How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring? In Device Menu

Introduction

With more homes relying on smart security, keeping your Ring device connected to the right network is a very common task. Whether you have just changed your home internet provider, upgraded your router, moved your device to a new location, or switched from a 2.4GHz band to a different network entirely, knowing How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring? can save you a lot of frustration.

Many people assume that changing your home Wi-Fi means your Ring doorbell or camera will automatically connect to the new network. In reality, most Ring devices do not do this on their own. Instead, you have to go through the device menu in the Ring app and reconnect the specific device to your updated network.

This guide walks through every step of that process in detail. It covers which devices support this, when you need to use the device menu, what to do if your device refuses to connect, how to prepare ahead of time, and plenty of tips to avoid connection issues going forward. By the end, you should be able to change Wi-Fi for your Ring device with confidence and know exactly what to do if something does not go as planned.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why You May Need to Change Wi-Fi Settings on a Ring Device
• Things to Know Before You Start
• Supported Devices and Limitations
• Prep Checklist For A Smooth Change
• How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring? In Device Menu
• Alternative Methods When the Device Menu Is Not Available
• Comparing The “Change Wifi” Approaches
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Optimizing Wi-Fi For Better Ring Performance
• Tips and Best Practices
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why You May Need to Change Wi-Fi Settings on a Ring Device

There are plenty of real life scenarios that require you to reconnect your Ring device to a new network. Knowing the reason can help you pick the right approach for the job.

• New router or internet provider: Swapping ISPs almost always means a new network name and password.
• Network renaming: If you changed your SSID for security or organization, your device will no longer find the old one.
• Password change: Updating your Wi-Fi password is great for security, but will knock offline any device using the old credentials.
• Band changes: Splitting bands or moving to a new 2.4GHz network due to range issues is extremely common for doorbells and many battery powered cameras.
• Moving locations: Taking a Ring device to a different property means connecting to an entirely different home network.
• Extender changes: Switching from one mesh node to another or changing your extended network can cause drops that require a fresh connection.
• Fixing persistent offline errors: Sometimes a corrupted connection can be resolved by forcing the device onto the correct network again.

In all of these cases, the question of How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring? comes down to reconnecting that device through the app instead of relying on your router to push changes to it.

Things to Know Before You Start

Before going through the steps in the device menu, it is worth setting realistic expectations. Ring devices are designed with battery and power constraints in mind, so their Wi-Fi workflow is a little different than a smart TV or a tablet.

Keep these points in mind:

• Most need the Ring app nearby: You will need your phone or tablet with the Ring app logged in and connected to the internet while you perform this.
• Proximity matters: Stand close to the Ring device you want to change. For doorbells, being near the front door is usually ideal. For cameras, be in the same room or very close range.
• Use the correct band: The vast majority of Ring doorbells and many entry level cameras connect best on 2.4GHz. Many modern routers broadcast both bands under one name, which can confuse devices. If you run into issues, try connecting to the exact 2.4GHz network name separately.
• Battery powered devices need charge: If your device is running very low on battery, the setup flow can time out or fail. Charge it to a reasonable level before starting.
• Changing Wi-Fi does not remove settings: In most cases, motion zones, linked devices, and general preferences stay attached to the device after reconnecting. You are only swapping network credentials.

Supported Devices and Limitations

Not every Ring device behaves the exact same way when it comes to changing networks. The “Change Wifi” option lives inside the device menu for many, but there are exceptions.

The table below gives a general breakdown to help you know what to expect.

Device Type	Can use “Change Wifi” in device menu?	Notes
Battery powered video doorbells	Often yes	Most models allow changing Wi-Fi from Device Health. Range and battery level can affect success.
Wired video doorbells	Often yes	Usually more stable during the reconnect process due to constant power.
Indoor/Outdoor battery cameras	Varies by model	Many support it through Device Health. A few older models may require the full setup flow instead.
Plug-in cameras	Varies by model	Generally easier than battery models, but the option still depends on the specific device.
Some very old devices	Less common	Older firmware may not show the direct change option and may push you to remove and set up again.

