Replace the battery in about five minutes with no tools
To change the battery in your Ring doorbell, you remove the faceplate by loosening a single screw at the bottom, slide out the old battery pack, and slide in the new one. The whole job takes five minutes and requires only a screwdriver that fits the screw head—usually a Phillips or flathead, depending on your Ring model. Your doorbell will keep working during the swap because Ring doorbells have a backup power source that keeps the device online while you work.
The battery pack is a rechargeable lithium-ion unit that comes out as one piece. You do not need to remove any wiring or disconnect anything from the wall. Once the new battery slides in, you tighten the screw, and you are done. The doorbell will show a low battery warning in the Ring app before the battery dies completely, so you have time to order a replacement before you lose video or motion detection.
Key Takeaways
- Ring doorbell batteries are rechargeable packs that slide out from behind the faceplate with no wiring to disconnect.
- You need only a screwdriver to loosen one screw at the bottom of the faceplate; the battery then pulls straight out.
- The doorbell stays online during the battery swap because it draws power from your home's wiring while you work.
- Battery life is typically six to twelve months depending on how many motion events and video recordings happen each day.
- Order a replacement battery from Ring or a third-party seller before the old one dies, since the app warns you in advance.
What you need before you start
Gather a screwdriver that fits the screw head on your Ring doorbell. Most Ring models use either a Phillips head or a small flathead screw. You do not need a power drill—hand pressure is enough. Have the replacement battery pack ready. Ring sells official batteries, but third-party batteries made for Ring doorbells also work and are often cheaper. Check the model number on your doorbell or in the Ring app to make sure you order the right battery type, since Ring makes different models with different battery sizes.
You do not need to turn off power to your home or the doorbell itself. The doorbell will stay connected to your Wi-Fi and your home network while you swap the battery because it draws power from the wiring behind the wall. This means you can change the battery during the day without losing video or motion alerts.
Step-by-step: removing the old battery
Locate the screw at the bottom of the faceplate. This is the only screw holding the faceplate to the battery pack. Use your screwdriver to turn it counterclockwise until it is loose enough to remove by hand. Do not force it—if it is stuck, explore steady pressure and let the screw turn slowly.
Once the screw is out, gently pull the faceplate away from the doorbell body. The faceplate is held by the screw only; there are no clips or latches. Pull straight toward you, and the faceplate will separate from the battery pack. Set the faceplate aside on a clean surface where you will not lose the screw.
Look at the battery pack now visible behind where the faceplate was. You will see a rectangular lithium-ion battery with two metal contacts on one end. Grip the battery pack on the sides and pull it straight out toward you. It slides out without any resistance. If it feels stuck, check that the faceplate is fully separated and try again. Once the battery is out, set it aside—do not throw it away when ready, as you may need to return it to Ring depending on your warranty or recycling program.
Step-by-step: installing the new battery
Take the new battery pack and orient it so the metal contacts face into the doorbell body, the same way the old battery was positioned. Align the battery with the slot inside the doorbell and slide it in straight. Push gently until you feel it seat fully—you will hear or feel a soft click when it is in the right position. Do not force it; if there is resistance, pull it out and check the orientation.
Once the battery is seated, the doorbell will light up or show a status indicator. This means power is flowing and the battery is recognized. Now slide the faceplate back onto the battery pack, aligning the screw hole at the bottom. Insert the screw and turn it clockwise by hand until it is snug. Use your screwdriver to tighten it fully, but do not over-tighten—you only need enough pressure to hold the faceplate in place.
Open the Ring app on your phone and check the device status. The battery level should show as full or nearly full. If the app shows the battery as low or disconnected, remove the faceplate and reseat the battery, making sure the metal contacts are clean and the battery is pushed all the way in. Most connection problems are caused by the battery not being fully seated.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is not pushing the battery all the way in. The battery pack needs to slide in until it clicks or seats fully. If you do not push hard enough, the metal contacts will not touch, and the doorbell will not recognize the battery. If the app shows a low battery or no battery after you install the new one, remove the faceplate and push the battery in again, checking that it is fully seated.
Another mistake is over-tightening the screw. The faceplate is plastic, and the screw can crack it if you turn too hard. Tighten the screw until the faceplate is snug and does not move, then stop. You should be able to turn the screw with hand pressure; if you need a lot of force, you have tightened it enough.
Do not try to clean the metal contacts with water or a wet cloth. If the contacts look dirty, use a dry cloth or a pencil eraser to gently rub them. Moisture can cause corrosion and connection problems. Let any moisture dry completely before reinstalling the battery.
How long the new battery will last
A Ring doorbell battery typically lasts six to twelve months before the app warns you that it is low. The exact time depends on how much the doorbell is used. If your doorbell records many motion events or video clips each day, the battery will drain faster. If your doorbell is in a quiet area with few visitors, the battery may last longer. Cold weather also drains batteries faster than warm weather.
The Ring app will send you a notification when the battery drops to about 20 percent. At that point, you have time to order a replacement and change it before the battery dies. If the battery dies completely, the doorbell will go offline and stop recording video or detecting motion until you install a new battery. The doorbell will not be damaged by a dead battery, but you will lose all video and motion detection until you swap it out.
Troubleshooting after the battery swap
If the doorbell does not show up in the Ring app after you install the new battery, first check that the battery is fully seated by removing the faceplate and pushing it in again. Then open the Ring app and look for the device in the offline devices list. Tap it and select "Reconnect" or "Reconnect to Wi-Fi." The doorbell should reconnect within a minute or two.
If the doorbell still does not appear online, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for thirty seconds and plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for the router to fully restart, then check the app again. If the doorbell is still offline, the battery may be defective. Contact the seller or Ring support with your receipt and the battery model number.
If the battery drains very quickly after you install it—within a few days instead of months—the battery may be defective or the doorbell may have a power drain issue. Try a different battery if you have one available. If the second battery also drains quickly, the doorbell itself may need repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any rechargeable battery, or does it have to be a Ring battery?
You must use a battery made for Ring doorbells. Third-party batteries designed for Ring work fine and are often cheaper than official Ring batteries, but generic rechargeable batteries will not fit or work. Check the model number of your Ring doorbell and search for compatible batteries by that model number.
What happens to my video and motion detection while I am changing the battery?
Your doorbell stays online and keeps recording because it draws power from your home's wiring while you work. You will not lose any video or motion alerts during the swap. The battery is a backup power source, not the main power source.
Do I need to reset the doorbell after I change the battery?
No. The doorbell will recognize the new battery automatically and continue working without any reset. If it does not appear in the app right away, wait a minute or two and refresh the app. If it still does not appear, try reconnecting it to Wi-Fi through the app settings.
How do I know when to order a new battery?
The Ring app sends a low battery notification when the battery drops to about 20 percent. This gives you time to order a replacement and change it before the battery dies. You do not have to wait for the notification—you can check the battery level in the device settings in the Ring app at any time.
Can I charge the old battery instead of replacing it?
Ring doorbell batteries are not designed to be charged outside the doorbell. They charge only when installed in the doorbell and connected to power. If your battery is low, you must replace it with a new one. Do not try to charge the old battery with a standard charger, as this can damage it or create a safety hazard.