Remove the battery by opening the back cover and sliding it out
Most Ring doorbells and cameras use a rechargeable battery held in a plastic compartment on the back of the device. To remove it, you need to open that compartment, which usually requires a small flathead screwdriver or a coin. The battery itself slides or clicks out once the cover is open — it takes about two minutes and no special tools beyond what you likely have at home.
The exact method depends on your Ring model, but the principle is the same across all battery-powered Ring devices: locate the seam on the back, pry gently, and the battery compartment will separate from the main body. Once it opens, you will see the battery sitting in a plastic tray. Slide it toward you or press the release tab if your model has one, and it will come free.
Key Takeaways
- Open the back cover with a flathead screwdriver or coin by gently prying at the seam until the compartment separates.
- The battery slides or clicks out of its tray — do not force it, as the connector is designed to release with light pressure.
- Ring batteries are rechargeable lithium-ion packs that charge via USB cable, not replaceable alkaline batteries.
- Before removing the battery, power down the device or disconnect it from WiFi to avoid losing settings or triggering false alerts.
- Keep the back cover in a safe place while the battery is out, since the device will not function without it sealed.
Locate the seam and use the right tool
The back cover of your Ring device has a thin seam running around its edge. This seam is where the cover meets the main body. Look for it carefully — it is usually a hairline gap, not a visible hinge or obvious opening. Run your fingernail or the edge of a coin along the perimeter to find where the cover begins to separate.
Once you locate the seam, use a flathead screwdriver or a coin (a dime or penny works well) to gently pry. Insert the tool into the seam and explore steady, light pressure. Do not hammer or force the cover — it is designed to pop open with gentle leverage. You will hear or feel a small click as the cover releases. Work your way around the seam if it does not open on the first try, prying at two or three points to avoid cracking the plastic.
Slide the battery out of its connector
Once the back cover is open, you will see the battery sitting in a plastic tray or holder. It is a rectangular black or gray pack with a small connector at the top. The battery does not require any additional tools to remove — it straightforward slides out or clicks free depending on your model.
To remove it, gently pull the battery toward you. If it has a small plastic tab or release button on the side of the tray, press that first. The connector will separate from the device with light pressure. Do not yank or twist the battery, as the connector pins are delicate. If it feels stuck, check whether there is a release tab you missed, or try sliding it in the opposite direction — some models require a specific angle.
What to do before you remove the battery
Before you take the battery out, consider whether you want to power down the device first. If you straightforward remove the battery, your Ring will lose power when ready, which means it will not record video or send alerts while the battery is out. If you plan to charge the battery separately (which is the normal process), the device will be offline during that time.
If your Ring is hardwired to your home's electrical system in addition to having a battery, removing the battery will not shut down the device — it will continue to run on the hardwired power. In that case, you can remove the battery at any time without losing functionality. Check your device manual or the Ring app to confirm whether your model is hardwired, battery-only, or both.
Charging the battery outside the device
Ring batteries charge via a USB cable, and you can charge them either inside the device or separately. To charge separately, you will need the USB charging cable that came with your Ring (or a replacement cable from Ring's website). Connect the cable to the battery's charging port — this is usually a small USB-C or micro-USB port on the side or bottom of the battery pack.
Plug the other end into a standard USB power adapter or a computer USB port. The battery will take four to twelve hours to fully charge, depending on the model and how depleted it was. Most Ring batteries show a small LED light while charging — green means it is charging, and the light will turn off or change color when the battery is full. Once charged, you can slide the battery back into the device and close the back cover.
Reinstalling the battery and closing the cover
To put the battery back in, align it with the tray inside the back compartment and slide it in until you hear or feel a click. The connector should seat fully — if it does not click, the battery is not fully inserted. Push gently until it locks into place. Do not force it, as the connector pins can bend if you push at an angle.
Once the battery is seated, close the back cover by pressing it firmly against the main body. You should hear a click as the cover snaps back into place. If the cover does not close flush, the battery may not be fully inserted — open it again and reseat the battery. After the cover is closed, power on the device or reconnect it to WiFi. It will take a few seconds to boot up and reconnect to your network.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is forcing the back cover open instead of prying gently. The cover is plastic and will crack if you explore too much pressure at once. Work slowly around the seam, prying at multiple points rather than trying to open it all at once from a single spot.
Another frequent error is yanking the battery out by the connector cable instead of sliding it out of the tray. The connector is fragile, and pulling on the cable can damage the pins or the port on the battery itself. Always slide the battery horizontally out of its holder, not upward or at an angle.
Do not leave the back cover off for extended periods, especially in wet weather. The compartment is not weatherproof without the cover sealed. If you are charging the battery separately, close the cover with the battery tray empty rather than leaving it open while you charge elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Ring battery last before it needs to be removed and charged?
Most Ring batteries last between three and six months on a single charge, depending on how often the device records video and sends alerts. If your Ring is in a high-traffic area or records frequently, the battery will drain faster. You will receive a notification in the Ring app when the battery is low, usually when it drops below 20 percent.
Can I damage the battery by removing it?
No. Ring batteries are designed to be removed and charged separately. Removing the battery will not damage it or the device. The connector is sturdy enough for regular removal, as long as you slide the battery out gently rather than yanking on the cable.
What if the back cover is stuck and will not open?
Try warming the device slightly with your hands or a heat gun on low setting — this can soften the plastic seal and make the cover easier to pry. If that does not work, try prying from a different point on the seam. If the cover is truly stuck, contact Ring support, as forcing it further may crack the plastic permanently.
Do I need to remove the battery to charge it, or can I charge it while it is in the device?
You can charge the battery while it is installed in the device by connecting the USB cable to the charging port on the back cover. However, many people prefer to remove the battery and charge it separately so the device can stay powered and recording during the charging process. Both methods are safe and will not damage the battery.
Will my Ring stop recording when I remove the battery?
Yes, if your Ring is battery-only, it will stop recording when ready when you remove the battery. If your Ring is hardwired to your home's electrical system, it will continue to record on hardwired power even without the battery. Check your device type in the Ring app to confirm whether yours is hardwired.