The basic steps to change your Ring battery

Most Ring doorbells and cameras use a rechargeable lithium battery that you remove from the device, charge separately, and reinstall. The process takes about five minutes and requires no tools. You unscrew the faceplate, slide the battery out, plug it into the Ring charging cable, wait for the light to turn green, and slide it back in.

The exact steps depend on which Ring device you own — a Ring Video Doorbell 2 comes apart differently than a Ring Stick Up Cam — but the principle is the same across all models. The battery itself is the same size and shape as a large AA battery, and it sits in a slot on the back of the device.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Ring devices have a removable battery that you charge outside the device using the included USB charging cable.
  • You will need a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the faceplate on doorbell models, but stick-up cameras and indoor cameras usually slide open without tools.
  • A fully drained battery takes between three and ten hours to charge completely, depending on the model.
  • If your Ring device is hardwired to your home's electrical system, the battery charges automatically and you may never need to remove it.

What you need before you start

Gather a Phillips head screwdriver, the Ring charging cable that came with your device, and a USB power outlet or computer. If you cannot find the original charging cable, Ring sells replacements for about $15, but any USB-to-micro-USB cable will work in a pinch.

Check which Ring device you own by opening the Ring app, tapping the menu icon, and selecting "Devices." The device name appears at the top — for example, "Front Door" or "Stick Up Cam." This matters because the removal process differs slightly between models.

How to remove the battery from a Ring Video Doorbell

Turn off the device in the Ring app before you start. Tap the menu, select your device, scroll down, and toggle off "Device Power." This prevents the device from trying to reconnect while the battery is out.

Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two screws on the faceplate — one on each side, near the bottom. The faceplate will slide down and away from the device. Behind it, you will see the battery, which looks like a large silver cylinder about the size of an AA battery. Gently pull the battery straight out of its slot. Do not force it; if it does not slide smoothly, check that the faceplate is fully removed.

How to remove the battery from a Ring Stick Up Cam or Indoor Cam

These models do not use screws. Instead, the back cover slides off. Hold the device in one hand and use your other hand to gently push the back cover upward or to the side, depending on the model — the direction of the slot will be obvious once you look at it. The cover will slide off, and the battery will be visible inside.

Pull the battery straight out. On some models, the battery is held in place by a small clip; if you feel resistance, look for a small tab or clip and gently release it before pulling the battery out.

Charging the battery

Plug the Ring charging cable into a USB power outlet. The cable has a micro-USB end that connects to the battery and a standard USB end that goes into the wall or a computer. Insert the micro-USB connector into the port on the battery — it will only fit one way. A light on the battery or the charging cable will turn on, usually red or amber, to show that charging has started.

Leave the battery charging until the light turns green, which means it is fully charged. This takes between three hours for smaller batteries and ten hours for larger ones. You can check the Ring app to see the battery percentage while it charges, though not all models display this information in real time.

Reinstalling the battery

Once the battery is fully charged, slide it back into the slot in the device, making sure it goes in straight and all the way to the back. You should hear or feel a small click when it seats properly. If the battery does not slide in smoothly, remove it and check that the slot is clear of dust or debris.

For doorbell models, slide the faceplate back up and screw the two screws back in. For stick-up cams and indoor cams, slide the back cover back on until it clicks into place. Turn the device back on in the Ring app by tapping the menu, selecting your device, scrolling down, and toggling "Device Power" back on. The device will reconnect to your Wi-Fi within a minute or two.

What to do if your Ring device is hardwired

If your Ring Video Doorbell is wired directly to your home's existing doorbell system, the battery charges automatically whenever power flows through the wires. You may never need to remove the battery manually. However, if the device stops responding or the battery percentage in the app drops below 20 percent, you can still remove and charge the battery the same way.

To check whether your device is hardwired, open the Ring app, tap the menu, select your device, and scroll to "Power Source." If it says "Wired," your device is hardwired. If it says "Battery," you will need to charge it manually every few months depending on how often the doorbell is used.

How often you need to charge the battery

A fully charged Ring battery lasts between two and twelve months, depending on how often the doorbell or camera records. If your device records ten times a day, the battery will drain faster than if it records once a week. Cold weather also drains batteries faster.

The Ring app will send you a notification when the battery drops below 20 percent. At that point, you have a few weeks before the device stops working, so you do not need to rush. However, charging the battery as soon as you see the notification prevents the device from going offline unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different charging cable?

Yes. Any USB-to-micro-USB cable will charge a Ring battery. The Ring charging cable is convenient because it has a wider connector that fits the battery slot more easily, but a standard phone charging cable works just as well.

What if the battery will not slide out?

Make sure the faceplate is completely removed and not pinching the battery. If the battery still will not budge, try gently rocking it side to side while pulling, or use a plastic spoon or credit card to gently pry it out. Avoid metal tools, which can scratch the device.

How long does it take to charge a Ring battery?

Most Ring batteries take between three and ten hours to charge fully, depending on the model and the power source. Charging from a wall outlet is faster than charging from a computer USB port. The light on the battery or cable will turn green when charging is complete.

Do I need to turn off the device before removing the battery?

It is not required, but it is a good idea. Turning off the device in the Ring app prevents it from trying to reconnect to Wi-Fi while the battery is out, which can cause temporary errors in the app.

What if my Ring device is hardwired and the battery still drains?

A hardwired device should charge continuously, but if the battery percentage stays low, the wiring may be loose or the power supply may be weak. Check that the wires are firmly connected to the device terminals, or contact an electrician to test the doorbell circuit.