How to Change Ring Doorbell Battery

The Ring doorbell is one of the most popular smart home devices in the UK because it combines convenience with peace of mind. You can see and speak to visitors from anywhere using your phone, monitor your front door through live video, and receive motion alerts around the clock. All of these features rely on one crucial component: the battery. If your doorbell suddenly stops responding or the app warns that the battery is running low, it is time to recharge or replace it. Knowing how to change your Ring doorbell battery properly is essential to keeping your system running smoothly and safely.

Most Ring doorbells in the UK use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These are designed to hold a strong, consistent charge and can usually last between one and six months depending on usage and environmental conditions. When the battery runs low, the device will alert you through the Ring app and the doorbell may flash a red or amber light to indicate that it needs attention. Changing or recharging the battery is a straightforward process once you know which model you have and how it is designed.

Checking Your Ring Doorbell Model Before Starting

Before changing the battery, the first thing you must determine is which Ring doorbell model you own. This is important because not all Ring doorbells have removable batteries. Some models, such as the Ring Video Doorbell 2, 3, 4, and Battery Doorbell Plus, use quick-release battery packs that can be removed and charged separately. Others, like the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation), have built-in batteries that require the entire device to be taken down and plugged in for charging.

If you are unsure which model you have, open the Ring app and check the device settings under “Device Health.” The model name will be listed there. You can also identify it visually: models with removable batteries usually have a small black release tab at the bottom of the unit, while built-in battery models do not. Once you know which version you have, you can follow the correct procedure to change or recharge the battery safely.

Preparing to Change the Battery

Before you start, make sure the area around your doorbell is clean and free of obstructions. If your doorbell is installed near your main entrance, consider locking the door or informing others in the house that you will be working on it to avoid interruptions. Always ensure your hands are clean and dry before handling the doorbell to prevent slipping or static discharge.

If you are working outdoors, try to avoid rainy or damp weather conditions. Although Ring doorbells are weather-resistant, it is best to handle them in dry conditions to reduce the risk of moisture entering the device. You may also want to have a small screwdriver ready if your doorbell has a security screw securing the faceplate. Most Ring devices come with a small star-shaped screwdriver tool for this purpose.

How to Remove the Battery from a Removable-Battery Model

If your Ring doorbell uses a removable battery, the process is simple and takes only a few minutes. Begin by removing the faceplate. This is the protective cover that snaps onto the front of the device. Depending on your model, you may need to unscrew a small security screw at the bottom using the provided tool before sliding the faceplate upward and away from the doorbell.

Once the faceplate is removed, look for the small rectangular battery pack at the bottom of the unit. You will notice a black tab or latch on the side of the battery compartment. Press and hold this tab while gently pulling the battery out. The battery will slide out smoothly with little resistance. Avoid forcing it or pulling at an angle, as this could damage the contacts.

With the battery removed, you can now prepare to recharge or replace it.

Charging the Battery

To charge your Ring doorbell battery, connect it to a micro-USB cable and plug it into a power source such as a wall adapter or computer USB port. The battery will display a light indicator near the charging port. Typically, a red light means charging is in progress, and a green light indicates it is fully charged. Depending on the battery level, charging can take anywhere from five to ten hours.

During charging, place the battery on a flat, stable surface away from direct sunlight, moisture, or heat sources. Avoid covering the battery while charging, as it needs ventilation. Once the green light appears, the battery is fully charged and ready to be reinserted into your Ring doorbell.

If you prefer uninterrupted operation, you can purchase a second battery pack so that while one is charging, the other can remain installed in your device. This ensures your doorbell never goes offline.

Reinserting the Battery and Reattaching the Faceplate

Once your battery is fully charged, slide it back into the compartment at the bottom of the doorbell until it clicks into place. The click confirms that the battery is locked securely and making proper contact with the internal terminals.

Next, replace the faceplate by aligning it with the top of the doorbell and sliding it downward until it fits snugly. If your model uses a security screw, reinsert it at the bottom and tighten it gently. Do not overtighten, as this could strip the threads or crack the faceplate.

Once reassembled, the doorbell should power up automatically. If it does not, press the doorbell button to wake it or check the battery alignment. Within a few minutes, the Ring app should reconnect to the device and show an updated battery level.

How to Charge a Built-In Battery Model

If your Ring doorbell has a built-in battery, the process differs slightly because the entire device must be removed from its mount for charging. To do this, use the screwdriver tool to remove the security screw at the base of the unit. Slide the doorbell upward and lift it off the mounting bracket.

Take the device indoors and connect it to a USB charger using the supplied cable. The charging port is usually located at the back of the unit. While charging, you will see the same red and green light indicators as with removable batteries. Once the light turns solid green, the battery is fully charged.

When charging is complete, return the doorbell to its mount, slide it downward into position until it clicks, and reinsert the security screw. The Ring app will automatically detect that the device is back online and show the new battery level.

