Ring Video Doorbell – Best Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Doorbell

You can’t talk about doorbell cameras without mentioning the Ring brand. Ring was the first to market the idea to a wider audience and it has remained one of the top producers of the technology. However, many users aren’t familiar with all the features that Ring doorbells provide.

In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide, from setup to basic tips and tricks, so you can make the most of this remarkable gadget.

If you’re not entirely familiar with the Ring doorbell and all of its product types, we’ve got your back. Below, we’ll provide an overview of the company that created Ring, along with a brief comparative table of its products.

Ring doorbells are a line of video doorbell security devices produced by a company of the same name. Ring LLC was initially a tech startup founded under the name Doorbot by Jaimie Siminoff in 2013. In the same year, an appearance on the reality show Shark Tank drove customer interest, which allowed the company, now rebranded as Ring, to gain $5 million in additional sales.

After an influx of over $200 million in investment funding by 2016, the company enjoyed a lot of growth and development. In February 2018, the company was acquired by Amazon for an estimated $1.2-$1.8 billion. The company has since produced some of the most popular doorbell security products.

The name Ring has become almost synonymous with the video doorbell as it was the company that popularized the devices. Competition in the form of Google’s Nest and Arlo has given it a run for its money, but all in all, Ring has remained at the top of the market.

Ring has continually developed its products ever since the launch of its first model in 2013. The newest items in the Ring line of video doorbells are:

• Ring Video Doorbell Wired
  A less expensive version of Ring’s wired doorbells, it includes many of the essential features of its hardwired cousins. As with other hardwired Ring products, it requires already-installed doorbell wiring. Unlike the other hardwired models, though, it won’t work with previously installed chimes and requires a chime that is sold separately.
• Video Doorbell Pro 2
  Considered as Ring’s best-in-class hardwired offering, it comes with cutting-edge features, higher resolutions, better audio recordings, and much more. Along with the high-end advantages comes a hefty price tag, so it isn’t for everyone.
• Video Doorbell 4
  The latest iteration of Ring’s battery or hardwired options, the Video Doorbell 4 provides enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, easier recharging via a quick-release battery pack, and the ability to watch Pre-Roll video that isn’t available on other battery-operated Ring doorbells. It’s pricier than the previous model, but not by much.

This depends on your budget, the existence of available wiring, the features that you want, and the strength of your Wi-Fi connection. Wired Ring doorbells need to be hardwired into an already installed setup. If you already have a doorbell installed, it’s just a quick process of removing your old doorbell and replacing it with the Ring. If you buy a wired Ring doorbell but have no previous doorbell installation, you’ll have to go through the trouble of putting in additional wiring.

Battery-powered Ring doorbells eliminate the need to depend on old doorbell wires, but this limits some of the features available. The constant power provided by wiring allows for constant video monitoring when compared to batteries.

We’ve provided a comparative table of the various available Ring doorbell models, their features, and their prices so you can decide which one suits your needs.

Ring doorbells are available via the company website, or Amazon. Brick-and-mortar stores like Walmart and Target also offer the device in their alarms and security sections. Stores that specialize in security products may also offer Ring doorbell models for sale, so check your local store’s listings to find out more. The prices indicated above are based on the official Ring website. Prices may vary depending on availability, store location, current promos and discounts, and shipping fees.

The setup and installation of your Ring doorbell depends on whether you’re replacing an existing doorbell or setting up a new doorbell completely. We’ve provided guides on how to do both. The process is similar for all models except the 1st Generation of the Ring doorbell, which came with an optional diode for hardwiring the device to digital chimes. The 2020 release version had a built-in diode for the same purpose.

