What You Need Before You Start
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installs without wiring, which means you do not need an electrician or access to your home's electrical system. You will need a few basic tools: a drill with bits, a level, a screwdriver (usually Phillips head), and a pencil. Ring includes the mounting bracket and screws in the box.
Before drilling, check what is behind your door frame. Brick, wood, and vinyl siding all require different anchors. If you have stucco or stone, you may want a masonry bit. The doorbell itself weighs about 6 ounces, so standard wall anchors work fine for most surfaces.
You will also need to decide on placement. The doorbell works best mounted 48 inches from the ground (about eye level when sitting), angled slightly downward. Make sure the location has a clear view of your porch or entryway and is not in direct sunlight all day, as that can affect the battery life and the camera's image quality.
Key Takeaways
- The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus mounts to your door frame or wall without any electrical wiring, using only a drill, level, and the included bracket.
- Mark your holes with a pencil and level before drilling, and use the correct wall anchor for your surface type (wood, brick, vinyl, or stucco).
- Mount the doorbell 48 inches from the ground, angled slightly downward, in a spot with a clear view and some shade.
- After mounting the bracket, slide the doorbell onto the bracket, insert the battery, and connect to Wi-Fi through the Ring app before testing.
- If the doorbell does not connect to Wi-Fi or the battery drains quickly, check your router placement and make sure the doorbell is in range of your network.
Marking and Drilling the Mounting Holes
Hold the mounting bracket against your door frame or wall where you want the doorbell to sit. Use a level to make sure the bracket is straight, then mark the two screw holes with a pencil. Step back and look at the marks—they should be level and centered on your door frame.
Once you are satisfied with the placement, drill pilot holes at each mark. A pilot hole is smaller than the screw itself and prevents the wall from cracking. If you are drilling into wood, a 1/8-inch bit works. For brick or stucco, use a masonry bit one size smaller than the wall anchor you are using.
If you are mounting into drywall or vinyl siding with no stud behind it, insert a wall anchor into each pilot hole before screwing the bracket in. The anchor spreads behind the wall and holds the screw securely. If you hit a stud (the wood frame inside the wall), you can screw directly into it without an anchor.
Securing the Mounting Bracket
Screw the mounting bracket firmly into the wall using the screws included in the Ring box. Tighten them by hand first, then use a screwdriver to snug them down—do not over-tighten, as that can strip the holes or crack the bracket. The bracket should not move or wiggle when you push on it.
Double-check that the bracket is level again after tightening. If it has shifted, loosen the screws slightly, adjust the bracket, and retighten. A crooked bracket will make the doorbell hang at an angle, which looks wrong and can affect the camera's view.
Attaching the Doorbell and Installing the Battery
Slide the doorbell body onto the mounting bracket from above. It should click or snap into place—you will feel it lock. Gently tug downward on the doorbell to confirm it is seated properly and will not slip off.
Open the battery compartment on the back of the doorbell (you may need to remove a small cover or press a release button—check your manual). Insert the rechargeable battery that came in the box, making sure the contacts line up. Close the compartment securely.
The doorbell will power on once the battery is installed. You may see a light on the front or hear a chime sound. This is normal and means the battery is working.
Connecting to Wi-Fi and Testing
Open the Ring app on your phone and sign in to your Ring account. If you do not have one, you will need to create it. Tap the plus icon or "Add Device" and select "Doorbells." Choose "Ring Battery Doorbell Plus" from the list.
The app will ask you to scan a QR code on the back of the doorbell or enter a setup code. Once scanned, the app will search for your Wi-Fi network. Select your network and enter your password. The doorbell will connect and read any firmware updates, which can take a few minutes.
After setup is complete, test the doorbell by pressing the button. You should hear a chime inside your home (if you have a chime connected) or see a notification on your phone. Walk in front of the camera to test the motion detection. The app should show a live video feed from the doorbell.
Troubleshooting Connection and Battery Issues
If the doorbell will not connect to Wi-Fi, move your router closer to the doorbell temporarily to test. Ring doorbells need a strong signal—if your router is more than 30 feet away or blocked by multiple walls, the connection may drop. You may need to move your router, add a Wi-Fi extender, or relocate the doorbell to a spot with better signal.
If the battery drains faster than expected, check that the doorbell is not in direct sunlight, which heats the battery and drains it quicker. Also review your motion detection settings in the app—if motion alerts are set too sensitive, the doorbell will wake up constantly and use more power. Reducing the frequency of motion alerts or disabling them during certain hours can extend battery life significantly.
If the doorbell loses connection after a few days, restart it by removing the battery for 30 seconds, then reinserting it. If the problem continues, check that your Wi-Fi network is stable and that your router firmware is up to date. Some older routers have trouble with newer devices.
When to Call a Professional
You do not need a professional for a battery doorbell installation—the whole job usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. However, if you are uncomfortable drilling into your door frame or wall, or if you are renting and cannot drill holes, contact your landlord or a handyperson to do the mounting.
If you have an older home with plaster walls instead of drywall, drilling can be trickier because plaster cracks easily. A handyperson familiar with plaster can use the right anchors and technique to avoid damage. The cost is usually modest for a single mounting job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus on a rental property?
You can, but you will need permission from your landlord. Since the installation requires drilling holes, most leases require landlord approval. Ask your landlord in writing. If they refuse, you may be able to mount it on a removable adhesive strip instead, though this is less find and Ring does not officially recommend it.
How often do I need to recharge the battery?
Battery life depends on how much motion activity your doorbell detects. Ring estimates 6 to 12 months between charges under normal use. If you have high foot traffic or motion alerts turned on constantly, you may recharge every 3 to 6 months. You can recharge the battery without removing it from the doorbell using the included charging cable.
What if my door frame is metal or aluminum?
Metal frames are actually ideal because you can screw directly into them without anchors. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter and tighten firmly. Metal conducts heat, so check occasionally that the doorbell does not get too warm in summer sun.
Does the doorbell work if my Wi-Fi goes down?
The doorbell will still record video and detect motion, but you will not receive notifications or see a live feed until Wi-Fi reconnects. Recorded video is stored locally on the doorbell for a short time, and once Wi-Fi is back, it uploads to the Ring cloud. If you want continuous recording even during outages, you would need a wired doorbell with a backup power supply.
Can I mount the doorbell horizontally instead of vertically?
The doorbell is designed to mount vertically. Mounting it sideways will angle the camera view and may confuse the motion detection. Stick with vertical mounting for the best performance and image quality.