How to Change WiFi on Ring Doorbell

A Ring doorbell relies entirely on a stable WiFi connection to function properly. Without it, the camera cannot send notifications, stream live video, or upload recorded footage to the cloud. Whether you are switching broadband providers, updating your router, or simply changing your network name or password, knowing how to reconnect your Ring doorbell to WiFi is essential. In the UK, where homes can vary from compact flats to large multi-storey properties with thick brick walls, maintaining a strong WiFi signal is especially important.

Changing the WiFi on a Ring doorbell is not difficult, but it does require following the correct steps to avoid disconnection or setup errors. The process differs slightly depending on the model you own, but the principles remain the same. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know, from when to change your WiFi network and how to do it through the Ring app, to troubleshooting weak signals and connection failures.

How a Ring Doorbell Uses WiFi

Before changing your WiFi settings, it helps to understand how your Ring doorbell communicates with your home network. The device uses a 2.4GHz or 5GHz WiFi signal to transmit live video and motion alerts to the Ring cloud servers, which then send push notifications to your smartphone or tablet via the Ring app. The connection must remain active for your doorbell to function correctly, so even a temporary change in your WiFi details can cause the doorbell to lose connection.

If you change your router, update your broadband plan, or modify your WiFi network name (SSID) or password, the doorbell will not automatically reconnect. It will continue trying to connect to the old network until you manually update the settings. This is where reconfiguring the WiFi connection becomes necessary.

When You Need to Change the WiFi Network

There are several situations where you will need to change the WiFi on your Ring doorbell. The most common is when you switch broadband providers or replace your router. New routers often come with different network names and passwords, meaning your doorbell no longer recognises the connection.

Another common reason is moving house. When you relocate, your new property will have a completely different WiFi network. Resetting your Ring doorbell and reconnecting it ensures it functions properly in the new environment. You may also need to change WiFi settings if you rename your existing network or if you create separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for improved performance.

Sometimes, changing WiFi can help solve connectivity problems. If your doorbell frequently disconnects or fails to stream video, moving it to a more stable network or upgrading to a stronger router can make a noticeable difference.

Checking Compatibility Before Changing WiFi

Before you change the WiFi network, it is important to know which frequency your Ring doorbell supports. Most Ring models connect only to 2.4GHz WiFi, while newer models such as the Ring Video Doorbell 3, 4, and Pro 2 can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. The 2.4GHz band offers greater range and penetration through walls, which is useful for UK homes with thick brick structures, while 5GHz offers faster speeds but shorter range.

If your router supports both frequencies, you can choose the one that works best for your layout. As a general rule, 2.4GHz tends to be more reliable for doorbells installed outdoors or near the edge of your home’s WiFi coverage.

It is also worth checking that your broadband speed meets the minimum requirements for smooth video streaming. Ring recommends at least 2 Mbps upload speed for a stable connection. You can check your network speed using any online speed test tool.

Steps to Change the WiFi Network on Your Ring Doorbell

The simplest way to change the WiFi network for your Ring doorbell is through the Ring app on your smartphone. Start by opening the app and selecting the doorbell you wish to update. Next, go to “Device Health” in the settings menu. Scroll down and select “Change WiFi Network.” The app will then guide you through reconnecting your doorbell.

At this stage, your Ring doorbell will need to enter setup mode. Press and hold the setup button on the side or back of the device for several seconds until the light on the front begins spinning or flashing, depending on your model. This indicates it is ready to connect to a new network.

The app will prompt you to temporarily connect your phone to the Ring network broadcast by the doorbell. Once connected, you will see a list of available WiFi networks. Select your home network, enter the correct password, and confirm. The doorbell will then attempt to connect. When the light stops flashing, it means the connection has been established successfully.

The Ring app will confirm the new network connection, and you should test the doorbell immediately by pressing the button or activating motion detection to ensure live video and notifications work properly.

Changing WiFi on a Wired Ring Doorbell

If your Ring doorbell is wired rather than battery-powered, the steps are mostly the same, but you will need to ensure the power remains connected during the process. Wired models such as the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 can be reset to setup mode by pressing the small reset button located either on the side or underneath the faceplate.

After holding the button for a few seconds, follow the same steps in the Ring app to change the WiFi network. It is a good idea to keep your phone near the router during setup to ensure the connection is stable.

If the wired doorbell fails to reconnect, check that your router’s security settings are compatible. Ring devices typically use WPA2 encryption, so if your router is set to use WPA3-only mode, you may need to adjust it temporarily until the connection is complete.

How to Change WiFi When Moving House

When relocating, it is best to remove your Ring doorbell from the app before leaving your old property. This prevents confusion for the next homeowner and ensures you can start fresh at your new address. In the app, open the doorbell’s settings, scroll to the bottom, and select “Remove Device.” This resets the device and clears the previous network connection.

