Installing a Ring Doorbell at an angle improves camera coverage and reduces blind spots. This guide walks you through the process with clear steps, tools, and expert tips to ensure a secure and effective setup.
Key Takeaways
- Why angle your Ring Doorbell: Angling the device helps capture more of your front yard, driveway, or walkway, reducing blind spots and improving motion detection accuracy.
- Use the right mounting tools: A level, drill, screws, and the included wedge kit are essential for a secure, angled installation.
- Choose the best angle: A 15° to 30° tilt is ideal—enough to expand coverage without distorting the video or causing glare.
- Secure wiring safely: If using a wired model, ensure wires are tucked and protected to prevent damage or tripping hazards.
- Test after installation: Use the Ring app to check the live view and motion zones to confirm the angle works for your space.
- Troubleshoot common issues: Adjust the angle if you get too many false alerts or miss important activity.
- Maintain your setup: Clean the lens regularly and check the mount periodically to keep your angled installation working perfectly.
How to Install a Ring Doorbell at an Angle
So, you’ve got your Ring Doorbell—great choice! But now you’re wondering: How do I install it at an angle? Maybe your front door is recessed, your walkway curves, or you just want better coverage of your driveway. Whatever the reason, mounting your Ring Doorbell at an angle can make a big difference in how well it captures activity.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from planning the perfect angle to securing the mount and testing your setup. Whether you’re installing a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Elite, these steps will help you get the best possible view. No need to be a DIY expert—just grab your tools, follow along, and you’ll have your doorbell angled perfectly in no time.
Why Install Your Ring Doorbell at an Angle?
Visual guide about How to Install a Ring Doorbell at an Angle
Image source: i.etsystatic.com
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why you might want to angle your Ring Doorbell in the first place.
Most Ring Doorbells come with a standard flat mount that installs flush against your wall. That works fine if your door is right at the front of your house and your walkway leads straight up to it. But in many homes, the front door is set back, or the path to the door curves to the left or right. In those cases, a flat mount can leave large blind spots.
By angling your Ring Doorbell—say, 15° to 30° toward the side of your property—you can capture more of the area where people approach. This improves motion detection, reduces false alerts from passing cars or neighbors, and gives you a clearer view of visitors.
For example, if your front walkway comes in from the left, angling the doorbell slightly to the left helps you see people walking up before they reach the door. This is especially helpful for spotting packages, pets, or unexpected visitors.
Another benefit? Better lighting. If your porch faces west and gets harsh afternoon sun, angling the camera slightly can reduce glare and improve video quality.
So, whether you’re dealing with a tricky layout or just want to maximize your security, angling your Ring Doorbell is a smart move.
What You’ll Need
Before you start drilling, make sure you have the right tools and materials. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Ring Doorbell (wired or battery-powered)
- Ring mounting wedge kit (included with most models or available separately)
- Drill with drill bits (usually 3/16” for masonry or 1/8” for wood/drywall)
- Screws and wall anchors (included in the Ring kit)
- Screwdriver (Phillips head)
- Level (to ensure your angle is consistent)
- Pencil (for marking drill points)
- Measuring tape (optional, but helpful)
- Wire stripper and electrical tape (if installing a wired model)
- Ladder (if your doorbell is high up)
Most Ring Doorbells come with a mounting wedge in the box. If you don’t have one, you can order it from Ring’s website. The wedge is a small plastic piece that fits between the mount and the wall, allowing you to tilt the doorbell at an angle.
Step 1: Choose the Right Angle
The first step in installing your Ring Doorbell at an angle is deciding which angle to use.
Most experts recommend a tilt between 15° and 30°. That’s enough to expand your field of view without distorting the image or making it hard to recognize faces.
Here’s how to figure out the best angle for your setup:
Assess Your Approach Path
Stand at the edge of your property or driveway and look toward your front door. Imagine the path people take to reach your door. Is it straight? Does it curve left or right? Do they come from the side?
If the path curves, angle your doorbell in the direction of the curve. For example, if people walk up from the right, tilt the doorbell slightly to the right.
