Ring Doorbell Models and Their Power Sources
Most Ring doorbell models do have a battery, but not all of them. The Ring Video Doorbell (the standard model) and the Ring Video Doorbell Plus both come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries built in. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Ring Video Doorbell Pro Max, however, are hardwired only—they do not have batteries and must be connected to your home's existing doorbell wiring to work at all.
If you have a battery-powered Ring model, the battery typically lasts between three and six months before it needs recharging, depending on how often your doorbell is triggered and how many features you use. Cold weather drains batteries faster, sometimes cutting that window to two or three months in winter.
The battery in Ring's standard models is removable, so you can take it out and charge it separately indoors using a micro-USB cable. You do not have to remove the doorbell from your door to recharge it, though many people find it easier to do so.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell Plus models have removable rechargeable batteries; Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Pro Max do not and require hardwired installation.
- Battery-powered Ring doorbells typically run for three to six months per charge, with colder weather reducing that time significantly.
- You can charge the battery inside your home using a micro-USB cable without removing the doorbell from the wall.
- If your home does not have existing doorbell wiring and you want a Ring doorbell, you will need to choose a battery-powered model or hire an electrician to install wiring.
How to Know Which Ring Model You Have
The easiest way to identify your Ring doorbell is to look at the physical device. The standard Ring Video Doorbell is rectangular and relatively slim. The Ring Video Doorbell Plus looks nearly identical but has a larger field of view and better night vision. Both have a removable battery compartment on the bottom or back.
The Pro and Pro Max models are noticeably bulkier and have a different shape—they look more like a traditional hardwired doorbell. They have no battery compartment because they draw power directly from your home's doorbell wiring.
You can also check your Ring app. Open the app, tap the menu, go to Devices, select your doorbell, and look at the device name at the top of the screen. It will say "Video Doorbell," "Video Doorbell Plus," "Video Doorbell Pro," or "Video Doorbell Pro Max."
How Long the Battery Actually Lasts
Ring's stated battery life of three to six months assumes moderate use—roughly 10 to 15 motion alerts per day. If your doorbell is in a high-traffic area or you have motion detection set to a very sensitive level, the battery will drain faster. If it is in a low-traffic spot, it may last longer.
Several factors shorten battery life. Cold temperatures below 40°F reduce battery capacity significantly. High-definition video recording uses more power than standard recording. Frequent live view sessions drain the battery faster than passive motion detection. If you have 24/7 recording turned on, expect the battery to last only four to eight weeks instead of months.
You can extend battery life by lowering the video resolution, reducing motion detection sensitivity, disabling 24/7 recording, and keeping the doorbell in a location where it does not get direct sunlight (which can cause overheating and faster drain).
How to Charge Your Ring Doorbell Battery
If your Ring doorbell has a battery, you have two options for charging. The first is to remove the battery from the doorbell itself. Most Ring models have a small latch or button on the bottom or back that releases the battery. Once removed, plug the micro-USB cable into the battery and connect it to any standard USB power adapter (the kind you use for phones). Charging takes about five to ten hours for a full charge.
The second option is to charge the battery while it is still in the doorbell, if your doorbell is mounted near an outlet. You can run the micro-USB cable from the battery compartment to a nearby outlet. This is less convenient but works if you do not want to remove the doorbell.
Ring also sells a Quick Release Battery Pack separately. If you buy one, you can swap out the drained battery for a fully charged one when ready, then charge the dead battery indoors at your own pace. This is useful if you want to avoid any downtime.
What Happens When the Battery Runs Low
Your Ring doorbell will send you a notification through the app when the battery drops to 20 percent. At that point, you have a few days to a week before the doorbell stops working, depending on how much activity it sees. Once the battery is completely dead, the doorbell will not record video, detect motion, or let you answer the door remotely until you recharge it.
If you have a hardwired Ring Pro or Pro Max, this is not a concern—they run on your home's electrical system and do not have a battery to drain. However, if your home's power goes out, a hardwired Ring doorbell will also stop working unless you have a backup power supply.
Battery-Powered vs. Hardwired: Which Should You Choose
Battery-powered Ring doorbells are easier to install because you do not need existing doorbell wiring or an electrician. You just mount the doorbell and charge the battery. They work in homes with no doorbell system at all. The trade-off is that you have to remember to recharge the battery every few months.
Hardwired Ring Pro models never need charging and provide more consistent power. They are ideal if you have existing doorbell wiring and want to set it and forget it. The downside is that installation requires either existing wiring or hiring an electrician to run new wiring, which costs money and takes time.
If your home has no doorbell wiring and you do not want to hire an electrician, a battery-powered Ring doorbell is your best option. If you already have wiring and want zero maintenance, a hardwired Pro model is worth the investment.
Troubleshooting Battery Problems
If your Ring doorbell battery drains much faster than expected, start by checking your motion detection settings. Open the Ring app, go to your doorbell's settings, and look at the motion zones and sensitivity level. If sensitivity is set to maximum, lower it to reduce false alerts that drain the battery.
Next, check whether 24/7 recording is turned on. This feature records constantly instead of only when motion is detected, and it uses significantly more power. If you have it enabled and do not need it, turn it off to extend battery life.
If the battery still drains unusually fast, the battery itself may be failing. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, typically after two to three years of regular use. If your doorbell is older than that and the battery no longer holds a charge, you can order a replacement battery from Ring for around $30 to $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Ring doorbell if the battery is dead?
No. If your Ring doorbell has a battery and it is completely drained, the doorbell will not work until you recharge it. Hardwired Ring Pro models do not have this problem because they draw power from your home's electrical system.
How do I know if my Ring doorbell battery needs replacing?
If the battery no longer holds a charge even after a full recharge, or if it drains in a few days instead of months, the battery is likely failing. You can order a replacement battery directly from Ring's website for your specific model.
Can I leave my Ring doorbell plugged in all the time?
Yes. If you have a battery-powered Ring doorbell near an outlet, you can leave it plugged in continuously. This will keep the battery topped off, though it defeats the purpose of having a wireless doorbell. Most people charge the battery only when it runs low.
What happens to my Ring doorbell if the power goes out?
Battery-powered Ring doorbells will continue to work because they run on their internal battery. Hardwired Ring Pro models will stop working during a power outage unless you have a backup power supply connected to your doorbell wiring.
Is the Ring doorbell battery waterproof?
The battery itself is not waterproof, but the doorbell housing is designed to protect it from rain and moisture. Do not submerge the battery or expose it to standing water. If water gets inside the doorbell, remove the battery when ready and let both dry completely before reinstalling.