Before installing the Ring doorbell, make sure that it’s properly synced with the Ring app. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Download the Ring app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and log in to your Ring account. If you don’t have an account, tap Create Account and follow the instructions given.
3. Once logged in, tap Set Up a Device.
4. Tap Doorbells.
5. Scan either the QR code or the MAC ID barcode. The QR code is located on the front of the Ring device, the MAC ID is at the back. The codes can also be found in both the packaging and the Quick Start Guide.
6. When prompted, specify your location. Some features of the Ring doorbell won’t work properly if you don’t specify an address.
7. Name your Ring doorbell.
8. If you’re on an Android device, you should be automatically connected to the Ring network. For iOS, tap Join when prompted.
9. Connect to your local Wi-Fi network. If the Ring doorbell flashes white, it is currently updating. Please don’t attempt to ring the device or it will delay the update.
10. Once the update is complete, push the front button to initiate the test call. This will conclude the setup process.

If you’re replacing your old doorbell with a Ring doorbell, these steps to guide you:

1. Set up the Ring App.
2. Charge the built-in battery. When only one LED is lit, the battery is fully charged.
3. Remove your old doorbell.

1. Turn off the power at the breaker.
2. Remove the old doorbell and disconnect the wiring.
3. Note that to connect the Ring doorbell to existing wires, you’ll require a transformer with 8-24 VAC voltage, 40VA max, 50/60Hz.

4. Mount the Ring doorbell bracket

1. Clip the level tool provided in the box to the bracket.
2. Place the bracket in the position of the old doorbell. Make sure that the wires are easily accessible.
3. If the wires are of an insufficient length, you can use the wire extensions included in the box.
4. Make sure that the bracket is properly aligned using the level tool.
5. Mark the position of the screw holes using a pencil.

5. Drill the marked holes with the drill head provided. If you’re installing the doorbell on wood, you can skip this step.
6. Connect the wires to the screws on the Ring doorbell. The doesn’t matter – the wire can attach to any of the screws.
7. If you’re using a 1^st Generation Ring doorbell with the included diode, refer to the instructions given below to see if the diode needs to be used. If it does, install the diode.
8. Attach the Ring doorbell to the wall using the screws provided.
9. Install the star-shaped security screw to secure the faceplate.

The steps to install the Ring doorbell without an existing doorbell are practically the same as setting it up with existing wires. The only difference is that you skip the part where you attach the wiring to the screws of the bracket. The actual instructions are as follows:

1. Install and set up the Ring App.
2. Charge the Ring Doorbell’s built-in battery. The battery is fully charged if only one LED light remains.
3. Mount the Ring doorbell bracket

1. Take the level tool provided with the kit and clip it on the bracket.
2. Place the bracket in the position you want to install the Ring doorbell.
3. Make sure that the bracket is properly aligned using the level tool.
4. Mark the position of the screw holes using a pencil.
5. With the provided drill head, drill the holes you marked. If you’re installing on wood, you can skip this step and install the screws directly.

4. Attach the Ring doorbell to the wall using the screws provided.
5. Install the star-shaped security screw to secure the faceplate.

The 1^st Generation Ring doorbell included a diode, the use of which depended on whether the existing doorbell chime was mechanical or not. Using the diode is simple, but first, you must determine if you need to use it in the first place. Before using the diode, take note of the following:

1. If you’re not replacing an existing doorbell, you don’t need the diode.
2. If the chime of the old doorbell is mechanical, you don’t need the diode.
3. Use the diode only if the chime is digital. Using the diode when it isn’t needed may damage the chime.
4. To determine if your chime is digital or mechanical, you can do the following:

1. Open the cover of your doorbell chime.
2. If your chime produces sound using a mallet and a metal plate, it’s a mechanical chime. If the chime produces sound through a speaker, it’s a digital one.

1. On one side of the diode wire, use a screw or pencil to loop the wire around so it forms a circle.
2. Repeat the process for the other end of the diode.
3. Place the diode between the screws on the doorbell bracket. Don’t worry about positioning; if you’ve installed it wrong, the chime won’t sound. Test the doorbell chime. If it doesn’t work, turn the diode over.
4. If the chime is properly working, tighten the screws to secure the diode in place.
5. Finish the installation of your Ring doorbell.

Below are some basic tips and tricks to make the most of your Ring doorbell.

The Ring doorbell can easily connect with various smart home systems, whether you’re using Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. Below, we’ll provide the steps to integrate your Ring doorbell to the smart home hub of your choice.

