Replace the battery by turning off power, removing the faceplate, sliding out the old battery, and inserting a fresh one

Most Ring doorbells use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that slides into a slot behind the faceplate. The whole job takes about five minutes and requires no tools. You'll need a replacement battery that matches your doorbell model — Ring sells these directly, and third-party batteries compatible with your model also work.

Before you start, turn off power to the doorbell at your home's breaker box if it's hardwired. If your Ring is battery-only (not connected to existing doorbell wiring), you can skip this step. Turning off power prevents accidental electrical contact while you work.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off power at the breaker box before removing the battery from a hardwired Ring doorbell.
  • The battery slides out from behind the faceplate — no screwdriver needed, just gentle pressure.
  • Replacement batteries cost between $30 and $50 depending on your doorbell model.
  • A fully charged battery typically lasts three to six months depending on how often motion is detected.
  • If your doorbell won't power on after battery replacement, check that the battery is fully inserted and the faceplate is seated properly.

Locate and remove the faceplate

The faceplate is the front cover of your Ring doorbell. Look for a small seam or gap where the faceplate meets the body of the doorbell. Slide your fingernail or a plastic spoon handle into this gap at the bottom of the faceplate and gently pry upward. The faceplate should pop off without much force — if it's stuck, work your way around the edges rather than forcing one spot.

Once the faceplate is off, you'll see the battery inside. It's a rectangular black or silver block about the size of a deck of cards. The battery sits in a slot and can be removed by hand.

Slide out the old battery

Grip the battery firmly and pull it straight out of the slot toward you. It should slide out smoothly. If it feels stuck, check that you're pulling straight out and not at an angle. Once it's out, set it aside — you can recycle lithium-ion batteries at most electronics retailers or through your city's hazardous waste program.

Before inserting the new battery, look at the slot where the old one came from. You'll see two metal contacts at the back of the slot. These contacts deliver power to your doorbell, so make sure they're clean and free of dirt or corrosion. Wipe them gently with a dry cloth if needed.

Insert the new battery and close the faceplate

Take your replacement battery and align it with the slot. The battery should only fit one way — the metal contacts on the back of the battery will match up with the metal contacts in the slot. Slide the battery in slowly and firmly until you hear or feel a click. The battery should sit flush with the slot, not sticking out.

Now press the faceplate back onto the doorbell body. Align the top edge first, then press down firmly along the sides and bottom until it clicks into place. The faceplate should sit flush with no gaps. Your Ring doorbell will power on automatically once the battery is fully inserted and the faceplate is seated.

Charge the battery before first use

New Ring batteries arrive partially charged but not fully ready to use. Plug the battery into a USB charger (the same type used for phones) using the charging port on the side of the battery. A full charge takes about three to four hours. You'll see a light on the battery that turns red while charging and green when fully charged.

While the battery charges, you can reinstall it in the doorbell if you'd like — the doorbell will continue charging the battery once it's inserted. However, some people prefer to charge it fully outside the doorbell first to make sure it works before putting it back in place.

What to do if the doorbell won't power on

If your Ring doesn't turn on after you've installed the new battery, first check that the battery is fully inserted and the faceplate is clicked into place. A loose battery or faceplate can prevent power from reaching the doorbell's electronics.

Next, check the metal contacts in the battery slot. If they look dirty, corroded, or discolored, clean them gently with a dry cloth or a pencil eraser. Corrosion on the contacts can block power flow. If cleaning doesn't help, try removing the battery, waiting 30 seconds, and reinserting it — this resets the connection.

If the doorbell still won't power on, the replacement battery may be defective. Contact the seller or Ring directly for a replacement. If your Ring is hardwired, also double-check that power is still on at the breaker box — you may have forgotten to switch it back on after removing the old battery.

How long a battery lasts between charges

A fully charged Ring battery typically lasts three to six months before needing to be recharged. The exact time depends on how often motion is detected at your door. A doorbell in a busy hallway or near a street may need charging every two to three months, while one on a quiet residential door might go six months or longer.

You'll receive a notification in the Ring app when the battery drops below 20 percent. At that point, you have a few weeks before it dies completely. You can either remove the battery and charge it outside the doorbell, or leave it in place and charge it via USB while it's installed — the doorbell will continue to work during charging, though more slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party battery instead of a Ring battery?

Yes. Third-party batteries made for your specific Ring model work just as well as official Ring batteries and often cost less. Check the model number on your doorbell and search for compatible batteries from reputable sellers. Avoid extremely cheap batteries with no reviews, as they may not hold a charge or could be counterfeit.

What if my Ring doorbell is hardwired and I forgot to turn off the breaker?

If you removed the battery while the doorbell was still powered, you likely didn't cause damage — the battery is designed to disconnect safely. However, you should still turn off the breaker before reinstalling the new battery to avoid any risk of electrical shock. Go back to the breaker box and flip the switch now, then reinstall the battery.

Do I need to remove the battery to charge it, or can I charge it while it's in the doorbell?

You can charge it either way. If the battery is installed, you can plug a USB cable into the charging port on the side of the battery while it's in the doorbell — the doorbell will continue to work during charging. Many people find it easier to remove the battery and charge it on a table or desk, especially if the doorbell is mounted high on a wall.

How do I know which Ring model I have so I can buy the right battery?

Look at the back of your doorbell or the original packaging — the model number is printed there. Common models are Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Video Doorbell 3, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, and Ring Video Doorbell Plus. You can also open the Ring app, go to Device Settings, and look for the model name listed there.

Can I use the doorbell while the battery is charging?

Yes. The doorbell will continue to record video and detect motion while the battery charges, whether the battery is installed or removed and charging separately. If the battery is installed and charging, the doorbell will work normally but may charge more slowly.