Is your Ring Doorbell not working as it should? Are you experiencing issues such as not detecting motion, disconnection from Wi-Fi, or not ringing? Fortunately, most of these problems can be resolved with easy tweaks and simple troubleshooting.
One of the most common issues with Ring Doorbells is poor connection. If your Ring device is having trouble connecting, the Ring app will show an error with a code that will help you with your issue. There are a few top reasons for poor connection, such as distance from the router, interference from other devices, or a weak Wi-Fi signal.
Another common issue is not being able to hear the doorbell ring inside your home. If your doorbell is functioning but you can’t hear the internal chime, there are several possible reasons. Depending on the cause, though, the problem may be easy to fix. The article below will outline these reasons. Simply determine which situation describes your circumstances to find the best solution.
Why has my Ring Doorbell suddenly stopped working?
If you are experiencing issues with your Ring Doorbell, you may be wondering why it has suddenly stopped working. Here are some common reasons why your Ring Doorbell may have stopped working:
- Power Issues: The Ring Doorbell requires power to function properly. If your doorbell is not receiving power, it may not work. Check the power source and make sure it is properly connected.
- Wi-Fi Connection: The Ring Doorbell requires a stable Wi-Fi connection to function. If your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable, your doorbell may not work properly. Check your Wi-Fi connection and make sure it is strong and stable.
- Device Malfunction: Sometimes, electronic devices can malfunction. If your Ring Doorbell has suddenly stopped working, it may be due to a malfunction. Try resetting the device.
- Battery Issues: If you have a battery-powered Ring Doorbell, it may have stopped working due to a dead battery. Check the battery level and replace the battery if necessary.
- Weather Conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can damage electronic devices. If your Ring Doorbell has been exposed to extreme weather conditions, it may have stopped working.
In conclusion, there are several reasons why your Ring Doorbell may have suddenly stopped working. By checking the power source, Wi-Fi connection, device malfunction, battery level, and weather conditions, you can troubleshoot the issue and get your doorbell working again.
Server Outages
If you are experiencing issues with your Ring Doorbell not working, it is possible that the Ring server is down. Ring server outages can occur due to various reasons, including maintenance, technical glitches, or high traffic.
To check if there is a server outage, you can visit the Ring.com status page or downdetector.com. The page provides real-time updates on the status of Ring servers and devices. If there is an outage, Ring will post updates on the estimated time of restoration and any other relevant information.
If you suspect that there is a server outage, you can try resetting your Ring Doorbell. To reset your device, press and hold the orange button on the back of the device for at least 20 seconds. This will reset your device to its factory settings, and you will need to set it up again.
It is important to note that server outages are rare, and most issues with Ring Doorbells can be resolved by troubleshooting your device or checking your internet connection. However, if you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and suspect that the issue is due to a server outage, it is best to wait for Ring to resolve the issue.
Check Device’s Health
One of the first things you should do if your Ring Doorbell is not working properly is to check its device health. The device health section of the Ring app provides you with important information about the status of your device, including its battery level, Wi-Fi signal strength, and firmware version.
To access the device health section, follow these steps:
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select “Devices” from the menu.
- Choose the device you want to check.
- Tap “Device Health” below the image of the device.
Once you’re in the device health section, you can check the following:
Battery Level
The battery level shows you how much power your Ring Doorbell has left. If the battery level is low, you may need to recharge it. You can also check the battery health to see if it’s time to replace the battery.
Wi-Fi Signal Strength
The Wi-Fi signal strength tells you how well your Ring Doorbell is connected to your Wi-Fi network. If the signal strength is poor, you may need to move your router closer to your device or add a Wi-Fi extender.
Firmware Version
The firmware version shows you the current version of the software running on your Ring Doorbell. If there’s a new version available, you can update it from the device health section.
If you’re experiencing issues with your Ring Doorbell, checking its device health is a good place to start. By understanding the status of your device’s battery, Wi-Fi signal, and firmware, you can troubleshoot and resolve any problems you may be having.
