Wondering how to make your Ring Doorbell ring on your phone? This guide walks you through setup, app configuration, and troubleshooting to ensure you receive real-time alerts. Stay connected and secure—no matter where you are.
Key Takeaways
- Download the Ring app: Available on iOS and Android, the app is essential for receiving doorbell alerts on your phone.
- Connect your Ring Doorbell to Wi-Fi: A stable internet connection ensures reliable notifications and live video streaming.
- Enable motion and doorbell alerts: Customize notification settings in the app to get alerts when someone rings the bell or triggers motion.
- Check phone notification settings: Make sure your phone allows notifications from the Ring app and isn’t in Do Not Disturb mode.
- Test the doorbell after setup: Press the button to confirm your phone receives the alert and video feed works properly.
- Update firmware and app regularly: Keep both the Ring device and app updated for optimal performance and security.
- Use Ring Chime for extra sound: Pair a Ring Chime to amplify the ring inside your home, especially if your phone is on silent.
How to Make Ring Doorbell Ring on Your Phone
Have you ever missed a delivery because your Ring Doorbell didn’t alert your phone? Or maybe you’re setting up your Ring device for the first time and want to make sure you get notifications no matter where you are? You’re in the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to make your Ring Doorbell ring on your phone—step by step. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell 4, or the Ring Doorbell Pro, the process is similar. We’ll cover everything from initial setup to troubleshooting common issues, so you never miss a visitor again.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:
- Install and connect your Ring Doorbell to your home Wi-Fi
- Download and set up the Ring app on your smartphone
- Configure notification settings for instant alerts
- Troubleshoot when your phone doesn’t ring
- Enhance your experience with accessories like Ring Chime
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Download the Ring App
The first and most important step to make your Ring Doorbell ring on your phone is downloading the official Ring app. This free app is your control center for all Ring devices, including doorbells, cameras, and security systems.
Visual guide about How to Make Ring Doorbell Ring on Your Phone
Image source: storables.com
Where to Get the App
The Ring app is available for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices. You can download it from:
- Apple App Store – Search for “Ring – Always Home”
- Google Play Store – Search for “Ring – Always Home”
Make sure you’re downloading the official app by Ring, not a third-party imitation. The app icon features a blue circle with a white “R” inside.
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 phone number (for two-factor authentication)
- Your location (to help with device setup and local alerts)
After entering your details, verify your email and phone number. This step ensures your account is secure and helps prevent unauthorized access.
Log In to the App
If you already have a Ring account, simply log in with your credentials. If you’ve used Ring before on another device, your existing devices should appear in the app automatically.
Pro Tip: Use the same email and password across all your devices to keep your account synchronized. This makes managing multiple Ring products easier.
Step 2: Set Up Your Ring Doorbell
Now that the app is ready, it’s time to connect your Ring Doorbell. This step ensures your device can communicate with your phone and send alerts when someone presses the button or triggers motion.
Power Your Doorbell
Depending on your Ring model, your doorbell may be powered by:
- Batteries – Common in Ring Doorbell 2, 3, and 4
- Hardwired connection – Used in Ring Doorbell Pro and some newer models
If your doorbell uses batteries, insert them according to the instructions. For hardwired models, ensure the wires are connected to your existing doorbell chime or transformer.
Put the Doorbell in Setup Mode
To connect your Ring Doorbell to Wi-Fi, you’ll need to put it in setup mode:
- Press and hold the orange button on the back of the device for about 10 seconds.
- The light on the front will flash white, indicating it’s ready to connect.
Connect to Wi-Fi via the App
Open the Ring app and follow these steps:
- Tap “Set Up a Device”
- Select “Doorbells”
- Choose your specific Ring model
- Scan the QR code on the back of your doorbell (or enter the serial number manually)
- Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your Wi-Fi network
Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want the doorbell to use. The app will guide you through entering your Wi-Fi password.
Name Your Doorbell
Once connected, give your doorbell a name—like “Front Door” or “Back Porch”—so you can easily identify it in the app.
Test the Connection
After setup, the app will confirm if the doorbell is online. You can test it by pressing the doorbell button. If the app shows a live video feed, you’re good to go!
Step 3: Enable Notifications on Your Phone
Even with a properly connected doorbell, you won’t get alerts unless notifications are enabled. This step ensures your phone “rings” when someone presses the button or motion is detected.
Check Ring App Notification Settings
Open the Ring app and go to:
- Tap the three lines (menu) in the top-left corner
- Select “Devices”
- Choose your doorbell
- Tap “Device Settings”
- Select “Motion Settings” or “Doorbell Press”
- Make sure “Alerts” are turned on
You can customize what types of alerts you receive:
- Doorbell Press – Get notified when someone rings the bell
- Motion Alerts – Get alerts when motion is detected (adjust sensitivity if needed)
- Live View – Start a live video stream directly from the notification
Adjust Phone Notification Settings
Your phone’s system settings also control whether apps can send alerts. Here’s how to check:
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Notifications
- Scroll down and find “Ring – Always Home”
- Make sure “Allow Notifications” is toggled on
- Enable “Sounds,” “Badges,” and “Banners” for full alerts
- Tap “Show Previews” and select “Always” to see who’s at the door
For Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Ring
- Tap “Notifications”
- Ensure “Doorbell Press” and “Motion Alerts” are enabled
- Turn on “Allow notification dots” and “Pop on screen” for better visibility
Disable Do Not Disturb (If Needed)
If your phone is in Do Not Disturb mode, it may block Ring notifications. To allow alerts:
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb
- Tap “People” and add “Ring” as an allowed app
- Or enable “Allow Calls From” and include Ring
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb
- Tap “Exceptions” and add “Ring” to the allowed apps list
Pro Tip: Test your notifications by asking someone to ring the doorbell or walking in front of it. You should hear a sound, see a banner, and get a push notification on your phone.
