The battery comes out from the front of the doorbell, not the back

To remove the battery from a Ring doorbell, you push the release tab on the bottom of the device and slide the battery out toward you. The entire process takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools. The battery sits in a slot on the front face of the doorbell, so you are not opening the back panel or unscrewing anything.

Ring doorbells use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that looks like a thick rectangular block. Depending on your model—Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Video Doorbell 3, or Ring Video Doorbell Pro—the battery may be slightly different in size, but the removal method is the same for all of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Locate the small release tab on the bottom edge of your Ring doorbell and press it inward to unlock the battery.
  • Once the tab is pressed, slide the battery straight out toward you—it will come free without resistance.
  • The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion pack that you can charge separately using the USB cable that came with your doorbell.
  • You do not need to turn off the doorbell or disconnect wires before removing the battery.
  • If the battery is stuck, do not force it; check that the release tab is fully pressed and try again.

Step-by-step removal process

Start by looking at the bottom edge of your Ring doorbell. You will see a small rectangular tab, usually black or gray, sitting flush with the device. This is the release tab. Press it firmly inward toward the doorbell body—you should feel a slight click or resistance give way.

While holding the release tab pressed in, grip the sides of the doorbell with your other hand and gently slide the battery straight out toward you. The battery will slide out smoothly once the tab is fully depressed. If it does not move, release the tab, check that it is fully seated, and try again. Do not pry or twist the battery.

Once the battery is out, set it aside on a clean, dry surface. The doorbell will remain mounted on your wall and will not lose its settings or connection just because the battery is removed.

What to do with the battery after removal

Your Ring doorbell battery is rechargeable, so you can charge it using the USB-C or micro-USB cable that came in the box with your doorbell. Plug the cable into a standard USB power adapter (the kind you use for phones) and connect it to the battery. A full charge typically takes 3 to 4 hours.

While the battery charges, your doorbell will not function—it has no backup power source. If you need the doorbell to stay active, you can purchase a second battery from Ring and swap them out. This way one battery charges while the other powers the doorbell.

If you are removing the battery because it no longer holds a charge, you can replace it with a new one. Ring sells replacement batteries directly, and they are also available through major retailers. The battery is not user-serviceable inside—you cannot open it or replace internal cells.

Why you might need to remove the battery

The most common reason to remove a Ring doorbell battery is to charge it. Depending on how often your doorbell records video and how many motion alerts it sends, the battery may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months between charges. If your doorbell stops responding or shows a low battery warning in the Ring app, removal and charging is the next step.

You might also remove the battery if you are troubleshooting a problem. Removing and reinserting the battery can reset the doorbell's connection to your Wi-Fi network or clear a temporary software glitch. Leave the battery out for about 30 seconds, then slide it back in and wait for the doorbell to reconnect.

If you are moving, replacing the doorbell, or taking it down for maintenance, you will need to remove the battery first. This prevents the battery from draining while the device is inactive.

Reinstalling the battery

To put the battery back in, align the metal contacts on the battery with the contacts inside the slot on the doorbell. The battery will only fit one way—the contacts must match up. Slide the battery straight in until you hear or feel a click, which means the release tab has automatically locked it back into place.

Once the battery is seated, the doorbell will power on. If it does not, remove the battery and check that the contacts are clean and free of dust or corrosion. Wipe both the battery contacts and the doorbell contacts gently with a dry cloth, then reinsert.

Troubleshooting a stuck battery

If the battery will not slide out, the release tab may not be fully engaged. Press it harder and hold it down while you pull the battery. Some users find it helpful to press the tab with one hand while using the other hand to gently wiggle the battery side to side as they pull—this can help break any slight friction.

If the battery still will not budge, stop pulling. Forcing it can damage the contacts or the slot. Instead, check the Ring app or your doorbell's manual to confirm you are pressing the correct tab. If you have the wrong model or the tab is in a different location, you may be pressing the wrong spot.

Dust or debris inside the slot can also cause resistance. Use a flashlight to look into the battery slot and see if anything is blocking it. If you see dust, use a dry cloth or a can of compressed air to gently clear it out, then try again.

When to call Ring support

If the battery will not come out after you have tried the steps above, or if the battery will not hold a charge even after a full recharge cycle, contact Ring's customer support. They can walk you through additional troubleshooting or arrange a replacement battery or doorbell if there is a defect.

You should also reach out to Ring if the doorbell does not power back on after you reinstall the battery, or if the battery contacts appear corroded or damaged. These are signs of a hardware issue that support can help diagnose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove the battery while the doorbell is powered by wired electricity?

If your Ring doorbell is hardwired to your home's electrical system, it will continue to work even after you remove the battery. The battery acts as a backup power source. However, if the wiring is disconnected or your home loses power, the doorbell will not function without the battery installed.

How often do I need to remove and charge the battery?

This depends on how much video your doorbell records and how many motion alerts it sends. Most users charge the battery every 1 to 3 months. The Ring app will notify you when the battery is low, so you do not have to guess.

What happens to my video recordings if I remove the battery?

Your video recordings are stored in the cloud through your Ring account, not on the doorbell itself. Removing the battery will not delete any videos. However, the doorbell will not record new video while the battery is out and the device is not powered by wiring.

Is it safe to leave the battery out for a long time?

Yes, it is safe to leave the battery out for weeks or months. However, your doorbell will not function during that time. If you plan to store the doorbell long-term, you can leave the battery out or keep it installed—either way is fine. If you leave the battery installed but the doorbell unpowered, the battery will slowly drain over time.

Can I use a different brand of battery in my Ring doorbell?

No. Ring doorbells are designed to work only with Ring's official rechargeable battery. Using a third-party battery may damage the doorbell or cause it to malfunction. Always use the battery that came with your doorbell or purchase a replacement directly from Ring.