How to Install the Ring Doorbell 2 with Wedge

This guide walks you through how to install the Ring Doorbell 2 with wedge for better viewing angles and enhanced security. You’ll learn about tools needed, wiring, app setup, and troubleshooting common issues.

Key Takeaways

• Use the wedge kit for better angles: The Ring wedge adjusts your doorbell’s view to reduce blind spots and improve motion detection.
• Check compatibility first: Ensure your existing doorbell wiring meets Ring’s voltage requirements (16–24V AC) before installation.
• Turn off power at the breaker: Safety is critical—always shut off electricity at the circuit breaker before working with wires.
• Use the Ring app for setup: The app guides you through Wi-Fi connection, device registration, and live view testing.
• Test motion zones after install: Customize motion detection areas in the app to avoid false alerts from passing cars or trees.
• Secure mounting prevents tampering: Use the included security screw and tamper-resistant design to keep your doorbell safe.
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues: If the doorbell won’t connect, check Wi-Fi signal strength and restart the device or router.

How to Install the Ring Doorbell 2 with Wedge: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a Ring Doorbell 2 with a wedge mount isn’t just about upgrading your home security—it’s about optimizing your view. Whether you’re replacing an old doorbell or installing one for the first time, adding the wedge gives you better coverage of your front porch, driveway, or walkway. This guide will walk you through every step, from checking compatibility to final testing, so you can install your Ring Doorbell 2 with wedge confidently and correctly.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to mount your Ring Doorbell 2 using the wedge accessory, connect it to your home’s wiring, pair it with the Ring app, and customize settings for the best performance. We’ll also cover common pitfalls and how to fix them, so you won’t be left scratching your head if something goes wrong.

Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Before you grab your tools and head to the front door, make sure you have everything you need. Rushing into installation without the right gear can lead to frustration—or worse, damage to your doorbell or wiring.

Here’s a checklist of essential items:

• Ring Doorbell 2 – Obviously!
• Ring Wedge Mount Kit – This includes the angled wedge, mounting screws, and sometimes a level tool.
• Screwdriver (Phillips head) – Most Ring installations use standard Phillips screws.
• Drill (optional) – Helpful if you need to make new holes or secure the mount tightly.
• Voltage tester – To confirm your existing doorbell wiring is live and within the correct range.
• Smartphone with the Ring app installed – Available on iOS and Android.
• Wi-Fi network name and password – Your doorbell needs a strong 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal.
• Ladder (if needed) – For reaching high doorbell locations.
• Safety glasses and gloves – Always a good idea when working with electricity.

Having these tools ready will make the process smoother and safer.

Step 1: Check Compatibility and Power Requirements

Not all homes are ready for a Ring Doorbell 2 right out of the box. Before you start drilling or disconnecting wires, you need to verify two things: your existing doorbell wiring and your Wi-Fi signal.

Check Your Doorbell Wiring

The Ring Doorbell 2 is designed to work with existing doorbell systems that use low-voltage AC wiring. Here’s what you need to know:

• Voltage requirement: Ring recommends 16–24 volts AC. If your current doorbell runs on batteries only, you may need to install a transformer or use the Ring Plug-In Adapter (sold separately).
• How to test voltage: Turn off power at the breaker, remove your old doorbell, and use a voltage tester on the wires. If you get a reading between 16 and 24 volts, you’re good to go.
• No existing wiring? You can still use the Ring Doorbell 2 with the Ring Solar Charger or rechargeable battery, but the wedge mount works best with wired setups for consistent power.

If your voltage is too low, contact an electrician to upgrade your transformer. Don’t skip this step—insufficient power can cause frequent disconnections or failure to charge.

Test Your Wi-Fi Signal

Your Ring Doorbell 2 needs a strong Wi-Fi connection to send alerts and live video. The ideal signal strength is -60 dBm or higher at the installation spot.

• Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like NetSpot or Wi-Fi Analyzer) to check signal strength at your door.
• If the signal is weak, consider installing a Wi-Fi extender or moving your router closer.
• Ring Doorbell 2 only supports 2.4 GHz networks—5 GHz won’t work.

A strong connection ensures smooth video streaming and reliable notifications.

Step 2: Turn Off Power and Remove Old Doorbell

Safety first! Working with electricity is no joke. Even though doorbell wires carry low voltage, it’s still important to shut off power to avoid shocks or short circuits.

Turn Off the Circuit Breaker

• Locate your home’s electrical panel (usually in the basement, garage, or utility closet).
• Find the breaker labeled “doorbell,” “chime,” or “front door.” If it’s not labeled, turn off the main breaker to be safe.
• Use a non-contact voltage tester on the doorbell wires to confirm power is off.

Never assume the power is off just because the doorbell isn’t ringing. Always test!

Remove the Old Doorbell

• Unscrew the old doorbell from the wall.
• Gently pull it away to expose the two wires.
• Take a photo of the wiring setup for reference—this helps if you need to reconnect something later.
• Loosen the terminal screws and disconnect the wires. Label them “Front” and “Trans” if possible (though Ring doesn’t require specific labeling).

Set the old doorbell aside. You won’t need it anymore.

Step 3: Install the Wedge Mount

The wedge mount is what sets this installation apart. It angles your Ring Doorbell 2 downward or sideways to eliminate blind spots and improve motion detection.

Why Use a Wedge?

Without a wedge, your doorbell might miss activity happening just below the lens—like someone approaching your door or placing a package on the ground. The wedge tilts the camera slightly downward, giving you a fuller view of your porch.

Ring offers two wedge options:

• 15-degree wedge: Gentle tilt, good for most homes.
• 30-degree wedge: Steeper angle, ideal for high doorways or wide driveways.

Choose the one that best fits your needs.

