Ring Doorbell batteries take 4 to 8 hours to charge fully from empty

A Ring Doorbell battery charged from completely dead to full capacity takes between 4 and 8 hours, depending on which model you own and which charger you use. The standard USB charger that comes in the box is slower than a wall adapter with higher wattage. If you use a basic 5-watt charger, expect the longer end of that range. A 2-amp wall adapter cuts the time closer to 4 to 5 hours.

The battery itself is a rechargeable lithium-ion pack rated at 980 mAh (milliamp-hours). It does not have a "memory" that requires you to fully drain it before recharging, so you can top it up whenever you want without damaging the battery. Most people charge their Ring Doorbell battery once every 6 to 12 months, depending on how many motion events and video recordings happen at your door.

Key Takeaways

  • A Ring Doorbell battery charges in 4 to 8 hours using the included USB charger, or 4 to 5 hours with a 2-amp wall adapter.
  • You do not need to wait for the battery to drain completely before recharging—lithium-ion batteries have no memory effect.
  • The battery is removable and charges outside the doorbell using a USB cable, so you can swap in a spare while one charges.
  • Charging speed depends on the power output of your charger; higher-wattage adapters charge faster than the basic 5-watt charger.
  • Most Ring Doorbell owners charge the battery once or twice per year, though high-traffic doors may need charging more often.

What charger you use affects charging time

The USB charger included with your Ring Doorbell is a basic 5-watt charger. It works fine, but it is the slowest option. If you plug it into a standard USB port on a computer or a low-power outlet adapter, charging takes the full 4 to 8 hours. Many people leave it overnight to be safe.

A wall adapter with 2 amps of output (often labeled 2A or 10 watts) cuts charging time to 4 to 5 hours. You can use any USB-A wall adapter rated for at least 2 amps—you do not need a Ring-branded charger. Check the label on the back of the adapter. If you have a phone charger that outputs 2 amps or more, it will work with the Ring battery.

Do not use chargers rated higher than 2 amps. Overcharging with excessive wattage can damage the lithium-ion battery or create a safety hazard. Stick to the 5-watt charger that came with your doorbell, or upgrade to a standard 2-amp adapter.

How to know when the battery is fully charged

The Ring Doorbell battery has a small LED light on the side. When you first plug it in, the light turns red. As the battery charges, the light stays red. When the battery reaches full charge, the light turns green. This is your signal that charging is complete and you can unplug it.

If the light does not turn on at all when you plug in the charger, check that the USB cable is fully inserted into both the battery and the wall adapter. Try a different USB cable or a different outlet. If the light still does not appear, the battery may be defective and you should contact Ring support.

Removing and reinstalling the battery

The Ring Doorbell battery is designed to be removed without tools. Press the release tab on the bottom of the battery and slide it out of the doorbell. The battery is small enough to fit in your hand, and the USB charging port is on the side.

While the battery charges indoors, your doorbell will not record video or detect motion. If you want continuous protection, buy a second Ring Doorbell battery ahead of time. Swap the charged battery in while the first one charges. Ring sells spare batteries separately, and they are the same size and connector type across all Ring Doorbell models.

When you reinstall the battery, slide it back into the doorbell until you hear a click. The battery should sit flush with the back of the doorbell. If it sticks out or feels loose, remove it and try again—it may not be fully seated.

Factors that affect how often you need to charge

A Ring Doorbell battery lasts longer or shorter depending on how much activity happens at your door. If your doorbell records 10 to 20 motion events per day, the battery drains faster than if it records 2 or 3. Video recording uses more power than motion detection alone, so a door with frequent visitors will need charging more often than a quiet entrance.

Cold weather also drains the battery faster. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity in freezing temperatures, so a Ring Doorbell in a cold climate may need charging every 3 to 6 months instead of every 6 to 12 months. Once the battery warms up indoors, it regains its normal capacity.

You can reduce battery drain by adjusting your Ring app settings. Lower the motion sensitivity, reduce the video recording length, or set motion zones so the doorbell ignores movement in areas you do not care about. These changes extend the time between charges.

Troubleshooting a battery that will not charge

If the LED light does not turn green after 8 hours of charging, first try a different USB cable. The cable that came with your Ring Doorbell can fray or fail, and a damaged cable prevents charging even if the battery is fine. Borrow a standard USB-A to micro-USB cable from another device and test it.

Next, try a different wall outlet. Some outlets are controlled by a switch or are on a circuit that has failed. Plug the charger into an outlet you know works—a lamp or phone charger in the same room will tell you if the outlet is live.

If the battery still will not charge after trying a new cable and a different outlet, the battery itself may be dead. Lithium-ion batteries can fail if they are stored in extreme heat or cold for long periods, or if they are completely drained and left uncharged for months. Contact Ring support with your doorbell model number and serial number. They can send you a replacement battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge the battery while it is still in the doorbell?

No. The Ring Doorbell battery must be removed before charging. The USB port is on the side of the battery, and you cannot reach it while the battery is installed in the doorbell. Remove the battery by pressing the release tab, then plug the USB cable into the port on the battery itself.

What happens if I leave the battery plugged in after it is fully charged?

Leaving a fully charged lithium-ion battery plugged in for a few hours will not damage it. Ring batteries have built-in protection that stops charging once the battery reaches 100 percent. However, leaving it plugged in for days or weeks at a time can reduce the battery's lifespan over time. Unplug it once the LED turns green.

Does the doorbell work while the battery is charging?

No. The battery must be installed in the doorbell for it to work. While the battery is out charging, the doorbell is powered down and will not record video or detect motion. If you need continuous protection, keep a second charged battery on hand to swap in.

Can I use a fast charger meant for phones?

Only if it outputs 2 amps or less. Check the label on the charger. If it says 2A, 10W, or anything lower, it is safe to use. If it says 3A, 18W, or higher, do not use it—the extra power can damage the Ring battery. When in doubt, stick with the charger that came in the box.

How do I know if my battery is getting old and needs replacement?

If your Ring Doorbell battery drains much faster than it used to—for example, needing a charge every 2 months instead of every 6 months, with no change in activity—the battery is likely aging. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time, usually after 2 to 3 years of regular use. When capacity drops noticeably, buy a replacement battery from Ring.