
How to Change Ring Camera Wifi Network? In Device Settings
Introduction Your Ring camera depends on a steady WiFi connection to stream video, send motion alerts, and upload footage to the cloud. If you recently changed your internet service provider, replaced your router, or moved your camera to a different part of yo
Introduction
Your Ring camera depends on a steady WiFi connection to stream video, send motion alerts, and upload footage to the cloud. If you recently changed your internet service provider, replaced your router, or moved your camera to a different part of your home, you will eventually need to update the wireless network it uses. Knowing How to Change Ring Camera Wifi Network? is an essential skill for any Ring owner, because a camera that is still trying to connect to an old network is effectively offline.
Many users assume they must delete the device and set it up from scratch, but Ring actually provides a simpler path through the Device Settings menu in the Ring app. This guide walks you through every step, from preparing your network details to troubleshooting connection failures. Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Stick Up Cam, Spotlight Cam, or Floodlight Cam, the process is broadly similar, though there are small differences between battery-powered and hardwired models.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to switch your Ring camera to a new WiFi network using the app, when to use setup mode instead, and how to keep your connection stable after the change.
Table of Contents
- Why You Might Need to Change Your Ring Camera WiFi Network
- Before You Start: What You’ll Need
- How to Change Ring Camera Wifi Network? In Device Settings
- Step 1: Open the Ring App
- Step 2: Select Your Ring Camera
- Step 3: Access Device Settings
- Step 4: Navigate to WiFi Settings
- Step 5: Choose Your New WiFi Network
- Step 6: Enter Password and Confirm
- Step 7: Wait for Reconnection
- Changing WiFi Network Using Setup Mode (Alternative Method)
- Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
- Comparison: Ring App Device Settings vs. Setup Mode
- Tips and Best Practices for Ring Camera WiFi
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You Might Need to Change Your Ring Camera WiFi Network
There are several common reasons why a Ring camera needs a new WiFi network. Understanding your situation can help you choose the right method and avoid unnecessary steps.
- New router or ISP: If you switched internet providers or upgraded your router, the network name (SSID) and password likely changed. Your camera will keep trying to join the old network until you update it.
- Router relocation: Moving your router to another room can weaken the signal to your camera. You might switch to a mesh node or extender with a different network name.
- Camera relocation: Moving a battery-powered Ring camera from the front door to the backyard may put it closer to a secondary access point.
- Network reorganization: Some users separate smart home devices onto a guest network or a dedicated IoT network for security reasons.
- Password change: If you changed your WiFi password for security, all connected devices—including Ring cameras—must be updated.
Regardless of the reason, the goal is the same: get your Ring camera back online with minimal downtime. Missing motion alerts or losing video history can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your camera for home security.
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
Before you open the Ring app and begin changing the network, gather the following items. Having everything ready will make the process faster and reduce the chance of errors.
- The Ring app: Install the latest version of the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Log in to your Ring account.
- New WiFi network name (SSID): Know the exact name of the network you want the camera to join. Check capitalization and spelling.
- WiFi password: Have the password handy. Ring cameras do not display saved passwords, so you will need to type it in manually.
- Physical access to the camera: Some steps require you to press a button on the device, so make sure you can reach it safely.
- A charged phone: The process can take several minutes, and you do not want your device to die midway through.
- 2.4 GHz network: Most Ring cameras connect to 2.4 GHz WiFi, not 5 GHz. Confirm your new network broadcasts a 2.4 GHz signal, or that your router uses a combined band name that Ring can recognize.
If you are changing the network because you got a new router, it helps to place the camera near the router during setup. You can move it back to its final location once the connection is confirmed.
How to Change Ring Camera Wifi Network? In Device Settings
The most direct way to update your camera’s wireless connection is through the Device Settings menu in the Ring app. This method works for most Ring cameras and video doorbells without requiring you to remove the device from your account. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your phone. Make sure you are logged into the account that owns the camera. If you manage multiple locations, select the correct location from the dashboard so you can see all devices assigned to that address.
Step 2: Select Your Ring Camera
From the dashboard, tap on the camera or doorbell you want to update. This opens the live view and device dashboard. If you have several devices, check the name or thumbnail to confirm you are choosing the right one.
Step 3: Access Device Settings
Look for the gear icon labeled “Device Settings” on the device dashboard. Tap it to open a menu with options such as General Settings, Motion Settings, Light Settings, and Network Settings. The exact layout may vary slightly depending on your Ring model and app version.
Step 4: Navigate to WiFi Settings
Inside Device Settings, locate the WiFi or Network option. It may be called “Device Network,” “WiFi Network,” or simply “Network.” Tap this option to view the currently connected network. The app will show the SSID your camera is using and the signal strength.
Step 5: Choose Your New WiFi Network
Tap “Change WiFi Network” or “Change Network.” The app will scan for available networks and display a list. Select your new network from the list. If you do not see it, make sure your phone is connected to the same network you want the camera to use, or move closer to the router.
Step 6: Enter Password and Confirm
After selecting the network, enter the WiFi password. Double-check for typos, especially uppercase letters and special characters. Tap Continue or Join. The app will attempt to send the new credentials to your Ring camera.
Step 7: Wait for Reconnection
Give the camera a minute or two to disconnect from the old network and connect to the new one. The app may show a status message such as “Updating network” or “Reconnecting.” Once complete, the Device Settings screen should display the new network name and a strong signal indicator. Test the live view to confirm video is streaming.
If you successfully completed these steps, you now know How to Change Ring Camera Wifi Network? using the standard Device Settings method.