Check for Obstacles
Look for things that might block the view—like plants, mailboxes, or outdoor furniture. You want your angled view to be clear and unobstructed.
Also, avoid pointing the camera directly at a bright light source, like a streetlamp or the setting sun. This can cause glare or wash out the video.
Test with Your Phone
Before drilling, hold your phone up to where the doorbell will go and tilt it at different angles. Use your camera app to preview the view. This gives you a rough idea of what the Ring will see.
You can also use the Ring app’s “Live View” feature if you’ve already installed the doorbell flat. Just temporarily mount it, open the app, and adjust the angle while watching the feed.
Step 2: Turn Off Power (For Wired Models)
If you’re installing a wired Ring Doorbell (like the Ring Doorbell Pro or Elite), safety first: turn off the power.
Go to your home’s electrical panel and flip the breaker that controls your existing doorbell. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the wires are not live before touching them.
This step is crucial—working with live wires can be dangerous. If you’re unsure, consider hiring an electrician.
For battery-powered models (like the standard Ring Video Doorbell), you can skip this step.
Step 3: Remove the Old Doorbell (If Applicable)
If you’re replacing an existing doorbell, you’ll need to remove it first.
Unscrew the old doorbell from the wall and disconnect the wires. Don’t cut the wires—just loosen the terminals and pull them free.
If the wires are short, you can use wire nuts to cap them temporarily. Label them if needed so you know which is positive and which is negative.
Once the old doorbell is off, inspect the wiring. Make sure the wires are in good condition and long enough to reach your new mount. If they’re frayed or too short, you may need to extend them.
Step 4: Install the Mounting Wedge
Now it’s time to install the angled mount.
The Ring mounting wedge is a small plastic piece that attaches to the wall and allows you to tilt the doorbell. It comes in different angles—usually 5°, 10°, and 15°—so choose the one that best fits your needs.
Position the Wedge
Hold the wedge against the wall where you want to install the doorbell. Make sure it’s level using a spirit level. The flat side of the wedge goes against the wall, and the angled side faces outward.
Use a pencil to mark the screw holes.
Drill Pilot Holes
Drill pilot holes into the marked spots. Use the appropriate drill bit for your wall type:
- Wood or drywall: 1/8” bit
- Masonry or brick: 3/16” bit
If you’re drilling into brick or concrete, use a hammer drill if available, and insert wall anchors for extra support.
Secure the Wedge
Line up the wedge with the pilot holes and screw it into place using the provided screws. Don’t overtighten—just snug enough to hold firmly.
Double-check that the wedge is level and angled in the direction you want.
Step 5: Attach the Mounting Plate
With the wedge in place, it’s time to attach the main mounting plate.
The mounting plate is the piece that the Ring Doorbell snaps onto. It has screw holes that align with the wedge.
Align the Plate
Hold the mounting plate against the wedge. Make sure it’s centered and level. The screw holes should line up perfectly.
Secure with Screws
Insert the screws through the plate and into the wedge. Tighten them just enough to hold the plate securely. Again, avoid overtightening, as this can crack the plastic.
Check the Angle
Once the plate is attached, step back and look at the angle. Does it look right? Is it pointing in the direction you want?
If not, you can adjust by loosening the screws slightly and repositioning the plate. Just don’t remove the wedge—only adjust the plate.
Step 6: Connect the Wires (For Wired Models)
If you’re installing a wired Ring Doorbell, now’s the time to connect the wires.
Strip the Wire Ends
Use a wire stripper to remove about 1/4” of insulation from the ends of the doorbell wires. You should see two bare copper wires.
Attach to Terminals
On the back of the Ring Doorbell, you’ll find two terminal screws—usually labeled “Front” and “Trans.”
Loosen the screws, insert the wires, and tighten them down. It doesn’t matter which wire goes where—Ring Doorbells are not polarity-sensitive.
Make sure the wires are secure and not touching each other.
Tuck the Wires
Gently push the wires back into the wall cavity. Use electrical tape to bundle them if needed. You don’t want them sticking out where they could get pinched or damaged.
Step 7: Snap on the Ring Doorbell
Now for the fun part—attaching the doorbell.
