The Ring app shows a green checkmark when charging is complete
Open the Ring app on your phone and tap the device you're charging. Scroll down to the battery section. When the battery reaches 100%, you'll see a green checkmark next to the battery percentage. This is the clearest sign that your Ring doorbell or camera is fully charged and ready to use.
The battery percentage itself appears as a number — 87%, 94%, 100% — so you can watch it climb as the device charges. Once it hits 100% with that green checkmark, the charging is done. You can unplug the USB cable or power adapter at that point.
Key Takeaways
- A green checkmark next to 100% in the Ring app is the main indicator that your battery is fully charged.
- The battery percentage in the app updates every few minutes, so you can track charging progress without unplugging to check.
- Charging time varies by device and cable type — typically 5 to 10 hours for a doorbell battery, longer for larger devices.
- If the app shows 100% but the device feels warm or the charger is still warm, wait a few minutes before unplugging to let it cool.
- A solid green light on the charger itself (if your model has one) also signals that charging is complete, though the app is more reliable.
What the battery percentage tells you during charging
The Ring app updates the battery percentage every few minutes while your device is plugged in. You don't need to unplug it to check — just open the app and look at the battery section. This live reading is much more accurate than guessing based on how long the device has been charging, because charging speed depends on the cable, the power adapter, and the device itself.
If the percentage stops moving for 10 or 15 minutes, the device may already be at 100%. Some Ring devices hold at 100% once they reach full charge, so the percentage won't climb any higher. Check for that green checkmark to confirm it's done.
The charger's light indicator, if your model has one
Some Ring devices come with a charger that has a light on it. A red or orange light usually means charging is in progress. When that light turns green or stops blinking, the battery is full. However, the Ring app is the more reliable source — not all chargers have lights, and some lights can be hard to see in bright rooms.
If your charger has a light and the app shows 100% but the light is still red, unplug the device and plug it back in. A stuck light sometimes means the charger needs to reset. The app reading is what matters most.
How long charging typically takes
A Ring Video Doorbell battery usually takes 5 to 10 hours to charge fully, depending on whether you use the included USB cable or a different one. Larger devices like Ring Spotlight cameras can take 10 to 12 hours or more. The speed also depends on the power adapter — a standard USB adapter (1 amp) charges slower than a higher-amperage adapter (2 amps or more).
Don't assume the device is done charging just because several hours have passed. Use the app to check the actual percentage. Leaving it plugged in past 100% won't damage the battery, but there's no reason to wait once the green checkmark appears.
What to do if the battery won't reach 100%
If the battery percentage gets stuck at 95% or 98% and won't climb further, try unplugging the device for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Sometimes the charging connection needs to reset. Make sure the USB cable is fully inserted into both the device and the power adapter.
If the battery still won't reach 100% after trying a different cable or power adapter, the battery itself may be failing. Ring batteries typically last 2 to 3 years depending on how often the device records. Contact Ring support with a photo of the app showing the stuck percentage and how long the device has been plugged in.
Charging safety and the device feeling warm
It's normal for a Ring device to feel slightly warm while charging, especially in the first hour. The charger and the device itself may also feel warm to the touch. This is not a sign of a problem — lithium batteries generate heat as they charge.
If the device is too hot to hold comfortably or the charger smells unusual, unplug it when ready and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before plugging it back in. A charger that gets extremely hot or a device that won't cool down may indicate a defect. In that case, stop using that charger and contact Ring for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Ring device while it's charging?
Yes. Your Ring doorbell or camera will work normally while plugged in. The battery will still charge in the background. You don't have to disconnect it or wait for charging to finish before using it.
What if the app doesn't show a battery percentage?
If the battery section is blank or shows "—", the app may not have synced with the device yet. Close the Ring app completely and reopen it. If the percentage still doesn't appear after a few minutes, unplug the device, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Then check the app again.
Does the green checkmark mean I should unplug it right away?
No. Leaving a Ring device plugged in after it reaches 100% won't harm the battery. Many people leave their devices plugged in all the time. Unplug whenever it's convenient — the green checkmark just tells you charging is done.
Why is my battery percentage going down even though it's plugged in?
If the device is actively recording or being used heavily, the battery may charge slower than it drains. This is especially true if you're viewing live video or the doorbell is detecting a lot of motion. Unplug it for a few hours when it's not in use, or use a higher-amperage power adapter (2 amps or more) to charge faster.
Is it bad to leave the device charging overnight?
No. Ring batteries are designed to stop charging once they reach 100%, so leaving a device plugged in overnight won't overcharge it or damage the battery. Many people charge their Ring devices overnight for convenience.