The key takeaway is this: the device menu is the intended place to try first when figuring out How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring?, but if the option is missing entirely, you will need to use one of the alternative methods covered later.

Prep Checklist For A Smooth Change

Taking two minutes to prepare will prevent the most common failures. Go through this checklist before you touch any buttons in the app.

1. Know your new network details: Have the exact SSID name and password for the Wi-Fi network you want your Ring device to use.
2. Have your phone ready: Use the phone that already has access to your Ring account and the Ring app installed.
3. Connect your phone to the new network: It is far easier to pick the correct network if your phone is already on it during the selection screen.
4. Be near the device: Plan to do this within a few feet of your doorbell or camera.
5. Check power: For battery devices, charge if below roughly half. For hardwired, ensure it is still receiving power.
6. Temporarily simplify if needed: If your router has both bands merged, consider using the standalone 2.4GHz network for this process, or be ready to manually select it.
7. Have your login info handy: Make sure you can sign into the Ring account without issues.

How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring? In Device Menu

This is the method that matches the exact phrase “In Device Menu”. For most supported devices, you will do this through Device Health. Follow these steps carefully, moving at a steady pace rather than rushing through any prompts.

Step 1: Open the Correct Device

1. Open the Ring app on your phone or tablet.
2. From the main dashboard, find the doorbell or camera whose Wi-Fi you want to change.
3. Tap on that device to open its main control screen.

Step 2: Go to Device Health

1. On the device screen, look for the option labeled Device Health.
2. Tap Device Health to load the health summary for that specific device. This page shows info like signal strength, power source, firmware, and network related options.

Step 3: Find the “Change Wifi” Option

1. While on the Device Health screen, look for a section related to network or Wi-Fi.
2. Look for an option that says Change Wi-Fi Network or similar wording. On many devices this appears near the current network name.
3. If you see it, tap that option to begin the change. This is the core of How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring? using the device menu.

Step 4: Connect to the New Network

1. The app will guide you through putting the device into a reconnect state. Follow the on screen prompts exactly as they appear.
2. You will be shown a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Select the new network you want this Ring device to use.
3. When prompted, enter the password for that network carefully. Pay attention to capitalization and spaces.
4. Keep your phone close to the device while it attempts to connect. This can take anywhere from 30 seconds up to a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Verify the Connection

1. Once the app says the connection is successful, exit back to Device Health.
2. Check the network name listed. It should now show your new Wi-Fi network.
3. Check the signal strength reading. If it shows a reasonable value, your device is back online.
4. Do a quick test by loading the live view for that device. If it loads without long loading loops, you are good to go.

Note: During this reconnect, the device may go offline for a short time. This is normal and expected. As long as it comes back and shows the new network in Device Health, the change was successful.

Alternative Methods When the Device Menu Is Not Available

Sometimes, the “Change Wifi Network” option simply will not appear on Device Health. When that happens, you cannot force it. Instead, you need to use the setup flow to reconnect the device to your new network. This is the most reliable fallback for older or trickier models.

Method A: Use the “Set Up a Device” Flow

This does not mean you have to create a brand new account. You are reconnecting the same physical device to a new Wi-Fi network.

1. Be near the device: Have the doorbell or camera within reach.
2. Open the app: Go to the main dashboard of the Ring app.
3. Start setup: Tap the menu to add a device or use Set Up a Device, then select the type that matches your device.
4. Follow prompts: The app will walk you through the same process as a new installation. It will ask you to scan, connect to the device temporarily, and then join a Wi-Fi network.
5. Choose your new network: When asked for Wi-Fi, pick your new network and enter the password.
6. Complete setup: Let it finish fully. In most cases, this reconnects the existing device without duplicating it in your location.
7. Verify: Check Device Health to confirm it is online on the correct network.

Method B: Use a Temporary Network if Coverage is an Issue

If your new router is not yet powered at the final spot, or you are testing, you can use a phone hotspot as a temporary network for the reconnect.

1. Turn on your phone’s hotspot with a simple name and password.
2. Use the setup flow above and connect the Ring device to that hotspot first.
3. Once connected and verified, change again to your permanent home network using the same method when it is ready.

