How to Change Ring Doorbell Battery

Smart doorbells have become a familiar feature on homes across the UK, giving homeowners the convenience of answering the door from their phone and the reassurance of being able to monitor visitors and deliveries at any time. One of the key advantages of battery powered Ring doorbells is that they do not require wiring into the mains supply, making them straightforward to install and maintain. However, this means that from time to time the battery will need to be recharged or replaced. Knowing how to change the battery correctly will ensure your device continues to work smoothly without interruptions.

Why the Battery Needs Changing

Ring doorbells that rely on a rechargeable battery will typically last between two to six months depending on how often the camera is activated by motion or live view. Homes on busy streets or properties with frequent visitors will find the battery drains more quickly. Cold weather can also reduce battery life, which is important to keep in mind during the winter months. Changing the battery is a simple process, but it is worth doing it properly to avoid damage to the device or gaps in coverage.

Preparing to Change the Battery

Before starting, it is helpful to have the replacement battery fully charged. Charging can take several hours, so it is often a good idea to have a spare battery ready to swap in immediately. This ensures your doorbell is never offline for long. Charging is carried out using a standard micro USB cable, and the battery casing includes an indicator light to show when it is fully charged. Green indicates a full charge while red means charging is still in progress.

Removing the Doorbell Faceplate

The first step is to remove the security screw located at the base of the Ring doorbell. This screw secures the faceplate in place and prevents tampering. A small screwdriver is normally provided with the device, but any precision screwdriver of the right size will work. Once the screw is removed, gently slide the faceplate upwards and away from the doorbell. It is important not to force it, as the plastic clips can be damaged if too much pressure is applied.

Taking Out the Battery

With the faceplate removed, the battery will be visible at the bottom of the unit. There is a small release tab which you press to slide the battery out. The motion should be smooth and not require force. At this point you can either insert a fully charged spare battery straight away or take the existing one inside for charging. If you are charging the same battery, keep in mind that the doorbell will remain offline until it is replaced, which could mean missed motion alerts or visitor recordings.

Inserting the New or Charged Battery

When inserting a new or recharged battery, make sure it is aligned correctly before pushing it into place. You will usually hear a click when it locks into position. Once it is secure, the doorbell should power back on automatically. If it does not, remove the battery and check for debris or alignment issues before reinserting it.

Reattaching the Faceplate

After the battery is in place, slide the faceplate back onto the doorbell until it clicks. Finally, reinsert the security screw at the bottom. This step is important because the screw helps protect against theft and accidental removal of the faceplate. Always check that the faceplate is secure before considering the job complete.

Testing the Doorbell

Once the battery has been changed, press the doorbell button to confirm that it powers on correctly. You should also check the Ring app to ensure that live view is working and that the device is connected to WiFi. Sometimes after a battery change, the doorbell may take a minute or two to reconnect to the network, so allow a short period before testing.

Tips for Easier Maintenance

If you want to avoid downtime, investing in a spare battery is one of the best steps you can take. This allows you to swap batteries quickly, ensuring your doorbell never loses coverage. Keeping an eye on battery levels in the app also helps, as the device will send alerts when the charge is running low. Changing the battery before it reaches a critically low level prevents unexpected loss of function.

Final Thoughts

Changing a Ring doorbell battery is straightforward once you are familiar with the process. By charging batteries fully before replacement, handling the faceplate carefully, and ensuring the unit is secure, you can keep your doorbell working reliably. For many households, this simple routine maintenance ensures the convenience and security benefits of a Ring doorbell are always available without interruption.