How to Connect a Ring Doorbell to Wi-Fi

Before you start this process, you should of course charge the battery and install the unit. After that, it's a simple process to connect your Ring doorbell to Wi-Fi.

1. Download the Ring app on iOS or Android. Create a Ring account (or log in if you already have one), then tap “Set Up a Device.” Select the doorbell model you want to connect.

2. Scan the MAC ID barcode or QR code on the back of the device or product packaging.

3. Put in your home address and name the device.

4. Use the setup button on the device to put it in setup mode. There will be a spinning white light on the front of the unit if successful.

5. Tap “Join” and select the Ring doorbell. The doorbell’s name will include text like Ring or Ring Setup, plus elements of the device’s MAC ID.

Ring Doorbell Name MAC ID

6. Select your preferred Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

a. Your device may need to update after connecting to the network. The light on the device will flash white during an update.

 

7. Wait until after the doorbell finishes updating and then press the button to test your doorbell—you’ll get a mobile app notification if successful.

You can expect to use the same steps on each Ring doorbell model listed here:

Want to learn more about Ring’s doorbells? See our Ring doorbell review.

Need a security system that works with these doorbells? See our Ring security review.


Charging and installing your Ring doorbell

While connecting to the Wi-Fi is an important step, it won’t go as smoothly if you skip steps like charging and installing the doorbell first. Here’s a quick rundown of those steps:

Charge your doorbell

While you can connect any of the battery-powered Ring doorbells to Wi-Fi before installation, it’s a good idea to install the unit first. This helps you know if the Wi-Fi connection is stable enough in the final location.

Install your doorbell

While you can connect any of the battery-powered Ring doorbells to Wi-Fi before installation, it’s a good idea to install the unit first. This helps you know if the Wi-Fi connection is stable enough in the final location.

Poor Wi-Fi connection?
Protip

If the Wi-Fi signal isn’t strong enough to keep your Ring video doorbell connected, you can use a Wi-Fi extender like the Ring Chime Pro to ensure a more reliable connection.

>>View Accessory

As for the models without batteries—the Ring Pro and the Ring Elite—you can’t connect them to the Wi-Fi until after you hook them up to doorbell wiring and power them on.

You can find instructions for installation in the box that came with your doorbell or in the Ring mobile app.

Need more help installing your Ring doorbell? We’ve written an in-depth guide on how to install Ring’s most popular doorbells.


FAQ

Does the Ring doorbell work without Wi-Fi?

Without a Wi-Fi network, you can’t use the smart home functions such as video, two-way audio, notifications, and the mobile app.

If you connected the unit to an existing doorbell chime during installation, it still rings the doorbell when someone pushes the button.

My Ring doorbell is not connecting to Wi-Fi

Here are some common problems that can affect your doorbell’s Wi-Fi connection:

  • Your Wi-Fi network is offline. Check to see if other devices have a connection to your network. Restart or reset your Wi-Fi router as necessary. You can also restart your doorbell and press the setup button on the Ring doorbell to see if it reconnects. If the doorbell doesn’t reconnect, you may need to redo the initial setup process.
  • The power is out. Check to see if your router and doorbell both have power.
  • Your doorbell doesn’t have enough power. Recharge the battery or update your doorbell transformer to meet Ring’s minimum requirement.
  • You changed your Wi-Fi password. You should occasionally change your Wi-Fi password for better security. Just make sure you update the Wi-Fi password on your doorbell to reflect the change.

Where is the setup button on the Ring doorbell?

On the back or side of the doorbell, depending on the model.

Ring Setup Buttons

Setup buttons on the side of the Ring Pro (left) and back of the original Ring (right).

How do I reset my Ring doorbell?

You can perform a hard reset by holding down the setup button for 15 seconds. After 15 seconds, the light on the front of the unit will flash before the device restarts in setup mode.

How do I set up a Ring neighborhood?

The app automatically adds you to a Ring neighborhood based on your location, but you can customize alerts for your neighborhood in the Ring app.


Using your new Ring doorbell

Once you set up your new doorbell, you can start exploring the app to learn about helpful features and connect it to other smart home devices. We recommend using an Amazon Alexa smart speaker with your new doorbell so you don’t always have to use your phone to talk with visitors at your door.

Learn more: What works with Amazon Alexa?

Want to learn about other smart doorbells? Check out our reviews of the best doorbell cameras.