How Do You Reset the Ring Doorbell

Ring doorbells are among the most popular smart security devices in the UK, offering live video streaming, motion alerts, and remote communication with visitors. Like any electronic device, however, they can occasionally encounter issues that require a reset. Whether your doorbell has stopped responding, lost connection to Wi-Fi, or needs to be transferred to a new owner, understanding how to reset it properly is essential. Resetting your Ring doorbell can restore functionality, clear old data, and prepare it for new setup. This comprehensive guide explains how to reset every type of Ring doorbell, when it is necessary, how to reconnect your device afterwards, and what precautions you should take to protect your data and settings.

Understanding What a Reset Does

Before resetting your Ring doorbell, it is important to understand what the process actually entails. A reset is not the same as a simple restart. Restarting a device temporarily turns it off and back on again without deleting settings, whereas resetting erases all saved configurations. When you reset a Ring doorbell, it returns to its factory default state, meaning all your Wi-Fi details, motion settings, linked accounts, and recorded preferences are removed.

This process can be helpful in several situations. For example, if you are moving house and want to transfer the doorbell to another property, a factory reset ensures no old data or accounts remain linked. If you are giving or selling the device to someone else, it must be reset before the new owner can add it to their own account. Similarly, if your doorbell stops connecting to Wi-Fi or becomes unresponsive in the app, a reset can clear corrupted settings and allow a fresh start.

However, resetting should not be your first step for every issue. Many problems can be solved by simply restarting the doorbell, checking the Wi-Fi connection, or reinstalling the app. Only perform a factory reset when troubleshooting has failed, or when ownership is changing.

When You Should Reset a Ring Doorbell

Knowing when to reset your Ring doorbell helps avoid unnecessary data loss. Common scenarios where a reset is appropriate include:

When your device stops connecting to Wi-Fi even after checking your router, credentials, and signal strength.

When you are transferring ownership to a new user or property.

When the device becomes unresponsive or frozen and does not restart through the app.

When the live view or motion detection features stop working and all other fixes fail.

When the doorbell has been linked to an incorrect account or email address.

When you are troubleshooting persistent power or firmware issues.

If your Ring doorbell is simply slow to respond or sends delayed notifications, you might not need a reset. Instead, check for weak Wi-Fi signal, ensure your Ring app is updated, and inspect your network speed. Resetting is a last resort once other solutions have been exhausted.

Soft Reset vs Hard Reset

Ring doorbells can be reset in two main ways: a soft reset or a hard (factory) reset. A soft reset restarts the device without erasing your settings, similar to rebooting a smartphone. You can perform this by pressing and holding the setup button for around ten seconds until the light flashes briefly, then releasing it. After the device restarts, your settings and Wi-Fi details remain intact.

A hard reset, on the other hand, restores the doorbell to factory defaults. This means the device forgets all your data and must be set up again from scratch. To perform a full factory reset, you will need to hold down the setup or reset button (depending on your model) for a longer period until the device enters setup mode. Each model has slightly different instructions, which we will cover in detail below.

How to Reset Different Ring Doorbell Models

Ring produces a variety of models, each with slightly different button placements and reset procedures. The general approach, however, follows the same pattern: hold the reset button for a specific number of seconds until the device enters setup mode, indicated by flashing lights.

For most Ring Video Doorbell models, you will find the setup button on the side or back of the unit. You may need to remove the faceplate using a small screwdriver to access it. Once located, press and hold the button for around fifteen seconds. The light ring on the front will flash to show that the reset is in progress. When the light stops flashing, the reset is complete.

For wired models such as the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, the setup button is usually on the right-hand side. Press and hold it for about twenty seconds until the device restarts. The circular light on the front will flash white, indicating that it has been reset.

For battery-powered models like the Ring Video Doorbell 2, 3, or 4, you will need to remove the faceplate, press and hold the setup button for roughly fifteen to twenty seconds, then release it. After the reset, the device will return to setup mode, ready to connect to your Wi-Fi network again.

Always make sure the doorbell has sufficient power during the reset process. If it is a battery-powered model, ensure the battery is charged before starting. For wired devices, confirm that the power supply is stable and not interrupted mid-process.

What Happens After You Reset

Once you have reset your Ring doorbell, it will no longer be linked to any account. You will need to go through the setup process again using the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Open the app, select “Set up a Device,” and follow the prompts to scan the QR code on your doorbell. The app will guide you through reconnecting to Wi-Fi, naming the device, and adjusting your preferences.

If you had a subscription plan, your video history will not be stored on the device itself. It is saved in the cloud under your Ring account, so resetting the device does not erase recordings from your account. However, if the device was deleted from your account before the reset, you will lose access to any associated footage.

After reconnecting, it is a good idea to check for firmware updates, as resetting can roll back certain settings. You can find the firmware update option within the device settings in the app. Updating ensures your doorbell has the latest performance improvements and security patches.

Common Problems During a Reset

While the reset process is usually straightforward, several issues can arise. One common problem is that the reset button does not respond. This can happen if the device is not receiving power or if the button is stuck. For battery-powered models, check that the battery is charged and seated correctly. For wired models, ensure that the transformer and wiring are supplying the correct voltage.

