This guide walks you through how to put up Ring Doorbell 2 with clear, beginner-friendly steps. You’ll learn how to install it wired or wire-free, connect to Wi-Fi, and set up the Ring app for full functionality.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right installation method: Decide between hardwired or battery-powered setup based on your existing doorbell wiring and power access.
- Gather the right tools: You’ll need a screwdriver, drill (optional), level, and possibly a voltage tester for safe wiring.
- Use the Ring app for setup: The app guides you through mounting, Wi-Fi connection, and device activation seamlessly.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal: Place your doorbell within range of your router or use a Wi-Fi extender for reliable connectivity.
- Test after installation: Always test motion detection, live view, and two-way audio to confirm everything works.
- Secure mounting prevents tampering: Use the included security screw and mounting bracket to keep your device safe.
- Regular maintenance keeps it running: Clean the lens and check battery levels periodically for optimal performance.
How to Put Up Ring Doorbell 2: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve got your hands on a Ring Doorbell 2—congratulations! This smart doorbell is one of the most popular home security devices on the market, offering HD video, motion detection, two-way audio, and real-time alerts straight to your phone. But before you can start seeing who’s at your door from anywhere in the world, you need to know how to put up Ring Doorbell 2 correctly.
Don’t worry—this isn’t rocket science. Whether you’re replacing an old doorbell or installing one for the first time, this guide will walk you through every step. We’ll cover both wired and battery-powered installations, help you connect to Wi-Fi, and show you how to use the Ring app to get everything running smoothly. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional smart doorbell that keeps your home secure and gives you peace of mind.
Let’s get started!
What’s in the Box?
Visual guide about How to Put Up Ring Doorbell 2
Image source: cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net
Before you begin, it’s important to know what you’re working with. When you open your Ring Doorbell 2 package, you should find the following items:
- Ring Doorbell 2 unit
- Mounting bracket (angled and flat options)
- Screws and wall anchors
- Security screw and special screwdriver
- Wire nuts (for wired installation)
- Charging cable (for battery-powered use)
- User manual and quick start guide
Take a moment to lay everything out and make sure nothing is missing. If something’s not there, contact Ring customer support right away.
Choosing Your Installation Method
One of the great things about the Ring Doorbell 2 is its flexibility. You can install it in two ways:
- Hardwired (using existing doorbell wiring): This method connects your Ring Doorbell 2 to your home’s electrical system. It’s ideal if you already have a wired doorbell and want continuous power without worrying about charging batteries.
- Battery-powered (wire-free): This option uses the rechargeable battery that comes with the device. It’s perfect for homes without existing wiring or if you prefer a cleaner, drill-free installation.
So, which should you choose?
If you already have a doorbell with wires running to it, go with the hardwired option. It’s more reliable and eliminates the need to recharge the battery every few months. However, if you don’t have wiring or don’t want to deal with electrical work, the battery-powered setup is quick and easy.
You can even switch between modes later if needed—Ring designed the Doorbell 2 to be flexible.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start drilling or unscrewing anything, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll likely need:
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Drill with a 3/16” drill bit (optional, for mounting)
- Level (to keep the doorbell straight)
- Voltage tester (if doing a wired install)
- Pencil (for marking drill holes)
- Smartphone or tablet with the Ring app installed
Having these tools ready will make the process much smoother. If you’re doing a wired installation, a voltage tester is especially important for safety.
Step 1: Download and Set Up the Ring App
Before you even touch the doorbell, you’ll need to download the Ring app. This app is essential—it guides you through the entire setup process, from mounting to connecting to Wi-Fi.
How to Download the Ring App
Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for “Ring.” Download the official Ring app. It’s free and takes just a minute to install.
Once installed, open the app and create an account if you don’t already have one. You’ll need to provide an email address and create a password. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to add a new device.
Adding Your Doorbell 2
In the app, tap the “+” icon and select “Set up a device.” Choose “Doorbells” and then “Ring Video Doorbell 2.” The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the back of your doorbell or enter the serial number manually.
After scanning, the app will walk you through the next steps, including choosing your installation type (wired or battery). This is a great time to decide which method you’re using.
Step 2: Prepare the Installation Area
Now it’s time to get your door ready. Whether you’re replacing an old doorbell or installing a new one, you’ll need to prepare the area.
Turn Off Power (For Wired Installation)
If you’re going the wired route, safety first! Go to your home’s circuit breaker and turn off the power to your existing doorbell. Use a voltage tester to confirm the wires are not live before touching them.
This step is crucial—working with live wires can be dangerous. If you’re unsure, consider hiring a licensed electrician.
Remove the Old Doorbell (If Applicable)
If you have an existing doorbell, unscrew it from the wall and gently pull it away. You’ll see two wires connected to the back. Loosen the screws holding the wires and carefully disconnect them.
Don’t cut the wires—just disconnect them so you can reuse them for your Ring Doorbell 2.
Check Wire Condition
Take a look at the wires. Are they frayed or damaged? If so, trim the ends with wire strippers to expose fresh copper. This ensures a good connection.
If your wires are too short, you may need to extend them slightly. Ring sells extension wires if needed.
Step 3: Choose and Attach the Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket is what holds your Ring Doorbell 2 securely to the wall. Ring includes two types: a flat bracket and an angled bracket. The angled one helps adjust the viewing angle if your door is recessed or you want a better view of the walkway.
Decide on the Best Angle
Hold the doorbell up to the wall where you want to install it. Tilt it slightly downward so it captures people approaching the door. The ideal angle is about 15–30 degrees downward.
If your door is set back from the wall (common in apartments or condos), use the angled bracket to point the camera outward.