Step 4: Customize Alert Preferences
Not every motion or ring needs to alert you. Ring lets you customize when and how you’re notified, so you’re only alerted when it matters.
Set Motion Zones
To avoid false alarms from passing cars or animals, define specific areas where motion should trigger alerts:
- Open the Ring app
- Go to your doorbell’s settings
- Tap “Motion Settings” > “Motion Zones”
- Draw zones on the camera view where you want alerts (e.g., walkway, driveway)
- Areas outside the zones won’t trigger notifications
Adjust Motion Sensitivity
If you’re getting too many alerts, lower the sensitivity:
- In “Motion Settings,” move the sensitivity slider to “Low” or “Medium”
- For fewer false alarms, choose “Low”
- For maximum coverage, choose “High”
Schedule Alert Times
You can set “Quiet Hours” when you don’t want to be disturbed:
- Go to “Device Settings” > “Motion Settings”
- Tap “Quiet Hours”
- Set a time range (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM)
- During this time, motion alerts will be silenced (but doorbell presses will still notify you)
Enable Smart Alerts (Ring Protect Plan)
If you subscribe to a Ring Protect Plan, you get advanced features like:
- Person Detection – Only alerts when a person is detected, not pets or vehicles
- Package Alerts – Notifies you when a package is delivered
- Rich Notifications – See a photo preview directly in the alert
These features reduce clutter and help you focus on important events.
Step 5: Use Ring Chime for Extra Sound
Even with phone alerts, you might miss the ring if your phone is on silent or in another room. That’s where Ring Chime comes in.
What Is Ring Chime?
Ring Chime is a plug-in device that plays a loud sound when your doorbell is pressed. It connects to your Wi-Fi and syncs with your Ring Doorbell.
How to Set Up Ring Chime
- Plug the Chime into a power outlet
- Open the Ring app
- Tap “Set Up a Device” > “Chimes”
- Follow the prompts to connect it to your Wi-Fi
- Assign it to your doorbell
Customize Chime Sounds
You can choose from multiple sounds and adjust the volume:
- Go to “Device Settings” > “Chime Settings”
- Select a tone (e.g., classic ding-dong, modern chime, seasonal sounds)
- Set volume from 1 (quiet) to 10 (loud)
Pro Tip: Place the Chime in a central location, like your living room or kitchen, so you can hear it from anywhere in the house.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, your Ring Doorbell might not ring on your phone. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Issue 1: No Notifications on Phone
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- App notifications disabled: Check Ring app and phone settings (see Step 3)
- Do Not Disturb mode: Allow Ring in exceptions
- App not updated: Update the Ring app from the App Store or Google Play
- Phone in airplane mode: Turn off airplane mode and reconnect to Wi-Fi
Issue 2: Delayed or Missed Alerts
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Weak Wi-Fi signal: Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender
- Doorbell too far from router: Consider a Ring Chime Pro, which boosts Wi-Fi for the doorbell
- High network traffic: Limit other devices using bandwidth during peak times
Issue 3: Doorbell Shows Offline
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Power issue: Replace batteries or check wiring
- Wi-Fi disconnected: Reconnect via the app or reset the doorbell
- Router rebooted: The doorbell may need to reconnect—wait a few minutes
Issue 4: App Crashes or Freezes
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Outdated app: Update to the latest version
- Phone storage full: Clear space or restart your phone
- App glitch: Force close the app and reopen it
Issue 5: Video Not Loading in Notification
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Slow internet: Check your Wi-Fi speed (minimum 2 Mbps recommended)
- Data saver mode: Disable data saver on your phone
- App permissions: Allow Ring to use mobile data and background refresh
Step 7: Keep Your System Updated
Regular updates improve performance, security, and features. Here’s how to stay current:
Update the Ring App
- Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
- Search for “Ring”
- Tap “Update” if available
Update Doorbell Firmware
- Open the Ring app
- Go to “Device Health” for your doorbell
- If an update is available, tap “Update”
- The doorbell will restart automatically
Pro Tip: Enable automatic updates in your phone’s app store settings to stay current without manual checks.
Conclusion
Making your Ring Doorbell ring on your phone is simple when you follow the right steps. From downloading the app and connecting to Wi-Fi, to enabling notifications and customizing alerts, this guide covers everything you need to stay connected and secure.
Remember, the key to reliable alerts is a strong Wi-Fi connection, properly configured app settings, and regular updates. If you ever run into issues, the troubleshooting tips above will help you get back on track quickly.
With your Ring Doorbell working seamlessly with your phone, you’ll never miss a visitor, delivery, or important moment at your door again. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with smart home security.