Remove the battery by loosening the security screw and sliding the battery out
To remove the battery from a Ring doorbell, you need a security screwdriver (usually a T15 Torx bit), a few minutes, and steady hands. The battery sits in a slot on the back of the doorbell unit, held in place by a single screw. Once you unscrew it, the battery slides straight out. The whole job takes about two minutes and requires no special knowledge — just care not to drop the screw.
Ring doorbells use a rechargeable lithium battery that powers the camera, motion detection, and two-way audio when your home Wi-Fi is working. If your doorbell stops responding or the app shows a low battery warning, removing and reinserting the battery sometimes fixes connection problems. You may also need to remove it to replace it with a new one if it no longer holds a charge.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a T15 Torx security screwdriver — a standard Phillips screwdriver will not fit the security screw that holds the battery in place.
- The battery is located on the back of the doorbell unit behind a small metal bracket, and removing it takes about two minutes.
- After you remove the battery, wait 10 seconds before reinserting it if you are troubleshooting a connection problem.
- If the battery no longer holds a charge after a full recharge cycle, it may need to be replaced with a new Ring battery.
Gather the right screwdriver before you start
Ring doorbells use a T15 Torx security screw to hold the battery bracket in place. This is not a Phillips head or a flathead — it is a six-pointed star-shaped bit. A standard screwdriver will not fit and will damage the screw if you force it. You can buy a T15 Torx screwdriver at any hardware store for a few dollars, or as part of a multi-bit security screwdriver set.
If you do not have the right screwdriver on hand, do not attempt the job with something else. A damaged screw is harder to remove later, and you risk stripping the metal inside the doorbell unit itself. If you are renting or do not want to buy a tool, you can ask a neighbor, friend, or local hardware store if they have one you can borrow.
Locate the battery compartment on the back of the unit
The battery is housed on the back of the Ring doorbell, not the front. Turn the doorbell around or step back far enough to see the rear panel clearly. You will see a small rectangular metal bracket with a single screw in the center. This bracket holds the battery in its slot. The battery itself is a black rectangular block about the size of a deck of cards, sitting directly behind this bracket.
If your doorbell is mounted high on a wall or door frame, you may need a small ladder or step stool to reach the back comfortably. Make sure you have good lighting so you can see the screw clearly — a flashlight or your phone's light works well. Do not try to work in dim light; you risk dropping the small screw or missing the slot when you reinsert the battery.
Unscrew the bracket and remove the battery
Insert the T15 Torx screwdriver into the screw on the metal bracket and turn it counterclockwise. The screw is small and does not require much force — turn slowly and stop as soon as you feel resistance. Once the screw is loose, remove it completely and set it somewhere safe where you will not lose it. A small dish or cup on a nearby table works well.
With the screw removed, gently slide the metal bracket away from the doorbell unit. The battery will now be visible in its slot. Grasp the battery by its sides (not the metal contacts) and pull it straight out toward you. The battery should slide out smoothly without resistance. If it feels stuck, do not force it — check that the bracket is fully clear and try again.
Reinsert the battery or install a replacement
If you are troubleshooting a connection problem, wait about 10 seconds before reinserting the same battery. This pause allows the doorbell's internal systems to fully reset. Slide the battery back into the slot with the metal contacts facing the unit, then slide the metal bracket back over it. Screw the bracket back in place with your T15 Torx screwdriver, turning clockwise until snug — do not overtighten.
If you are replacing the battery because it no longer holds a charge, insert the new Ring battery the same way. Make sure the metal contacts on the battery align with the contacts inside the slot. After you reinstall the battery, the doorbell will take a few seconds to power back on. You should see a blue light on the front of the unit, which means it is booting up. The doorbell will reconnect to your Wi-Fi automatically if it was connected before.
What to do if the battery will not slide back in
If the battery feels stuck or will not slide into the slot, stop and check two things. First, make sure the metal bracket is fully clear of the slot — sometimes it catches the edge of the battery. Second, look at the battery itself to confirm the metal contacts are facing the right direction. The contacts should face toward the unit, not toward you. If both are correct and the battery still will not go in, the contacts may be bent or the slot may be damaged.
Do not force the battery into the slot. Forcing it can bend the metal contacts inside the unit, which will prevent the battery from charging or connecting. If the battery will not fit after checking the bracket and the contact direction, contact Ring support with a photo of the battery slot. They can tell you whether the unit needs repair or replacement.
Troubleshooting after you reinstall the battery
After you reinstall the battery, the doorbell should reconnect to your Wi-Fi within 30 seconds to two minutes. Open the Ring app and check the device status. If the app still shows the doorbell as offline or the battery as low, try these steps: first, make sure the battery is fully charged by plugging the doorbell into power (if it has a wired connection) or by waiting 24 hours if it is battery-only. Second, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
If the doorbell still does not reconnect after the battery is fully charged and your Wi-Fi is working, the problem may not be the battery. The unit itself may have a hardware issue, or the Wi-Fi signal where the doorbell is mounted may be too weak. At that point, contact Ring support or consider having a technician check the installation and signal strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off the doorbell before removing the battery?
No. Ring doorbells do not have an on/off switch. You can remove the battery at any time without powering down the unit first. The doorbell will straightforward go offline when the battery is out, and it will come back online when you reinstall it.
Can I damage the doorbell by removing the battery?
No, removing the battery will not damage the doorbell. It is a normal maintenance task. The only risk is dropping the small screw or the battery itself, so work carefully and over a surface where you can easily find them if they fall.
How long does the battery last before I need to replace it?
Ring batteries typically last two to three years depending on how often the doorbell detects motion and records video. If your doorbell is in a high-traffic area, the battery may drain faster. When the battery no longer holds a charge after a full recharge cycle, it is time to replace it with a new one.
What should I do with the old battery?
Ring batteries are lithium-ion and should not go in the trash. Take the old battery to a local electronics recycling center, a Best Buy store (which accepts rechargeable batteries), or ask your city about battery recycling programs. Many hardware stores also accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.
Will removing the battery erase my doorbell footage?
No. Your Ring doorbell stores footage in the cloud through the Ring app, not on the device itself. Removing the battery will not erase any videos or settings. When you reinstall the battery and the doorbell reconnects to Wi-Fi, all your footage and settings will still be there.