What you need before you start

A Ring battery doorbell installs without wiring—it mounts to your door frame with screws and holds a rechargeable battery inside. You will need a drill or screwdriver, the two AA batteries that come in the box (or a fully charged battery pack if you have a Ring Pro model), and about 15 to 20 minutes. The doorbell itself arrives partially assembled; the battery slides into a slot on the back.

Before drilling, check that your door frame is solid wood or metal. If you have a composite or vinyl frame, you may need to use toggle bolts or find a nearby wooden trim to mount instead. Ring's app will walk you through setup once the hardware is in place, but the physical installation happens first.

Key Takeaways

  • Ring battery doorbells mount with two screws into your door frame and do not require any electrical wiring.
  • The battery slides into the back of the unit before mounting; you insert two AA batteries or a rechargeable pack depending on your model.
  • You will need a drill with a small bit or a manual screwdriver, a level, and the mounting bracket that comes in the box.
  • After mounting, you open the Ring app, select "Set up a device," and follow the on-screen steps to connect to your Wi-Fi and finish setup.

Inserting the battery before you mount

Open the back cover of the doorbell by sliding it downward. You will see a battery slot—it looks like a small rectangular opening. Slide the two AA batteries in with the positive end (+) facing toward the front of the unit, or insert the rechargeable battery pack if that is what came with your model. Slide the back cover up until it clicks into place. Do not mount the doorbell to the wall yet.

If you are using the rechargeable battery pack (common on Ring Pro models), make sure it is fully charged before installation. A low battery will not prevent the doorbell from working, but it will drain faster and you will need to remove and recharge it sooner.

Finding the right spot on your door frame

Hold the doorbell up to your door frame at about 48 inches from the ground—roughly eye level for a standing person. Use a level to make sure it is straight. Mark the two screw holes with a pencil. The holes should be about 2.5 inches apart vertically. If your door frame is metal, you can drill directly into it; if it is wood, a pilot hole (a smaller hole drilled first) will make the final screws easier to drive.

Avoid mounting the doorbell where it will be in direct sunlight all day, as this can drain the battery faster. Also check that the camera lens will have a clear view of your porch—do not mount it where a plant or decoration will block the view.

Drilling and mounting the bracket

Drill two small pilot holes at the marks you made, or drill the final holes if your frame is metal and you are confident in your marks. The screws that come in the Ring box are small—typically #6 or #8—so use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter. If you do not have a drill, a manual screwdriver will work, though it takes more effort on metal frames.

Align the mounting bracket (the metal or plastic piece that comes attached to the doorbell) with the holes and drive the two screws in by hand or with a drill set to low speed. Tighten them firmly but do not over-tighten, as this can crack the bracket or strip the screw holes. The doorbell should not wiggle when you push it gently.

Connecting to Wi-Fi and finishing setup in the app

Open the Ring app on your phone. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Set up a device." Choose "Doorbells" and then "Ring Video Doorbell" (or the specific model you have). The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell or enter the setup code manually. Hold your phone's camera over the QR code until the app recognizes it.

Next, the app will ask you to connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network. Select your network name from the list and enter your Wi-Fi password. The doorbell will connect in 30 to 60 seconds. Once connected, the app will ask you to create a location name (for example, "Front Door") and confirm your time zone. After that, the doorbell is live and will start recording video.

Testing the doorbell and adjusting settings

Press the doorbell button to test it. You should hear a chime sound from the doorbell itself and receive a notification on your phone. If you do not hear or see anything, check that Wi-Fi is still connected by opening the Ring app and looking at the device status. A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common reason a newly installed doorbell does not work properly.

In the Ring app, you can adjust motion detection sensitivity, change the chime sound, and set quiet hours so the doorbell does not ring at night. These settings are in the device menu under "Motion Settings" and "Notifications." Battery doorbells use more power when motion detection is set to high sensitivity, so if your battery drains quickly, lower the sensitivity or reduce the detection zone.

Charging and replacing the battery later

Ring battery doorbells typically run for 6 to 12 months on a fresh set of batteries, depending on how much motion and video recording happens at your door. When the battery gets low, the Ring app will send you a notification. At that point, remove the doorbell from the wall by unscrewing the two mounting screws, slide out the old batteries, and insert fresh ones. You do not need to disconnect anything or go through setup again.

If your model uses a rechargeable battery pack, you can remove it without unscrewing the doorbell from the wall. Slide the back cover down, remove the pack, charge it indoors with the USB cable that came in the box, and slide it back in. This takes about 3 to 4 hours to charge fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a professional electrician to install a Ring battery doorbell?

No. Battery doorbells require no wiring or electrical work. You only need a drill or screwdriver and about 20 minutes. If you are uncomfortable drilling into your door frame, a handyperson or locksmith can do it for you, but it is a straightforward job for most homeowners.

What if my door frame is too thin or made of composite material?

Composite and vinyl frames do not hold screws well. Mount the doorbell to a wooden trim board next to the door frame instead, or use toggle bolts designed for hollow walls. You can also ask a handyperson to install a small wooden backing plate behind the composite frame to give the screws something solid to grip.

Can I install the doorbell if I rent my home?

Yes, but check your lease first. The two screw holes are small and straightforward to patch with caulk and paint when you move out. If your landlord objects, you can use adhesive mounting strips instead of screws, though these are less find and may not hold in very hot or cold weather.

How do I know if my Wi-Fi is strong enough for the doorbell?

If your phone gets a strong signal on your porch, the doorbell will too. If your phone shows only one or two Wi-Fi bars, the doorbell may drop connection or delay sending notifications. If that happens, move your router closer to the porch or add a Wi-Fi extender.

What happens if the battery dies while I am away?

The doorbell stops recording and will not ring when someone presses the button. However, if you have a Ring Protect subscription, video from before the battery died is still saved in the cloud. Replace the battery as soon as you can, and the doorbell will resume working when ready.