Connecting With Alexa

To use Alexa with your Ring doorbell, follow these steps:

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap the bottom right icon to open the menu.
3. From the list, tap Skills & Games.
4. On the search box, type in Ring.
5. Tap Enable.
6. Alexa will now ask you to log in to your Ring account. Enter your account details and proceed with the log in.
7. Tap Discover Devices.
8. You’ll now be shown a list of all available Ring devices within reach. If you don’t want to sync Alexa with a particular Ring device, tap Forget.
9. If Alexa doesn’t automatically show a device list, Tap Devices, then Tap Discover.
10. Alternatively, you can say “Alexa, discover my devices” to do this by voice command.

Connect With Google Assistant

You can link your Ring doorbell to the Google Assistant by using Ring’s Google Home page. The instructions to do this are as follows:

1. Go to the Ring Google Home Page.
2. Log in to your Google Account. Make sure that the account you use is the same one you use with your Google Home device.
3. Once logged in, click Send to Device.
4. Choose the Google device that you want to pair with your Ring doorbell.
5. Your mobile Google Assistant app should receive a notification. Tap Yes.
6. If you don’t see a Send to Device button on the Ring Google Home page, click Link in the upper right of the screen. Click Link on the popup screen.
7. Log in to your Ring account.
8. Tap Authorize to enable Google Home access.
9. Google Home should now be linked to your Ring doorbell.

Connecting With Siri/Home Kit

There is currently no official native Home Kit support for any Ring Devices. Ring can still be connected to a Home Kit hub via third-party applications like Homebridge, but there’s no guarantee that it will work. Some models of Ring Doorbells work fine with Homebridge, while some don’t support it. Until an update is provided by Ring to support Home Kit or Siri integration, third-party API is your only choice.

IFTTT Recipes

IFTTT has a lot of recipes available to increase the versatility of your Ring doorbell. Some of the more popular IFTTT scripts are listed below:

1. Pause Spotify music when Ring detects any motion.
2. Turn on your Hue lights when someone rings the doorbell.
3. Keep a log of any doorbell rings via spreadsheet saved on Google Drive.
4. Pause iRobot cleaning activity when someone rings the doorbell.
5. Receive an SMS message when motion is detected or someone rings the doorbell.

If you’re interested in Ring and IFTTT, you can check out more recipes on IFTTT’s Ring page.

The Ring app has many of its security features on the Control Center tab. Ring created this feature to centralize security functions to provide ease of access. Some  important features of the control center are:

Two-Step Verification

Two-step verification prevents third parties from accessing your Ring account. It avoids unauthorized logins and keeps all your information safe. This is mandatory and you can’t opt-out of it.

Ring will send a message to the email address registered with your Ring account with a six-digit code that you’ll need to enter when you log onto Ring. The code is valid for ten minutes, and once that time expires, you’ll need to ask Ring for a new code. The Control center provides ways to edit your two-step verification settings.

View and Remove Authorized Client Devices

This section provides a list of all the devices currently connected to your Ring doorbell. If some of these devices are no longer in use or you want to limit their access to your Ring doorbell, you can remove their authorization here.

View and Remove Shared Users

If your Ring devices have shared access to other people, you can easily remove them from this menu.

Shared Video Management

From this menu, you can choose to share a video with others via email or the Neighbors app. You can also delete any shared video that you uploaded from this menu.

The Neighbors App

US users can opt in to receive community updates released in their area via the Neighbors app. Via the app they can view crime and safety alerts, and share community videos recorded by their Ring devices. Some local police departments can also use the Neighbors app to request video to aid in any investigation they conduct. You can opt out of the Neighbors app via the Control Center tab.

Ring notifications and alert options are under the Alarm Alerts tab of the Ring app. You can enable or disable individual alerts via this menu. From the email tab under Alerts, you can choose to receive emails whenever Ring sends out a notification. This feature is turned off by default.