Another issue occurs when the doorbell appears to reset but fails to enter setup mode. In this case, try holding the button slightly longer—up to thirty seconds. If the light does not flash at all, the device may be faulty, and you should contact Ring support for assistance.

Wi-Fi connection errors after a reset are also common. Ensure you are connecting to a 2.4GHz network if your doorbell model does not support 5GHz. Make sure your phone is on the same network and that your Wi-Fi signal is strong near the installation point. If necessary, temporarily move the router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.

Precautions Before Resetting

Before resetting your Ring doorbell, consider backing up or saving any important video clips that you might need later. If you have a subscription, download relevant footage to your phone or computer, as you may not be able to access it once the device is reset.

You should also inform any household members who use the app that the device will be offline during the process. If your Ring doorbell is part of a linked system with cameras, smart lights, or alarms, resetting one device may temporarily affect others. It is best to reset when you have time to complete the full setup afterwards.

If you are a landlord resetting a Ring doorbell between tenants, ensure that the previous tenant has been removed from the account entirely. Devices remain linked to the previous user’s Ring account until they manually release ownership. If you cannot contact them, you may need to contact Ring support to confirm the disassociation process.

Reconnecting After a Reset

After resetting your doorbell, open the Ring app and choose the “Set Up a Device” option. You will be prompted to scan the QR code located on the back or inside the battery compartment of your doorbell. Follow the guided steps to reconnect to your Wi-Fi and configure your device.

Choose a clear and memorable name for your doorbell, such as “Front Door” or “Back Gate,” especially if you have multiple devices. Next, set your motion zones and sensitivity. Adjusting these properly helps you avoid unnecessary notifications from moving cars or pedestrians while still catching relevant motion on your property.

Once setup is complete, test your doorbell by pressing the button and walking within range of its motion sensor. Confirm that notifications reach your phone and that live view works smoothly. If you experience lag or dropouts, consider adjusting your Wi-Fi router’s position or adding a Ring Chime Pro to boost the signal.

Security Considerations After Resetting

Resetting and reconfiguring your Ring doorbell also provides an opportunity to review your security settings. Ensure that you use a strong, unique password for your Ring account. Avoid reusing passwords from other sites, as these are common targets for hackers. Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection against unauthorised access.

If you share access to the doorbell with other household members, verify that each user has their own Ring account rather than sharing a single login. This improves both privacy and accountability. You can manage shared users through the app, granting or removing access as needed.

Keep your Ring app updated to the latest version, as updates often include important security enhancements. Firmware updates for the doorbell itself should also be applied automatically, but it is worth checking manually after a reset to ensure the device is fully current.

Troubleshooting After Reset

If your doorbell does not reconnect properly after a reset, start by checking your Wi-Fi settings. Make sure your router is broadcasting the correct frequency band and that your password has been entered correctly. If the doorbell still refuses to connect, restart both your router and the Ring device.

In some rare cases, older routers with outdated firmware or DNS settings can cause issues. Updating your router’s firmware can help resolve compatibility problems. If the doorbell connects but you are not receiving notifications, check your phone’s settings to ensure the Ring app has permission to send alerts.

If you see error messages such as “Device Not Found” or “Cannot Complete Setup,” try resetting again. Occasionally the first reset does not clear all data, especially if the doorbell lost power during the process. Performing a second reset usually resolves this.

Differences Between Reset and Removing a Device

Some users confuse resetting a doorbell with simply removing it from the app. Removing a device only disconnects it from your account; it does not erase its internal settings. If you are selling or gifting the doorbell, you must both remove it from your account and perform a full reset to ensure it is ready for the new owner.

If you skip the reset, the new user will not be able to add the doorbell to their account because it will still appear linked to yours. This is a common issue when second-hand devices are bought or sold without proper disassociation. Always perform a full factory reset before transferring ownership to avoid complications.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have followed all reset instructions and your doorbell still fails to function, it may indicate a hardware problem rather than a software issue. For wired models, check the transformer voltage and wiring connections. UK systems typically require a transformer output of between 16V and 24V AC for optimal performance. For battery models, inspect the contacts for corrosion or damage.

If power and connectivity appear normal but the doorbell remains unresponsive, it is best to contact Ring’s customer support. They can verify whether your device is still under warranty and advise whether a replacement is necessary. Attempting to disassemble or repair the doorbell yourself may void your warranty.

Conclusion

Resetting your Ring doorbell is a straightforward process that can restore performance, fix connection issues, and prepare the device for new ownership. However, it should be done thoughtfully and only when necessary, as it erases all custom settings and preferences. By understanding the differences between a soft reset and a factory reset, following the correct procedure for your model, and taking care to back up important video clips beforehand, you can perform the task confidently.

Once reset, your doorbell will be ready for a fresh setup and new configuration. Reconnecting to your Wi-Fi, updating firmware, and checking your motion zones are simple steps that restore functionality and improve reliability. For landlords, resetting between tenancies ensures privacy and compliance. For homeowners, it provides a clean slate for troubleshooting or relocating your device.

A Ring doorbell is a valuable security tool, but like any smart device, it benefits from occasional maintenance and a clear understanding of how to reset it properly. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can reset and reconfigure your Ring doorbell safely, keeping your home secure and your technology running smoothly for years to come.