Installing a wedge on your Ring Doorbell improves the camera angle and field of view, especially on uneven walls. This guide walks you through every step—from choosing the right wedge to final setup—ensuring a secure and optimal installation.
Key Takeaways
- Wedges improve viewing angles: They help adjust the Ring Doorbell’s camera to capture more of your front yard, driveway, or walkway.
- Choose the right wedge: Ring offers 5-degree and 15-degree wedges; select based on your wall angle and desired coverage.
- Turn off power before installing: Safety first—always shut off power at the breaker when working near electrical wires.
- Use the correct tools: A drill, level, screwdriver, and measuring tape ensure a precise and stable mount.
- Test the angle after installation: Use the Ring app to check the live view and confirm the camera captures the intended area.
- Secure the wedge properly: Tighten all screws and ensure the wedge is flush against the wall to prevent wobbling.
- Reconnect and test: Restore power, reconnect the device, and verify functionality through the Ring app.
How to Install Wedge on Ring Doorbell
If you’ve ever looked at your Ring Doorbell’s live feed and thought, “I wish I could see more of the sidewalk” or “Why is the camera pointing at the ground?”—you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this issue, especially when installing Ring Doorbells on sloped or uneven walls. The good news? There’s a simple solution: installing a wedge.
A wedge is a small, angled mounting accessory designed specifically for Ring Doorbells. It allows you to adjust the camera’s angle upward or downward, giving you a better view of your front yard, driveway, or porch. Whether you’re dealing with a wall that slopes inward or outward, or you just want to eliminate blind spots, a wedge can make a big difference.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of installing a wedge on your Ring Doorbell—step by step. From choosing the right wedge to final testing, you’ll learn everything you need to know to get the best possible view from your smart doorbell. No prior experience? No problem. We’ll keep things simple, safe, and easy to follow.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a properly angled Ring Doorbell that captures exactly what you need—whether it’s a package delivery, a visitor at the door, or a curious squirrel in the yard.
Why Use a Wedge with Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Install Wedge on Ring Doorbell
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Before we dive into the installation, let’s talk about why a wedge is such a valuable addition to your Ring Doorbell setup.
Most Ring Doorbells are designed to mount flush against a flat wall. But in real-world homes, walls aren’t always perfectly flat. Some tilt inward, others bulge outward. Garages, brick surfaces, and older homes often have uneven textures. When your Ring Doorbell is mounted directly to these surfaces, the camera angle can end up pointing too high, too low, or off to the side—missing important activity.
That’s where the wedge comes in. It acts as a spacer and angle adjuster, allowing you to tilt the camera to the perfect position. Ring offers two official wedge options: a 5-degree wedge and a 15-degree wedge. The 5-degree version is ideal for minor adjustments, while the 15-degree wedge is better for steeper angles or walls with significant slope.
Using a wedge not only improves your camera’s field of view but also enhances security. A better angle means fewer blind spots, clearer footage, and more reliable motion detection. It can also help reduce glare from sunlight or porch lights, depending on your setup.
Additionally, wedges are designed to work seamlessly with Ring’s mounting system. They’re made from durable, weather-resistant materials and include pre-drilled holes that align with the Ring Doorbell’s mounting bracket. This means you don’t need any special tools or modifications—just a few screws and a steady hand.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will save you time and frustration during the installation.
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:
- Ring Doorbell wedge (5° or 15°): Choose based on your wall angle and desired camera tilt. You can purchase these directly from Ring or authorized retailers.
- Ring Doorbell mounting bracket: This usually comes with your Ring Doorbell, but if you’ve misplaced it, you can order a replacement.
- Drill with drill bits: For making pilot holes in the wall. A cordless drill is ideal.
- Screwdriver (Phillips head): For tightening screws. Some drills come with a screwdriver bit.
- Level: To ensure your wedge and doorbell are mounted straight.
- Measuring tape: For accurate placement and spacing.
- Pencil or marker: To mark drill points.
- Screws and wall anchors: Usually included with the wedge kit. Use anchors if mounting into drywall or brick.
- Safety gear: Safety glasses and gloves are recommended, especially when drilling.
- Smartphone with Ring app: For testing the camera angle and final setup.
If your Ring Doorbell is hardwired (connected to existing doorbell wires), you’ll also need to turn off the power at the breaker box before starting. This is a critical safety step—never work on electrical components with the power on.
