What You Will Need Before You Start
Gathering these things before you begin makes the setup process much smoother.
- Your Ring Video Doorbell (any model — Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell 4, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, etc.)
- A smartphone (iPhone or Android) with the Ring app installed — download it free from the App Store or Google Play
- Your home Wi-Fi network name and password
- A screwdriver (Phillips head) — included in most Ring packages
- For wired models: a working existing doorbell wiring at your door (Ring will tell you during setup if your wiring is compatible)
- For battery-powered models: a fully charged Ring battery (charge it with the included cable before starting)
Tip: If you are not sure which Ring model you have, check the box or the back of the device. Battery-powered models are the easiest to install because they do not require existing doorbell wiring.
Step 1: Download the Ring App and Create an Account
Everything about your Ring doorbell is managed through the Ring app on your phone.
- 1Download the Ring app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android)
- 2Open the app and tap Create Account
- 3Enter your email address and create a password
- 4Verify your email address by clicking the link Ring sends you
- 5Sign back into the app with your new account
Step 2: Install the Ring Doorbell at Your Door
Physical installation varies slightly by model, but the general process is the same for all Ring doorbells.
- 1Hold the Ring doorbell up to your door frame or wall where you want to mount it — most people mount it on the door frame to the right of the door at about chest height
- 2Use the included mounting bracket as a template and mark where the screws will go with a pencil
- 3Drill pilot holes if needed (Ring includes a drill bit for brick or concrete)
- 4Attach the mounting bracket with the included screws
- 5For wired models: connect the two doorbell wires to the screws on the back of the Ring (it does not matter which wire goes to which screw)
- 6Snap or slide the Ring doorbell onto the mounting bracket
- 7Secure it with the small security screw at the bottom using the included star-shaped screwdriver bit
Warning: If you are replacing an existing wired doorbell, turn off the power to the doorbell at your circuit breaker before touching any wires. The voltage is low but it is still good practice to work safely.
Step 3: Connect the Ring Doorbell to Your Wi-Fi
This is done entirely through the Ring app on your phone.
- 1Open the Ring app and tap the three lines in the upper left corner
- 2Tap Set Up a Device, then Doorbells
- 3Scan the QR code on the back of your Ring doorbell or on the box
- 4Follow the on-screen instructions — the app will guide you through putting the Ring into setup mode (usually by pressing the orange button on the back)
- 5When prompted, connect your phone to the Ring's temporary Wi-Fi network (it will appear in your phone's Wi-Fi settings as something like "Ring-XXXXXX")
- 6Return to the Ring app and select your home Wi-Fi network from the list
- 7Enter your Wi-Fi password and wait for the Ring to connect — the light on the front will spin and then turn solid when connected
Tip: The Ring doorbell needs a strong Wi-Fi signal at your front door. If your router is far from the front door, the signal may be too weak for reliable operation. A Ring Chime Pro (a Wi-Fi extender made specifically for Ring devices) can solve this.
Step 4: Set Up Motion Zones and Notifications
Once connected, take a few minutes to customize your Ring settings so you get useful alerts without being overwhelmed.
- Motion Zones: In the Ring app, go to your doorbell settings and tap Motion Settings. Draw a zone that covers your porch and walkway but excludes the street — this prevents alerts every time a car drives by.
- Motion Sensitivity: Adjust the sensitivity slider so the Ring detects people approaching but is not triggered by leaves blowing or shadows.
- Notification Settings: Choose whether you want alerts for motion, doorbell presses, or both. You can also set a schedule to pause notifications during certain hours.
- Shared Users: In the Ring app, you can add family members so they also receive alerts and can view the camera.
Understanding Ring Subscription Plans
Your Ring doorbell works without a subscription — you can see live video and answer the door from your phone at no cost. A Ring Protect subscription adds video recording and storage.
- No subscription: Live view, two-way talk, and motion alerts — but no video recording or history
- Ring Protect Basic (about $4/month per device): Records and saves video for 180 days, allows you to review past events
- Ring Protect Plus (about $10/month): Covers all Ring devices at one address, adds 24/7 professional monitoring