Setting up your Ring Doorbell to ring on your phone ensures you never miss a visitor, even when you’re away from home. This guide walks you through the entire process—from app installation to troubleshooting common issues—so you can stay connected and secure at all times.
Key Takeaways
- Download the Ring app: The official Ring app is essential for receiving doorbell alerts on your phone.
- Connect your doorbell to Wi-Fi: A stable internet connection is required for real-time notifications.
- Enable motion and ring alerts: Customize notification settings to control when your phone rings.
- Check phone notification settings: Ensure your phone allows notifications from the Ring app.
- Update firmware and app: Keep both the app and doorbell firmware up to date for optimal performance.
- Troubleshoot common issues: Learn how to fix problems like delayed alerts or no sound.
- Use multiple devices: Share access with family members so everyone gets alerts.
How to Make Ring Doorbell Ring on My Phone
If you’ve recently installed a Ring Doorbell or are just getting started with smart home security, one of the most important features is receiving real-time alerts on your phone. Whether someone presses the doorbell or motion is detected, you want to know immediately—especially if you’re not at home. Fortunately, setting up your Ring Doorbell to ring on your phone is simple, fast, and highly effective.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make your Ring Doorbell ring on your phone. We’ll cover everything from downloading the app and connecting your device to Wi-Fi, to customizing notifications and troubleshooting common problems. By the end, you’ll be confident that your phone will alert you every time someone approaches your door.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Download the Ring App
Visual guide about How to Make Ring Doorbell Ring on My Phone
Image source: i.ytimg.com
The first and most crucial step is installing the official Ring app on your smartphone. This app is the central hub for managing your Ring Doorbell and receiving notifications.
Where to Download the App
You can download the Ring app for free from your device’s app store:
– For iPhone users: Open the App Store, search for “Ring,” and tap “Get” to download.
– For Android users: Open the Google Play Store, search for “Ring,” and tap “Install.”
Make sure you’re downloading the official app developed by Ring LLC. Avoid third-party apps that claim to offer Ring functionality—they may be unsafe or ineffective.
Create a Ring Account
Once the app is installed, open it and tap “Create Account.” You’ll need to provide:
– Your email address
– A secure password
– Your name and phone number
You’ll also be asked to verify your email and phone number. This helps secure your account and ensures you can recover it if needed.
Tip: Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. This prevents unauthorized access to your doorbell feed.
Step 2: Set Up Your Ring Doorbell
After creating your account, it’s time to connect your Ring Doorbell to the app.
Power On Your Doorbell
Depending on your model, your Ring Doorbell may be powered by:
– Hardwired electrical connection (most models)
– Rechargeable battery (Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, etc.)
– Solar panel (optional accessory)
Ensure your doorbell has power before proceeding. If it’s battery-powered, charge it fully using the included USB cable.
Put Your Doorbell in Setup Mode
To connect your doorbell to the app:
1. Press and hold the orange button on the back or side of the device (location varies by model).
2. Hold it for 5–10 seconds until the light on the front starts flashing.
3. This indicates the doorbell is in setup mode and ready to connect.
Follow the In-App Setup Wizard
Open the Ring app and tap “Set Up a Device.” Select “Doorbells” and then choose your specific model.
The app will guide you through:
– Scanning the QR code on your doorbell (located on the back or in the box)
– Naming your doorbell (e.g., “Front Door,” “Back Porch”)
– Connecting to your home Wi-Fi network
Connect to Wi-Fi
You’ll need to enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. Make sure:
– Your Wi-Fi signal is strong at the doorbell’s location
– You’re using a 2.4 GHz network (most Ring models don’t support 5 GHz)
– The network is secure (WPA2 or WPA3)
Tip: If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or moving your router closer to the door.
Once connected, the app will confirm the setup is complete. Your doorbell is now linked to your account and ready to send alerts.
Step 3: Enable Notifications on Your Phone
Now that your doorbell is connected, you need to make sure your phone is set up to receive alerts.
Allow App Notifications
Your phone must allow the Ring app to send notifications. Here’s how to check:
For iPhone:
1. Go to Settings > Notifications.
2. Scroll down and tap Ring.
3. Toggle on Allow Notifications.
4. Choose your preferred alert style (Banners, Alerts, or None).
5. Enable Sound and Badge App Icon for best results.
For Android:
1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
2. Find and tap Ring.
3. Tap Notifications.
4. Make sure Allow notifications is turned on.
5. Enable Doorbell Ring and Motion Alerts.
Tip: On some Android phones, you may need to disable “Battery Optimization” for the Ring app to ensure it runs in the background.
Test the Notification
To confirm everything is working:
1. Have someone press the doorbell button.
2. Or, walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion detection.
3. Check if your phone receives a notification with sound.
If you hear a ring and see a pop-up alert, you’re all set!
