The battery comes out from the front, and you swap it for a fresh one
Ring doorbells use a rechargeable lithium battery that slides out of the device from the front. You do not need tools, a ladder, or a power drill — just your fingers and a replacement battery. The whole job takes about five minutes, and the doorbell keeps working while you charge the old battery.
The battery sits behind the faceplate. Once you remove it, you plug it into a USB charger (the same kind that charges a phone) and let it run for several hours. While it charges, you can put a fresh battery in the doorbell so it keeps recording and sending alerts.
Ring sells replacement batteries directly, and third-party batteries work too — as long as they match the model number of your doorbell. A second battery costs between $20 and $40 and means you always have a charged one ready to swap in.
Key Takeaways
- The battery slides out from the front of the doorbell without tools — no wiring or screwdriver needed.
- Ring batteries charge via USB, so you can use any standard USB power adapter or computer port.
- A full charge takes four to six hours, depending on the model and charger you use.
- Buying a second battery means you can swap them without downtime instead of waiting for one to charge.
- The battery lasts one to three months between charges, depending on how many motion events and video recordings the doorbell handles.
Step-by-step removal and installation
Start by looking at the bottom of your Ring doorbell. You will see a small slot or indentation on the lower edge. Slide your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle into that slot and gently pry the faceplate away from the device. The faceplate is held by magnets, not screws, so it comes off easily once you explore steady pressure.
Once the faceplate is off, you will see the battery sitting in a slot inside the doorbell. It looks like a small rectangular block, usually black or silver. Grip it firmly and pull it straight out toward you. Do not twist or angle it — straight out works best.
Before you put the new battery in, check the label on the old one. It shows the model number (such as 8AA1S7 or 8AU1S7). Make sure your replacement battery has the same number. Slide the new battery into the slot the same way the old one came out — straight in, no twisting. You will feel it click or seat when it is fully inserted.
Snap the faceplate back on by aligning it with the top of the doorbell and pressing down until the magnets hold it in place. The doorbell will chime or show a light to confirm it is powered on. If it does not, remove the battery and reseat it — sometimes it needs a firmer push.
Charging the old battery at home
Ring batteries charge through a USB port, just like a phone or tablet. Plug the USB charging cable into any standard USB power adapter — the kind that came with your phone works fine. Plug the other end into the battery itself. The battery has a small USB port on one end; line it up and push gently until it seats.
A full charge takes four to six hours on average. Some chargers are faster than others, and cold temperatures slow charging down. You can check the battery's charge level through the Ring app on your phone — it shows a percentage under device settings. Once it reaches 100 percent, unplug it and store it in a dry place until you need it.
If you charge the battery while it is still in the doorbell, the doorbell will not work during charging. That is why most people buy a second battery — so they can swap them without losing video coverage. If you only have one battery, charge it overnight or during a time when you do not mind the doorbell being offline.
How long the battery lasts between charges
Ring doorbell batteries last between one and three months on a single charge. The exact time depends on how much activity your doorbell sees. A doorbell in a quiet neighborhood with few visitors might run for three months. A doorbell on a busy street or near a motion-sensor light might need charging every four to six weeks.
Video recording drains the battery faster than motion detection alone. Every time someone presses the button or motion triggers a recording, the battery loses power. If your doorbell records 20 times a day, the battery will drain faster than one that records five times a day.
You can extend battery life by adjusting motion detection settings in the Ring app. Turning down the sensitivity or limiting the detection zone means fewer false alerts and less video recording. Disabling video recording during certain hours (like the middle of the night) also helps. Check your app settings under motion detection or recording preferences.
Replacement battery options and where to buy
Ring sells official replacement batteries on its website and through Amazon. The price is usually between $25 and $40 per battery, depending on your doorbell model. Official batteries come with a one-year warranty and are may provide to work with your device.
Third-party batteries from other manufacturers also work, as long as they match your doorbell model number. These often cost $15 to $30 and perform the same way as Ring batteries. Check the product listing to confirm it is compatible with your specific doorbell model — Ring makes several versions (Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Video Doorbell 2, and others), and batteries are not interchangeable between all of them.
You can find third-party batteries on Amazon, Best Buy, and other electronics retailers. Read the reviews before you buy — look for comments about charge time and how long the battery lasts. Avoid batteries with many complaints about not holding a charge or failing after a few months.
Troubleshooting when the battery will not charge
If your battery will not charge, first check the USB cable and power adapter. Try a different cable or charger — sometimes the cable is damaged and you cannot see it. Plug the charger into a different outlet to rule out a bad wall socket. If the battery still will not charge, it may have reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
Lithium batteries degrade over time and eventually stop holding a charge. If your battery is more than two years old and has been charged hundreds of times, it is probably time for a new one. Ring batteries are not repairable — once they stop charging, replacement is the only option.
If the doorbell itself will not turn on even with a fresh battery, the problem is not the battery. Remove the battery and wait 30 seconds, then reinsert it. If that does not work, the doorbell may need a factory reset. Hold the reset button (usually on the back or bottom) for 15 seconds. This erases all settings, so you will need to reconnect it to your Wi-Fi and Ring account afterward.
When to buy a second battery instead of waiting to charge
A second battery is worth the cost if your doorbell is your main security camera or if you live somewhere with frequent deliveries and visitors. With two batteries, you always have one charging while the other is in the doorbell. You swap them every month or two and never lose video coverage.
If your doorbell is just a convenience (you do not rely on it for security), one battery is fine. You can charge it overnight or during a quiet time of day. The doorbell will be offline for four to six hours, but that is usually not a problem.
Two batteries also give you a backup if one fails unexpectedly. If a battery stops charging and you are waiting for a replacement to arrive, you still have a working doorbell. For people who depend on their doorbell for security or package notifications, this backup is worth the $25 to $40 cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the doorbell while the battery is charging inside it?
No. When the battery is plugged into a charger, the doorbell stops working. The USB cable disconnects the battery from the device. This is why having a second battery is useful — you can charge one while the other is in the doorbell recording video.
What is the difference between a Ring doorbell battery and a regular rechargeable battery?
Ring doorbell batteries are custom lithium packs designed to fit inside the doorbell and charge through USB. They are not standard AA or 9-volt batteries. You cannot use regular rechargeable batteries in a Ring doorbell — the shape and connector are different.
Do I lose my video recordings if I remove the battery?
No. Your video recordings are stored in the Ring cloud, not on the battery or doorbell. Removing the battery does not delete anything. When you put a new battery in, all your old videos are still there in the Ring app.
How do I know which battery model I need?
Check the label on your current battery — it shows the model number. You can also find your doorbell model in the Ring app under device settings, then search for the matching battery on Ring's website or Amazon. The product page will confirm compatibility before you buy.
Can I leave the battery charging overnight?
Yes. Ring batteries have built-in protection that stops charging once they reach 100 percent, so leaving them plugged in overnight will not damage them. However, charging usually takes four to six hours, so overnight charging is longer than necessary.