Ring batteries charge fully in 5 to 10 hours on a standard USB charger

The time depends on which Ring device you own and what charger you use. A Ring Video Doorbell battery (the most common type) takes about 5 to 10 hours to go from empty to full on the standard USB charger that comes in the box. If you use a higher-amperage charger — one rated for 2 amps or more — the charge time may be slightly faster, though Ring does not publish exact figures for faster chargers.

The battery itself is removable, which means you can swap in a fully charged spare while the first one charges. Many owners keep two batteries and rotate them, so the doorbell is never without power during charging. This is the practical reason Ring made the battery user-replaceable in the first place.

Charge time also varies slightly by temperature. Cold conditions slow charging, and Ring recommends charging in a room between 32°F and 104°F (0°C to 40°C) for best results. If your garage or porch is very cold, bring the battery indoors to charge.

Key Takeaways

  • A Ring Video Doorbell battery reaches full charge in 5 to 10 hours using the included USB charger.
  • Using a higher-amperage charger (2 amps or more) may speed up charging, though Ring does not may provide a specific time reduction.
  • Buying a second battery lets you swap them out so your doorbell stays powered while one battery charges.
  • Cold temperatures slow charging, so charge your battery indoors if possible, between 32°F and 104°F.

What charger to use for fastest charging

The USB charger included with your Ring device is rated for 1 amp. This is the safe baseline, and Ring warrants the battery when you use it. If you want to charge faster, use a charger rated for 2 amps or higher — the kind that comes with many tablets or phone fast chargers. Ring devices will accept the higher current without damage.

Do not use chargers rated above 2 amps, as Ring has not tested those and you risk damaging the battery or charger port. Stick to standard USB-A chargers or the official Ring charger if you want to be certain. The difference between 1 amp and 2 amps is usually only an hour or so, so the included charger is not a bottleneck for most people.

How to know when the battery is fully charged

When you plug the battery into the charger, the LED light on the battery itself will turn on. While charging, the light is usually red or orange. When the battery reaches full charge, the light turns green and stays solid. This is the signal that you can unplug it.

If you are charging the battery while it is still in the doorbell (some Ring models allow this), you can also check the Ring app. Open the app, go to your device, and look at the battery percentage. When it reads 100%, the charge is complete. The app updates every few minutes, so there may be a short delay between when the light turns green and when the app shows 100%.

Battery life between charges

How often you need to recharge depends on how much motion your doorbell detects. A doorbell in a quiet location might run for weeks on a single charge. A doorbell on a busy street or near a motion-sensor light can drain the battery in 2 to 3 weeks. Heavy video recording and live view use also drain the battery faster.

If your battery is draining faster than expected, check your motion detection settings in the Ring app. Lowering the sensitivity or reducing the recording length can extend the time between charges. You can also check the app to see how much battery you have used in the last week, which helps you predict when the next charge will be due.

Charging a battery that will not hold a charge

If your battery drains to zero within a few days even after a full charge, the battery itself may be failing. Lithium batteries degrade over time, and after 2 to 3 years of regular use, a Ring battery may no longer hold a full charge. The solution is to buy a replacement battery.

Before you assume the battery is bad, rule out other causes. Check that your doorbell is not in direct sunlight all day, which generates heat and drains the battery faster. Make sure motion detection is not set to the highest sensitivity. If the battery still fails to hold a charge after you adjust these settings, contact Ring support with your device serial number and purchase date — they can confirm whether the battery is still under warranty.

Charging multiple Ring devices

If you own more than one Ring doorbell or camera, you can charge all the batteries from the same USB charger by using a multi-port USB hub. Plug the hub into a wall outlet, then plug each battery charger into the hub. The charge time for each battery remains the same — about 5 to 10 hours — because each charger draws its own power from the hub.

Make sure the hub is rated for at least 2 amps per port if you want to charge multiple batteries at full speed. A cheap hub with low total amperage will charge all devices more slowly. Label your batteries or keep them in separate bags so you do not mix them up, especially if you own different Ring models that use different battery types.

Storage and long-term charging

If you are storing a Ring battery for more than a month, charge it to 50% rather than 100%. A battery stored at full charge for a long time can lose capacity. Conversely, a battery stored completely empty may not hold a charge when you try to use it again. The sweet spot is a half-full battery in a cool, dry place.

If you are storing a battery for the winter or during a season when you do not use the doorbell, check the charge level every few months and top it up to 50% if needed. When you are ready to use the doorbell again, charge the battery fully before installing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a Ring battery while it is still in the doorbell?

Some Ring models allow in-doorbell charging, but not all. Check your device manual or the Ring app to see if your model supports it. If it does, you can plug the charger into the USB port on the back of the doorbell. If it does not, you must remove the battery first.

What happens if I leave the battery plugged in after it reaches 100%?

Leaving a fully charged battery on the charger for a few hours will not damage it. Ring batteries have built-in protection that stops charging once they reach 100%. However, leaving it plugged in for days or weeks can reduce the battery's lifespan over time, so unplug it once the light turns green.

Why is my battery charging slower than 5 to 10 hours?

Cold temperatures, a low-amperage charger, or a damaged charging port can all slow charging. Try charging in a warmer room and use a 2-amp charger if you have one. If the battery still charges very slowly after that, the charging port or battery itself may be damaged.

Is it normal for the battery to get warm while charging?

Mild warmth is normal — lithium batteries generate a small amount of heat during charging. If the battery becomes too hot to touch, unplug it when ready and let it cool. Excessive heat can damage the battery or charger, and you should contact Ring support.

Can I use a power bank to charge my Ring battery?

Yes, as long as the power bank has a USB-A output port and is rated for at least 1 amp. Charge time will be the same as with a wall charger. Make sure the power bank itself is fully charged before you use it, or the charge time will be longer.