Checking for Damages
If your Ring Doorbell is not working, the first thing you should do is check for any damages. Here are some steps you can take:
- Check the charger and the USB cable for any visible damage. If you see any frayed wires or other signs of damage, replace them immediately.
- If your Ring Doorbell has a removable battery, check to make sure it is properly clicked into place. If it is not, remove it and reinsert it properly.
- If your Ring Doorbell is hardwired, check the wiring to make sure it is not loose or damaged. If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, contact a professional electrician.
- Check the Ring Doorbell itself for any visible damage, such as cracks or other signs of physical damage. If you see any damage, contact Ring customer support for assistance.
It is important to note that attempting to repair a damaged Ring Doorbell yourself can be dangerous and can void your warranty.
Check Doorbell Settings
If your Ring doorbell is not working, one of the first things you should check is your doorbell settings. Here are some steps to follow:
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap on the menu icon (☰) in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select “Devices” from the menu options.
- Choose the Ring device that you are having issues with.
- Tap on “Device Settings”.
- Check that the settings are correct for your device and your needs.
Some of the settings you may want to check include:
- Motion Settings: Make sure that your motion settings are set up correctly for your environment. You may need to adjust the sensitivity or create motion zones to help reduce false alerts.
- Live View Settings: Ensure that the Live View feature is enabled and that you have the appropriate permissions to access it.
- Audio Settings: Check that your audio settings are enabled and that your microphone and speaker are working correctly.
- Power Settings: Verify that your device is receiving enough power. If your device is hardwired, make sure that it is properly connected to your home’s wiring.
By checking your doorbell settings, you can quickly identify and fix any issues that may be preventing your Ring doorbell from working correctly.
Checking the Power Source
If your Ring Doorbell is not working, one of the first things you should check is the power source. Here are some steps to follow:
- Check the battery: If your Ring Doorbell has a removable battery, make sure it is fully charged and properly clicked into place. If the battery is not removable, you may need to replace the entire Ring Doorbell.
- Check the charger and USB cable: Make sure the charger and USB cable are not damaged. Swap out the cable for another one to test for a potential shortage.
- Check the power status in the mobile app: Open the Ring app on your phone and go to the device settings for your Ring Doorbell. Check the power status to see if the battery is charging or if there are any power issues.
- Check the doorbell transformer: The doorbell transformer is responsible for providing power to your Ring Doorbell. If the transformer is faulty or not providing enough power, your Ring Doorbell may not work properly. To find and test the transformer, follow the steps in this guide from The Home Depot.
- Bypass the doorbell mechanism: If you have a Ring Video Doorbell Pro and are experiencing power issues, you may need to bypass the doorbell mechanism with a Pro Power Kit V2.
By following these steps, you can identify and potentially fix power issues with your Ring Doorbell.
Updating the Software
If your Ring Doorbell is not working properly, the first step you should take is to check if the software is up to date. Firmware is a software program embedded into your Ring Device that keeps it functioning properly. It is regularly updated by Ring to improve the reliability and functionality of your device.
To check if your Ring device is up to date, open the Ring app and tap on the three lines on the top left. Select your Ring device and click on Device Health. If there’s an update available for your firmware, you’ll be able to start the update then and there.
It’s important to note that your hardware will usually update its firmware automatically. However, if you’re experiencing issues with your Ring Doorbell, you may want to try manually updating the firmware.
To manually update the firmware, follow these steps:
- Open the Ring app and tap on the three lines on the top left.
- Select your Ring device and click on Device Health.
- Find the “Firmware” section and check if there’s an update available.
- If an update is available, click on “Update Firmware” .
During the firmware update, do not power cycle your Ring device or press the Setup Button. This can interrupt the update process and cause issues with your device.
If you’re having trouble updating the firmware, try restarting your mobile device or uninstalling and reinstalling the Ring app. This can sometimes resolve any issues with the app or your device.
By keeping your Ring Doorbell’s firmware up to date, you can ensure that it’s functioning properly and has the latest features and improvements.