Step 1: Choose the Right Wedge
Not all wedges are created equal. Ring offers two standard options: the 5-degree wedge and the 15-degree wedge. Choosing the right one depends on your wall’s slope and how much you need to adjust the camera angle.
Understanding Wedge Angles
The angle of the wedge refers to how much it tilts the Ring Doorbell away from the wall. A 5-degree wedge provides a slight tilt—great for minor adjustments or walls that slope just a little. A 15-degree wedge offers a more dramatic angle, ideal for steeper walls or when you need to point the camera significantly downward or upward.
For example, if your wall slopes inward toward the door, a 15-degree wedge might help point the camera outward, capturing more of the walkway. If your wall is mostly flat but the camera is pointing too high, a 5-degree wedge tilted downward could fix the issue.
How to Decide Which Wedge to Use
Here’s a simple way to determine which wedge you need:
- Mount your Ring Doorbell temporarily: Use the standard mounting bracket to attach the doorbell to the wall without fully securing it. Don’t tighten the screws yet.
- Check the live view in the Ring app: Open the app and look at the camera feed. Note where the camera is pointing—too high, too low, or off to the side?
- Estimate the needed adjustment: If the camera is only slightly off, a 5-degree wedge may be enough. If it’s significantly misaligned, go with the 15-degree wedge.
- Test with a mock wedge: You can use a small piece of wood or plastic cut to a 5° or 15° angle to simulate the wedge. Hold it behind the doorbell and check the view in the app.
Keep in mind that you can combine wedges for even greater angles. For instance, stacking a 5° and 15° wedge gives you a 20° tilt. However, this may affect stability, so use extra screws and ensure everything is tightly secured.
Step 2: Turn Off Power (For Hardwired Models)
If your Ring Doorbell is hardwired—meaning it’s connected to your home’s existing doorbell wiring—you must turn off the power before starting the installation. This prevents electrical shock and protects your device.
Locate Your Breaker Box
The breaker box (also called the electrical panel) is usually located in a basement, garage, or utility closet. Look for a labeled circuit breaker that controls your doorbell. If it’s not labeled, you may need to test a few by turning them off one at a time and checking if your existing doorbell stops working.
Turn Off the Correct Breaker
Once you’ve identified the right breaker, switch it to the “OFF” position. Use a voltage tester to confirm that the wires are not live. Simply touch the tester to the wires—if it doesn’t beep or light up, the power is off.
Safety Reminder
Even though doorbell wires carry low voltage, it’s still important to treat them with caution. Never assume the power is off without testing. Wear rubber-soled shoes and avoid working in wet conditions.
Step 3: Remove the Existing Ring Doorbell (If Installed)
If your Ring Doorbell is already mounted, you’ll need to remove it before installing the wedge. This gives you access to the mounting area and allows you to reposition the bracket.
Unscrew the Mounting Bracket
Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws on the bottom of the Ring Doorbell. Gently pull the device away from the wall. If it’s hardwired, carefully disconnect the wires by loosening the terminal screws. Label the wires (e.g., “Front” and “Trans”) so you can reconnect them correctly later.
Remove the Old Bracket
Unscrew the mounting bracket from the wall. Set it aside—you’ll reuse it with the wedge.
Clean the Mounting Area
Wipe down the wall surface to remove dust, dirt, or old adhesive. A clean surface ensures better adhesion and a more secure mount.
Step 4: Position the Wedge on the Wall
Now it’s time to position the wedge. This step is crucial for getting the right camera angle.
Hold the Wedge Against the Wall
Place the wedge on the wall where you want to mount the Ring Doorbell. Make sure the angled side faces outward—this is what will tilt the camera.
Use a Level to Ensure Straightness
Even though the wedge is angled, it should still be level from side to side. Use a bubble level on top of the wedge to check. Adjust as needed.
Mark the Screw Holes
Once the wedge is positioned correctly, use a pencil to mark the locations of the screw holes. These will guide your drilling.
Consider Wire Routing (For Hardwired Models)
If you’re hardwiring, make sure the wires can reach the terminal screws on the back of the Ring Doorbell after the wedge is installed. You may need to gently bend the wires or create a small notch in the wedge for clearance.
Step 5: Drill Pilot Holes
Drilling pilot holes makes it easier to insert screws and reduces the risk of cracking the wall—especially important for brick or concrete.
Select the Right Drill Bit
Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws you’ll be using. For drywall, a 3/16-inch bit is usually sufficient. For brick or concrete, use a masonry bit.