Mark the Screw Holes
Place the chosen bracket against the wall where you want the doorbell. Use a pencil to mark the two screw holes. Use a level to make sure the bracket is straight—nobody wants a crooked doorbell!
Drill Pilot Holes (If Needed)
If you’re mounting into brick, concrete, or hard siding, drill pilot holes using a 3/16” drill bit. This makes it easier to screw in the anchors and prevents cracking.
Insert the wall anchors if your wall requires them. Most homes with wood or drywall won’t need them, but brick or stucco usually do.
Screw in the Bracket
Line up the bracket with your marks and screw it into place using the provided screws. Make sure it’s tight and secure—your doorbell will be hanging from this.
Step 4: Install the Ring Doorbell 2
Now comes the fun part—putting the doorbell on the wall!
For Wired Installation
If you’re using existing wiring, thread the two doorbell wires through the back of the mounting bracket. Then, connect them to the terminals on the back of the Ring Doorbell 2.
The terminals are labeled “Front” and “Trans.” It doesn’t matter which wire goes where—Ring’s design is polarity-independent. Just make sure the wires are securely connected and not loose.
Once connected, gently push the wires back into the wall and snap the doorbell onto the mounting bracket. You’ll hear a click when it’s secure.
For Battery-Powered Installation
If you’re using the battery, simply snap the doorbell onto the mounting bracket. No wires needed! The battery comes partially charged, but it’s a good idea to charge it fully before first use.
To charge, remove the doorbell from the bracket (press the release tab), connect the charging cable to the port on the back, and plug it into a USB power source. A full charge takes about 5–6 hours.
Secure with the Security Screw
No matter which installation method you use, always secure the doorbell with the included security screw. This tiny screw prevents thieves from easily removing your device.
Use the special screwdriver (included) to tighten it into the hole on the bottom of the doorbell. It only takes a quarter turn—don’t over-tighten.
Step 5: Connect to Wi-Fi and Complete Setup
With the doorbell mounted, it’s time to connect it to your home network.
Open the Ring App
Go back to the Ring app. It should still be in setup mode. If not, go to “Devices,” tap the “+” icon, and select your doorbell again.
Connect to Wi-Fi
The app will prompt you to connect your doorbell to Wi-Fi. Make sure your phone is connected to the same network you want the doorbell to use.
Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted. The app will send the network info to the doorbell. This may take a minute or two.
Test the Connection
Once connected, the app will ask you to test the video feed. Tap “Live View” to see what your doorbell sees. You should get a clear, real-time image of your front door.
If the video is blurry or laggy, you may have a weak Wi-Fi signal. Consider moving your router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender.
Set Up Motion Zones and Alerts
The app will guide you through setting up motion detection zones. You can draw areas on the screen where you want the doorbell to detect motion (like your walkway) and ignore others (like a busy street).
You can also customize alert settings—choose when to receive notifications, how sensitive the motion detection should be, and whether to enable night vision.
Step 6: Test Everything
Before you call it a day, make sure everything works as expected.
Test the Two-Way Audio
Have someone stand at the door while you’re inside. Open the Ring app and tap “Live View.” Tap the microphone icon and speak. The person outside should hear you clearly.
Ask them to speak back. You should hear them through your phone’s speaker. This confirms the microphone and speaker are working.
Test Motion Detection
Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion detection. You should receive a notification on your phone within a few seconds.
Check the recorded video in the app to make sure it captured the event clearly.
Check Night Vision
Turn off the lights or wait until dark. The doorbell should automatically switch to night vision mode. Check the live view to ensure the image is clear and well-lit.
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 Turn On
If your wired doorbell doesn’t power on, double-check the wiring connections. Make sure the wires are securely attached and the power is turned back on at the breaker.
For battery-powered models, ensure the battery is fully charged and properly inserted.
Poor Wi-Fi Connection
If the video is choppy or disconnects frequently, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Try moving your router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender. Ring recommends a signal strength of at least -60 dBm for reliable performance.
You can check signal strength in the Ring app under “Device Health.”
Motion Alerts Not Working
If you’re not getting motion alerts, check your motion zones in the app. Make sure the area you’re testing is within the detection zone.
Also, verify that motion alerts are enabled in your notification settings.
Video Quality Is Blurry
Clean the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth. Dust or fingerprints can affect image quality.
Also, make sure the doorbell is mounted securely—vibrations from slamming doors can blur the image over time.
Doorbell Keeps Disconnecting
This is often a Wi-Fi issue. Restart your router and the doorbell. If the problem persists, try resetting the doorbell by holding the orange button on the back for 20 seconds.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Use
Once your Ring Doorbell 2 is up and running, a little maintenance goes a long way.
Clean the Lens Regularly
Wipe the camera lens with a microfiber cloth every few weeks to keep the video clear.
Check Battery Levels
If using the battery, check the charge level in the app monthly. Recharge when it drops below 20%.
Update the App and Firmware
Ring regularly releases updates to improve performance and security. Keep your app and doorbell firmware up to date.
Review Recorded Videos
Periodically check your event history in the app. This helps you spot patterns—like frequent visitors or suspicious activity.
Conclusion
Congratulations—you’ve successfully learned how to put up Ring Doorbell 2! Whether you chose the wired or battery-powered option, you now have a powerful smart security device protecting your home.
From downloading the app and choosing the right mounting bracket to connecting to Wi-Fi and testing all features, this guide covered every step to ensure a smooth installation. Remember to secure your device with the security screw, keep your Wi-Fi strong, and maintain the doorbell regularly for the best performance.
With your Ring Doorbell 2 in place, you’ll never miss a delivery, visitor, or unexpected guest again. It’s a small investment that delivers big peace of mind.
Now go enjoy your smarter, safer home!