Attach the Wedge to the Wall

• Hold the wedge against the wall where you want to install the doorbell. Use a level to make sure it’s straight.
• Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
• Drill pilot holes if needed (especially for brick, stucco, or concrete).
• Secure the wedge to the wall using the included screws. Don’t overtighten—this can crack the plastic.

Make sure the wedge is firmly attached. A loose mount can cause vibration in the video feed.

Prepare the Mounting Plate

The Ring Doorbell 2 comes with a mounting plate that attaches to the wedge.

• Slide the mounting plate onto the wedge. It should click into place.
• Ensure it’s secure and level.

This plate will hold your doorbell in place and allow for easy removal for charging or maintenance.

Step 4: Connect the Wiring

Now it’s time to connect your doorbell to the home’s electrical system.

Strip the Wires (If Needed)

If the wire ends are frayed or too short, strip about 1/4 inch of insulation using wire strippers. This ensures a solid connection.

Connect to the Doorbell

• Loosen the terminal screws on the back of the Ring Doorbell 2.
• Insert one wire into each terminal. It doesn’t matter which wire goes where—Ring is non-polarized.
• Tighten the screws to secure the wires.

Double-check that the wires are snug and not touching each other. A loose connection can cause power issues.

Secure the Doorbell to the Mount

• Align the doorbell with the mounting plate.
• Gently press it into place until it clicks.
• Use the included security screw and screwdriver to lock it in. This prevents tampering.

The security screw is small and requires a special tool (included). Keep it in a safe place—you’ll need it to remove the doorbell later.

Step 5: Turn Power Back On and Test

With everything connected, it’s time to restore power and see if your doorbell works.

Restore Power

• Go back to the circuit breaker and turn the power back on.
• Wait 30–60 seconds for the doorbell to power up.

You should see a light on the front of the doorbell—usually a spinning white light during startup.

Check for Power

If the light doesn’t appear:

• Double-check your wiring connections.
• Verify the breaker is on.
• Test the voltage again at the terminals.

No light usually means no power. Don’t proceed until this is fixed.

Step 6: Set Up the Ring App

The Ring app is your control center for the doorbell. It handles setup, live viewing, motion alerts, and more.

Download and Open the App

If you haven’t already, download the Ring app from the App Store or Google Play. Create an account or log in.

Add Your Device

• Tap the “+” icon in the top right.
• Select “Set up a device.”
• Choose “Doorbells” and then “Ring Video Doorbell 2.”
• Follow the on-screen prompts.

The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the back of your doorbell. Hold your phone close to the code until it scans.

Connect to Wi-Fi

• Select your home Wi-Fi network.
• Enter your password.
• Wait for the doorbell to connect. This may take a minute.

If it fails:

• Move closer to your router.
• Restart your router.
• Ensure you’re using 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz.

Once connected, the app will confirm success.

Test Live View

Tap “Live View” in the app. You should see a real-time video feed from your doorbell. If the image is upside down or sideways, you can rotate it in the app settings.

Step 7: Customize Settings and Motion Zones

Now that your doorbell is online, it’s time to fine-tune it for your home.

Adjust Motion Zones

By default, Ring detects motion in a wide area. This can lead to false alerts from cars, trees, or neighbors.

• Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones.
• Draw custom zones where you want alerts (e.g., your porch, walkway).
• Exclude areas like the street or sidewalk.

This reduces unnecessary notifications and saves battery (if using battery mode).

Set Alert Frequency

Choose how often you want to receive alerts:

• Frequent: Every motion event.
• Standard: Alerts every 2–3 minutes during activity.
• Light: Only major motion events.

Pick what works best for your lifestyle.

Enable Smart Alerts (Optional)

If you have a Ring Protect plan, you can enable person detection, package alerts, and more. These features use AI to distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles.

Step 8: Final Checks and Troubleshooting

Before you call it a day, do a final walkthrough to ensure everything works.

Test the Doorbell Button

Press the button on your Ring Doorbell 2. Your phone should receive a notification, and the chime (if connected) should ring.

If not:

• Check wiring again.
• Ensure the chime is compatible (see Ring’s compatibility list).
• Test with the app’s “Test Chime” feature.

Check Video Quality

Review the live feed. Is it clear? Is the angle right? Adjust the wedge if needed.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Doorbell won’t connect to Wi-Fi: Move closer to the router, restart the device, or reset network settings in the app.
• Frequent disconnections: Weak signal or low voltage. Use a Wi-Fi extender or upgrade your transformer.
• Blurry video: Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth. Avoid installing in direct sunlight, which can cause glare.
• False motion alerts: Adjust motion zones or sensitivity settings.
• Battery drains fast (if using battery): Reduce motion alerts, lower video quality, or switch to wired mode.

Most issues can be resolved with a few tweaks in the app or hardware adjustments.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance

To keep your Ring Doorbell 2 running smoothly:

• Clean the lens monthly: Dust and dirt can blur the video.
• Check wiring annually: Ensure connections are tight and corrosion-free.
• Update firmware: Ring pushes updates automatically, but check the app occasionally.
• Monitor battery (if applicable): Recharge every 3–6 months depending on usage.
• Review event history: Use the app to check past recordings and adjust settings as needed.

A little maintenance goes a long way.

Conclusion

Installing the Ring Doorbell 2 with wedge is a smart upgrade for any home. It improves your field of view, reduces blind spots, and enhances security. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to check compatibility, safely wire your doorbell, use the wedge mount, set up the app, and troubleshoot common issues.

Remember: safety comes first—always turn off power before working with wires. Take your time with the wedge alignment, and don’t skip testing the live view and motion zones. With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell 2 will provide reliable, high-quality surveillance for years to come.

Now go enjoy peace of mind every time someone approaches your door.