Testing Wi-Fi Connection
If your Ring Doorbell is not working, it could be due to a weak Wi-Fi connection. Here’s how to test your Wi-Fi connection:
- Open a web browser on your mobile device and go to Bandwidth Place.
- Click on the Start button in the center of the gauge to start the test.
- After the test is done, look at the small table under the gauge. The green number in the first column is the download speed, and the blue number in the second column is the upload speed.
As a general rule, most Ring devices function best when upload and download speeds are around 2 Mbps or greater. If your speed is slower than this, you may need to troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection or consider upgrading your internet plan.
To troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection, try the following:
- Move your Wi-Fi router off the floor and away from walls and other obstructions.
- Check for interference from other devices, such as microwaves or cordless phones, and move them away from your router.
- Restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds and then plugging them back in.
- Check for firmware updates for your router and apply them if available.
- Consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system for better coverage throughout your home.
By testing your Wi-Fi connection and troubleshooting any issues, you can ensure that your Ring Doorbell is working properly and reliably.
Power Cycle Devices
If your Ring Doorbell is not working, power cycling your devices may help resolve the issue. Power cycling means turning off the power to your Ring Doorbell and other devices, then turning them back on again.
To power cycle your Ring Doorbell and other devices, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to your Ring Doorbell. You can do this by turning off the circuit breaker that powers your doorbell or by removing the doorbell’s faceplate and disconnecting the wires.
- Turn off the power to your Wi-Fi router and any other devices that are connected to your network, such as a modem or switch.
- Wait at least 30 seconds before turning the power back on to your devices.
- Turn the power back on to your Wi-Fi router and any other devices that you turned off.
- Wait for your devices to power up and connect to your network.
- Turn the power back on to your Ring Doorbell.
After power cycling your devices, check if your Ring Doorbell is working properly. If it’s still not working, you may need to troubleshoot other issues, such as insufficient power or connectivity issues.
Remember to always follow safety precautions when working with electrical devices. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical wiring, it’s best to hire a professional to help you.
How do you reboot a Ring Doorbell?
If you are experiencing issues with your Ring Doorbell, rebooting the device may help solve the problem. Here are the steps to reboot your Ring Doorbell:
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap on “Devices” and select the Ring Doorbell you want to reboot.
- Make sure that the device is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Tap on “Device Health” and scroll down to “Reboot This Device.”
- Confirm your selection and wait for a few minutes for the device to start up.
If the circular ring on the front of the device starts flashing, it means that the device is resetting. If you don’t see any flashes, try holding the reset button for 20 seconds.
It’s important to note that resetting your Ring Doorbell will erase all of its previous settings, so you will need to set it up again from scratch. If you are giving the device to someone else, you will also need to remove it from your Ring app.
If rebooting your Ring Doorbell doesn’t solve the issue, there may be other troubleshooting steps you can take. For example, you can try reconnecting the device to Wi-Fi or performing a factory reset. You can find more information on these steps in the Ring app or on the Ring website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my wired Ring Doorbell not working?
If your wired Ring Doorbell is not working, it could be due to incorrect wiring or insufficient power. Check that the wiring is properly connected and that the power source is providing enough voltage. You may need to consult an electrician to ensure that the wiring is correct and the power source is sufficient.
Why has my Ring Doorbell disconnected?
If your Ring Doorbell has disconnected, it could be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal or a problem with your internet connection. Check that your Wi-Fi signal is strong and that your internet connection is working properly. You may need to move your router closer to your Ring Doorbell or invest in a Wi-Fi extender to improve the signal strength.
Ring Doorbell not turning on
If your Ring Doorbell is not turning on, it could be due to a dead battery or a problem with the power source. Check that the battery is properly inserted and charged, or that the power source is providing enough voltage. You may need to replace the battery or consult an electrician to ensure that the power source is sufficient.
Ring Doorbell not working after charging battery
If your Ring Doorbell is not working after charging the battery, it could be due to a faulty battery or a problem with the charging cable. Check that the battery is properly inserted and that the charging cable is working properly. You may need to replace the battery or the charging cable to resolve the issue..