If you recently got a new Ring Video Doorbell and are ready to get it up and running, you’ve come to the right place. And if you’ve been putting it off because home projects intimidate you, there’s no need to stress about this one. Installing and setting up a Ring Doorbell is quick and simple, and everything you need comes in the box.
Before you get started, figure out which type of device you have (or want to purchase): wired or battery-powered.
If your home already has a traditional doorbell installed, you can tap into its low-voltage wiring, using the same wires that power your existing doorbell for your Ring Doorbell. If you don’t have an existing doorbell, or you simply don’t want to mess with electricity at all, you can opt for one of the battery-powered Ring models.
No matter which type of device you have, we’re here to help. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to install your new Ring Doorbell.
How to install a battery-powered Ring Doorbell
Setting up one of the Ring battery-powered models (like the Battery Video Doorbell, Battery Doorbell Plus, or the Battery Doorbell Pro) is very straightforward.
Here’s what to do:
1. Charge the battery that came with your Ring device. Depending on the model, the battery might be removable or integrated into the Ring itself.
2. Download the Ring mobile app on your phone. Follow the instructions in the app to create a Ring account (or sign into your existing Ring account) and configure your new device. (Tip: do this step near your Wi-Fi router.)
3. Decide where you want to mount your Ring and begin installation.
4. Depending on which model Ring you have, either remove the faceplate or the mounting bracket and use the mounting holes to mark where you want to position it. Some models may include a small level to help orient the Ring on your wall.
5. If you’re mounting the Ring Doorbell to brick, concrete or stucco, use a 6mm (1/4 in) masonry bit to drill pilot holes for the included wall anchors. If you’re positioning it over wood or siding, you can skip this step.
6. Screw the Ring Doorbell onto the wall with the mounting screws.
7. For Ring Doorbell models with a removable battery, insert it now and replace the faceplate.
8. Use the special screwdriver included with your Ring Doorbell to tighten the security screw that secures the Ring in place.
How to install a wired Ring Doorbell
If you opt for one of Ring’s wired models (like the Video Doorbell Wired, Wired Doorbell Plus, or the Wired Doorbell Pro), setup is very similar to installing a battery model. You will be working with electrical wires during this installation and if you are not comfortable or have no experience doing so, you can contact a qualified electrician for support.
Here’s what to do:
1. Start by installing the Ring mobile app on your phone. Follow the instructions in the app to create a Ring account (or sign into your existing Ring account) and configure your new Ring Doorbell.
2. Turn off the power at the consumer unit. If you’re unsure which breaker controls your doorbell chime, turn off the master breaker for your home. Confirm it’s off by pressing your doorbell.
3. Find the chime box inside your house—it’s probably near the front door—and pop the cover off.
4. Check if your existing chime is compatible. If it is powered directly with 230V and doesn’t include a step-down transformer to lower the voltage to 8 to 24 VAC, then it is not compatible. You can replace it with a RING DIN Rail Transformer (2nd Generation) by a qualified electrician.
5. At your Chime box, look for terminal screws with connected wires. Loosen the screws on the left side, disconnect the wires and straighten the ends.
6. Unpack the bypass cable and lift the lever that corresponds to the open port on each connector. Then insert the wires into the open ports and push the levers down to secure them in place. Place the cover back on your chime.
7. Outside your front door, remove the old doorbell. That’s probably a simple matter of unscrewing it from the wall.
8. Unscrew the wires from the doorbell and securely tape them to the wall so they don’t fall into the open doorbell hole and disappear inside your wall forever.
9. Remove the faceplate from your new Ring device and mark the mounting holes with a pencil so you know where to screw it in.
10. The material you’re affixing the doorbell to matters. If you’re mounting it on brick, concrete or stucco, check the Ring box for a special drill bit. Use it to drill pilot holes for your screws.
11. Securely connect your home’s doorbell wires to the screws on the back of the Ring Doorbell. Don’t be surprised if the wires are too short to work with. If that’s the case, use the extension wires and wire nuts included in the Ring packaging.
12. Screw the Ring Doorbell onto the wall with the mounting screws.
13. Reattach the faceplate.
14. You should see that there’s a special security screw at the bottom of the Ring. This prevents anyone from disconnecting the Ring Doorbell from power. Use the special small screwdriver included with your Ring Doorbell to tighten that screw, which secures the faceplate in place.
15. Turn the power back on at your breaker box. It might take a little while for your Ring Doorbell to power on, but you’ll know it’s ready when the light starts spinning and it makes a sound.
16. Complete the set-up in the Ring app.
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