Mounting your Ring Video Doorbell 2 is simpler than you think. This guide walks you through every step—from choosing the right spot to final testing—so you can enjoy smart home security with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right location: Mount your Ring Video Doorbell 2 at chest height (48 inches) and within Wi-Fi range for optimal performance and clear video.
- Check your wiring: The Ring Video Doorbell 2 works best with existing doorbell wiring, but can also run on its rechargeable battery if no wires are present.
- Use the correct tools: A Phillips head screwdriver, drill (if needed), level, and voltage tester make installation faster and safer.
- Angle the mount properly: Use the included wedge or corner mount to adjust the viewing angle and reduce blind spots.
- Secure the device firmly: Always use the security screw to prevent theft and ensure the doorbell stays in place.
- Test after installation: Open the Ring app to confirm live view, motion detection, and notifications are working correctly.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the doorbell doesn’t power on or Wi-Fi is weak, check wiring, battery charge, or signal strength.
How to Mount Your Ring Video Doorbell 2
So you’ve got your hands on the Ring Video Doorbell 2—congratulations! You’re about to upgrade your home security with motion alerts, live video streaming, and two-way talk. But before you can answer the door from your phone, you need to mount it properly. Don’t worry—this isn’t rocket science. With the right tools, a little patience, and this step-by-step guide, you’ll have your Ring doorbell up and running in under an hour.
In this comprehensive how-to, we’ll walk you through everything from choosing the perfect spot to testing your new smart doorbell. Whether you’re replacing an old doorbell or installing one for the first time, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also share practical tips, troubleshooting advice, and pro tricks to help you avoid common mistakes.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to mount your Ring Video Doorbell 2 safely, securely, and for the best possible performance. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Visual guide about How to Mount Your Ring Video Doorbell 2
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Before you grab your drill and start mounting, take a moment to gather your tools and materials. Having everything ready will save you time and frustration.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ring Video Doorbell 2 kit: This includes the doorbell, mounting plate, screws, anchors, security screw, and optional wedge or corner mount.
- Phillips head screwdriver: For tightening screws during installation.
- Drill (optional): Only needed if you’re mounting into brick, concrete, or another hard surface.
- Drill bits: Use a 3/16-inch bit for masonry or a small bit for wood or siding.
- Level: To ensure your doorbell is straight—no one wants a crooked video feed!
- Voltage tester (optional but recommended): To check if your existing doorbell wires are live.
- Smartphone with the Ring app installed: You’ll use this to set up and test your doorbell.
- Ladder (if needed): For reaching high doorframes or entryways.
If you’re replacing an existing doorbell, you may also want to have wire strippers on hand in case the wires are frayed or too short.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Picking the perfect spot for your Ring Video Doorbell 2 is crucial. A good location ensures clear video, reliable motion detection, and strong Wi-Fi connectivity.
Ideal Height and Angle
Ring recommends mounting your doorbell at chest height, which is typically around 48 inches (4 feet) from the ground. This height gives you the best view of visitors’ faces and packages left at the door.
Avoid mounting it too high—like near the roofline—because the camera’s downward angle will make it hard to see people clearly. Similarly, don’t mount it too low, or you’ll miss motion from people approaching the door.
Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Your Ring doorbell needs a stable Wi-Fi connection to send alerts and stream video. Before drilling any holes, check your Wi-Fi signal at the installation spot.
Use your smartphone to walk to the door and check the signal bars. If it’s weak, consider:
- Moving your router closer to the front door.
- Using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network system.
- Choosing a spot slightly closer to the router if possible.
Ring recommends a minimum signal strength of -70 dBm for reliable performance. You can use a free Wi-Fi analyzer app to check this.
Wiring Availability
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 can be powered in two ways:
- Hardwired: Using your existing doorbell wires (preferred for continuous power).
- Battery-powered: Using the included rechargeable battery (great for homes without wiring).
If you have existing doorbell wires, we recommend using them. They provide constant power, so you won’t have to recharge the battery every few months.
To check if your wires are live, turn off power at the breaker, remove your old doorbell, and use a voltage tester. If the wires show 8–24V AC, you’re good to go.
Step 2: Turn Off Power (If Hardwiring)
Safety first! If you’re connecting your Ring doorbell to existing wiring, you must turn off the power to avoid electric shock.
Locate Your Circuit Breaker
Go to your home’s electrical panel and find the breaker that controls your doorbell. It’s often labeled “Doorbell,” “Chime,” or “Front Door.” If you’re unsure, turn off breakers one by one and test the doorbell until it stops working.
Turn Off the Power
Switch the breaker to the “OFF” position. Use a voltage tester on the doorbell wires to confirm there’s no power. This extra step ensures your safety.
Label the Wires (Optional)
If your old doorbell has two wires, gently pull them out and label them (e.g., “Front” and “Trans”) with tape. This helps you reconnect them correctly later.
Step 3: Remove Your Old Doorbell (If Applicable)
If you’re replacing an existing doorbell, now’s the time to remove it.
Unscrew the Old Unit
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding your old doorbell in place. Gently pull the unit away from the wall.
Disconnect the Wires
Carefully disconnect the wires from the back of the old doorbell. Don’t let them fall back into the wall—use tape to hold them in place if needed.
Inspect the Wires
Check the wire ends. If they’re frayed or too short, strip about 1/4 inch of insulation to expose fresh copper. This ensures a solid connection.
Step 4: Install the Mounting Plate
The mounting plate is the backbone of your Ring doorbell installation. It holds the device securely and allows for angle adjustments.
