Charging Your Ring Battery the Right Way
Ring batteries charge using a micro-USB cable connected to any standard USB power adapter — the same kind that charges phones and tablets. You remove the battery from the device, plug the cable into the battery's port, and leave it connected until the light indicator shows it is fully charged, usually one to two hours. The battery itself never goes back into the Ring device while charging; you always charge it outside the unit.
Most Ring doorbells and cameras come with a micro-USB cable in the box. If yours did not, or if the cable is lost, any micro-USB cable works — they are inexpensive and sold at any electronics retailer. The power adapter can be any USB adapter you already own: a phone charger, a laptop charger, or a dedicated USB wall block all work the same way.
Key Takeaways
- Remove the battery from your Ring device before charging — never charge it while it is installed.
- Use the micro-USB cable that came with your Ring, or any standard micro-USB cable paired with a USB power adapter.
- A full charge takes one to two hours and is complete when the LED light on the battery stops blinking or turns solid.
- You can tell the battery is low when your Ring sends you a notification or when the device stops recording.
- Keeping a second battery on hand means you can swap it in while the first one charges, so your Ring never goes offline.
How to Remove the Battery from Your Ring Device
The removal process depends on which Ring model you own. For Ring Video Doorbell models, the battery is usually held in place by a small tab or clip on the side. Gently push or slide that tab away from the battery, then pull the battery straight out toward you. Do not force it; if it does not slide out smoothly, check that the tab is fully released.
For Ring Stick Up Cam and Ring Indoor Cam models, the battery typically slides out from the bottom or back of the device. Look for a small notch or indentation where your fingernail can grip, then slide the battery in the direction the notch points. Again, gentle pressure is all you need. If you are unsure which direction to slide, check the label on the back of your device or the manual that came with it.
Once the battery is out, set the Ring device aside in a safe place. You do not need to power it off or unplug it; removing the battery is enough.
Connecting the Cable and Starting the Charge
Locate the micro-USB port on the battery. It is usually a small rectangular opening on one edge or the bottom of the battery. The micro-USB cable has a flat, rectangular connector on one end; insert it into that port until you feel it click or seat firmly. The connection should be snug but not forced.
Plug the other end of the cable into a USB power adapter, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet. Within a few seconds, you should see an LED light on the battery begin to glow or blink. A blinking light means the battery is charging. A solid light usually means the charge is complete, though the exact behavior depends on your Ring model — check your manual if you are unsure what the lights mean.
Leave the battery connected for the full charge cycle. Do not unplug it early, even if the light changes color or stops blinking. Most Ring batteries reach full charge in 60 to 120 minutes.
Knowing When the Battery Is Fully Charged
The LED indicator on your battery is your main signal. When charging begins, the light blinks or glows amber or red. As the charge builds, the light may change color or brightness. When the battery reaches full charge, the light typically turns solid green or stops blinking entirely, depending on your model.
If you are not sure what the light means on your specific battery, unplug it after two hours. A battery that has been charging for two hours is almost certainly full. You can also check the Ring app on your phone — it shows the battery percentage for your device, and you can see it rise as the battery charges.
Once the battery is fully charged, unplug the cable from both the battery and the wall adapter. The battery is now ready to go back into your Ring device.
Putting the Battery Back Into Your Ring Device
Hold the battery so the contacts (the small metal pads) face toward the device. Slide or push the battery back into the slot you removed it from, using the same motion in reverse. You should hear or feel a small click when the battery seats fully. If the battery does not click into place, pull it out and try again — it may be slightly misaligned.
Once the battery is installed, your Ring device should power on within a few seconds. You may see a light on the device itself, or you may see a notification in the Ring app showing that the device is back online. If nothing happens after 30 seconds, remove the battery and reseat it.
How Often to Charge and Battery Lifespan
How often you charge depends on how much activity your Ring records. A device in a quiet area might run for two to three months on a single charge. A device at a busy front door might need charging every two to four weeks. The Ring app sends you a notification when the battery drops below 20 percent, which is a good time to start charging.
Ring batteries are designed to last several years of regular charging and discharging. Over time, like all rechargeable batteries, they hold less charge than when new. If your battery no longer holds a charge for more than a few days even after a full charge, or if it drains much faster than it used to, the battery may be wearing out and a replacement battery is available for purchase.
To extend battery life, avoid letting the battery drain completely before charging. Charging it when it reaches 20 percent, as the app suggests, is easier on the battery than waiting until it is dead.
Troubleshooting Charging Problems
If the LED light does not turn on when you plug in the cable, try a different USB power adapter or a different cable. Sometimes a cable is damaged even though it looks fine, or an adapter is not providing enough power. Swap one part at a time so you know which one is the problem.
If the light turns on but the battery does not seem to be charging (the light does not change after an hour), unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Sometimes the charging circuit needs a reset. If that does not work, try a different outlet or a different adapter.
If the battery charges fully but drains very quickly once it is back in the device, the battery itself may be failing. A battery that is only a few months old should hold a charge for weeks. If yours does not, contact Ring support or purchase a replacement battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge the battery while it is still in the Ring device?
No. Ring batteries are designed to be removed and charged separately. Charging while installed can damage the device or the battery. Always remove the battery first, charge it outside the device, and reinstall it when full.
What USB power adapter should I use?
Any standard USB power adapter works — a phone charger, tablet charger, or computer charger. The adapter should provide at least 500 milliamps of current, which nearly all USB adapters do. Avoid very old or damaged adapters, but a normal household charger is fine.
How long does a full charge last?
It depends on how much your Ring records. Devices in quiet areas last two to three months. Busy doorways may need charging every two to four weeks. The Ring app notifies you when the battery reaches 20 percent, which is when most people charge.
Is it safe to leave the battery charging overnight?
Yes. Ring batteries have built-in protection that stops charging once they reach full capacity, so leaving them plugged in overnight will not damage them. However, unplugging after two hours is fine and uses less electricity.
What should I do if the battery will not hold a charge?
If the battery drains within days even after a full charge, the battery is likely worn out. Replacement batteries are available for purchase from Ring or from retailers that sell Ring products. A new battery should restore normal runtime.