Drill at the Marked Points
Drill straight into the wall at each marked location. Go slowly to avoid damaging the surface. If you’re drilling into brick, use a hammer drill setting for better results.
Insert Wall Anchors (If Needed)
If you’re mounting into drywall, brick, or concrete, insert wall anchors into the pilot holes. Tap them gently with a hammer until flush with the wall. Anchors provide extra grip and prevent screws from loosening over time.
Step 6: Attach the Wedge to the Wall
With the pilot holes ready, it’s time to secure the wedge.
Align the Wedge with the Holes
Hold the wedge against the wall, aligning the screw holes with the pilot holes or anchors.
Insert and Tighten Screws
Use a screwdriver or drill with a screwdriver bit to insert the screws. Tighten them firmly, but don’t over-tighten—this can crack the wedge or strip the screw holes.
Double-Check Alignment
Use the level again to ensure the wedge is still straight. Make minor adjustments if needed before the screws are fully tightened.
Step 7: Mount the Ring Doorbell Bracket
Now that the wedge is secure, you can attach the Ring Doorbell mounting bracket.
Position the Bracket on the Wedge
Place the mounting bracket on top of the wedge, aligning the screw holes.
Secure with Screws
Insert the screws through the bracket and into the wedge. Tighten them securely. The bracket should sit flush against the wedge with no wobbling.
Reconnect Wires (For Hardwired Models)
If your doorbell is hardwired, reconnect the wires to the terminal screws on the back of the bracket. Tighten the screws to hold the wires in place. Make sure the connections are snug but not over-tightened.
Step 8: Attach the Ring Doorbell
With the bracket in place, you can now mount the Ring Doorbell itself.
Slide the Doorbell onto the Bracket
Align the doorbell with the mounting bracket and slide it into place. You should hear a click when it’s securely attached.
Secure with Security Screws
Use the included security screw and screwdriver to lock the doorbell in place. This prevents theft and ensures the device stays mounted.
Step 9: Restore Power and Test
If you turned off the power earlier, now’s the time to restore it.
Turn the Breaker Back On
Go to your breaker box and switch the doorbell circuit back to “ON.”
Wait for the Device to Reconnect
Give the Ring Doorbell a minute or two to power up and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone and navigate to the live view for your doorbell.
Check the Camera Angle
Look at the live feed. Does the camera now capture the desired area? Is the angle improved? If not, you may need to adjust the wedge or try a different angle.
Step 10: Fine-Tune and Secure
Sometimes, the first attempt isn’t perfect. Here’s how to make final adjustments.
Adjust the Wedge (If Needed)
If the angle isn’t quite right, you can slightly loosen the screws, reposition the wedge, and retighten. Be careful not to over-adjust.
Use the Ring App’s Angle Guide
The Ring app includes a helpful tool called “Angle Guide” under device settings. It shows a grid overlay to help you align the camera properly.
Tighten All Screws
Go over all screws—on the wedge, bracket, and doorbell—to ensure everything is secure. A loose mount can cause vibration and blurry footage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix common problems.
Camera Still Pointing the Wrong Way
If the wedge isn’t providing enough tilt, try using a steeper wedge or stacking two wedges. Alternatively, reposition the entire mount higher or lower on the wall.
Doorbell Won’t Power On
Check that the breaker is on and the wires are properly connected. For battery-powered models, ensure the battery is charged.
Wobbly or Loose Mount
Tighten all screws. If the wall is uneven, consider using longer screws or additional anchors for extra support.
Poor Wi-Fi Signal
Mounting the doorbell too far from your router can weaken the signal. Use a Wi-Fi extender if needed, or consider relocating the doorbell.
Blurry or Glared Footage
Adjust the angle to avoid direct sunlight or bright porch lights. You can also clean the camera lens with a microfiber cloth.
Conclusion
Installing a wedge on your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful upgrade that can dramatically improve your home security. By adjusting the camera angle, you eliminate blind spots, capture more activity, and get clearer footage—whether it’s a delivery person, a visitor, or a curious neighbor.
From choosing the right wedge to final testing, this guide has walked you through every step of the process. With the right tools, a little patience, and attention to safety, you can complete the installation in under an hour.
Remember: the goal is not just to mount the doorbell, but to mount it *well*. A properly angled camera means better visibility, fewer false alerts, and greater peace of mind.
So grab your wedge, fire up the drill, and give your Ring Doorbell the upgrade it deserves. Your front porch—and your peace of mind—will thank you.