When you replace your existing doorbell with a Ring Video Doorbell, you will be able to see who’s at the door even before you answer. This smart device will send a notification to your smartphone every time someone rings your doorbell or sets off the built-in motion detector. Then you can talk and listen to your visitors with the two-way audio system. However, your Ring Video Doorbell isn’t a plug-and-play device, and hooking it up is a multi-step process. Here’s how to install a Ring doorbell and get it to work properly the first time.
How to Install a 1st-Generation Ring Video Doorbell
To install a Ring Video Doorbell, you first have to charge the battery and set up the Ring app. Then turn off the power and test the video. Next, install the mounting bracket and connect the doorbell wires. Finally, attach the doorbell to the bracket.
Note: These steps detail how to replace an existing doorbell with a 1st-generation Ring Video Doorbell. If you’re not replacing your existing doorbell, check out our guide on how to install Ring doorbell without an existing doorbell.
- Charge your Ring Video Doorbell. Unbox your Ring doorbell and plug the provided orange cable into the back of the device. Then plug the other end into a power source. You can also use any other micro USB cable you already have. You will know when your battery is fully charged when you see the circular light on the front of the device glow solid blue.
Note: The fastest way to charge your Ring doorbell is by using a 2.1-amp USB wall charger. This allows you to get a full charge in four to five hours. If you don’t have a USB wall charger, you can also use the USB ports on your computer, but this could take up to 12 hours to fully charge your device.
- Then download the Ring app and set up your account. You can download the Ring app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Then follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device. If you need more detailed information on this process, check out our step-by-step guide on how to set up your Ring Video Doorbell account.
- Next, prepare your installation tools. If you are installing your Ring Video Doorbell on brick, concrete, or stucco surfaces, you will need to have a pencil and a power drill ready.
Note: Your Ring Video Doorbell is only compatible with doorbell transformers that are between 8-24 Volts AC at 50-60 Hz, with a maximum power rating of 40 Volt-Amps.
- Test your Ring’s camera. Once your Ring Video Doorbell is charged, stand close to your router and press the doorbell’s front button to test the live video. You should see a live video feed on your smartphone. Then repeat the test outside, close to where you will install your Ring Video Doorbell.
Note: If you are not happy with the video quality when you test your Ring Video Doorbell, check out our guide on how to boost your WiFi signal.
- Then turn the power to your existing doorbell off. If you are replacing a wired doorbell, you will need to cut off the power supply to your doorbell from the circuit breaker. This will ensure that you don’t electrocute yourself when you are installing your Ring Video Doorbell. If you don’t know which breaker goes to your doorbell, you can switch them off one-by-one until your doorbell doesn’t work anymore.
- Next, remove your old doorbell. You can use the screwdriver provided to unscrew your existing doorbell from the wall. Then detach the wires from your existing doorbell and leave them hanging out.
- Insert the provided level into the bracket. You will be provided with a small orange level that has three lines and an air bubble. You can insert this just below the two screws in the middle of the large black bracket.
- Then use a pencil to map out the mounting bracket’s position. Hold the mounting bracket against the wall and run your existing doorbell wires through the rectangular hole in the middle of the bracket. Ensure that the bubble on the level is centered between the two lines. Then use a pencil and mark the four corner holes of the bracket.
Note: If you are installing your Ring Video Doorbell on a wooden wall or siding, you can skip the next step. If you are installing on stucco, brick, or concrete, you will need to drill holes for the anchors.
- Next, drill holes for the anchors. Use the provided drill bit to drill holes where you marked the holes in the bracket with your pencil. Once done, push the provided plastic anchors into place. If they do not slide in easily, you can also hammer them in gently.
- Then screw the bracket onto your wall or surface. With the Phillips head side of your screwdriver, screw the mounting bracket in place. Once done, you can remove the orange level.
Note: If the surface is uneven, don’t screw the bracket so tight that it bends. This will prevent the Ring Video Doorbell from fitting into the bracket properly.
Note: The screwdriver provided has two heads. You can switch heads by removing the metal shaft and spinning it around to use the Philips head screwdriver.
- Next, wrap your doorbell wires around the screws on the mounting bracket. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws in the middle of the bracket. Then wrap one wire around each of the screws in the middle of the bracket. It doesn’t matter which wire you wrap around either screw. However, make sure that your wires are not crossed or touching each other. Once you are done, tighten the screws with the screwdriver.
- Then attach the provided diode to the screws on the mounting bracket (optional). To attach the diode, wrap each end of the diode’s wires around the screws with the black plastic housing in the middle of the screws.
Note: You only need to attach the diode if you have a digital door chime. If you have a mechanical chime, you don’t need to install the diode, as this will damage your doorbell chime. Mechanical door chimes make the classic ding-dong sound while digital ones play an electronic melody.
Note: If you want to know which way to position your diode, you can open your chime and see which wire goes to your internal chime. Then place the diode with the grey side facing that wire. However, if you find that your doorbell doesn’t ring correctly, you can always reverse the diode on the mounting bracket and try again. It will not damage your doorbell chime if you place the diode the wrong way.
- Then mount your Ring Video Doorbell to the bracket. Place your Ring Video Doorbell on top of the slots of the bracket. Then give it a firm push inwards and push down until it locks into place. It might take some effort to do this, so give it a strong push.
Note: Make sure the screws on the bottom of your Ring Video Doorbell are loose before you mount it on the bracket.
- Next, tighten the screws on the bottom of your Ring Video Doorbell. Use the star-shaped head of the provided screwdriver to screw the security screws on the bottom of the device.
Note: Do not screw these in too tight. You will have to remove them every time you want to recharge your Ring Video Doorbell.
- Finally, turn the power to your Ring Video Doorbell back on and test your device. Turn the power to your doorbell back on at the breaker, and check if your Ring doorbell is properly wired. The circular light in front should glow a soft solid white. When you press the button, you should hear the chime inside your home.
Now that you know how to install your Ring doorbell, check out our article on the best smart locks to let your visitors in or lock your door when you’re away.