Changing WiFi Network Using Setup Mode (Alternative Method)
Sometimes the Device Settings method does not work, especially if the camera is completely offline or cannot reach the old network. In those cases, putting the camera into setup mode is the best alternative. This process is similar to when you first installed the device.
Press the Setup Button
Locate the setup button on your Ring camera. On battery-powered models, it is often on the side or back. On hardwired models, it may be under the faceplate. Press and hold the button until the light begins to flash, indicating the camera is in setup mode.
Connect to Ring’s Temporary Network
Your phone will need to connect to the temporary WiFi network broadcast by the Ring camera. This network usually has a name like “Ring-XXXX.” Go to your phone’s WiFi settings, join that network, then return to the Ring app.
Complete Setup in the App
In the Ring app, follow the prompts to select your new home WiFi network and enter the password. The camera will receive the credentials and attempt to join. Once connected, the temporary network will disappear, and your camera will operate on the new network.
Use this method if the Device Settings option is grayed out, if the camera is stuck on an old network that no longer exists, or if you are setting up a previously owned Ring camera.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
Even when you follow the steps correctly, things can go wrong. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Camera Won’t Connect to New Network
If the camera fails to connect, first verify that you entered the correct password. Then check that the camera is within range of the router. Power cycle the camera by removing and reinserting the battery or turning off power at the breaker for hardwired models. Wait 30 seconds, then try again.
Wrong Password Error
A wrong password error usually means a typo. Remember that WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. If you recently changed your router password, make sure you are using the most current one. You can log into your router’s admin page to confirm the SSID and password if needed.
Weak Signal Problems
Ring cameras need a strong WiFi signal to function reliably. If the signal is weak, move the router closer to the camera, remove obstructions, or install a Ring Chime Pro as a WiFi extender. Avoid placing the camera behind thick brick walls or metal objects.
Router Compatibility Issues
Most Ring cameras support 2.4 GHz WiFi. If your router only broadcasts a 5 GHz network, the camera may not see it. Some routers use “band steering” or a single network name for both bands, which can confuse Ring devices. If possible, temporarily disable 5 GHz or split the bands during setup, then re-enable them afterward.
Comparison: Ring App Device Settings vs. Setup Mode
Not sure which method to use? The table below compares the two main approaches for changing your Ring camera’s WiFi network.
| Feature | Device Settings Method | Setup Mode Method |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Routine network changes when camera is online | Camera is offline or old network no longer exists |
| Requires app | Yes | Yes |
| Requires physical button press | No | Yes |
| Removes device from account | No | No |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Time required | 2–5 minutes | 5–10 minutes |
| Risk of losing settings | Low | Low to moderate |
Tips and Best Practices for Ring Camera WiFi
Changing the network is only half the battle. Keeping your Ring camera connected over the long term requires good network habits.
Position Your Router Strategically
Place your router in a central, elevated location away from thick walls, large appliances, and metal furniture. The closer the camera is to the router—or to a mesh node—the better the video quality and motion detection reliability.
Use the 2.4 GHz Band
Ring cameras generally perform better on 2.4 GHz because it penetrates walls more effectively than 5 GHz. If your router combines both bands under one name, that usually works fine, but if you experience connection drops, consider creating a separate 2.4 GHz SSID for your smart devices.
Keep Firmware Updated
Ring regularly releases firmware updates that improve WiFi stability and security. Enable automatic updates in the Ring app, or check Device Settings periodically to ensure your camera is running the latest version.
Test Video Quality After Switching
After changing the network, open the live view and walk through the camera’s field of motion. Confirm that video loads quickly, motion alerts arrive promptly, and the signal strength indicator in Device Settings shows a good connection.
Save Your Password Securely
Store your WiFi password in a password manager or a secure note. You will need it again if you ever reset the camera, change routers, or add more Ring devices to the same network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the WiFi network without removing the camera from my account?
Yes. Using the Device Settings method in the Ring app, you can update the network without deleting the device or losing your video history and settings.
Does Ring support 5 GHz WiFi?
Most Ring cameras are designed for 2.4 GHz networks. Some newer models may support 5 GHz, but 2.4 GHz remains the most reliable option for range and wall penetration.
What if I forgot my WiFi password?
You can find the password on a sticker on your router, in your router’s admin settings, or on another device already connected to the network. Ring does not store or reveal your WiFi password.
How long does it take for the camera to reconnect?
Usually one to three minutes. If the camera does not reconnect after five minutes, restart it and repeat the setup process.
Do I need to change WiFi on all Ring devices at once?
Yes, if you replace your router or change the network name and password, every Ring camera and doorbell will need to be updated individually. There is no global “update all devices” button.
Can I use a WiFi extender with Ring cameras?
Yes. Products like the Ring Chime Pro can extend your WiFi signal to cameras that are far from the router. Just make sure the extender broadcasts a network the camera can see.
Will changing WiFi delete my recorded videos?
No. Your videos are stored in the cloud under your Ring account. Changing the network only affects how the camera connects; it does not erase existing recordings.
Conclusion
Learning How to Change Ring Camera Wifi Network? is straightforward once you know where to look in the Ring app. The Device Settings method is the fastest way to update your camera when it is already online, while setup mode provides a reliable backup if the camera is offline or unresponsive.
Always have your new network name and password ready, confirm you are using a compatible 2.4 GHz network, and test the live view after the switch. With these steps, you can keep your Ring camera online and your home protected without needing to reinstall the device from scratch.
If you run into persistent issues, check your router settings, improve your WiFi signal, or contact Ring support for additional help. A strong, stable connection ensures your camera captures every moment that matters.