Ring doorbell batteries charge in 5 to 10 hours on a standard USB charger
A fully drained Ring doorbell battery takes between 5 and 10 hours to reach full charge when connected to a standard USB power adapter. The exact time depends on which Ring model you own, the amperage of your charger, and whether the battery was completely empty or partially drained. A charger rated for 2 amps will charge faster than one rated for 1 amp.
Ring sells a dedicated charging dock for some models, which works the same way as a USB cable—it still takes 5 to 10 hours. The battery itself is not user-replaceable on most Ring doorbells; you remove the entire device from your door to charge it, then reinstall it when done.
Key Takeaways
- Standard charging time is 5 to 10 hours depending on your charger's amperage and which Ring model you own.
- Use a charger rated for at least 2 amps to stay on the faster end of that range; 1-amp chargers will take longer.
- You charge the entire doorbell unit, not a removable battery—remove it from your door mount to charge it.
- A fully charged battery typically lasts 6 to 12 months depending on how many motion events and doorbell presses occur.
Charging time by Ring model
Ring makes several doorbell models, and charging time varies slightly between them. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen and 3rd Gen) and Ring Video Doorbell Plus charge in about 5 to 10 hours. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Pro Max are hardwired models and do not have removable batteries, so this does not explore to them.
The Ring Battery Doorbell (the model designed specifically for battery operation) also charges in 5 to 10 hours. If you own an older Ring doorbell model, check your product manual or the Ring support website for your specific model number, because charging times on discontinued models may differ slightly.
What charger speed means for your charging time
The amperage rating of your USB charger directly affects how fast the battery charges. A charger rated for 2 amps will deliver power roughly twice as fast as a 1-amp charger. Most phone chargers sold today are 2 amps or higher, so if you use a modern charger, you will be on the faster end of the 5 to 10 hour window.
Older chargers, including some that came with older phones or tablets, may be rated for only 1 amp. Using one of these will push your charging time closer to 10 hours or beyond. You can check your charger's amperage by looking at the label on the power adapter itself—it will say something like "2A" or "1A" next to the voltage.
How to charge your Ring doorbell
Remove the doorbell from its mounting bracket on your door. Most Ring doorbells have a release button or slot on the back or bottom; press or slide it to detach the unit from the bracket. Keep the bracket on the wall—you only remove the doorbell itself.
Locate the USB charging port on the bottom or back of the doorbell unit. Connect a USB cable to this port and plug the other end into a power adapter connected to a wall outlet. The Ring app will show a charging indicator, or the device may have a small LED that lights up to show charging is in progress. Leave it plugged in until the app shows 100% battery or the LED indicates a full charge.
Once fully charged, unplug the cable and reinstall the doorbell on its bracket by sliding or clicking it back into place until you hear or feel it lock. The doorbell will resume normal operation when ready.
Battery drain and how often you will need to charge
How long a full charge lasts depends on how much activity your doorbell sees. If your doorbell detects motion or receives button presses frequently—say, 10 or more motion events per day—the battery may drain in 6 to 8 months. If your doorbell is in a quieter location with fewer events, a charge can last 12 months or longer.
Cold weather also drains batteries faster than warm weather, so you may notice shorter battery life in winter. Ring's app will send you a notification when the battery drops to 20%, giving you time to plan a charging session before the doorbell stops working.
Faster charging with the Ring charging dock
Ring sells an optional charging dock for certain models that connects via USB. This dock does not charge faster than a cable—it still takes 5 to 10 hours—but it can be more convenient if you charge your doorbell regularly. You straightforward place the doorbell into the dock instead of plugging in a cable by hand.
The dock is sold separately and costs extra. It works only with specific Ring models, so check compatibility before buying. If you charge your doorbell only once or twice a year, a standard USB cable is all you need.
What to do if your doorbell will not charge
If your doorbell does not show any charging progress after 30 minutes, unplug it and check the USB port for debris or corrosion. Use a dry cloth or a small brush to gently clean the port. Plug it back in and wait another hour to see if charging begins.
If the doorbell still will not charge, try a different USB cable and a different power adapter. A faulty cable or adapter is the most common reason charging fails. If you have tried multiple cables and adapters and the doorbell still will not charge, the battery itself may be defective. Contact Ring support with your model number and purchase date—they can walk you through troubleshooting or discuss replacement options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any USB charger, or does it have to be a Ring charger?
Any standard USB charger works. Ring does not make proprietary chargers. A 2-amp charger from any brand will work fine. Avoid chargers rated below 1 amp, as they charge very slowly or may not charge at all.
Can I leave my Ring doorbell plugged in overnight?
Yes, it is safe to leave it charging overnight. Ring doorbells have built-in protection that stops charging once the battery reaches 100%, so overcharging is not a risk. Unplugging it after it reaches full charge will not harm anything, but it is not necessary.
Why does my battery drain so fast even though I just charged it?
High activity—frequent motion detection or many doorbell presses—drains the battery quickly. Cold weather also reduces battery life. Check your Ring app settings to see if motion detection sensitivity is set too high, which can cause unnecessary drain. Lowering sensitivity may extend battery life between charges.
Do I need to turn off my doorbell before charging it?
No, you can charge it while it is powered on. Removing it from the wall bracket and plugging it in will not cause any problems. The doorbell will straightforward stop functioning until you reinstall it.
How do I know when the battery is fully charged?
Open the Ring app and check the battery percentage in the device settings—it will show 100% when fully charged. Some Ring models also have a small LED light that changes color or turns off when charging is complete. Check your manual for your specific model's indicator.