The basic steps to change your Ring doorbell battery

Changing the battery in a Ring doorbell takes about five minutes and requires no tools. You remove the faceplate, slide out the old battery, and slide in the new one. The whole process is mechanical — there are no screws, no wiring, and no settings to adjust afterward.

Ring doorbells use either a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or two AA alkaline batteries, depending on the model. The rechargeable battery is built into the device and slides out as a single unit. The AA models have a battery compartment you open by hand. Both types are held in place by friction, not fasteners.

The battery is the only part most owners ever replace. It lasts between six months and three years depending on how many motion events and video recordings your doorbell handles each day. A busy doorbell in a high-traffic area drains the battery faster than one in a quiet spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Ring doorbell batteries slide out by hand with no tools required, and the faceplate comes off without screws.
  • Rechargeable models use a lithium-ion battery that slides out as one piece; AA models have a removable battery compartment.
  • Before you remove the old battery, note which direction it faces so you can insert the new one the same way.
  • A fully charged battery takes about three to four hours and shows a green light when ready, though some models charge while installed.

How to remove the faceplate and access the battery

Start by looking at the bottom edge of your Ring doorbell's faceplate. You will see a small gap or notch. Press your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle into that gap and gently pry the faceplate away from the body. It will pop off without resistance — there are no clips or latches holding it in place, only the weight of the faceplate itself.

Once the faceplate is off, you will see the battery directly underneath. On rechargeable models, it looks like a small rectangular cartridge. On AA models, you will see a plastic compartment with a small tab. Do not force anything at this stage. If the faceplate does not come off easily, you are prying in the wrong spot — try the opposite edge.

Keep the faceplate in a safe place while you work. It is plastic and can crack if dropped, and you will need it to close the doorbell again.

Removing and replacing the rechargeable battery

If your Ring doorbell has a rechargeable battery, you will see a rectangular cartridge about the size of a AA battery but slightly thicker. Grasp it gently and slide it straight out toward you. It will come free with light pressure — do not twist or wiggle it, just pull straight.

Before you insert the new battery, look at the old one and note which end had the metal contacts facing outward. The new battery must go in the same direction. Slide the new battery straight in until it stops. You will feel it seat firmly when it is fully inserted.

Rechargeable batteries come partially charged from the factory, but Ring recommends charging them fully before reinstalling the faceplate. Plug the battery into a USB charger using the cable that came with your doorbell. The light on the battery will turn green when it is fully charged, usually within three to four hours. Some newer Ring models allow you to charge the battery while it is still in the doorbell, so check your manual.

Removing and replacing AA batteries

If your Ring doorbell uses AA batteries, you will see a small plastic compartment with a tab sticking out. Pull that tab gently toward you and the compartment will slide out. Inside are two AA batteries arranged in a row. Note which direction they face — the positive and negative ends should be pointing the same way as the old batteries.

Remove the old batteries and set them aside. Insert two new AA alkaline batteries in the same direction the old ones were facing. Push the compartment back into the doorbell until it clicks into place. You will hear or feel a small snap when it is fully seated.

AA batteries in Ring doorbells typically last between six months and one year, depending on activity. Alkaline batteries work better than rechargeable AA batteries in Ring doorbells because the device draws very little power most of the time, and alkaline batteries hold their charge longer in low-drain situations.

Reinstalling the faceplate and testing the connection

Once the battery is in place, align the faceplate with the body of the doorbell. The faceplate should slide on smoothly without forcing. Press it gently until it sits flush against the body. You should hear a soft click or feel it settle into place. Do not press hard — if it does not slide on easily, the battery may not be fully inserted.

After the faceplate is on, open the Ring app on your phone and check the device status. The app will show the battery level within a few seconds. If the battery shows as charging or low, wait a few minutes for the app to refresh. A newly installed battery usually shows between 80 and 100 percent.

If the app does not show the doorbell at all, the battery may not be making contact. Remove the faceplate again, take out the battery, and reinsert it, making sure it slides all the way in. Then reinstall the faceplate and check the app again.

What to do if the battery will not charge or hold a charge

A rechargeable battery that will not charge after sitting unused for several months may need a hard reset. Plug it into a USB charger and leave it connected for at least 24 hours, even if the light does not turn on. Some batteries go into a deep sleep state and take longer to wake up.

If the battery still will not charge after a full day, it has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced. Rechargeable Ring batteries typically last two to three years before they stop holding a charge. You can order a replacement battery directly from Ring's website or from retailers that sell Ring products.

AA batteries that drain faster than expected are usually a sign that your doorbell is handling a lot of motion events or video recording. High activity drains AA batteries in three to six months instead of the typical six to twelve months. If this happens repeatedly, switching to a rechargeable battery model may be more practical in the long run.

Troubleshooting common battery problems

If your Ring doorbell stops responding after a battery change, the most common cause is a battery that is not fully inserted. Remove the faceplate, take out the battery, and look at the metal contacts on both the battery and the device. They should be clean and shiny. If they look dirty or corroded, wipe them gently with a dry cloth and reinsert the battery.

If the doorbell works for a few days and then stops, the battery may not be making full contact. This usually happens if the battery is inserted slightly crooked. Remove it, look at the slot it sits in, and make sure nothing is blocking it. Reinsert the battery straight and firmly.

If the app shows the battery level as very low when ready after installation, the battery may be defective. Try a different battery if you have one available. If a second battery shows the same problem, the doorbell itself may have a hardware issue and should be inspected or replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rechargeable AA batteries instead of alkaline ones?

Ring does not recommend rechargeable AA batteries in their doorbells. Rechargeable AAs have a lower voltage than alkaline batteries and may not provide enough power for the doorbell to function properly. Stick with standard alkaline AA batteries or upgrade to a rechargeable battery model if you want to avoid buying new batteries frequently.

How do I know if my Ring doorbell has a rechargeable battery or AA batteries?

Check your original paperwork or the Ring app. The app will show the battery type under device settings. If you have the doorbell in front of you, remove the faceplate and look inside — a rechargeable battery looks like a thick rectangular cartridge, while AA batteries look like standard household batteries.

What should I do with the old battery?

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries should be taken to an electronics recycling center or a retailer that accepts batteries for recycling. Alkaline AA batteries can go in regular trash in most places, but check your local rules — some areas require all batteries to be recycled. Never throw a rechargeable battery in the trash.

Does the doorbell stop working while I change the battery?

Yes. The doorbell will not record video or detect motion while the battery is out. The process takes only a few minutes, so the downtime is brief. If you need the doorbell to stay active, you can hardwire it to your home's electrical system instead of relying on battery power, though this requires an electrician.

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

Some newer Ring models support in-doorbell charging, but most do not. Check your manual or the Ring app to see if your model supports it. If it does, you can leave the battery in place and plug a USB cable into the charging port on the doorbell body. If your model does not support it, you must remove the battery and charge it separately.