Installation takes about 15 minutes and requires only a screwdriver and drill
A Ring battery doorbell installs without wiring — you mount it to your door frame, insert the battery, and connect it to Wi-Fi through the Ring app. You do not need an electrician, and you do not need to turn off power to your house. The whole job is drilling two holes, driving two screws, and sliding the doorbell onto the bracket.
The battery lasts between six and twelve months depending on how many people press the button and how often motion detection records video. When the battery runs low, the Ring app sends a notification, and you pop out the battery to recharge it indoors — no removal of the doorbell itself is necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Mount the bracket to the right or left side of your door frame using the two screws and anchors that come in the box, positioning it at eye level or slightly higher.
- Slide the doorbell onto the bracket until you hear a click, then tighten the security screw on the bottom to prevent theft.
- Insert the rechargeable battery into the slot on the back of the doorbell before opening the Ring app to connect to Wi-Fi.
- The doorbell connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, not 5 GHz, so check your router settings if the app cannot find your network.
- Test the doorbell by pressing the button and checking the live view in the Ring app to confirm video and audio are working.
What you need before you start
Gather a cordless drill or screwdriver, a level, a pencil, and the Ring doorbell box. Inside the box you will find the doorbell itself, the mounting bracket, two screws, two wall anchors, the rechargeable battery, a security screw, and an installation guide with a template.
Check that your door frame is solid wood or metal. If your frame is vinyl or composite, the wall anchors may not hold — in that case, drill into the wood trim above or beside the door instead. The doorbell works on any exterior door, including side doors and garage entries.
Make sure your Wi-Fi network broadcasts a 2.4 GHz band. Ring doorbells do not connect to 5 GHz networks. If your router uses only 5 GHz, you will need to enable the 2.4 GHz band in your router settings before you start, or the doorbell will not find your network during setup.
Mounting the bracket to your door frame
Use the paper template from the box to mark where the two holes go. Hold the template against your door frame at eye level or slightly higher — most people position it between 48 and 60 inches from the ground. Use a pencil to mark the two holes through the template, then remove the template.
Drill the two holes using a drill bit slightly smaller than the wall anchors. Push the anchors into the holes until they sit flush with the frame. If your frame is metal, skip the anchors and drill directly into the metal — the screws will grip the metal without them.
Screw the mounting bracket into the two anchors using the screws from the box. Use a level to check that the bracket is straight before you tighten the screws all the way. The bracket should not wobble or lean.
Inserting the battery and sliding on the doorbell
Before you mount the doorbell, insert the rechargeable battery into the slot on the back. The battery slides in from the bottom and clicks when it is seated. You will hear a small beep when the battery makes contact — this means the doorbell has power.
Slide the doorbell onto the bracket from above. It will slide down and click into place when it is fully seated. Do not force it — if it does not slide smoothly, check that the bracket is level and that the battery is fully inserted.
Once the doorbell is on the bracket, insert the security screw into the hole on the bottom of the doorbell and tighten it with the screwdriver. This screw prevents someone from lifting the doorbell off the bracket. Tighten it firmly but do not overtighten — you only need enough pressure to keep the doorbell from moving.
Connecting to Wi-Fi through the Ring app
Open the Ring app on your phone and tap the menu icon in the top left. Select "Set up a device" and choose "Ring Doorbell" from the list. The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell or enter the setup code manually — the code is printed on a sticker inside the battery compartment.
When the app asks you to select your Wi-Fi network, choose your home network from the list. Enter your Wi-Fi password. The doorbell will connect within 30 seconds. If the app says "Network not found," go back and check that your router is broadcasting 2.4 GHz — the doorbell cannot see 5 GHz networks.
Once the doorbell connects, the app will ask you to create a location for it (for example, "Front Door") and set your motion detection zones. You can adjust these settings later in the app, so you do not need to get them perfect now. Tap "Finish" when the app confirms the doorbell is online.
Testing video, audio, and the button
Press the doorbell button and watch the app — you should see a live video feed appear within a few seconds. If the video does not appear, check that your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the doorbell and that the doorbell is still showing as "online" in the app.
Tap the microphone icon in the live view to speak through the doorbell. You should hear your voice coming from the speaker on the doorbell. If you do not hear anything, check the volume on your phone and make sure the doorbell volume is not set to mute in the app settings.
Ask someone to ring the doorbell from outside while you watch the app — you should get a notification and see the live view pop up automatically. If you do not get a notification, go to the app settings and make sure notifications are turned on for that doorbell.
Charging the battery and ongoing maintenance
The battery lasts six to twelve months before it needs recharging. When the battery gets low, the Ring app sends a notification. To recharge, press the release button on the bottom of the doorbell and slide the battery out. Plug the battery into a USB-C charger — the same charger that comes with many phones — and charge it indoors for about two hours.
While the battery is charging, the doorbell is offline and will not record video or send notifications. If you want the doorbell to stay online at all times, Ring sells a second battery that you can swap in while the first one charges. Once the battery is fully charged, slide it back into the doorbell until it clicks.
Every few months, wipe the lens with a soft, dry cloth to keep the video clear. If your doorbell gets wet, it will dry on its own — Ring doorbells are weatherproof and rated for rain and snow. Do not use water or cleaning solution on the lens, as this can damage the camera.
Troubleshooting common installation problems
If the doorbell will not stay on the bracket, the bracket may not be level. Use a level to check, and loosen the screws slightly to adjust the bracket until it is straight. Then tighten the screws again and try sliding the doorbell on.
If the doorbell connects to Wi-Fi but then goes offline, move your router closer to the doorbell or check that nothing is blocking the signal between them. Thick metal door frames can weaken Wi-Fi signals. If the signal is weak, consider moving your router to a more central location in your home.
If the app shows the doorbell as online but the video feed does not load, restart the doorbell by removing the battery for 10 seconds and reinserting it. Wait 30 seconds for the doorbell to reconnect to Wi-Fi, then try opening the live view again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install the doorbell on a metal door frame?
Yes. Drill the holes directly into the metal frame without using wall anchors — the screws will grip the metal. Use a metal drill bit and go slowly to avoid slipping. If the metal is very thick, you may need a slightly longer screw than the ones in the box.
What if my Wi-Fi network does not show up in the app?
The doorbell only connects to 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts only 5 GHz, log into your router settings and enable the 2.4 GHz band. Once you turn on 2.4 GHz, the network should appear in the Ring app within a minute.
Do I need to hardwire the doorbell to my existing doorbell wiring?
No. The battery doorbell works completely on its own and does not connect to your existing doorbell wires. If you have an old wired doorbell, you can leave it in place or remove it — the battery doorbell will function either way.
How do I know when the battery needs to be recharged?
The Ring app sends a notification when the battery drops below 20 percent. You can also check the battery level anytime by opening the app, selecting the doorbell, and looking at the device health section. Most batteries last six to twelve months between charges depending on use.
Can I install the doorbell on a rental property?
Yes. The battery doorbell mounts with screws and does not require any permanent changes to the door frame. When you move, you can unscrew the bracket and fill the holes with caulk or wood filler. The doorbell leaves no wiring behind.