
How to Change Ring Doorbell Wifi? Using Change Network
Introduction A Ring doorbell is only as good as its internet connection. When your WiFi network changes—whether you switched internet providers, replaced your router, updated your network name and password, or moved to a new home—your Ring doorbell can go offl
Introduction
A Ring doorbell is only as good as its internet connection. When your WiFi network changes—whether you switched internet providers, replaced your router, updated your network name and password, or moved to a new home—your Ring doorbell can go offline. That means no live video, no motion alerts, and no two-way audio until you reconnect it. Knowing how to change Ring Doorbell wifi? settings is an essential skill for any Ring owner, and fortunately, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about changing the WiFi network on your Ring doorbell. We will cover the official Ring app method, the Change Network feature, what to do before you begin, common troubleshooting steps, model-specific differences, and best practices for keeping your doorbell connected securely. By the end, you will be able to restore your doorbell’s connection quickly and avoid common pitfalls that cause setup failures.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You Might Need to Change Your Ring Doorbell WiFi
- What You Need Before You Start
- How to Change Ring Doorbell Wifi? Using the Ring App
- Step-by-Step: Changing WiFi Network on Ring Doorbell
- How to Change Ring Doorbell Wifi? Using Change Network Mode
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Ring Doorbell Models and WiFi Comparison
- Tips and Best Practices
- Security Considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why You Might Need to Change Your Ring Doorbell WiFi
There are several common scenarios that make changing your Ring doorbell’s WiFi network necessary:
- You got a new router or modem from your internet service provider.
- You changed your WiFi network name (SSID) or password for security reasons.
- You moved to a new house or apartment with a different internet setup.
- Your old router stopped working and you replaced it with a new model.
- You upgraded to a mesh WiFi system and need to reconnect devices.
- Your doorbell is showing as offline in the Ring app despite having power.
- You want to move the doorbell to a different network band or a guest network for better performance.
Regardless of the reason, the doorbell does not automatically detect the new network. You must manually update the WiFi credentials through the Ring app or by putting the device into setup mode.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you attempt to change Ring Doorbell wifi? settings, gather the following items so you do not get stuck midway through the process:
- The Ring app installed on your smartphone or tablet, logged into the account that owns the doorbell.
- Your new WiFi network name (SSID) and password.
- A smartphone connected to the new WiFi network you want to use.
- Physical access to the doorbell, because most models require you to press a setup button on the device.
- A charged battery or hardwired power connection, depending on your model.
- Knowledge of whether your network operates on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Most Ring doorbells work best with 2.4 GHz WiFi, though some newer models support 5 GHz.
It is also a good idea to stand near the doorbell during setup so you can press the button and check the signal strength at the same time.
How to Change Ring Doorbell Wifi? Using the Ring App
The easiest way to change Ring Doorbell wifi? settings is through the official Ring app. This method works for most battery-powered and hardwired Ring doorbells, including the Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Video Doorbell 3, Ring Video Doorbell 4, and Ring Video Doorbell Pro models.
Open the Ring app on your phone and make sure you are logged in. From the main dashboard, tap on the doorbell device you want to update. On the device dashboard, look for the Device Health tile. Tap Device Health, then scroll down to the Network section. You should see an option labeled Change WiFi Network or Reconnect to WiFi. Tap that option to begin.
The app will tell you to put your doorbell into setup mode. For most Ring doorbells, this involves pressing and releasing the orange setup button located on the back of the device. After pressing the button, the doorbell will enter a temporary access point mode, and its front light may start spinning. The app will then ask you to join a temporary Ring WiFi network from your phone’s WiFi settings. Once your phone connects to that temporary network, return to the Ring app.
The app will scan for available networks. Select your new home WiFi network from the list, type in the password, and tap Continue. The doorbell will attempt to connect. If successful, the app will confirm that the device is online, and you can return to normal operation.