Align the Doorbell
Hold the Ring Doorbell so the mounting tabs on the back align with the slots on the mounting plate.
Snap It Into Place
Gently press the doorbell onto the plate until you hear a click. It should feel secure.
Secure with Security Screw
Use the small security screw (included in the kit) to lock the doorbell in place. This prevents tampering and ensures it doesn’t fall off.
Insert the screw into the bottom of the doorbell and tighten it with a screwdriver.
Step 8: Restore Power and Test
If you turned off the power earlier, now’s the time to turn it back on.
Go to your electrical panel and flip the breaker back on.
Wait a few seconds for the doorbell to power up. You should see a light on the front—usually a solid white or blue, depending on the model.
Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your phone and go to the device dashboard.
Your doorbell should appear online. Tap on it to open the live view.
Check the Angle
Look at the video feed. Does it show the area you wanted to cover? Can you see the walkway, driveway, or side of the house?
If the angle looks good, great! If not, you may need to adjust.
Adjust Motion Zones
In the Ring app, go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones.
Draw zones to focus on the areas you care about—like the walkway or driveway—and ignore areas that cause false alerts, like the street.
This helps your angled doorbell work smarter, not harder.
Step 9: Fine-Tune and Secure
After testing, you might want to make small adjustments.
Re-angle if Needed
If the view isn’t quite right, you can remove the doorbell and loosen the mounting plate screws. Tilt the plate slightly and retighten.
You can also swap out the wedge for a different angle if needed.
Secure All Cables
Make sure any loose wires are tucked away. Use cable clips or zip ties to keep them neat and out of the way.
Clean the Lens
Wipe the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints or dust. A clean lens means clearer video.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Blurry or Glared Video
If your video looks washed out or blurry, the angle might be catching too much sunlight.
Try adjusting the tilt slightly downward or to the side. You can also install a small awning or shade to reduce glare.
False Motion Alerts
Angling your doorbell can sometimes increase false alerts—like from passing cars or swaying trees.
Go to the Ring app and adjust your motion zones. Exclude areas that aren’t important, like the street or neighbor’s yard.
You can also lower the motion sensitivity in the settings.
Doorbell Not Powering On
If your wired doorbell won’t turn on, double-check the wiring. Make sure the wires are securely connected and not shorting out.
Also, confirm the breaker is on and the voltage is correct. Ring Doorbells need at least 8–24V AC.
For battery models, make sure the battery is fully charged.
Weak Wi-Fi Signal
If the video is laggy or drops out, your doorbell might be too far from your router.
Consider moving your router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender. Ring also offers a Wi-Fi extender specifically for their devices.
Doorbell Falls Off
If the doorbell feels loose or falls off, the mounting screws may not be tight enough.
Remove the doorbell, check the screws, and tighten them. Make sure the wedge and plate are securely attached to the wall.
Maintenance Tips for Angled Installations
Once your Ring Doorbell is installed at an angle, a little maintenance goes a long way.
Clean the Lens Monthly
Dust, dirt, and bugs can build up on the lens, especially if it’s angled downward.
Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lens. Avoid harsh chemicals—just water or a lens cleaner.
Check the Mount Seasonally
Over time, screws can loosen due to weather or vibration.
Every few months, check that the mounting plate and wedge are still tight. Tighten any loose screws.
Update the App and Firmware
Ring regularly releases updates that improve performance and security.
Keep your app and doorbell firmware up to date for the best experience.
Review Motion Settings
As seasons change, so do your surroundings. Trees grow, snow covers paths, and lighting changes.
Revisit your motion zones a few times a year to keep them accurate.
Conclusion
Installing your Ring Doorbell at an angle isn’t just possible—it’s often the best way to get the most out of your device. Whether you’re dealing with a curved walkway, a recessed door, or just want better coverage, angling your doorbell can significantly improve your home security.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to choose the right angle, use the mounting wedge, secure the installation, and troubleshoot common issues. With a little planning and the right tools, you can have a perfectly angled Ring Doorbell that captures every important moment.
Remember: the goal is clarity, coverage, and reliability. Test your setup, adjust as needed, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected—from every angle.