Step 4: Customize Your Alert Settings
Ring allows you to personalize when and how your phone rings. This helps reduce false alarms and ensures you only get alerts that matter.
Adjust Motion Zones
You can define specific areas where motion should trigger alerts:
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap your doorbell device.
3. Tap Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones.
4. Drag the corners of the zone to cover only the area you want monitored (e.g., your front walkway, not the street).
5. Save your changes.
This prevents alerts from passing cars or animals in the yard.
Set Motion Sensitivity
Too many alerts? Lower the sensitivity:
1. In Motion Settings, tap Motion Sensitivity.
2. Slide the bar to “Low” if you’re getting too many alerts.
3. Slide to “High” if you’re missing events.
Tip: Start with “Medium” and adjust based on your experience.
Schedule Quiet Hours
Want peace at night? Set a schedule when alerts are silenced:
1. Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Schedule.
2. Tap Add Schedule.
3. Choose days and times (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM).
4. Toggle off Motion Alerts during this time.
You’ll still get doorbell ring alerts unless you disable them separately.
Choose Notification Sounds
You can change the sound your phone makes when the doorbell rings:
1. In the Ring app, tap your doorbell.
2. Tap Device Settings > Notification Sounds.
3. Choose from options like “Classic,” “Chime,” or “Bell.”
4. Preview the sound and save.
Tip: Pick a sound that’s loud enough to hear but not too jarring.
Step 5: Share Access with Family Members
If you live with others, you’ll want them to receive alerts too. Ring lets you share access securely.
Add Users via the App
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left.
3. Tap Users > Add User.
4. Enter the person’s email address.
5. Choose their access level:
– Owner: Full control (only one per device)
– Shared User: Can view live feed and receive alerts
– Guest: Limited access (e.g., temporary for a babysitter)
6. Tap Send Invitation.
The person will receive an email to accept the invitation and download the app.
Tip: Only share access with trusted individuals. You can remove users anytime.
Step 6: Keep Your App and Doorbell Updated
Regular updates improve performance, security, and features.
Update the Ring App
Check for app updates monthly:
– iPhone: Open App Store > tap your profile > scroll to Ring > tap “Update.”
– Android: Open Google Play Store > tap menu > “Manage apps & device” > update Ring.
Update Doorbell Firmware
Ring automatically pushes firmware updates when your doorbell is online. To check:
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap your doorbell.
3. Tap Device Health.
4. Look for “Firmware Version.” If outdated, ensure your doorbell is connected and powered.
Tip: Keep your doorbell charged or hardwired to avoid update interruptions.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Ring Doorbell Ringing on My Phone?
If your phone isn’t receiving alerts, don’t panic. Here are common fixes.
No Sound or Vibration
– Check your phone’s volume. Is it on silent or Do Not Disturb?
– Ensure the Ring app has permission to play sounds.
– Test with another notification app to confirm your phone’s speaker works.
Delayed or Missed Alerts
– Weak Wi-Fi? Move your router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
– Battery-powered doorbell? Low battery can delay alerts. Charge it.
– App not running in background? Disable battery optimization for Ring.
App Crashes or Freezes
– Force close the app and reopen it.
– Restart your phone.
– Reinstall the Ring app if problems persist.
Doorbell Not Connecting to Wi-Fi
– Confirm you’re using 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (not 5 GHz).
– Move closer to the router during setup.
– Reset the doorbell by holding the orange button for 20 seconds.
False Motion Alerts
– Adjust motion zones to exclude busy areas.
– Lower motion sensitivity.
– Clean the doorbell lens—dirt or spider webs can trigger false alerts.
Still Not Working?
Contact Ring Support:
– In the app: Tap ☰ > Help & Support > Contact Us.
– Online: Visit support.ring.com.
– Phone: 1-800-656-1918 (U.S.)
They can remotely diagnose issues and guide you through advanced troubleshooting.
Bonus Tips for Better Performance
– Use a Ring Chime: This plug-in device plays a loud chime inside your home, even if your phone is off.
– Enable Live View: Tap the alert to see who’s at the door in real time.
– Record and Save Clips: Subscribe to Ring Protect to save video footage.
– Check Device Health: Regularly review signal strength, battery level, and firmware in the app.
Conclusion
Making your Ring Doorbell ring on your phone is a simple process that dramatically improves your home security. By following these steps—downloading the app, connecting your doorbell, enabling notifications, and customizing settings—you’ll never miss a visitor again.
Remember to keep your app and firmware updated, share access with family, and troubleshoot issues promptly. With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell becomes a reliable, always-on guardian for your home.
Now that you know how to make Ring Doorbell ring on your phone, take a few minutes to test it out. Press the button, walk past the sensor, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with staying connected—no matter where you are.