Step-by-Step: Changing WiFi Network on Ring Doorbell
Here is a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough so you do not miss anything:
- Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your mobile device. Confirm that you are using the account associated with the doorbell. If you have multiple locations, make sure you are viewing the correct location. - Select Your Doorbell
Tap the Devices icon or select your doorbell directly from the dashboard. This opens the live view and device settings screen. - Go to Device Health
Tap the gear icon or the Device Health option, depending on your app version. Device Health shows you the current signal strength, battery voltage, and network name. - Choose Change WiFi Network
Find the Network section and tap Change WiFi Network. The app may warn you that the doorbell will temporarily go offline. This is normal. Tap Continue or Start. - Put the Doorbell in Setup Mode
Press the orange button on the back of the doorbell. On some models, you may need to remove the faceplate first. Hold the button for a second and release. The doorbell’s light should begin to flash or spin, indicating it is ready to accept new network credentials. - Connect Your Phone to the Temporary Ring Network
Leave the Ring app briefly and open your phone’s WiFi settings. Look for a network named something like Ring-XXXX or Ring Setup. Connect to it. Your phone may say there is no internet access; that is expected because this is a temporary local network used only for setup. - Return to the Ring App
Go back to the Ring app. It should detect that your phone is connected to the doorbell’s setup network. The app will then show a list of available WiFi networks detected by the doorbell. - Select Your New Network
Tap your home WiFi network from the list. If you do not see it, move closer to your router or make sure your router is broadcasting its network name. - Enter the Password
Type your WiFi password carefully. Passwords are case-sensitive. Tap Continue. - Wait for Confirmation
The doorbell will attempt to join your network. This can take 30 to 60 seconds. When finished, the app will display a success message. Your doorbell should now appear online in Device Health.
If the connection fails, the app will usually give an error message. Common causes include an incorrect password, a 5 GHz-only network, or the doorbell being too far from the router.
How to Change Ring Doorbell Wifi? Using Change Network Mode
Some Ring doorbells offer a dedicated Change Network mode that is slightly different from the standard Device Health path. This is especially useful if the doorbell was previously connected to a network that no longer exists, or if you are setting up a used doorbell that still has someone else’s network saved.
To use Change Network mode, start by pressing the orange setup button on the back of the doorbell and holding it for about 10 to 20 seconds, depending on the model. The device will enter a reset or setup state where the existing network credentials are cleared. The front light will typically flash to indicate the device is ready.
Next, open the Ring app and select Set Up a Device if the doorbell no longer appears in your device list, or go to Device Health and select Change WiFi Network if it still appears. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your phone to the temporary Ring network, choose your new WiFi network, and enter the password.
The key difference with Change Network mode is that it forces the doorbell to forget the old network entirely rather than simply updating the password. If you are moving the doorbell to a new house or replacing a router that broadcast the same network name but different hardware, this method often works more reliably than a simple password update.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even when you follow the steps correctly, you might run into problems. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:
Doorbell Will Not Connect to the New Network
Double-check that you entered the password correctly. Remember that WiFi passwords are case-sensitive. Also confirm that your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network, as many Ring doorbells do not support 5 GHz. If your router combines both bands under a single name, try temporarily separating them or moving closer to the router during setup.
Incorrect Password Error
If the app says the password is wrong, reset your router or log into your router’s admin page to verify the exact password. Avoid copying and pasting from notes if there is a chance of hidden spaces.
Doorbell Too Far from Router
Ring doorbells need a strong WiFi signal. Use the Device Health screen to check the RSSI value. A green or yellow signal is usually fine, but red means the connection is weak. Consider a WiFi extender or a Ring Chime Pro if the signal is poor.
App Freezes During Setup
Close the Ring app completely and restart it. Make sure your phone has a stable internet connection. If the problem persists, restart your phone and try again.
Doorbell Does Not Enter Setup Mode
Ensure the battery is charged or the device is hardwired with power. Press the orange button firmly. On battery models, a very low battery can prevent setup mode from activating.
After changing your network, test the doorbell by pressing the button or triggering motion detection. Verify that you receive alerts and that live view works properly.
Ring Doorbell Models and WiFi Comparison
Different Ring doorbell models have slightly different WiFi capabilities and setup procedures. The table below outlines key differences to help you understand what to expect with your specific device.
| Model | Power Type | WiFi Band | Setup Button Location | Change Network Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Video Doorbell (1st Gen) | Battery or Hardwired | 2.4 GHz | Back of unit | Ring App Device Health |
| Ring Video Doorbell 2 | Battery or Hardwired | 2.4 GHz | Back of unit | Ring App Device Health |
| Ring Video Doorbell 3 | Battery or Hardwired | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | Back of unit | Ring App Device Health |
| Ring Video Doorbell 4 | Battery or Hardwired | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | Back of unit | Ring App Device Health |
| Ring Video Doorbell Pro | Hardwired | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | Side of unit | Ring App Device Health |
| Ring Video Doorbell Elite | Hardwired Ethernet | Wired Ethernet | N/A | App Network Settings |
| Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | Battery or Hardwired | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | Back of unit | Ring App Device Health |
Keep in mind that even if your doorbell supports 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz usually provides better range through walls and doors. Unless you have a specific reason to use 5 GHz, stick with 2.4 GHz for the most reliable connection.
