This guide walks you through how to mount a Ring Doorbell side light with clear, beginner-friendly steps. You’ll learn the right tools, wiring tips, and how to test your setup for optimal security and visibility.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right location: Mount the side light within 3–5 feet of your Ring Doorbell for best illumination and coverage.
- Turn off power first: Always shut off electricity at the breaker before handling wiring to prevent shocks or damage.
- Use compatible wiring: Ensure your existing doorbell wires can support both the Ring Doorbell and side light—16–18 AWG is ideal.
- Secure mounting is key: Use the included brackets and screws to firmly attach the side light to siding, brick, or wood.
- Test before finalizing: Power on and test the light via the Ring app to confirm proper function and alignment.
- Adjust angle for coverage: Tilt the light slightly downward to avoid glare and maximize pathway illumination.
- Maintain regularly: Clean the lens monthly and check connections seasonally to ensure long-term performance.
How to Mount Ring Doorbell Side Light: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve recently installed a Ring Doorbell and want to boost your home’s security and visibility, adding a Ring Doorbell side light is a smart move. These compact, motion-activated lights attach near your doorbell and automatically illuminate when motion is detected—making it easier to see visitors at night and deterring potential intruders.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to mount a Ring Doorbell side light safely and effectively. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a seasoned home improver, we’ll walk you through every step—from planning the location to testing the final setup. You’ll also get practical tips, tool recommendations, and troubleshooting advice to ensure your installation goes smoothly.
By the end of this guide, your Ring Doorbell side light will be securely mounted, properly wired, and fully functional—giving you peace of mind and better nighttime visibility at your front door.
What Is a Ring Doorbell Side Light?
Visual guide about How to Mount Ring Doorbell Side Light
Image source: surveillanceguides.com
The Ring Doorbell side light is an optional accessory designed to complement your Ring Video Doorbell. It’s a small, weather-resistant LED light that mounts on the side of your doorframe or wall, near your doorbell. When motion is detected by your Ring Doorbell, the side light automatically turns on, providing bright, instant illumination.
These lights are especially useful if your front door area is dimly lit or shaded. They help you see who’s at the door more clearly, improve video quality in low light, and add an extra layer of security by lighting up dark corners.
Ring offers side lights in different styles and finishes (like black, white, and bronze) to match your home’s exterior. They’re compatible with most Ring Doorbell models, including the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), Ring Video Doorbell 3, 3 Plus, 4, and Ring Video Doorbell Pro.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the installation faster and safer.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ring Doorbell side light kit (includes light, mounting bracket, screws, and wire connectors)
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Drill with drill bits (for wood, brick, or siding)
- Voltage tester (to confirm power is off)
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape
- Pencil or marker
- Level (to ensure straight mounting)
- Ladder (if mounting high on a wall)
- Safety goggles and gloves
Optional but helpful:
- Stud finder (if mounting into wood framing)
- Masonry anchors (for brick or concrete)
- Cable clips (to secure loose wires)
Make sure your Ring Doorbell is already installed and functioning before adding the side light. This ensures your wiring setup is compatible and reduces the risk of electrical issues.
Step 1: Choose the Best Location
Picking the right spot for your side light is crucial. It should be close enough to your Ring Doorbell to sync with motion detection but positioned to maximize light coverage.
Ideal Placement Guidelines
- Distance: Mount the side light 3 to 5 feet away from your Ring Doorbell. This keeps it within the motion detection zone while avoiding interference.
- Height: Install it 6 to 7 feet above the ground. This height provides wide coverage and reduces the chance of tampering.
- Angle: Position it so the light shines across your walkway or porch—not directly into the camera lens. Avoid pointing it at windows or reflective surfaces to prevent glare.
- Obstructions: Make sure trees, plants, or decorations won’t block the light or motion sensor.
Test the Spot First
Before drilling, hold the light in place and walk around your porch at night. Check if the area is well-lit and if the light would shine on key spots like the door handle, mailbox, or pathway.
You can also use the Ring app to test motion detection. Walk in front of your doorbell and see if the side light would activate in that zone.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power
Safety first! Always turn off the power before working with electrical wiring.
How to Safely Shut Off Power
- Go to your home’s main electrical panel (breaker box).
- Locate the circuit that powers your doorbell. It’s often labeled “Doorbell,” “Front Door,” or “Chime.”
- Switch the breaker to the “OFF” position.
- Use a voltage tester on the doorbell wires to confirm no electricity is flowing. Touch the tester to both wires—if it doesn’t beep or light up, power is off.
Never skip this step. Even low-voltage doorbell systems can cause shocks or damage your Ring devices if mishandled.
Step 3: Prepare the Wiring
The Ring Doorbell side light connects to the same low-voltage wires that power your doorbell. You’ll need to tap into these wires to provide power.
Check Wire Compatibility
Most doorbells use 16–18 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wires. Check your existing wires to ensure they’re thick enough to handle the extra load. If your wires are very thin or frayed, consider upgrading them or using a Ring Plug-In Adapter (sold separately) to avoid overloading the circuit.
Strip the Wires
- Remove the cover of your doorbell chime inside your home.
- Locate the two wires connected to the “Front” terminals.
- Carefully disconnect the wires and strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends using wire strippers.
- Twist the exposed copper strands to keep them neat.
Connect the Side Light Wires
The Ring side light comes with two wires: red (positive) and black (negative). You’ll connect these in parallel with your existing doorbell wires.
