How to Install Your Ring Video Doorbell the Right Way
Do you want to learn about one of the best ways to protect your home? The Ring Video Doorbell is a fantastic piece of smart home tech that announces visitors at your front door and deters would-be package thieves. The Ring app allows you to view video from your doorbell on most smartphones. Installation is easy, and we’ll go over everything you need to know.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
The first step is to choose a video doorbell. A Ring doorbell is not the only option, but the example we’ll use in this article. You’ll also need:
- An internet connection.
- A smartphone or tablet.
- The Ring screwdriver tool (included with your doorbell.)
- A wire stripper (optional.)
- A vinyl siding mounting block (optional.)
Just to note, If you’re not comfortable with DIY you should consult a qualified person before starting. We will not be held responsible for any issues arising from self-installation.
1. Shut Off Power to Your Existing Doorbell
To install your Ring Video Doorbell you’ll have to remove your old doorbell. First, you’ll need to shut off the power to the doorbell circuit. Find the breaker box in your home, and shut off the breaker that corresponds to your doorbell.
In this example, the breaker is labeled. If your breaker isn’t labeled, try turning off the breakers near the front door. Press the old doorbell after each breaker is off until you don’t hear any sound from the chime.
2. Remove the Old Doorbell
Most regular doorbells have two Phillips screws attaching them to your home that you’ll have to remove to expose the switch wiring. You may need to pry the doorbell assembly away from the wall. Unscrew both wire terminals from the old doorbell, and remove the assembly. If this wiring is damaged, you’ll need to strip the doorbell wires to about 1/4 inch.
3. Install the Ring Mounting Plate
There are four screws that hold the Ring doorbell mounting plate in place, and two smaller screws to attach the doorbell wiring. We found it easier to attach the wiring before mounting the plate.
Using the Ring screwdriver, attach the wiring to the plate. It doesn’t matter which wire goes to which terminal, but do not over-tighten the screws. Use the included level to make sure the plate is straight.
Once the wires are snug, secure the plate to the wall. Don’t over-tighten the plate screws. Once everything is installed, switch the power back on at the breaker.
A quick note on vinyl siding: if your home has vinyl siding, the Ring mounting plate may not sit flush with the wall. In this case, you’ll need to purchase a vinyl siding mounting block. This block will provide the flat surface necessary to mount your doorbell flush.
In our example, we’ve used a mounting block. You can find these blocks at most big-box hardware stores. Ring also sells a mounting block variation on its website.
4. Setting Up Your Ring Doorbell App
You’ll need to set up the Ring App for iOS or Android before installing the Ring device on the mounting plate. If you’ve downloaded the Ring app to your smartphone, open the app. If this is your first Ring device, you’ll be prompted to create an account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.
- At the Ring app home screen, tap the three lines in the upper left corner.
- Tap Devices.
- Tap SET UP A DEVICE at the bottom.
- Tap Doorbells, and tap to allow the Ring app to use your camera.
On the back of your Ring doorbell or on the box it came in, you’ll see a QR code. Using your smartphone, center the QR code at the top of your screen. A green square should appear around the QR code (If your Ring is an older model, instead of a QR code, you may have a MAC ID.)
Next, you’ll be prompted to enable location access. It is important to provide this access because, without it, some features of your doorbell won’t function properly. From there, set a name for your device.
5. Connecting Ring to Your Wi-Fi Network
If you use Android, your phone should automatically connect to the Ring Wi-Fi network. On iOS, you’ll be prompted to Join the Ring Wi-Fi network. If your device doesn’t connect automatically, you’ll need to connect manually.
- On iOS open Settings > Wi-Fi then tap the Ring network.
- On Android open Settings > Connection > Wi-Fi and select the Ring network.
The Ring network may appear as Ring and the last six digits of the MAC ID, or it may appear as Ring Setup followed by the last two digits of the MAC ID. Once you are connected, exit Settings, and return to the Ring app.
The app will ask you to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Select your network, enter your Wi-Fi password, and press Continue.
Once your doorbell is set up in the app, test it by pressing the center button. You should receive a notification that it’s working.
6. Installing the Doorbell on the Mounting Plate
Align the doorbell slightly above the mounting plate, and slide down to secure. Using the Torx end of your Ring tool, secure the two mounting screws on the bottom to complete the installation.
7. Setting Motion Zones, Checking Device Health, and Custom Motion Schedules
Some great things about the Ring doorbell include its ability to set custom zones, monitor device health, and set a schedule for notifications. We’ll briefly discuss these features to help get you started.
How to Set Motion Zones
- At the Ring app home screen, tap the three lines in the upper left corner.
- Tap Devices.
- Tap your ring device at the top, for example, Front Door.
- Tap Motion Settings.
- Tap Edit Zones.
You may create up to three motion zones that help to avoid false notifications like passing traffic, or neighbors checking their mail. Tap Add Zone at the bottom of the screen and drag the colored sliders until you’ve highlighted an area. Movement in that area will trigger a Ring notification. Movement outside the area is ignored.
How to Check Your Device Health
Not getting Ring notifications? There are some things you can do if your device is offline. There may also be other issues, and you can check your device health.
- At the Ring app home screen, tap the three lines in the upper left corner.
- Tap Devices.
- Tap your ring device at the top, for example, Front Door.
- Tap Device Health.
You’ll see details about your doorbell, including Wi-Fi signal strength, firmware status, MAC Address, and even transformer voltage.
How to Add Custom Motion Schedules
Sometimes you won’t want to receive notifications, for example, when you’re sleeping. You can set specific times and days for the Ring doorbell to ignore motion.
- At the Ring app home screen, tap the three lines in the upper left corner.
- Tap Devices.
- Tap your ring device at the top, for example, Front Door.
- Tap Motion Settings.
- Tap Advanced Settings.
- Tap Motion Schedules.
- Tap ADD SCHEDULE.
Name your schedule, and set a timeframe to mute notifications. Tap CONTINUE and select the days you would like this custom schedule to apply. Tap SAVE to save your custom schedule.
Enjoy the Security of Your Ring Doorbell
The Ring Video Doorbell is a simple yet effective addition to your smart home. Installing this device will help you enjoy a safer smart home experience. Customization of the doorbell is easy, and there are many options for the personalization of the device.
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