Testing After Battery Replacement

After reinstalling the battery, test the doorbell to make sure it is functioning correctly. Press the doorbell button to check if it rings and sends a notification to your phone. Open the Ring app and confirm that the live video feed works properly. You can also check the “Device Health” section to verify that the battery percentage has updated.

If the doorbell fails to reconnect or display video, it may need a few minutes to re-establish its WiFi connection. Make sure your WiFi signal near the door is strong enough, and if necessary, restart your router or the Ring device using the app.

Extending Battery Life Between Charges

Once your battery is replaced or recharged, you can take several steps to make it last longer. The most effective way is to reduce motion detection activity. Every time your Ring doorbell detects movement, it activates the camera and uses power to send notifications. If you live on a busy street, this can drain the battery quickly. Use the motion zone feature in the Ring app to limit detection to specific areas, such as your doorstep rather than the pavement.

Lowering the motion sensitivity also helps prevent the camera from activating unnecessarily for small movements like passing cars or blowing leaves. Another effective way to save battery is to reduce Live View usage. While convenient, Live View consumes significant energy each time you open the video stream. Use it only when necessary.

Maintaining a strong WiFi connection also improves battery performance. A weak signal forces the doorbell to use more energy to maintain communication with the app. Consider placing your router closer to the front door or using a WiFi extender if needed.

Signs Your Battery Needs Replacing

Over time, lithium-ion batteries lose their ability to hold a full charge. If you find that your Ring doorbell battery drains much faster than usual even after adjusting settings, it might be nearing the end of its lifespan. Typically, these batteries last two to three years before needing replacement.

Another sign of battery wear is inconsistent performance. If your doorbell randomly goes offline, reboots, or fails to record properly, a worn battery could be to blame. Replacing it with a genuine Ring battery pack should restore normal performance.

Safety Tips When Handling the Battery

Always handle your Ring doorbell battery with care. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight. Never use a damaged or swollen battery, as it could pose a safety risk. When charging, use only the official Ring cable or a high-quality equivalent that meets safety standards.

Do not leave the battery charging unattended overnight or for extended periods beyond full charge. Store spare batteries in a cool, dry place, ideally between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. When disposing of old batteries, never throw them in general waste. Instead, take them to a recycling point that accepts lithium-ion batteries, which are available in most supermarkets and recycling centres across the UK.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is forgetting to align the battery properly before closing the faceplate. This can prevent the doorbell from powering on or connecting to WiFi. Always double-check that the battery clicks into place before reattaching the faceplate.

Another frequent issue is over-tightening the security screw. Excessive force can damage the faceplate or make it difficult to remove later. Tighten it only until it feels secure. Some users also forget to reinsert the faceplate entirely, leaving the battery exposed to the elements. This can allow moisture or dust to enter the compartment and affect performance.

Lastly, always make sure you have recharged the battery fully before reinstalling it. Inserting a half-charged battery can result in poor performance and require you to repeat the process sooner than necessary.

How Often Should You Change or Recharge the Battery?

Most Ring doorbell batteries last several months per charge, though this depends on how often the device is triggered. On average, users in quieter UK neighbourhoods find they need to recharge every three to five months. In high-traffic areas, it may be closer to every one or two months.

If you prefer not to recharge so frequently, investing in a solar charger can be a smart solution. The Ring Solar Charger accessory attaches directly to the doorbell and uses daylight to keep the battery topped up. It is not suitable for all locations, but for south-facing doors that receive regular light, it can drastically reduce manual charging.

Troubleshooting After a Battery Change

If your doorbell does not power on after changing the battery, start by removing the faceplate and checking that the battery is fully inserted. Ensure that it clicked into place and that the contacts are clean and free of debris. If it still does not respond, plug the battery into the charger to confirm it holds power.

If your device fails to reconnect to WiFi after replacement, open the Ring app and follow the prompts to reconnect. You may need to press the setup button on the doorbell for a few seconds to re-enter pairing mode. Once reconnected, the device should resume normal operation.

If all else fails, restarting your router or performing a factory reset on the doorbell can resolve most persistent issues. Be aware that resetting will remove your existing settings, so it should be used only as a last resort.

Conclusion

Changing your Ring doorbell battery is a simple but essential task that ensures your home security system remains reliable and ready at all times. Whether your model uses a removable battery or a built-in one, the process can be completed safely with a few basic steps. Understanding your specific model, following the correct removal and reinstallation method, and taking care during charging will keep your device running smoothly.

By maintaining your battery properly and adopting habits that extend its lifespan, you can enjoy consistent performance for years. For most UK homeowners, taking a few minutes every few months to recharge or replace the battery is a small effort compared to the convenience and security a Ring doorbell provides. With regular maintenance, you will always have a clear view of who is at your door, day or night, without worrying about your battery letting you down.