Want your Ring Doorbell to ring directly on your phone? This guide walks you through setup, notification settings, and troubleshooting to ensure you never miss a visitor. Stay connected and secure with reliable alerts.
Key Takeaways
- Download the Ring app: Essential for managing your doorbell and receiving alerts on your phone.
- Enable motion and doorbell notifications: Customize when and how you’re alerted to activity.
- Check your phone’s notification settings: Ensure Ring has permission to send alerts and sounds.
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network: A strong signal is crucial for real-time notifications.
- Use Do Not Disturb and Focus modes wisely: Adjust phone settings to allow Ring alerts through.
- Update the Ring app and firmware: Keep everything current for optimal performance.
- Troubleshoot common issues: Fix problems like delayed alerts or no sound with simple steps.
How to Make Ring Doorbell Ring on Phone
Have you ever missed a package delivery because your Ring Doorbell didn’t alert you? Or maybe you were in another room and didn’t hear the chime? You’re not alone. Many Ring users wonder, “Why isn’t my Ring Doorbell ringing on my phone?” The good news? It’s usually a quick fix.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make your Ring Doorbell ring on your phone—so you never miss a visitor, delivery, or unexpected motion again. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, we’ll walk you through every step, from initial setup to advanced troubleshooting. By the end, you’ll have reliable, real-time alerts that keep you connected to your front door, no matter where you are in the house.
Let’s get started.
Step 1: Download and Set Up the Ring App
Visual guide about How to Make Ring Doorbell Ring on Phone
Image source: i.ytimg.com
The first and most important step is installing the Ring app on your smartphone. This app is your control center for all Ring devices, including your doorbell.
Download the App
Go to your phone’s app store—Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iPhone—and search for “Ring.” Download the official Ring app by Ring LLC. It’s free and takes just a few minutes to install.
Create a Ring Account
Once installed, open the app and tap “Create Account.” You’ll need to provide your email address, create a password, and verify your location. Ring uses your location to help with device setup and emergency features.
Log In
If you already have a Ring account, simply log in with your credentials. Make sure you’re using the same account linked to your doorbell.
Add Your Doorbell
Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner and select “Set Up a Device.” Choose “Doorbells” and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll scan the QR code on your Ring device or enter the serial number manually. The app will guide you through connecting your doorbell to Wi-Fi and completing the setup.
Once your doorbell is added, you’re ready to configure notifications.
Step 2: Enable Doorbell and Motion Notifications
Now that your doorbell is connected, it’s time to make sure it sends alerts to your phone.
Open Notification Settings in the Ring App
Go to the Ring app and tap the menu (☰), then select “Devices.” Choose your doorbell from the list. Tap “Device Settings,” then “Notifications.”
Turn On Motion and Doorbell Alerts
You’ll see two main options: “Motion Alerts” and “Doorbell Press.” Make sure both are toggled ON. These settings tell your phone to send a notification whenever motion is detected or someone presses the doorbell.
Customize Alert Types
Under “Alert Types,” you can choose how you’re notified:
– Push Notifications: A pop-up on your screen.
– Email Alerts: Sent to your inbox (optional).
– Text Alerts: SMS messages (requires Ring Protect plan).
For most users, push notifications are the fastest and most reliable.
Adjust Motion Sensitivity
Still in the Notifications menu, tap “Motion Settings.” Here, you can adjust sensitivity levels. If you’re getting too many false alerts (like from passing cars), lower the sensitivity. If you’re missing alerts, increase it.
Set Motion Zones (Optional)
For better control, use “Motion Zones” to define specific areas your doorbell should monitor. For example, you might want alerts only when someone approaches your front door, not the sidewalk. Tap “Motion Zones,” then draw zones on the camera view.
Step 3: Check Your Phone’s Notification Settings
Even if Ring is set up correctly, your phone might block the alerts. Let’s make sure your phone allows Ring notifications.
For iPhone Users
Go to Settings > Notifications > Ring. Make sure:
– “Allow Notifications” is ON.
– “Sounds” is enabled (so you hear the ring).
– “Lock Screen,” “Notification Center,” and “Banners” are all turned on.
– “Critical Alerts” is enabled (if available)—this ensures alerts come through even if your phone is on silent.
For Android Users
Go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Notifications. Ensure:
– “Allow notifications” is ON.
– “Sound” is enabled.
– “Pop on screen” or “Banners” is turned on.
– “Priority” or “Urgent” notifications are allowed.
Some Android phones (like Samsung or Pixel) have additional battery optimization settings that can block background apps. Go to Settings > Battery > App power management and make sure Ring is not restricted.
Test the Notification
Ask someone to press your doorbell or walk in front of it. You should receive a push notification with sound. If not, double-check the steps above.
Step 4: Ensure a Strong Wi-Fi Connection
A weak Wi-Fi signal can delay or prevent notifications. Your Ring Doorbell needs a stable internet connection to send alerts in real time.
Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
In the Ring app, go to your doorbell’s settings and look for “Device Health.” It will show your Wi-Fi signal strength. Ideally, it should be “Good” or “Excellent.” If it’s “Poor” or “Fair,” you may need to improve your signal.