- Use wire connectors (included in the kit) to join the red wire from the side light to the red (or positive) doorbell wire.
- Connect the black wire from the side light to the black (or negative) doorbell wire.
- Twist the wires together tightly and screw on the wire connector. Give it a gentle tug to ensure it’s secure.
- Wrap each connection with electrical tape for extra protection.
Route the Wires to the Exterior
Run the side light wires from inside your home to the mounting location outside. You can:
- Use the same hole your doorbell wires came through.
- Drill a new small hole near the doorframe (seal it later with caulk).
- Run wires along the wall and secure them with cable clips.
Keep wires away from sharp edges and moisture. If running wires through walls, use conduit for protection.
Step 4: Mount the Side Light
Now it’s time to attach the light to your wall or doorframe.
Mark the Mounting Points
- Hold the mounting bracket against the wall at your chosen location.
- Use a level to make sure it’s straight.
- Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
Drill Pilot Holes
The type of wall material determines how you drill:
- Wood or Siding: Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws to create pilot holes. This prevents splitting.
- Brick or Concrete: Use a masonry bit and drill slowly. Insert plastic wall anchors into the holes for a secure hold.
- Vinyl Siding: Use a siding removal tool to access the wall beneath, or mount directly into the siding with appropriate screws.
Attach the Bracket
- Align the bracket with the pilot holes.
- Insert screws and tighten with a screwdriver or drill (use low torque to avoid cracking).
- Ensure the bracket is flush and secure.
Connect the Light to the Bracket
- Plug the side light’s wires into the corresponding terminals on the back of the light (red to red, black to black).
- Snap the light onto the mounting bracket until it clicks into place.
- Adjust the angle by loosening the bracket screws slightly, tilting the light downward, then retightening.
Tip: Aim the light so it shines across your walkway—not straight ahead. This reduces glare and improves visibility.
Step 5: Restore Power and Test
Once everything is mounted and wired, it’s time to test your setup.
Turn the Power Back On
- Go back to your breaker box.
- Switch the doorbell circuit back to “ON.”
- Wait 30 seconds for the system to power up.
Test the Side Light
- Open the Ring app on your phone.
- Go to Device Settings > your Ring Doorbell > Motion Settings.
- Trigger motion by walking in front of the doorbell.
- Watch to see if the side light turns on.
If the light doesn’t activate:
- Check wire connections—ensure they’re tight and not reversed.
- Verify the light is securely snapped onto the bracket.
- Make sure the motion zones in the app include the area where you’re testing.
Adjust Light Settings in the App
You can customize how the side light behaves:
- Brightness: Choose from low, medium, or high.
- Duration: Set how long the light stays on after motion (15, 30, or 60 seconds).
- Motion Zones: Define specific areas where motion will trigger the light.
Experiment with settings to find what works best for your home.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Side Light Won’t Turn On
- Check power: Confirm the breaker is on and the voltage tester shows power at the doorbell.
- Inspect wires: Loose or reversed connections are a common cause. Reconnect and retest.
- Test the light: Disconnect it and touch the wires directly to a battery (1.5V AA). If it lights up, the issue is in the wiring or power supply.
- Update firmware: Open the Ring app and check for device updates.
Light Flickers or Turns On Randomly
- Adjust motion sensitivity: Lower the sensitivity in the Ring app to reduce false triggers from wind or pets.
- Reposition the light: Make sure it’s not pointing at moving objects like trees or flags.
- Check for interference: Nearby lights or electronics can sometimes interfere with motion sensors.
Light Is Too Bright or Causes Glare
- Lower brightness: Use the app to reduce the light intensity.
- Adjust angle: Tilt the light more downward or slightly to the side.
- Add a diffuser: Some users attach a small piece of frosted tape or plastic over the lens to soften the light.
Water Gets Into the Light
- Check seal: Ensure the light is fully snapped onto the bracket and the rubber gasket is intact.
- Re-caulk edges: Apply exterior-grade silicone caulk around the mounting area to prevent water intrusion.
- Inspect for damage: If the lens is cracked, contact Ring support for a replacement.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance
To keep your Ring Doorbell side light working well for years, follow these simple maintenance steps.
Clean the Lens Monthly
Dust, dirt, and insects can block the light. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the lens. For stubborn grime, dampen the cloth with water—never use harsh chemicals.
Check Connections Seasonally
Every few months, inspect the wiring and mounting bracket. Make sure screws are tight and wires aren’t frayed or loose.
Test Motion Detection
Walk around your porch at night to ensure the light activates when it should. Adjust motion zones in the app if needed.
Update the App and Firmware
Ring regularly releases updates that improve performance and security. Keep your app and devices up to date.
Trim Nearby Plants
Overgrown bushes or vines can block the light or trigger false motion alerts. Keep the area around your doorbell clear.
Conclusion
Mounting a Ring Doorbell side light is a straightforward project that significantly enhances your home’s security and convenience. With the right tools, careful planning, and attention to safety, you can complete the installation in under an hour.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to choose the best location, safely handle wiring, mount the light securely, and troubleshoot common issues. You’ve also discovered how to customize settings in the Ring app and maintain your light for long-term reliability.
Now, every time motion is detected at your door, your side light will illuminate the area—helping you see clearly, feel safer, and get the most out of your Ring Doorbell system.
Whether you’re lighting up a dark porch or deterring unwanted visitors, your Ring Doorbell side light is a small upgrade with a big impact. Enjoy the added brightness and peace of mind!