Under the Push tab, there are several push-notification options that you can choose to toggle on or off. All of these alerts are enabled by default. General alarm notification can’t be toggled off via the individual settings, but they will be turned off if the user chooses to turn off push notifications entirely. It’s recommended that you keep push notifications enabled to alert you of any emergency.

Although the Ring’s battery can last for a while, constant use will eventually drain it quickly. If your Ring doorbell isn’t hardwired, you’ll need to make sure that your doorbell doesn’t run out of power. Below are some tips and tricks to make sure that your Ring doorbell works when you need it to.

Buy an Extra Battery

Charging the battery pack of the Ring doorbell via the provided micro-USB cable can take anywhere from five to ten hours. This is too long a time to be left without any protection. To make sure that your Ring doorbell isn’t out for too long, it’s recommended that you buy an extra battery pack. That way, you’ll always have a fully charged pack ready to go when your current one runs out.

Use Motion Detection

The Ring Doorbell’s battery life depends on how long it keeps running, Constantly recording isn’t a big deal if the doorbell is hardwired, but this isn't advisable if you’re only using a battery. Turn on motion detection via the Ring app options so that it only starts recording when it detects something. This will save battery life and space in your cloud video storage.

Below are some troubleshooting tips for your Ring doorbell.

If you wish to do a factory reset on your Ring doorbell, you can do so by pushing the reset button located inside the device. For the 1^st generation doorbell, there is an orange button located in the back of the device. Hold this down for 20 seconds to reset it.

For newer models, the black reset button is at the front of the device. Hold this button down for 15 seconds to initiate a factory reset.

The light on your Ring doorbell will start flashing, indicating that it’s in the reset process. Once the flashing stops, your Ring doorbell should be ready for a new setup.

Once you’ve reset your Ring doorbell to factory settings, you may want to remove it from the Ring app. This is handy if you want to reinstall the doorbell or if you’re thinking of selling it. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the menu in the upper left corner.
3. From the list tap Devices.
4. Tap the name of your Ring doorbell.
5. Tap Device Settings
6. Tap General Settings
7. Tap Remove this device.
8. Tap Remove device.

Do note that this will delete all recorded video and reset any settings you may have saved for this device. Once done, the Ring doorbell is ready for a clean setup.

If your Ring doorbell has disconnected from your Wi-Fi, you can manually reconnect it by doing the following:

1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the menu icon on the top left of the screen.
3. Tap Devices.
4. Tap the name of your Ring doorbell.
5. Tap Device Health.
6. Choose Reconnect to Wi-Fi to connect to your current network, or choose Change Wi-Fi Network if you want to connect to another Wi-Fi network.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Ring doorbells.

1. Is Ring Doorbell Waterproof?
   No. The Ring doorbell is self-described as weatherproof, but this only means regular exposure to ambient weather. The Ring doorbell will be able to withstand freezing temperatures or driving rain, but it’s best to avoid submerging the device in water.
2. Do I Need Wi-Fi for Ring Doorbell?
   Yes. Many of the functions of the Ring doorbell require a Wi-Fi connection to work. There is no local storage for the video files that Ring records, so no clips can be saved without a connection. The chime, if one is connected, will still work, but other functions won’t be available.
3. Can I Save Ring Doorbell Video Without Subscription?
   No. If you don’t have a Ring Protect subscription, you’ll only have access to the live feed feature of your Ring doorbell. There are some programs available online that try to work around this, but they aren’t easy to use. Ring also regularly updates its software to disable any third-party recording programs that it discovers, so this may only be a temporary solution.
   
   If you want to save the video that your Ring doorbell records, you’re obliged to pay for a Ring Protect subscription. The basic subscription is $3 per month, or $30 per year. Ring Protect Plus costs $10 per month or $100 per year.
4. Do I Need a Ring Video Doorbell Subscription?
   A Ring Protect subscription isn’t technically needed, but it’s recommended that you get one. Many features and advantages of the Ring depend on keeping a record of events, and this can only be done with the subscription. Without one, you’ll still be notified of any movement that it detects, but you’ll be limited to live feeds via the free subscription.
5. How Long Does the Ring Doorbell Battery Last?
   The batteries of the Ring doorbell are rated to last anywhere from six to twelve months, but that can vary depending on use. Temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the battery to deplete faster, and if it goes under -5 degrees Fahrenheit, it will refuse to work at all. It’s best to follow the battery-saving tips outlined above to prolong the battery life of your Ring doorbell.
6. How Do I Check the Battery of My Ring Doorbell?
   You can check the current status of your battery via the Ring app. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open the Ring app.
• Tap the menu icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
• Tap the name of your Ring doorbell device.
• The battery indicator is in the top right corner of the screen.