Only use this as a short term way to complete the reconnect. Hotspots are not ideal for long term security camera use due to data and stability limits.

Comparing The “Change Wifi” Approaches

To make the decision easier, use this comparison to pick the right route based on your situation.

Factor	Change Wifi in Device Menu (Device Health)	Set Up a Device Flow (Re-add/Reconnect)
Speed	Faster, fewer screens	A little longer due to full setup prompts
Availability	Only if the option is present for that model/firmware	Works for most devices that can connect at all
Risk of duplication	Very low	Low if done carefully, but easy to rush and get confused by prompts
Best for	Router swap, password change, band change on supported devices	Missing option, very old firmware, or moving to a completely new location
Device goes through full pairing	No, mostly a network swap	Yes, similar to initial setup

For the goal of How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring? the answer is almost always: try Device Health first, fall back to the setup flow if the option is missing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even if you follow every step, things can go wrong. The fixes below are in order of easiest to try first.

Issue 1: “Change Wifi” Option Is Missing

• Update the app: Make sure you are on the latest version of the Ring app.
• Check a different device view: Go back to dashboard and reopen Device Health.
• Try the fallback: If it is truly not there after updating, use the “Set Up a Device” flow instead.
• Consider firmware age: Very old devices are more likely to lack this direct option.

Issue 2: Device Won’t Connect to the New Network

• Move closer: Get as close to the device as physically possible during the connection attempt.
• Check band: Try connecting your phone to the 2.4GHz network only and run the process from there.
• Verify password: Re-enter slowly. One wrong character is enough to fail.
• Reduce interference: Avoid doing this right next to large metal objects or through thick walls if possible.
• Restart router briefly: If your new network just came online, a quick router restart can help it broadcast properly.

Issue 3: Device Stuck on “Connecting”

• Be patient but time limited: Give it up to 2 minutes. If it goes past that with no change, cancel and retry.
• Power cycle the device: For battery devices, remove and reinsert battery if accessible. For wired, power off at the source for 30 seconds and restore power, then try again.
• Retry closer: Weak signal at the mount point is the number one cause here.
• Use fallback method: If it loops endlessly, switch to the setup flow.

Issue 4: Went Offline and Won’t Reconnect

• Check phone connection: Make sure your phone has solid data or Wi-Fi while doing setup.
• Test another network temporarily: Try a phone hotspot nearby to see if the device can connect at all. If it can connect to hotspot but not your home network, the issue is with router settings.
• Look at router settings: Check for MAC filtering, client isolation, or very strict security modes. These can block new devices. Temporarily disable client isolation to test.
• Use 2.4GHz explicitly: Some routers with aggressive band steering will not let the device pick correctly. Forcing 2.4GHz fixes this often.

Issue 5: App Freezes During the Process

• Force close the app: Fully close the Ring app, then reopen it.
• Switch networks: If your phone is on mobile data and weak, switch to stable Wi-Fi before retrying.
• Try on another device: If the app keeps crashing, try the same steps on a different phone or tablet logged into the same account.
• Clear room: Only keep the Ring app open during this process to avoid heavy background activity.

Optimizing Wi-Fi For Better Ring Performance

Changing networks is the fix for moving to a new router, but optimizing your network will prevent the need to do this again. After learning How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring? it is worth taking a few extra steps for long term stability.

Placement and Range

• Get closer to router where possible: If your doorbell has poor signal, moving the router or relocating the device mounting spot can help dramatically.
• Mind barriers: Brick, stucco, thick wood, and metal doors all weaken Wi-Fi. The further you go through them, the weaker the signal becomes.
• Test before final mount: Always test live view from the exact mount location before tightening everything down permanently.

Router Settings Recommendations

• Prioritize 2.4GHz for most doorbells: Range beats speed here. 2.4GHz travels farther and through walls better than 5GHz.
• Disable client isolation: This setting prevents devices on the same network from talking to each other. Leaving it on can break setup and reconnect flows.
• Use WPA2/WPA3 compatible mode: Stick to widely compatible security. Very new or mixed modes can occasionally cause handshake issues with older devices.
• Separate bands if steering is aggressive: If your router insists on keeping everything on one name, create a dedicated 2.4GHz SSID just for testing and for your Ring device.
• Keep firmware updated: Update your router firmware regularly. Many connectivity quirks get resolved this way.