Move Your Router or Use a Wi-Fi Extender
If your doorbell is far from your router, consider moving the router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender. Ring recommends a minimum speed of 2 Mbps for upload and download.
Reduce Interference
Avoid placing your router near microwaves, cordless phones, or thick walls. These can interfere with the signal.
Test Connection Speed
Use a speed test app (like Speedtest by Ookla) near your doorbell. If speeds are low, contact your internet provider or upgrade your plan.
Step 5: Adjust Do Not Disturb and Focus Modes
Modern phones have features like Do Not Disturb (iPhone) or Focus Mode (Android) that silence notifications. But you can allow Ring alerts to come through.
On iPhone
Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb. Tap “People” and add your Ring app or allow notifications from “All Contacts” or “Favorites.” Alternatively, tap “Apps” and add Ring to the allowed list.
You can also enable “Critical Alerts” in the Ring app notification settings (as mentioned earlier), which bypasses Do Not Disturb.
On Android
Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb > Exceptions. Tap “Apps” and add Ring. You can also allow “Priority only” notifications to include Ring.
Some Android phones let you set “Alarms and media” as exceptions—make sure Ring is included.
Test During Do Not Disturb
Turn on Do Not Disturb and ask someone to press the doorbell. You should still hear the alert if configured correctly.
Step 6: Update the Ring App and Firmware
Outdated software can cause notification issues. Ring regularly releases updates to improve performance and fix bugs.
Update the Ring App
Go to your app store and check for updates. If an update is available for Ring, install it. Updated apps work better and have fewer glitches.
Update Doorbell Firmware
In the Ring app, go to your doorbell’s settings and tap “Device Health.” If a firmware update is available, it will prompt you to install it. Make sure your doorbell is charged (for battery models) and connected to Wi-Fi during the update.
Enable Auto-Updates (Recommended)
In the app store, turn on automatic updates for the Ring app. This ensures you always have the latest version without manual checks.
Step 7: Use Ring Chime or Chime Pro (Optional)
If your phone is often out of reach or you want an extra alert, consider a Ring Chime or Chime Pro. These plug-in devices play a loud sound when the doorbell is pressed.
Set Up Ring Chime
Plug the Chime into an outlet and follow the app setup. You can customize the sound and volume. The Chime connects to your Wi-Fi and syncs with your doorbell.
Use Chime Pro for Better Range
The Chime Pro also acts as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your doorbell’s signal. This is helpful if your doorbell is far from the router.
Sync with Phone Alerts
Even with a Chime, your phone will still receive push notifications. You get the best of both worlds—sound from the Chime and alerts on your phone.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Ring Doorbell Ringing on My Phone?
If you’ve followed all the steps and still aren’t getting alerts, don’t worry. Here are common issues and fixes.
No Sound on Notification
– Check your phone’s volume. Make sure it’s not on silent or vibrate.
– In the Ring app, go to Notifications and ensure “Sound” is enabled.
– On iPhone, check that “Critical Alerts” is on.
– On Android, verify that Ring has permission to play sounds.
Delayed or Missed Alerts
– Weak Wi-Fi is the most common cause. Check signal strength in Device Health.
– Close other apps using data.
– Restart your router and doorbell.
– Move closer to your router to test.
Notifications Stopped Working After an Update
– Re-check notification settings—updates can reset permissions.
– Reinstall the Ring app if needed.
– Update your phone’s operating system.
Battery-Powered Doorbell Not Sending Alerts
– Low battery can affect performance. Charge or replace the battery.
– Cold weather drains batteries faster. Consider a hardwired model or solar charger.
App Crashes or Freezes
– Force close the app and reopen it.
– Clear the app cache (Android: Settings > Apps > Ring > Storage > Clear Cache).
– Reinstall the app if problems persist.
Still Not Working?
Contact Ring Support through the app or website. They can run diagnostics and help resolve hardware or account issues.
Pro Tips for Better Ring Alerts
Want to get the most out of your Ring Doorbell? Try these expert tips.
Use Custom Notification Tones
In the Ring app, go to Notifications and tap “Sound.” Choose a unique tone so you can instantly recognize a doorbell alert.
Enable Two-Way Talk
When you get a notification, tap it to open the live view. Use the microphone to speak to the visitor. Great for deliveries or unexpected guests.
Set Up Linked Devices
Link your Ring Doorbell to Alexa or Google Assistant. Say “Alexa, show me the front door” to view the camera on an Echo Show.
Use Motion Schedules
In Motion Settings, set times when you want alerts (e.g., only during the day). This reduces nighttime disturbances.
Share Access with Family
In the Ring app, go to “Shared Users” and invite family members. Everyone can receive alerts and respond.
Conclusion
Making your Ring Doorbell ring on your phone is simple—once you know the steps. Start by downloading the Ring app, enabling notifications, and checking your phone’s settings. Ensure a strong Wi-Fi connection and keep your app updated. Use Do Not Disturb wisely and consider a Ring Chime for extra peace of mind.
With these tips, you’ll never miss a visitor again. Whether it’s a package delivery, a friend stopping by, or just curious motion, your phone will alert you instantly. Stay connected, stay secure, and enjoy the convenience of smart home technology.
Your Ring Doorbell is more than a camera—it’s your front door’s digital guardian. Make sure it’s working for you, every time.