Position the Plate
Hold the mounting plate against the wall at your chosen location (48 inches high). Use a level to make sure it’s straight.
If your door is near a corner or you want a better view of the walkway, consider using the included corner mount or wedge mount. These let you angle the camera for a wider field of view.
Mark the Screw Holes
Once the plate is level, use a pencil to mark the screw holes on the wall.
Drill Pilot Holes (If Needed)
If you’re mounting into wood or siding, you can screw directly into the wall. But for brick, concrete, or stucco, drill pilot holes using the appropriate drill bit.
Insert wall anchors into the holes if your surface is hard. This gives the screws something to grip.
Secure the Mounting Plate
Line up the plate with the holes and screw it into place using the provided screws. Make sure it’s tight and doesn’t wiggle.
Step 5: Connect the Wires (If Hardwiring)
Now it’s time to connect your doorbell to power.
Thread the Wires Through the Plate
Feed the doorbell wires through the center hole in the mounting plate.
Attach the Wires to the Terminal Screws
On the back of the Ring doorbell, you’ll see two terminal screws. Loosen them slightly, then insert the wires.
It doesn’t matter which wire goes where—Ring doorbells are non-polarized. Just make sure each wire is securely under a screw and tighten them down.
Double-Check Connections
Give the wires a gentle tug to ensure they’re snug. Loose connections can cause power issues.
Step 6: Attach the Ring Doorbell
With the mounting plate secure and wires connected, it’s time to attach the doorbell.
Align the Doorbell with the Plate
Hold the Ring Video Doorbell 2 so the grooves on the back align with the tabs on the mounting plate.
Slide It Into Place
Gently push the doorbell onto the plate until it clicks. You should feel it lock into position.
Secure with the Security Screw
Use the small security screw (included) to lock the doorbell in place. This prevents thieves from easily removing it.
Insert the screw into the hole at the bottom of the doorbell and tighten it with a screwdriver. Don’t over-tighten—just snug is fine.
Step 7: Turn Power Back On and Test
If you turned off the power earlier, now’s the time to restore it.
Flip the Breaker Back On
Go to your electrical panel and turn the doorbell breaker back to “ON.”
Wait for the Doorbell to Power Up
Your Ring doorbell should light up and begin initializing. This may take a minute or two.
Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone. If you haven’t set up your doorbell yet, follow the on-screen prompts to add a new device.
If you’ve already set it up, check the live view to confirm the camera is working.
Step 8: Adjust the Viewing Angle (Optional)
Even with a perfect mount, you might need to fine-tune the camera angle.
Use the Wedge or Corner Mount
If your doorbell is too straight-on and misses side motion, attach the wedge mount (included) to tilt the camera slightly.
For corner installations, use the corner mount to angle the doorbell outward.
Test the Field of View
Walk around your front yard and check the live view in the app. Make sure you can see the walkway, driveway, and any high-traffic areas.
Adjust the mount if needed and retighten the screws.
Step 9: Final Setup in the Ring App
Now that your doorbell is mounted and powered, complete the setup in the app.
Enable Motion Zones
Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings and customize your motion zones. This lets you focus on important areas (like the front walk) and ignore others (like a busy street).
Set Up Alerts
Choose when and how you want to receive notifications. You can set quiet hours, adjust sensitivity, and enable person detection.
Test Two-Way Talk
Press the talk button in the app and speak. Have someone stand at the door to confirm audio is clear both ways.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Doorbell Won’t Power On
- Check the breaker: Make sure power is restored.
- Inspect wiring: Ensure wires are securely connected and not loose.
- Test voltage: Use a multimeter to confirm 8–24V AC at the wires.
- Try battery mode: If hardwiring fails, switch to battery power temporarily.
Weak or No Wi-Fi Signal
- Move closer to the router: If possible, reposition the doorbell or router.
- Use a Wi-Fi extender: Place one near the front door to boost signal.
- Check for interference: Avoid mounting near metal doors, large appliances, or thick walls.
Blurry or Dark Video
- Clean the lens: Wipe it gently with a microfiber cloth.
- Adjust lighting: Ring doorbells have night vision, but very dark areas may need extra light.
- Check angle: Make sure the camera isn’t pointed directly at the sun or a bright light source.
Motion Alerts Not Working
- Check motion zones: Ensure the area is included in your detection zones.
- Adjust sensitivity: Increase sensitivity if alerts are missed.
- Test with movement: Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger a test alert.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance
To keep your Ring Video Doorbell 2 working smoothly, follow these simple maintenance tips.
Clean the Lens Monthly
Dust, dirt, and bugs can blur the camera. Wipe the lens with a soft, dry cloth every month.
Check Battery Level (If Using Battery)
If you’re not hardwiring, check the battery level in the app. Recharge it when it drops below 20%.
Inspect Mounting Screws
Every few months, check that the mounting plate and security screw are tight. Vibration from the door or weather can loosen them over time.
Update the App and Firmware
Ring regularly releases updates to improve performance and security. Keep your app and doorbell firmware up to date.
Conclusion
Mounting your Ring Video Doorbell 2 doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, tools, and a little patience, you can install it safely and correctly on your first try.
Remember to choose a spot at chest height, within Wi-Fi range, and with access to power if possible. Use the mounting plate, secure the wires, and don’t forget the security screw. Test everything in the Ring app to ensure live view, motion detection, and two-way talk are working.
Whether you’re upgrading from an old doorbell or installing your first smart device, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 offers peace of mind and modern convenience. Once it’s up and running, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Now go enjoy your smarter, safer home!