Installing a Ring Doorbell on a narrow door jam can be tricky, but it’s totally doable with the right tools and techniques. This guide walks you through every step—from assessing your space to final setup—ensuring a secure, professional-looking installation even in tight spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your door jam first: Knowing the exact width and depth helps determine if your Ring Doorbell will fit and what mounting accessories you’ll need.
- Use the Ring Corner Kit or wedge mount: These accessories are specifically designed for narrow or angled jams and provide a stable, secure base for your device.
- Choose the right drill bits: Use fine-tipped masonry or wood bits depending on your wall material to avoid cracking or splitting.
- Check Wi-Fi signal strength: A strong connection is essential for video quality and motion alerts—test it before final mounting.
- Angle the doorbell slightly outward: This improves camera coverage and reduces blind spots, especially on tight entryways.
- Secure all wires and screws: Loose connections can cause power issues or device instability over time.
- Test everything after installation: Run through live view, motion detection, and two-way audio to ensure full functionality.
How to Install the Ring Doorbell on Narrow Jam: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve got your shiny new Ring Doorbell—congrats! But now you’re staring at your front door and realizing the door jam is super narrow. Maybe it’s less than an inch wide, or maybe it’s uneven, or even slightly angled. You’re wondering: “Can I even install this thing here?” The good news? Yes, you absolutely can. With a little planning, the right tools, and some smart mounting tricks, installing a Ring Doorbell on a narrow jam is not only possible—it can look clean and professional.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from measuring your space to testing your device. Whether you’re installing a Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), Ring Video Doorbell Pro, or Ring Video Doorbell Wired, the principles are the same. We’ll cover how to assess your door jam, choose the best mounting solution, drill safely, wire correctly, and troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional, securely mounted Ring Doorbell—even in the tightest of spaces.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Assess Your Door Jam and Choose the Right Ring Model
Visual guide about How to Install the Ring Doorbell on Narrow Jam
Image source: doorbellnest.com
Before you even think about drilling holes, take a good look at your door jam. Is it less than 1 inch wide? Is it made of wood, brick, stucco, or metal? Is it flat or slightly angled? These details matter because they’ll determine which mounting method and accessories you’ll need.
Most standard door jams are about 1.5 to 2 inches wide—plenty of room for a Ring Doorbell. But if yours is narrower, don’t panic. Ring offers several mounting accessories designed specifically for tight spaces.
Check Your Door Jam Width
Grab a tape measure and measure the width of the door jam where you plan to install the doorbell. Ideally, you want at least 0.75 inches of flat surface to mount the device securely. If it’s less than that, you’ll likely need a wedge or corner mount.
Also, check the depth. If the jam is too shallow, the doorbell might stick out awkwardly or interfere with the door when it opens. In that case, a flush-mount solution or angled wedge can help.
Choose the Right Ring Doorbell Model
Not all Ring Doorbells are created equal when it comes to narrow jams. Here’s a quick breakdown:
– Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): Compact and versatile, works well with most mounting kits.
– Ring Video Doorbell Wired: Slimmer profile, ideal for tight spaces.
– Ring Video Doorbell Pro: Slightly larger, but still compatible with wedge mounts.
– Ring Video Doorbell Elite: Requires professional installation and Ethernet wiring—best for wider jams.
For narrow jams, the Ring Video Doorbell Wired or 2nd Gen are your best bets due to their smaller size and flexibility.
Determine Power Source
Ring Doorbells can be powered in two ways: hardwired (using existing doorbell wiring) or battery-powered. If your home has existing doorbell wires, you can use them to power your Ring Doorbell—even on a narrow jam. If not, the battery option gives you more flexibility in placement.
Just remember: battery-powered models require periodic charging, while hardwired ones offer continuous power but need proper wiring.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Accessories
You don’t need a full toolbox, but having the right gear makes a big difference—especially on a narrow jam where precision matters.
Essential Tools
- Drill: A cordless drill with adjustable torque settings is ideal.
