test your alerts regularly, keep your software updated, and adjust settings as needed. With the right setup, you’ll never miss a visitor, package, or unexpected motion at your door.

Whether you’re a new Ring owner or troubleshooting an existing device, this guide gives you everything you need to stay connected and informed. Stay safe, stay alert, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a properly configured Ring doorbell.