7. How Long Does It Take for the Ring Doorbell to Charge?
   A full charge of the Ring battery will take anywhere from five to ten hours to complete. It’s recommended that you purchase a second battery pack to ensure that you have one fully charged and ready to go. It’s inadvisable to allow the battery of your Ring doorbell to fully run out as it may cause the settings to reset.
8. Does Ring Doorbell Record Video?
   Yes. Any user with a Ring Protect subscription can record video and upload it to the cloud. Free users only have the option of watching live feed from the camera. The length and frequency of video recordings can be adjusted via the Ring app. The amount of storage that the user has depends on whether they have the Basic or the Protect Plus subscription.

9. Does the Ring Doorbell Record Audio?
   Yes. All Ring doorbell models are equipped with a built-in speaker and mic that allow two-way communication via the device. This gives the Ring the ability to record audio as well as video and save it to the cloud. Do note that you need a Ring Protect subscription to save data as there is no local storage available.
10. Does Ring Doorbell Have Night Vision?
    Yes. All Ring doorbell models are equipped with night vision, with the latest ones even offering colored night vision modes. In contrast to the normal black and white night vision, colored mode uses existing ambient light to create a false color mode. This increases the contrast of the picture and makes details easier to identify.
11. Can I Change Ring Doorbell Sounds?
    If your Ring doorbell is connected to a physical chime via a previous doorbell, you can’t change it unless you replace the chime itself. If you bought a separate Ring Chime device, you can change the sounds by doing the following:
    1. Open the Ring app.
    2. Tap the menu icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
    3. Tap Devices.
    4. Choose the Chime you wish to change.
    5. Tap Audio Settings.
    6. Tap Chime Tones.
    7. Choose a chime from the list given.
12. Is Ring Doorbell Wireless?
    All Ring doorbell models can be hardwired to provide power to the device. The Ring doorbell Elite, Pro, Pro 2, and Wired are exclusively powered via a wired electric connection. The rest can be battery-operated or hardwired.
    
    When it comes to internet connectivity, the majority of Ring products rely on Wi-Fi to connect to the network. The only exception is the Ring doorbell Elite which can be connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable.
13. Why Is My Ring Doorbell Flashing Blue?
    A flashing blue light indicates that the Ring doorbell is currently charging. When the flashing stops and the light is solid blue, it means that the Ring doorbell is fully charged.
14. Can I Install the Ring Doorbell Without Drilling?
    Yes. Ring offers a no-drill mount for both the 2020 Release model and the Doorbell 3, 3 plus and Pro. The mount uses an adhesive backing to attach to your walls, and the mount can be used to attach the Ring doorbell bracket. You can use a no-drill mount whether you’re replacing a previous doorbell or setting up a new doorbell entirely.
    
    Some models of the Ring doorbell, – namely the Ring Doorbell Elite, Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Pro 2, and Ring Doorbell Wired – require wiring to be powered. Having an existing doorbell is desirable as this means that suitable electric wiring is already available.
    
    You don’t necessarily need a previous doorbell, but if you have one of the models above, doing a clean install means you’ll have to put in additional wiring. Other Ring doorbell models can be installed without wiring, so an existing doorbell is unnecessary.

Ring doorbells provide safety and security for thousands of homes each year. Knowing the best tips and tricks on how to get the most from your doorbell is always a good thing. From basic setup to troubleshooting tips, we hope that this guide has given you the info that you need.

Do you have other Ring doorbell tips and tricks that you want to share? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.