This guide walks you through installing a Ring Doorbell Pro on brick while keeping your existing doorbell. You’ll learn how to safely wire it, mount it securely, and avoid common pitfalls. Perfect for DIYers who want smart security without rewiring their whole home.
Key Takeaways
- Use a Ring Pro Power Kit: This ensures your existing doorbell chime works properly with the Ring Doorbell Pro and prevents voltage issues.
- Check your transformer voltage: Your doorbell transformer should output 16–24V AC; anything less may cause performance problems.
- Brick requires special mounting tools: Use a masonry drill bit, anchors, and screws designed for brick to ensure a secure installation.
- Keep your old doorbell wired: You don’t need to remove your existing doorbell—just connect the Ring Pro in parallel to the same wires.
- Test before final mounting: Always test the doorbell’s connection and chime before securing it permanently to avoid rework.
- Use the Ring app for setup: The app guides you through Wi-Fi connection, motion zones, and chime pairing.
- Consider a wedge or corner kit: If your doorbell isn’t flush with the wall, these accessories improve video angle and motion detection.
How to Install Ring Doorbell Pro Brick with Existing Doorbell
Upgrading your home security doesn’t have to mean tearing down walls or rewiring your entire entryway. If you’re looking to install a Ring Doorbell Pro on brick while keeping your existing doorbell, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step—from checking your wiring to finalizing the setup in the Ring app. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-time installer, you’ll find clear, practical instructions that make the process smooth and stress-free.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to mount your Ring Doorbell Pro securely on brick, connect it to your current doorbell wiring, and ensure it works seamlessly with your chime. We’ll also cover common mistakes, troubleshooting tips, and how to optimize your setup for the best performance. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you grab your drill and start mounting, make sure you have all the necessary tools and components. Having everything ready will save you time and prevent mid-installation trips to the hardware store.
Visual guide about How to Install Ring Doorbell Pro Brick with Existing Doorbell
Image source: nasraonline.com
Required Tools and Materials
- Ring Doorbell Pro (includes mounting bracket, screws, and security screw)
- Ring Pro Power Kit (essential for compatibility with mechanical chimes)
- Masonry drill bit (3/16” or 5mm recommended for brick)
- Power drill or hammer drill
- Screwdriver (Phillips head)
- Voltage tester (non-contact type)
- Wire strippers
- Masonry anchors and screws (if not included with the Ring kit)
- Level
- Pencil or marker
- Smartphone with the Ring app installed
- Ladder (if your doorbell is high up)
Optional but Helpful Items
- Wedge or corner mounting kit (for angled walls)
- Electrical tape
- Wire nuts (if extending wires)
- Flashlight (for better visibility in low light)
- Assistant (to hold the doorbell while you wire it)
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about your doorbell’s wiring or voltage, take a photo of the wires and chime before disconnecting anything. This will help you reconnect them correctly later.
Step 1: Turn Off Power and Verify Wiring
Safety first! Even though doorbell systems use low voltage, it’s still important to turn off the power at the breaker to avoid any risk of shock or damaging your equipment.
Turn Off the Circuit Breaker
Locate your home’s electrical panel and find the breaker that controls your doorbell circuit. It may be labeled “doorbell,” “chime,” or “front door.” If you’re unsure, turn off the main breaker to be safe. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm that power is off at the doorbell chime inside your home.
Remove the Existing Doorbell Button
Unscrew the existing doorbell button from the wall. Gently pull it away to expose the two wires connected to it. These wires carry the low-voltage signal from your transformer to the chime.
Check Wire Condition and Voltage
Inspect the wires for fraying, corrosion, or loose connections. If they’re damaged, trim them back and strip about 1/4 inch of insulation using wire strippers. Use your voltage tester to check the voltage across the two wires. The Ring Doorbell Pro requires 16–24V AC. If your transformer outputs less than 16V, you may need to upgrade it for reliable performance.
Note: Most older homes have 8–12V transformers, which are insufficient for the Ring Pro. Upgrading to a 16V or 24V transformer ensures stable power and prevents chime malfunctions.
Step 2: Install the Ring Pro Power Kit
The Ring Pro Power Kit is a small but crucial component that allows your existing mechanical chime to work with the Ring Doorbell Pro. Without it, your chime may not ring or could become damaged over time.
Locate Your Doorbell Chime
Inside your home, find the doorbell chime unit—usually located in a closet, basement, or near the furnace. Open the chime cover to access the wiring.
Disconnect the Transformer Wires
You’ll see two wires connected to the “Front” terminals (or sometimes labeled “Trans”). These come directly from the transformer. Carefully disconnect them and set them aside.
Connect the Power Kit
The Ring Pro Power Kit has three wires: two for the transformer and one for the chime. Follow these steps:
- Connect the two transformer wires to the terminals on the Power Kit labeled “Transformer.”
- Connect the wire that was previously attached to the “Front” terminal on the chime to the Power Kit terminal labeled “Chime.”
- Use the included wire nuts to secure the connections.
Once connected, tuck the Power Kit inside the chime box and close the cover. This device regulates the power flow and prevents voltage spikes that could harm your chime or Ring Doorbell.
Important: If you have a digital or wireless chime, the Power Kit may not be necessary. Check Ring’s compatibility list before proceeding.
Step 3: Prepare the Brick Surface for Mounting
Brick is a durable but tricky material to drill into. Unlike wood or drywall, it requires special tools and techniques to avoid cracking or loose mounts.
Choose the Right Drill Bit
Use a masonry drill bit that matches the size of the anchors you’ll be using. A 3/16” or 5mm bit works well for most Ring mounting screws. If you’re using a hammer drill, set it to hammer mode for better penetration.