Tips and Best Practices
Changing your Ring doorbell’s WiFi is simple, but following these best practices will save you time and frustration:
- Always update the Ring app to the latest version before starting. Older app versions may lack the Change WiFi Network option or have bugs that interrupt setup.
- Stand within 10 to 15 feet of your router during the initial connection, then mount or test the doorbell in its final location.
- Write down your new WiFi password before you begin so you do not have to look it up while holding your phone near the doorbell.
- If you use a mesh WiFi system, make sure your phone and the doorbell are connecting to the same node or access point during setup.
- Avoid changing your WiFi network during extreme weather if your doorbell is mounted outside, since you may need to remove the faceplate to access the setup button.
- After changing networks, check the Device Health screen for signal strength. If the RSSI is red, consider relocating your router or adding a WiFi extender.
- If you have multiple Ring devices, update them one at a time to avoid confusion in the app.
Security Considerations
Your doorbell connects to your home network, so network security matters. When you change Ring Doorbell wifi? settings, take a moment to review your overall setup:
- Use a strong, unique password for your WiFi network. Avoid default passwords that came with your router.
- Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your router if available.
- Consider putting smart home devices on a separate guest network if your router supports it. This isolates them from your primary computers and phones.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your Ring account to prevent unauthorized access to your video history.
- Keep your doorbell’s firmware updated through the Ring app. Security patches are released periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change my Ring doorbell WiFi without the app?
A: No. The Ring app is required to enter new network credentials and complete the setup process. The doorbell itself cannot connect to a new network without the app guiding it.
Q: Does changing the WiFi network delete my recorded videos?
A: No. Your videos are stored in the cloud under your Ring account, not on the doorbell. Changing networks will not delete your footage.
Q: How long does it take to change Ring Doorbell wifi? settings?
A: Most changes take between 5 and 15 minutes, including the time needed to put the doorbell in setup mode and wait for it to connect.
Q: Why won’t my Ring doorbell connect to 5 GHz WiFi?
A: Many Ring doorbells only support 2.4 GHz WiFi. Even models that support 5 GHz may perform better on 2.4 GHz at longer distances. Check your model’s specifications before attempting to connect to a 5 GHz network.
Q: What if I forgot my WiFi password?
A: You can find your WiFi password by logging into your router’s admin page or checking the sticker on the router. You can also connect another device already on the network to view saved network details.
Q: Do I need to reset my doorbell to change the WiFi?
A: Not necessarily. You can change the network through Device Health without a full reset. However, if the old network is gone and the doorbell is stuck, holding the setup button to enter Change Network mode may be necessary.
Q: Will my motion alerts work immediately after changing networks?
A: Yes, once the app confirms the doorbell is online, motion alerts and live view should resume normally. Test the doorbell to be sure.
Q: Can I use a mobile hotspot for my Ring doorbell?
A: Technically yes, but it is not recommended for long-term use. Hotspots often have data limits, unstable connections, and may not provide the consistent bandwidth needed for video streaming.
Conclusion
Knowing how to change Ring Doorbell wifi? settings is an important part of owning a smart doorbell. Whether you switched internet providers, got a new router, or moved to a new home, the process is manageable as long as you have the Ring app, your new network credentials, and physical access to the device.
Start by opening the Ring app and navigating to Device Health. Select Change WiFi Network, put the doorbell into setup mode using the orange button, and follow the prompts to enter your new network name and password. If you run into trouble, check your WiFi band, verify your password, and make sure the doorbell is close enough to your router for a strong signal.
After the change is complete, test your doorbell’s live view and motion alerts to confirm everything is working. Keep your app updated, use a strong WiFi password, and monitor signal strength in Device Health to avoid future connectivity problems. With these steps, your Ring doorbell will stay online and keep your home protected.