Signal Improvement Options

• Mesh Wi-Fi: For larger homes, a well placed mesh system can cover front doors that fall in dead zones.
• Wi-Fi extenders: A simple extender can help, but placement is tricky. Place it between the router and the doorbell, not on the other side of the door.
• Wired backhaul: If you go mesh, wired backhaul is far more stable for always-on security devices than wireless only.

Tips and Best Practices

Use these practical tips to make this process smoother and to avoid doing it more often than necessary.

• Do it during daylight: If your device needs rebooting or battery handling, doing this in good light makes life easier.
• Don’t rush the selection screen: When picking your new network, wait for the full list to populate before tapping anything.
• Keep both networks nearby only if testing: Don’t confuse yourself by having old and new with near identical names during the reconnect.
• Take notes: If you have multiple Ring devices, write down which ones you have changed. It’s easy to forget one tucked away.
• Test live view right after: A successful connection on Device Health is good, but loading live view is the true confirmation.
• Plan for router changes in advance: If you know your ISP swap is coming, try to do the change as soon as the new network is stable and within range of the device.
• Don’t remove the device unless necessary: Removing should be your last resort. Going through “Change Wifi” or the reconnect flow preserves the device on your location in almost all cases.
• Watch battery during long attempts: Repeated failed tries drain battery faster. Charge or pause if it starts dropping quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change Wi-Fi without being near the device?

In most cases, no. For the device menu method, you need to be within Bluetooth/Wi-Fi range of the Ring device to put it into the reconnect state. For the setup flow, you must be physically near it to complete the pairing steps. Remote-only changes are not supported for this task.

Do I lose my recordings or settings when changing Wi-Fi?

Your recordings are tied to your account and any active plan, not to the Wi-Fi network itself. Settings like motion zones, privacy settings, and linked preferences are tied to the device and your location. Changing Wi-Fi through the correct method should not erase them.

Why does my Ring only see 2.4GHz?

Most Ring doorbells and many cameras are built to use 2.4GHz due to its longer range and better wall penetration. Even if your router broadcasts 5GHz, the device itself simply may not connect to it. For this reason, when trying to figure out How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring?, using 2.4GHz is almost always the correct target.

What if I changed my password but didn’t change SSID?

The device will still see the same network name, but fail to authenticate with the old password. This is one of the most common triggers for going offline. Use the “Change Wifi” option in Device Health to update just the password for that saved network, or reconnect through the same flow.

The option is gone after update, is that normal?

It can happen on some older models. App updates can change where options appear slightly, but more often it means your specific firmware no longer exposes that direct button. If updating the app and reopening does not bring it back, use the setup flow as your workaround.

How long should the whole process take?

With the device menu method, expect 3 to 7 minutes from start to finish, assuming a strong signal and correct details. With the setup flow, expect 5 to 10 minutes. Most of that time is waiting for the device to connect, not tapping buttons.

Will changing Wi-Fi affect live view?

Only temporarily. While reconnecting, live view will be unavailable. Once it shows online in Device Health and on the new network, live view should work as normal again.

Can I do this from a different account?

You need to be signed into the account that has that device in its location. If the device was shared or transferred, you must use the account with access to control it. Without proper access, the device menu options will not be available.

Conclusion

Changing the network for your Ring device does not have to be a guessing game. The most direct answer for How to Change Wifi Settings on Ring? is to use the Change Wifi Network option inside Device Health from the Ring app while standing near your device. For most supported models, this is quick, safe, and keeps all of your existing settings intact.

If that option is missing, the setup flow is your reliable fallback. With the prep checklist, comparison table, and troubleshooting steps above, you are equipped to handle router swaps, password changes, moves, and stubborn offline issues.

Focus on the basics: be close to the device, use the correct 2.4GHz network when possible, double check your password, and verify with live view at the end. Get those right and you’ll have your Ring device back online on the right network without unnecessary hassle.