Mark the Mounting Holes
Hold the Ring mounting bracket against the brick where you want to install the doorbell. Use a level to ensure it’s straight. Mark the center of each screw hole with a pencil. Double-check the placement—once you drill, there’s no undoing it!
Drill Pilot Holes
Drill slowly and steadily into each marked spot. Apply gentle pressure and let the drill do the work. Brick can be tough, so patience is key. Drill to a depth that matches your anchors—usually about 1.5 to 2 inches.
Insert Masonry Anchors
Tap the plastic or metal anchors into the holes using a hammer. They should fit snugly. If they’re loose, use slightly larger anchors or fill the hole with epoxy for a secure fit.
Pro Tip: If your brick is painted or sealed, score the surface with a utility knife before drilling to prevent the paint from chipping.
Step 4: Connect the Wires to the Ring Doorbell Pro
Now it’s time to connect your existing doorbell wires to the Ring Doorbell Pro. The good news? You don’t need to remove your old doorbell—just wire the Ring in parallel.
Strip the Wire Ends
If the wire ends are frayed or too short, trim them back and strip about 1/4 inch of insulation. This ensures a solid connection.
Attach Wires to the Ring Bracket
The Ring mounting bracket has two terminals labeled “Front” and “Trans.” It doesn’t matter which wire goes where—just connect one wire to each terminal. Tighten the screws securely to hold the wires in place.
Secure the Bracket to the Wall
Align the bracket with the anchors and screw it into place using the provided screws. Make sure it’s level and tightly secured. A loose bracket can cause video distortion or motion detection issues.
Note: If your wires are too short, you can extend them using wire nuts and additional low-voltage wire. Just make sure the connections are insulated with electrical tape.
Step 5: Attach the Ring Doorbell Pro
With the bracket mounted and wires connected, it’s time to attach the Ring Doorbell Pro itself.
Slide the Doorbell onto the Bracket
Align the back of the Ring Doorbell with the mounting bracket and slide it down until it clicks into place. You should hear a satisfying snap when it’s secure.
Secure with the Security Screw
Use the included security screw and screwdriver to fasten the doorbell to the bracket. This prevents theft and ensures it stays in place.
Test the Connection
Turn the power back on at the breaker. Open the Ring app on your smartphone and follow the setup prompts. The app will guide you through connecting to Wi-Fi, naming your device, and testing the video feed.
Press the doorbell button to see if your chime rings. If it doesn’t, double-check the Power Kit connections and wiring.
Step 6: Optimize Your Setup in the Ring App
Once your doorbell is powered and connected, use the Ring app to fine-tune your settings for the best experience.
Adjust Motion Zones
In the app, go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones. Draw custom zones to focus on areas like your walkway or driveway. This reduces false alerts from passing cars or trees.
Set Up Chime Pro (Optional)
If you want louder or wireless chimes, consider adding a Ring Chime or Chime Pro. These plug into outlets and sync with your doorbell for enhanced alerts.
Enable Smart Alerts
Turn on person detection, package alerts, and motion scheduling to get only the notifications you care about. You can also set quiet hours to avoid disturbances at night.
Check Video Quality
Review the live view to ensure the angle and lighting are optimal. If the image is too dark, consider installing a Ring Smart Lighting solution nearby.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Doorbell Won’t Power On
- Check that the breaker is on and the voltage is 16–24V.
- Ensure wires are securely connected to the bracket.
- Test the transformer with a multimeter.
Chime Doesn’t Ring
- Verify the Power Kit is installed correctly.
- Make sure the chime is set to “Front” and not “Rear.”
- Check for loose wires at the chime box.
Weak Wi-Fi Signal
- Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Install a Ring Chime Pro, which acts as a Wi-Fi booster.
- Reposition the doorbell slightly if it’s behind metal or thick brick.
Video is Blurry or Laggy
- Clean the camera lens with a microfiber cloth.
- Check your internet speed—Ring recommends at least 2 Mbps upload.
- Update the Ring app and firmware.
False Motion Alerts
- Adjust motion zones to exclude busy streets or swaying trees.
- Lower the motion sensitivity in the app.
- Use person-only detection to filter out animals and vehicles.
Final Tips for Long-Term Success
Your Ring Doorbell Pro is now installed and working—great job! Here are a few final tips to keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Regular Maintenance
Every few months, clean the camera lens and check the mounting screws. Tighten them if needed, especially after extreme weather.
Monitor Battery (If Using Optional Battery Mode)
The Ring Doorbell Pro is hardwired, but it has a backup battery. Check the app periodically to ensure it’s charged and functioning.
Update Firmware
Ring regularly releases updates to improve performance and security. Keep your device updated through the app.
Review Footage Periodically
Check your event history to ensure recordings are saving properly. If you notice gaps, check your Wi-Fi or subscription status.
Conclusion
Installing a Ring Doorbell Pro on brick with an existing doorbell is a smart, cost-effective way to upgrade your home security. With the right tools, a little patience, and this step-by-step guide, you can complete the project in under an hour. From verifying your wiring to mounting on brick and configuring the app, every step is designed to ensure a secure, reliable setup.
Remember, the key to success is preparation—check your voltage, use the Ring Pro Power Kit, and drill carefully into brick. Once installed, your Ring Doorbell Pro will provide crystal-clear video, smart alerts, and peace of mind every time someone approaches your door.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and confidence to install your Ring Doorbell Pro, it’s time to take action. Your smarter, safer home is just a few screws away!