- Drill bits: Use a 3/16-inch masonry bit for brick or stucco, or a 1/8-inch wood bit for wooden jams.
- Screwdriver: Phillips head for mounting screws.
- Level: To ensure your doorbell is straight.
- Pencil: For marking drill points.
- Measuring tape: For accurate placement.
- Voltage tester (if hardwiring): To confirm wires are live and safe.
Recommended Ring Accessories
For narrow jams, these accessories are game-changers:
– Ring Corner Kit: Includes angled mounting plates that let you install the doorbell at a 30- or 45-degree angle. Perfect for tight or uneven jams.
– Ring Wedge Mount: A slim, angled plate that tilts the doorbell outward for better camera coverage.
– Ring No-Drill Mount: Uses adhesive instead of screws—great for renters or delicate surfaces.
If your jam is less than 1 inch wide, the Corner Kit or Wedge Mount is almost always necessary.
Optional but Helpful
- Cable clips: To secure loose wires along the wall.
- Wire stripper: If you’re hardwiring and need to expose fresh wire ends.
- Wall anchors: For extra support in drywall or hollow surfaces.
- Smartphone with Ring app: For setup and testing.
Step 3: Plan the Installation Location
Where you place your Ring Doorbell affects everything—from video quality to motion detection accuracy. On a narrow jam, placement is even more critical.
Ideal Height and Angle
Ring recommends mounting the doorbell between 48 and 60 inches from the ground. This height captures most visitors’ faces and reduces tampering risk.
But on a narrow jam, you might not have much horizontal space. That’s where angling comes in.
Use the Ring Corner Kit or Wedge Mount to tilt the doorbell slightly outward (10–15 degrees). This improves the camera’s field of view, reduces blind spots, and ensures visitors are fully visible—even if they’re standing close to the door.
Check for Obstructions
Look for things that might block the camera or motion sensor:
– Door handles
– Light fixtures
– Mailboxes
– Overhangs or awnings
If any of these are in the way, adjust your mounting height or angle. For example, if the door handle is too close, mount the doorbell a few inches higher.
Test Wi-Fi Signal
A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause laggy video, missed alerts, and poor audio. Before drilling, use your phone to check the signal strength at the installation spot.
– Open your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.
– Walk to the door and note the signal bars.
– If it’s weak (1–2 bars), consider moving your router, using a Wi-Fi extender, or choosing a battery model (which can be placed slightly closer to the router during setup).
Ring recommends a minimum of -65 dBm signal strength for reliable performance. You can use a free Wi-Fi analyzer app to check this.
Step 4: Install the Mounting Bracket
Now it’s time to get hands-on. This step varies slightly depending on whether you’re using a standard mount, wedge, or corner kit.
Mark the Drill Points
1. Hold the mounting bracket (or wedge/corner plate) against the door jam at your chosen height.
2. Use a level to make sure it’s straight.
3. Mark the center of each screw hole with a pencil.
Pro tip: On a narrow jam, center the bracket as much as possible to avoid overhang.
Drill Pilot Holes
1. Select the appropriate drill bit for your wall material.
2. Drill slowly and steadily to avoid cracking the surface.
3. Drill only as deep as the screw length—usually about 1 inch.
If you’re drilling into brick or concrete, use a hammer drill setting and go slow. For wood, a regular drill setting is fine.
Secure the Bracket
1. Insert wall anchors if needed (especially for drywall or hollow surfaces).
2. Align the bracket with the pilot holes.
3. Screw it in tightly using a screwdriver or drill with a low torque setting.
Double-check that the bracket is level and secure. A wobbly mount will cause camera shake and poor video quality.
Use the Corner Kit for Tight Spaces
If your jam is very narrow or angled, follow these steps with the Ring Corner Kit:
1. Attach the corner plate to the wall using the provided screws.
2. The plate will angle outward, giving you more room to mount the doorbell.
3. Secure the doorbell mounting bracket to the corner plate.
This setup allows the doorbell to sit flush with the wall while still capturing a wide view of your entryway.
