Replace Ring Doorbell Batteries in Four Steps

Changing the batteries in a Ring doorbell takes about five minutes and requires no tools. Remove the doorbell from its mounting bracket, slide out the old batteries, and insert fresh ones in their place. The specific battery type depends on your Ring model — most use AA or AAA alkaline batteries, though some models use rechargeable lithium batteries instead.

Ring sends you a notification when the battery is low, usually when it drops below 20 percent. You do not have to wait for that alert; you can check the battery level anytime in the Ring app under Device Health. Changing batteries before they fully drain prevents the doorbell from going offline and missing motion alerts or calls.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Ring doorbells use two AA or AAA alkaline batteries, though some models use rechargeable lithium batteries that plug in to charge.
  • The Ring app shows your current battery percentage under Device Health, so you can check the level without removing the doorbell.
  • You must remove the doorbell from its bracket to access the battery compartment — it does not open while mounted.
  • After inserting new batteries, the doorbell reconnects to Wi-Fi automatically and resumes normal operation within a minute or two.

Which Battery Type Your Ring Model Uses

Ring makes two kinds of doorbells: those that run on replaceable batteries and those with built-in rechargeable batteries. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd and 3rd generation), Ring Video Doorbell Plus, and Ring Video Doorbell Pro all use two AA alkaline batteries. The Ring Video Doorbell Wired and Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Wired have no battery compartment because they draw power directly from your home's existing doorbell wiring.

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Ring Video Doorbell Elite use rechargeable lithium batteries instead of alkaline ones. These batteries stay inside the doorbell and charge through a USB-C port on the back of the unit. You do not remove them; instead, you detach the doorbell and plug it into a USB charger for two to three hours.

Check your doorbell's model name on the back of the unit or in the Ring app under Device Settings. If you are unsure whether your model takes replaceable or rechargeable batteries, the Ring app will tell you under Device Health — it shows "Battery" for replaceable types and "Rechargeable Battery" for built-in ones.

How to Remove the Doorbell from Its Bracket

The doorbell attaches to a metal bracket mounted on your wall or door frame. To access the battery compartment, you must first remove the doorbell from this bracket. Look for a small release button or slot on the bottom or side of the doorbell — this varies by model.

Press and hold the release button while gently pulling the doorbell away from the bracket. The doorbell should slide out smoothly. If it does not budge, check the Ring app or your manual for the exact location of the release mechanism on your specific model. Some older Ring models have a small screw instead of a button; use a screwdriver to loosen it slightly, then slide the doorbell out.

Once removed, the doorbell stays connected to power and Wi-Fi for a few minutes, so you can work without rushing. If the doorbell goes offline during the battery change, it will reconnect automatically once you reinstall it.

Opening the Battery Compartment and Replacing Batteries

With the doorbell removed from the bracket, look for a small seam or line on the back or bottom edge. This marks the battery compartment door. Gently pry it open with your fingernail or a plastic tool — a credit card works well. Do not use a metal screwdriver, as it can damage the plastic.

Inside, you will see two battery slots. The batteries sit side by side, usually with a small metal spring at one end. Note which direction they face — the positive (+) end should point toward the spring. Slide the old batteries out by gently pushing them away from the spring.

Insert two fresh AA or AAA alkaline batteries (depending on your model) with the positive end toward the spring. Push them in until they click into place. Close the battery compartment door until it snaps shut. Do not force it; it should close smoothly with light pressure.

Reinstalling the Doorbell and Checking the Connection

Slide the doorbell back onto the mounting bracket. You should hear or feel a click as it locks into place. The doorbell will begin reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network automatically — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes.

Open the Ring app and go to Device Health. The battery percentage should now show 100 percent (or close to it, depending on the battery brand). If the doorbell is still offline after five minutes, remove it from the bracket again, check that the batteries are fully inserted, and reinstall it.

Once the doorbell shows as online in the app, it is ready to use. Motion detection and video recording resume when ready. You do not need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password or reconfigure any settings.

What Battery Brand and Type to Buy

Ring doorbells work with any standard AA or AAA alkaline batteries. Common brands include Duracell, Energizer, and Amazon Basics. Alkaline batteries typically last three to six months in a Ring doorbell, depending on how often the doorbell detects motion and records video.

Avoid rechargeable NiMH batteries (like Eneloop) unless your Ring model specifically lists them as compatible. These batteries have a lower voltage than alkaline ones and may cause the doorbell to report a low battery warning even when they are fully charged. Stick with alkaline unless your manual says otherwise.

Buy batteries in bulk if you plan to use your doorbell long-term. A four-pack or eight-pack costs less per battery than buying them one or two at a time. Keep a spare set in a drawer so you have them ready when the app sends a low battery alert.

Troubleshooting Battery Problems

If the doorbell shows a low battery warning within a few days of installing new batteries, the batteries may be defective or inserted incorrectly. Remove the doorbell, open the battery compartment, and check that both batteries are pushed all the way in and facing the correct direction. Reinstall and check the app again.

If the doorbell goes offline and will not reconnect after a battery change, remove it from the bracket and hold down the setup button (usually on the back) for 15 seconds. This resets the doorbell. Then reinstall it on the bracket and wait for it to reconnect to Wi-Fi. You may need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password in the Ring app.

If the battery drains much faster than three to six months, check your motion detection settings in the Ring app. High sensitivity or frequent motion in front of the doorbell causes the camera to record more often, which drains the battery faster. Lowering the sensitivity or adjusting the motion zones can extend battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Ring doorbell?

Most Ring models with replaceable batteries work best with alkaline batteries. Rechargeable NiMH batteries have a lower voltage and may trigger false low battery warnings. If your model has built-in rechargeable batteries (like the Ring Video Doorbell 4), you charge the doorbell itself via USB instead of replacing batteries.

What happens if I install the batteries backward?

The doorbell will not turn on if both batteries are reversed. If one battery is backward, the doorbell may work but show a low battery warning. Remove the doorbell, open the battery compartment, and check that the positive (+) end of each battery faces the metal spring.

Do I lose my video recordings if the battery dies?

No. Your video history stays in the Ring app and on Ring's servers. The doorbell straightforward goes offline and stops recording new video until you install fresh batteries and it reconnects to Wi-Fi.

How long does it take for the doorbell to reconnect after a battery change?

Usually 30 seconds to two minutes. The doorbell reconnects to your Wi-Fi network automatically once you reinstall it on the bracket. Check the Ring app under Device Health to confirm it shows as online.

Can I change the batteries without removing the doorbell from the bracket?

No. The battery compartment is only accessible when the doorbell is removed from the mounting bracket. You must slide it off the bracket first, then open the compartment on the back.