The battery swap takes five minutes and requires no tools
To change the battery in a Ring doorbell, you remove the faceplate by loosening a single screw at the bottom, slide out the old battery, and slide in a new one. The whole job takes about five minutes. You do not need a screwdriver, wrench, or any special knowledge—just the right battery type for your model and a few seconds of your time.
Ring doorbells use one of two battery types depending on the model: either a rechargeable lithium battery built into the device, or two AA alkaline batteries in a removable battery pack. Knowing which one you have is the first step, because the process differs slightly between them.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Video Doorbell (2nd and 3rd generation) and Ring Video Doorbell Plus use a rechargeable lithium battery that you remove by loosening one screw and sliding the faceplate down.
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Pro 2 are hardwired and do not have a removable battery, though they have a backup battery inside that you cannot replace yourself.
- Older Ring models like the original Video Doorbell and Ring Doorbell 2 use two AA batteries in a pack that slides out from the bottom of the device.
- A dead battery usually means the doorbell stops recording and sending notifications, but the device itself is not broken.
- Replacement lithium batteries are sold by Ring directly, while AA batteries are standard alkaline cells you can buy anywhere.
Identify your Ring doorbell model before you start
The model name is printed on the back of the faceplate or on the device itself. Look for "Ring Video Doorbell" followed by a generation number (2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, Plus) or "Ring Video Doorbell Pro" (1st or 2nd Gen). You can also find it in the Ring app: open the app, tap the menu icon, select your doorbell, and look for "Device Type" or "Model".
The reason this matters is that different models have different battery setups. The 2nd and 3rd generation Video Doorbell and the Video Doorbell Plus all use the same rechargeable lithium battery and the same removal process. The Pro models are hardwired to your home's electrical system and do not have a removable battery. Older models use AA batteries instead.
How to remove and replace a rechargeable lithium battery
If you have a Ring Video Doorbell 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, or Plus, follow these steps. First, turn off power to the doorbell in the Ring app. Open the app, tap the menu, select your doorbell, go to Device Settings, and tap Power. Choose "Turn Off" or "Temporarily Turn Off". This prevents the device from trying to send data while you are working on it.
Next, locate the small screw at the bottom center of the faceplate. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen it—you do not need to remove it completely, just loosen it enough that the faceplate slides. Gently pull the bottom of the faceplate toward you and slide it downward. The faceplate will come free, revealing the battery inside.
The battery is a rectangular lithium cell held in place by a small clip or tab. Slide the battery toward you to release it from the clip, then pull it out. Take note of the orientation—the positive and negative ends matter. Slide the new battery in the same direction, making sure it clicks into the clip. Slide the faceplate back up and tighten the screw at the bottom. Turn the doorbell back on in the app.
The battery should be a Ring Rechargeable Battery (the official part) or a compatible third-party lithium battery rated for Ring doorbells. Check the voltage and capacity on the old battery and match it exactly. Charging the new battery fully before installation is not necessary—it will charge once the doorbell is powered on.
How to replace AA batteries in older Ring models
If you have an original Ring Video Doorbell or Ring Doorbell 2, your device uses two AA alkaline batteries in a removable pack. Locate the battery compartment on the bottom or back of the device. It is usually held in place by a small latch or screw. Slide or unscrew the compartment to open it.
Remove the two old AA batteries and note which end was facing which direction. Install two new AA alkaline batteries in the same orientation—positive end toward the spring, negative end toward the flat contact. Close the compartment and find it with the latch or screw. The doorbell will power on automatically once the batteries are installed.
Use standard alkaline AA batteries, not rechargeable NiMH batteries. Alkaline batteries last longer in Ring doorbells and are more reliable. Avoid mixing old and new batteries or using batteries of different brands in the same compartment.
What to do if your Ring doorbell is hardwired
Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Pro 2 models are hardwired directly to your home's existing doorbell wiring. They do not have a removable battery that you can swap out yourself. Instead, they draw power from your home's electrical system and have a small internal backup battery that keeps the device running if the power goes out.
If your Pro model is not working, the issue is usually not the battery. Check that power is reaching the device by looking at the light ring—if it is dark, the wiring may be disconnected or damaged. If the light is on but the doorbell is not responding, restart the device by turning off power at your breaker for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. If problems continue, contact Ring support or a may have access to electrician to check the wiring.
The internal backup battery in Pro models cannot be replaced by a homeowner. If it fails, you will need to contact Ring to arrange a replacement device.
How long a Ring doorbell battery lasts
A rechargeable lithium battery in a 2nd or 3rd generation Video Doorbell typically lasts six to twelve months before needing a charge or replacement, depending on how often the doorbell is used. Doorbells in high-traffic areas or with motion detection turned on will drain the battery faster. AA batteries in older models usually last three to six months.
The Ring app will send you a notification when the battery is low, usually when it drops below 20 percent. You do not have to wait for a dead battery to swap it out—you can replace it as soon as you see the low-battery alert. Keeping a spare battery on hand means you can swap it when ready without waiting for a charge.
Signs your Ring doorbell battery needs replacing
The most obvious sign is a low-battery notification in the Ring app. But you may also notice that the doorbell stops recording video, takes longer to respond to motion, or stops sending push notifications to your phone. These are all signs that power is running low.
If the light ring on the front of the doorbell is dim or flickering, the battery is nearly dead. A completely dead battery will leave the light dark and the device unresponsive. At that point, you have no choice but to replace it. Swapping it out before it reaches that stage keeps your doorbell working reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge the battery instead of replacing it?
If you have a 2nd or 3rd generation Video Doorbell or Video Doorbell Plus, the battery is rechargeable. You can remove the faceplate and charge it using a USB-C cable and charger. However, if the battery no longer holds a charge after many cycles, replacement is the better option. Older models with AA batteries cannot be recharged—you must replace them with new alkaline cells.
What happens if I install the battery backwards?
The doorbell will not power on. The battery will not fit into the slot if the polarity is reversed, or the device will straightforward not respond. If this happens, remove the battery, flip it around, and reinstall it. There is no risk of damage—the device just will not work until the battery is oriented correctly.
Do I need to turn off the doorbell before changing the battery?
For rechargeable lithium batteries, it is a good idea to turn off power in the Ring app first. This prevents the device from trying to transmit data while you are working on it. For AA batteries in older models, turning off power is not necessary, but it does not hurt. Either way, the process is safe and will not damage the device.
Where can I buy a replacement Ring battery?
Ring sells official rechargeable batteries on their website and through Amazon. You can also find compatible third-party lithium batteries on Amazon or at electronics retailers, as long as they are rated for your specific Ring model. For AA batteries, any standard alkaline AA battery from any retailer will work in older Ring models.
How do I know if my doorbell is hardwired or battery-powered?
Check the model name on the device or in the Ring app. If it says "Pro" or "Pro 2", it is hardwired and does not have a removable battery. If it says "Video Doorbell" followed by a generation number (2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, Plus) or just "Video Doorbell" or "Doorbell 2", it is battery-powered. Hardwired models are always connected to your home's electrical system and do not need battery changes.