How to take the battery out of your Ring Doorbell 1

The Ring Doorbell 1 uses a single 3.7V lithium battery that slides out from the bottom of the device. You do not need tools or special knowledge — the battery compartment is designed to open by hand. The whole process takes less than a minute and you can do it while the doorbell is mounted on your door frame.

Before you start, know that removing the battery will stop the doorbell from working until you put it back in or charge it. If your doorbell is currently armed in the Ring app, you may want to disarm it first so you do not get alerts while you work. This is not required, but it keeps your phone from buzzing.

Key Takeaways

  • The battery slides out from the bottom of the Ring Doorbell 1 by hand — no tools needed.
  • You can remove the battery while the doorbell is still mounted on your door frame.
  • The battery is a 3.7V lithium rechargeable battery that charges inside the doorbell using a micro-USB cable.
  • If the battery will not slide out, make sure you are pushing from the bottom and not the sides.
  • After you remove the battery, you can charge it separately using a standard micro-USB charger.

Step-by-step removal

Start by locating the bottom edge of your Ring Doorbell 1. The battery compartment is a small rectangular slot on the underside of the device. You will see a slight lip or indent where the battery sits.

Push upward on the battery from the bottom of the doorbell using your thumb or finger. The battery will slide out toward you. If it does not move, you may be pushing on the side instead of the bottom — adjust your angle and try again. The battery should come free with gentle, steady pressure.

Once the battery is out, set it aside on a clean, dry surface. Do not drop it or expose it to water. The battery is the only removable part you need to touch — the rest of the doorbell should stay in place on your door frame.

When you might need to remove the battery

You remove the battery to charge it separately using a micro-USB cable and charger. This is useful if your doorbell is in a location where it is hard to reach with a charging cable, or if you want to charge the battery indoors while the doorbell stays mounted outside.

You may also remove the battery if you are troubleshooting a problem — a full power cycle (removing the battery for 30 seconds, then reinserting it) can sometimes fix connection issues or app glitches. If your doorbell is not responding in the Ring app, try this before calling Ring support.

Removing the battery is also the first step if you are replacing it with a new one. Ring Doorbell 1 batteries wear out over time and may need replacement after one to two years of regular use, depending on how often your doorbell is triggered.

Charging the battery after removal

Once you have removed the battery, you can charge it using any standard micro-USB charger — the same kind that charges many phones and tablets. Plug the micro-USB cable into the port on the battery itself and connect the other end to a power adapter or USB port on a computer.

The battery will charge fully in about 4 to 6 hours. You do not need to use the Ring-branded charger — any micro-USB charger will work. While the battery is charging, your doorbell will not function, so plan to charge it when you do not need the doorbell to be active.

Once the battery is fully charged, slide it back into the bottom of the doorbell the same way it came out. Push it in until you hear or feel a small click, which means it is seated properly. The doorbell should power on within a few seconds.

Putting the battery back in

Reinsertion is the reverse of removal. Hold the battery with the micro-USB port facing toward you and the flat side facing the doorbell. Align the battery with the slot at the bottom of the doorbell and slide it in gently until it stops.

You should feel a small resistance or click when the battery is fully seated. If it slides in too easily or feels loose, remove it and try again — the battery should fit snugly. Once it is in, the doorbell will power on and reconnect to your Wi-Fi within 30 to 60 seconds.

If the doorbell does not power on after reinsertion, remove the battery again and check that the micro-USB port is clean and free of dust or debris. Wipe it gently with a dry cloth and reinsert. If it still does not work, the battery may be defective and you may need to order a replacement.

Troubleshooting battery removal problems

If the battery will not slide out, do not force it. The most common reason is that you are pushing on the wrong part of the doorbell. Make sure you are pushing from the very bottom edge, not the sides or back. The battery only moves upward and outward from the bottom slot.

If the battery is stuck because of corrosion or dirt, try gently wiggling it side to side while pushing upward. Do not use tools or pry it — this can damage the battery or the doorbell. If it remains stuck after gentle attempts, stop and contact Ring support rather than risk breaking the device.

If you have removed the battery and it will not go back in, check that you are inserting it in the correct orientation. The micro-USB port should face toward you. Also make sure the battery itself is not bent or damaged — a warped battery will not fit properly and should not be forced into the slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove the battery while the doorbell is mounted on my door?

Yes. The battery compartment is accessible from the bottom of the doorbell, and you do not need to unmount the device. You can remove and reinsert the battery while it is still attached to your door frame.

How long does the battery last before it needs to be replaced?

A Ring Doorbell 1 battery typically lasts one to two years depending on how often the doorbell is triggered and the temperature where it is installed. Cold weather can reduce battery life. When the battery no longer holds a charge, you can order a replacement from Ring or use a compatible third-party battery.

What happens if I remove the battery and do not put it back in?

The doorbell will not work. It will not ring, record video, or send notifications to your phone. You must have the battery installed for the doorbell to function. If you are replacing the battery, install the new one as soon as possible.

Do I need to disarm the doorbell before removing the battery?

No, but it is a good idea. Disarming prevents your phone from receiving alerts while you work. You can disarm the doorbell in the Ring app under device settings. If you forget to disarm it, you will straightforward get notifications while the battery is out — no harm will come to the device.

Can I use a different charger to charge the Ring Doorbell 1 battery?

Yes. Any standard micro-USB charger will work. You do not need the official Ring charger. Make sure the charger is in good condition and the cable is not damaged before plugging in the battery.