What You Need Before You Start
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installs without running wires through your walls or connecting to existing doorbell wiring. You'll mount it to your door frame, charge the battery fully before the first use, and connect it to your home Wi-Fi. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes if your door frame is in good condition and you have your Wi-Fi password ready.
Gather these items before you begin: the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus unit itself, the included rechargeable battery, a power adapter and USB cable (both included), a drill with a 5/32-inch bit, a level, a screwdriver, and wall anchors or screws appropriate for your door frame material. If your door frame is metal or you're unsure about drilling, have a stud finder on hand. Check that your Wi-Fi network is 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz — Ring does not work on 6 GHz networks.
Key Takeaways
- Charge the battery fully using the included USB cable before mounting the doorbell, which takes about four hours.
- The doorbell mounts to your door frame with two screws, and you'll need a level to may support it sits straight so the camera angle is correct.
- After mounting, insert the charged battery into the back of the unit and press it until you hear a click.
- Use the Ring app on your phone to connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network, which is the final step before it begins recording.
- Test the doorbell button and video feed from the app to confirm everything is working before you finish.
Charge the Battery Before Installation
Remove the battery from the back of the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus by pressing the release tab at the bottom and sliding it out. Connect the included USB cable to the battery's charging port — it's a small rectangular opening on the side. Plug the other end into the power adapter and then into a wall outlet. A light on the battery will turn on to show it's charging.
Let the battery charge for at least four hours, or until the light turns off and stays off. This is important: a partially charged battery may not power the doorbell reliably during setup. While the battery charges, read through the remaining steps so you know what to do when you're ready to mount.
Locate and Prepare Your Installation Spot
Choose a spot on your door frame between 48 and 60 inches from the ground. This height gives the camera a natural view of visitors' faces. The doorbell works best when mounted on a vertical surface — the side of your door frame, not the top. Avoid spots where direct sunlight hits the lens all day, as this can wash out video and trigger false motion alerts.
Hold the mounting bracket (the metal plate that comes with the doorbell) against the wall where you want to install it. Use your level to make sure the bracket is perfectly vertical. Mark the two screw holes with a pencil. If you're drilling into wood, use the 5/32-inch bit to make pilot holes — this prevents the wood from splitting. If you're drilling into metal, use a metal-cutting bit instead. For drywall, use the included wall anchors: drill the holes, insert the anchors, then drive the screws through them.
Mount the Bracket and Doorbell
Screw the mounting bracket into the holes you prepared, using the screws that match your wall type. The bracket should be flush against the wall with no gaps. If it's not sitting flat, remove it and check that your pilot holes are aligned correctly.
Once the bracket is find, take the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and align the slots on the back of the unit with the tabs on the bracket. Slide the doorbell down onto the bracket until it clicks into place. Gently tug on it to confirm it's locked. Use your level one more time to check that the doorbell itself is vertical — if it's tilted, the camera angle will be off and you'll see a skewed view in the app.
Insert the Charged Battery
Take the fully charged battery and locate the battery slot on the back of the mounted doorbell. It's a rectangular opening at the bottom of the unit. Slide the battery in with the charging port facing outward (toward you). Push it in firmly until you hear or feel a click — this means it's seated correctly and making electrical contact.
The doorbell will light up briefly when the battery connects. This is normal. If nothing happens, remove the battery, check that it's fully charged, and reinsert it. Make sure you're pushing straight in and not at an angle.
Connect to Wi-Fi Using the Ring App
Open the Ring app on your phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left. Select "Set Up a Device" and choose "Doorbells." The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the back of your doorbell or enter the setup code manually. The QR code is faster — point your phone's camera at it and the app will read it automatically.
The app will then ask for your Wi-Fi network name and password. Enter your 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network details — do not use a guest network, as Ring doorbells often lose connection on guest networks. The doorbell will connect within 30 seconds. If it doesn't connect, check that you entered the password correctly and that your router is within 30 feet of the doorbell.
Once connected, the app will ask you to set a location name (like "Front Door") and confirm your time zone. Complete these steps and the doorbell is ready to use.
Test the Doorbell and Video Feed
From the Ring app, tap on your doorbell to open its live view. You should see a video feed from the camera. Walk in front of the doorbell and confirm that you appear in the video and that the image is clear and not tilted. If the image is upside down or sideways, you may have mounted the doorbell rotated — remove it, rotate the bracket 180 degrees, and remount.
Press the physical doorbell button on the unit. You should hear a chime sound in the app (if you've enabled notifications) and see an alert. Test the motion detection by walking past the doorbell — the app should send you a motion alert within a few seconds. If motion alerts don't arrive, open the app settings for the doorbell and check that motion detection is turned on.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Problems
If the doorbell won't connect to Wi-Fi, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Move your phone closer to the doorbell during setup — sometimes the app can't communicate with the device if you're too far away. If you're still having trouble, remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, and reinsert it to restart the doorbell.
If the video feed is blurry, clean the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth. Dust or fingerprints are the most common cause. If the image is still unclear after cleaning, the lens may be fogged — this usually clears on its own within a few hours as the doorbell warms up. If the doorbell keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi, move your router closer or consider adding a Wi-Fi extender near your front door.
If the battery drains quickly, check that motion detection sensitivity is not set too high — this causes the doorbell to wake up constantly and use more power. You can adjust sensitivity in the app under device settings. Also confirm that the doorbell is not in direct sunlight all day, as heat drains batteries faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off my old doorbell before installing this one?
If you have an existing wired doorbell, you don't need to do anything to it. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is completely separate and doesn't interfere with old systems. You can leave the old doorbell in place or remove it — either way, the Ring doorbell will work independently.
Can I install this on a metal door frame?
Yes, but you'll need a metal-cutting drill bit instead of a standard wood bit. Metal frames are harder to drill through, so go slowly and use light pressure. If you're not comfortable drilling into metal, use heavy-duty adhesive strips rated for outdoor use instead of screws — these work on clean metal surfaces and avoid drilling altogether.
What happens if my Wi-Fi goes down?
The doorbell will stop sending you alerts and you won't be able to view the live feed. However, it will continue to record motion and doorbell presses to local storage if you have a Ring Protect subscription. Once your Wi-Fi comes back, the doorbell will reconnect automatically and you'll see the recorded events in the app.
How often do I need to charge the battery?
Battery life depends on how much motion and doorbell activity happens at your door. Most users charge once every two to three months. If you have high traffic or motion detection set to maximum sensitivity, you may need to charge monthly. The app will notify you when the battery is low.
Can I use this doorbell if I don't have Wi-Fi?
No, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus requires a Wi-Fi connection to send alerts and let you view video. It will not work without an internet connection, even if you're home.