Step 5: Connect the Wiring (If Hardwiring)
If you’re using existing doorbell wires, now’s the time to connect them. If you’re using a battery model, skip to the next step.
Turn Off Power
Safety first! Go to your home’s electrical panel and turn off the power to the doorbell circuit. Use a voltage tester to confirm the wires are not live.
Connect the Wires
1. Strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from each wire end.
2. Loosen the terminal screws on the back of the Ring Doorbell.
3. Insert the wires into the terminals (it doesn’t matter which wire goes where).
4. Tighten the screws to secure the connection.
Secure Loose Wires
Use cable clips or electrical tape to fasten the wires to the wall. This prevents them from getting pulled loose over time.
Pro tip: Leave a little slack in the wires so you can remove the doorbell for maintenance or charging.
Step 6: Attach the Ring Doorbell
With the bracket and wiring in place, it’s time to mount the device.
Snap It Into Place
1. Align the doorbell with the mounting bracket.
2. Push it firmly until it clicks into place.
3. Use the security screw (included) to lock it down.
This screw prevents theft and ensures the doorbell stays secure—even in high-traffic areas.
Adjust the Angle (If Needed)
If you’re using a wedge or corner mount, you can fine-tune the angle:
– Loosen the security screw slightly.
– Tilt the doorbell to your desired angle.
– Tighten the screw to lock it in place.
Aim for a slight outward tilt to maximize camera coverage.
Step 7: Set Up the Ring App and Test the Device
Now that the hardware is installed, it’s time for the software setup.
Download the Ring App
If you haven’t already, download the Ring app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Create an account or log in.
Add Your Device
1. Tap the “+” icon in the app.
2. Select “Set up a device.”
3. Choose “Doorbells” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Scan the QR code on the back of your doorbell.
The app will guide you through connecting to Wi-Fi, naming your device, and setting up motion zones.
Test Everything
Once setup is complete, test all features:
– Live View: Open the app and tap “Live View” to see the camera feed.
– Motion Detection: Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger a motion alert.
– Two-Way Audio: Speak through the app and listen for clear audio.
– Night Vision: Check the feed in low light to ensure it’s working.
If anything seems off, go back and check your wiring, Wi-Fi signal, or mounting angle.
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 power is turned back on at the breaker.
– Ensure wires are securely connected.
– If using a battery, make sure it’s charged.
Weak Wi-Fi Signal
– Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
– Avoid placing the doorbell behind metal objects or thick walls.
– Consider switching to a 2.4 GHz network (better range than 5 GHz).
Blurry or Glared Video
– Clean the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth.
– Adjust the angle to reduce glare from sunlight or porch lights.
– Use the app’s “Motion Snooze” feature during bright times.
False Motion Alerts
– Adjust motion zones in the app to exclude trees, cars, or busy streets.
– Lower the motion sensitivity.
– Use “People Only” mode to reduce false alarms.
Doorbell Falls Off or Wobbles
– Tighten the security screw.
– Ensure the mounting bracket is securely attached.
– Use wall anchors for extra support in weak surfaces.
Final Tips for a Clean, Professional Look
A successful installation isn’t just about function—it’s about form too. Here are a few finishing touches:
– Hide wires: Use cable raceways or paintable covers to conceal exposed wires.
– Paint the mount: If the mounting plate stands out, paint it to match your door jam.
– Label the breaker: If you turned off the doorbell circuit, label it in your electrical panel for future reference.
– Schedule maintenance: Clean the lens and check connections every 6 months.
Conclusion
Installing a Ring Doorbell on a narrow jam might seem challenging at first, but with the right approach, it’s a totally manageable DIY project. By measuring carefully, using the right accessories like the Ring Corner Kit or Wedge Mount, and following each step methodically, you can achieve a secure, high-performing installation—even in tight spaces.
Remember, the key is planning. Take your time to assess your door jam, test your Wi-Fi, and choose the best mounting solution. Once everything is in place, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected by smart, reliable technology.
So grab your tools, fire up the Ring app, and get installing. Your front door—and your future self—will thank you.