Remove the battery by pressing the release tab and sliding the battery out
The battery in a Ring doorbell slides out from the bottom of the device. To remove it, locate the small release tab on the underside of the doorbell — it is a thin plastic lever. Press this tab inward with your finger or a flat tool, and the battery will slide out toward you. The whole process takes about 10 seconds and requires no tools.
The release tab is usually located near the center of the battery compartment. If you are looking at the doorbell from the front, flip it over or tilt it so you can see the bottom clearly. The tab is small but distinct — it will not be hidden or require force to find.
Key Takeaways
- The release tab is on the bottom of the doorbell and presses inward to unlock the battery.
- Once you press the tab, the battery slides straight out — do not pull at an angle or twist.
- The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion pack, not a standard AA or AAA battery.
- You do not need to turn off the doorbell or disconnect power before removing the battery.
- If the tab is stuck, do not force it; check that you are pressing in the correct direction.
What type of battery does a Ring doorbell use
Ring doorbells use a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is specific to the model. The battery is not a standard size like AA or AAA, so you cannot replace it with a common battery from a store. The battery pack is built to fit only Ring doorbells and is designed to hold a charge for several months depending on how often the doorbell is used.
When you remove the battery, you will see a rectangular pack with metal contacts on one end. Do not attempt to open or modify the battery pack. If the battery no longer holds a charge, you will need to order a replacement from Ring or an authorized retailer.
Why you might need to remove the battery
You remove the battery to recharge it, troubleshoot connection problems, or replace a battery that no longer holds a charge. If your doorbell stops responding or the app shows a low battery warning, removing and reinserting the battery can sometimes reset the connection to your Wi-Fi network.
Removing the battery is also the first step if you are moving the doorbell to a different location, selling it, or returning it. The battery should be removed before shipping the device to avoid potential damage during transit.
How to recharge the battery after removal
Ring batteries charge using a USB charging cable that comes with the doorbell or can be ordered separately. The charging port is on the battery pack itself — look for a small USB-C or micro-USB port depending on your model. Plug the cable into the port and connect it to a standard USB power adapter or computer.
A full charge typically takes three to four hours. The battery will show a light or indicator when it is charging and when it is fully charged. Once charged, slide the battery back into the doorbell by reversing the removal process: align the battery with the slot and push it in until you hear or feel a click.
Troubleshooting if the battery is stuck
If the release tab does not move or the battery will not slide out, do not force it. First, make sure you are pressing the tab in the correct direction — it should move inward toward the center of the doorbell, not outward. If it still will not budge, try using a plastic spoon or credit card edge to gently pry the tab rather than your fingernail.
If the battery itself is stuck after the tab releases, the contacts may be dirty or corroded. Gently wiggle the battery side to side as you pull, but do not yank hard. If it remains stuck after gentle attempts, contact Ring support — forcing it could damage the battery compartment.
Reinstalling the battery correctly
To put the battery back in, align the metal contacts on the battery with the contacts inside the doorbell slot. The battery should slide in smoothly without resistance. Push it in until you feel or hear a click, which means the release tab has locked it in place. The doorbell should power on within a few seconds.
If the doorbell does not power on after reinserting the battery, remove it and check that the contacts are clean and dry. Wipe both the battery contacts and the doorbell contacts with a dry cloth, then reinsert. If it still does not work, the battery may need a full charge before the doorbell will respond.
How long Ring batteries last before needing replacement
A Ring doorbell battery typically lasts between two and three years with normal use. "Normal use" means the doorbell records a few events per day and is not in an extremely cold climate. If your doorbell is very active — recording 20 or more events daily — the battery may need replacement sooner.
Cold weather drains batteries faster, so doorbells in northern climates may see shorter battery life. When the battery no longer holds a charge even after a full recharge, it is time to order a replacement. Ring sells replacement batteries directly, and third-party batteries are also available from other retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off the doorbell before removing the battery?
No. You can remove the battery while the doorbell is powered on. The device will straightforward lose power once the battery is out. There is no shutdown process or risk of data loss.
Can I use a different brand of battery in my Ring doorbell?
Third-party batteries designed for Ring doorbells are available and will work, but they must be made specifically for your Ring model. Standard batteries or batteries from other brands will not fit the slot. Always check that a replacement battery is listed as compatible with your exact doorbell model before purchasing.
What should I do if the battery is swollen or damaged?
Do not attempt to use a swollen or visibly damaged battery. Stop using it when ready and order a replacement. A damaged battery can fail suddenly or pose a safety risk. Dispose of the old battery according to your local recycling guidelines for lithium-ion batteries.
How do I know if the battery is fully charged?
Most Ring batteries show a light indicator on the pack itself while charging — usually green when full and amber or red while charging. You can also check the battery status in the Ring app once the battery is reinstalled and the doorbell reconnects to Wi-Fi. The app will display the current charge percentage.
Can I remove the battery in cold weather?
Yes, cold weather does not prevent battery removal. However, if the doorbell has been in very cold conditions, the battery may charge more slowly once you bring it inside to charge. Let the battery warm to room temperature before plugging it in if it has been exposed to freezing temperatures.