How to Replace the Battery in Your Ring Doorbell

Replace the battery in under five minutes with no tools

Changing a Ring doorbell battery takes about five minutes and requires no tools or technical knowledge. You remove the faceplate by pressing the release tab at the bottom, slide out the old battery, and slide in the new one. The doorbell will chime once when the battery is seated correctly. Most Ring models use the same AA or AAA batteries you can buy at any drugstore, and the whole job costs between $3 and $8 in battery expense.

The exact steps depend slightly on which Ring model you own, but the principle is the same across all battery-powered Ring doorbells: Ring Video Doorbell (2nd and 3rd generation), Ring Video Doorbell Plus, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, and Ring Video Doorbell Elite all open the same way. Wired models like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 have a rechargeable battery inside that you cannot replace yourself — those require a technician or a full unit replacement.

Key Takeaways

Battery-powered Ring doorbells use standard AA or AAA batteries that you can buy at any store for a few dollars.
The faceplate releases by pressing a tab at the bottom and slides straight off without tools.
The battery slides out horizontally and the new one slides in the same way; the doorbell chimes once when it is seated correctly.
Wired Ring models have built-in rechargeable batteries that cannot be user-replaced.
The whole process takes about five minutes and does not require you to reset the doorbell or reconnect it to Wi-Fi.

What battery type your Ring doorbell uses

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd and 3rd generation) uses two AA batteries. Ring Video Doorbell Plus uses two AA batteries. Ring Video Doorbell Pro uses four AA batteries. Ring Video Doorbell Elite uses four AA batteries. Check your doorbell's manual or the Ring app to confirm which model you own if you are unsure.

Buy alkaline batteries, not rechargeable ones. Alkaline batteries last longer in Ring doorbells and perform better in cold weather. A fresh set typically lasts between three and six months depending on how many times the doorbell is pressed and how often the camera records motion events. If your battery drains much faster than that, your doorbell may be recording too frequently or your Wi-Fi signal may be weak, forcing the device to work harder.

Step-by-step battery replacement

Step 1: Locate the release tab. Look at the bottom edge of the Ring doorbell faceplate. You will see a small rectangular tab or button. This is the battery release.

Step 2: Press and hold the release tab. Push the tab firmly inward toward the doorbell body. Hold it down — do not let go yet. The faceplate will not come off until you maintain pressure on this tab.

Step 3: Slide the faceplate downward. While still holding the release tab, slide the entire faceplate down and away from the doorbell. It should come free in your hand. Set it aside on a clean surface.

Step 4: Remove the old battery. You will now see the battery compartment. The batteries sit horizontally in a metal or plastic holder. Slide the old battery out toward you. If two or four batteries are present, remove all of them.

Step 5: Insert the new battery. Slide the new battery into the slot with the positive (+) end facing the direction marked inside the compartment. Push it in until it sits flush. Repeat for each battery slot if your model uses more than one.

Step 6: Reattach the faceplate. Align the faceplate with the doorbell body and slide it upward until it clicks into place. You should hear or feel a click. The release tab will return to its resting position automatically.

Step 7: Confirm the battery is working. The Ring doorbell will chime once inside your home when the battery makes proper contact. If you do not hear a chime, remove the faceplate again and check that the battery is pushed all the way in. If the chime still does not sound, the battery may be dead — try a fresh one.

When to replace the battery

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 replace it when ready at that point — the doorbell will continue to work for a few more weeks. However, a low battery means the doorbell may miss some motion events or take longer to record video, so replacing it within a week or two is practical.

If your doorbell stops responding to presses or stops recording motion entirely, the battery is likely dead. Replace it and the doorbell should return to normal operation without any additional setup.

Troubleshooting a doorbell that does not chime after battery replacement

If the doorbell does not chime when you reattach the faceplate, first remove it again and check that the battery is pushed all the way into the slot. Batteries sometimes sit slightly loose and do not make full contact. Push it in firmly and reattach the faceplate.

If the chime still does not sound, try a different battery. The battery you installed may be defective or already dead. Alkaline batteries occasionally fail in the package, so testing with a fresh battery from a different pack is the fastest way to rule that out.

If a new battery from a different pack still does not produce a chime, the doorbell itself may have a hardware problem. Contact Ring support with your model number and the date of purchase. They can advise whether the unit is still under warranty.

Wired Ring doorbells and rechargeable batteries

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, Ring Video Doorbell Pro (2021), and Ring Video Doorbell Wired all have built-in rechargeable batteries. These models do not use replaceable AA or AAA batteries. Instead, the battery charges through the doorbell's wired power connection, and the internal battery cannot be removed or swapped by the user.

If a wired Ring doorbell's rechargeable battery fails, the unit must be replaced or sent to Ring for repair. Rechargeable batteries typically last three to five years before they stop holding a charge. If your wired doorbell is no longer charging or is losing battery very quickly, contact Ring support to discuss repair or replacement options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rechargeable batteries in my Ring doorbell?

Rechargeable batteries work in Ring doorbells but drain faster and perform worse in cold weather than alkaline batteries. Stick with standard alkaline AA or AAA batteries for the longest battery life between replacements.

Do I need to reconnect my doorbell to Wi-Fi after changing the battery?

No. Changing the battery does not erase the doorbell's settings or Wi-Fi connection. The doorbell will reconnect to your network automatically once the new battery is in place and the faceplate is reattached.

How often do Ring doorbell batteries need to be replaced?

A fresh set of alkaline batteries typically lasts three to six months. The exact time depends on how often your doorbell is pressed, how many motion events it records, and your Wi-Fi signal strength. The Ring app will notify you when the battery is low.

What happens if I put the battery in backwards?

The battery will not make contact and the doorbell will not chime. The battery compartment is designed so that the positive and negative ends only fit one way. If the doorbell does not chime, remove the faceplate and check that the battery is facing the correct direction and pushed all the way in.

Can I replace just one battery if my doorbell uses two or four?

You can, but it is not recommended. Mixing old and new batteries causes them to drain at different rates and shortens the overall battery life. Replace all batteries at the same time for the best performance.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.