At your new home, install the doorbell as usual and follow the steps above to connect it to your new WiFi network. If you have changed internet providers, double-check your new router’s signal strength at the front door before final installation. If necessary, use a WiFi extender to strengthen coverage.

What to Do If the Doorbell Won’t Connect

Occasionally, after changing WiFi networks, your Ring doorbell may refuse to reconnect. The most common reason is entering the wrong password. Ensure that you type it exactly as it appears, with the correct capitalisation. Another frequent issue is weak signal strength. If the doorbell is too far from the router, try temporarily moving your router closer or using a WiFi extender to improve coverage.

You should also check your router’s settings to ensure that it is broadcasting the correct network frequency. If you have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz enabled, try connecting to the 2.4GHz option first.

If problems persist, perform a soft reset of the doorbell. To do this, press and hold the setup button for about 15 seconds until the light flashes, then release it. This clears the connection data and allows you to start the setup process again from the beginning.

Tips to Maintain a Strong WiFi Connection

Once your Ring doorbell is connected to WiFi, keeping the signal strong will prevent many future issues. Position your router centrally in your home, ideally at an elevated height rather than tucked behind furniture. Avoid placing it near thick walls or metal objects that can interfere with the signal.

If your router is several rooms away from your front door, consider investing in a WiFi extender or mesh system. This ensures your doorbell receives a consistent signal, especially if it is mounted outside on a brick wall. Ring also offers a device called the Chime Pro, which acts as both a WiFi extender and a chime unit, designed specifically for Ring products.

Another tip is to keep your router firmware updated. Router manufacturers frequently release updates to improve performance and security, both of which can affect how well your Ring doorbell stays connected.

Why Strong WiFi Is Especially Important in UK Homes

Many British homes were built long before wireless technology existed, which means thick masonry walls, metal reinforcements, and older electrical systems can reduce WiFi signal strength. This makes placement and signal management especially important. If your front door is far from your main living area, the WiFi signal may struggle to reach it effectively.

In such cases, running a mesh WiFi network or using powerline adapters that transmit signal through electrical wiring can help. These solutions ensure your doorbell maintains a strong and stable connection for reliable notifications and video quality.

What Happens When You Don’t Change WiFi Properly

If your Ring doorbell loses connection and you fail to update its WiFi details, it will effectively stop working as a smart device. You will no longer receive motion alerts or be able to view live footage, and recordings will stop uploading to the cloud. The device will remain powered, but its functionality will be limited to acting as a traditional doorbell if connected to a chime.

In addition, the doorbell may drain its battery faster while repeatedly attempting to reconnect to the old network. Over time, this can lead to unnecessary wear on the battery and potential performance issues. Changing the WiFi network promptly after any router or password update prevents this problem.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

If your Ring doorbell continues to disconnect after updating WiFi, there are several possible causes. Interference from other devices can weaken the signal, especially from baby monitors, cordless phones, or microwaves operating on the same 2.4GHz band. Try moving these devices further from your router or changing the WiFi channel in your router’s settings to reduce interference.

Power interruptions can also cause temporary disconnections. For battery models, make sure the battery is fully charged. For wired models, check that the transformer is supplying consistent power. If the problem persists even with a strong signal, resetting both the router and the doorbell usually restores connectivity.

Security Considerations When Changing WiFi

When changing your WiFi, it is also a good time to review your network’s security settings. Use a strong, unique password for your WiFi and enable WPA2 encryption if possible. Avoid using easily guessed passwords or public guest networks for your Ring devices. Enabling two-factor authentication in the Ring app adds an extra layer of security to your account.

Keep your router firmware up to date and regularly check the Ring app for updates. Software updates often improve connection stability and close potential vulnerabilities.

Testing After the WiFi Change

Once the WiFi has been updated, test your doorbell thoroughly. Press the doorbell button to ensure that notifications are sent instantly to your phone. Check that the live view connects quickly and that the video stream is smooth without buffering. Test the two-way audio to confirm there is no lag or distortion.

If you notice slow response times, check the network signal strength in the app under “Device Health.” A weak signal may require repositioning the router or using an extender. Testing at different times of day can also reveal whether congestion in your network is affecting performance.

Conclusion

Changing the WiFi on your Ring doorbell is a straightforward but essential process for keeping your home security system running reliably. Whether you have changed broadband provider, moved house, or simply updated your router, knowing how to reconnect your doorbell ensures that you continue receiving real-time alerts and recordings without interruption.

By following the correct steps in the Ring app, keeping your WiFi strong, and maintaining good signal practices, you can avoid disconnection issues and enjoy seamless operation. In UK homes where thick walls and variable layouts can affect coverage, investing in proper WiFi placement and equipment makes all the difference.

Once your Ring doorbell is successfully reconnected, test it regularly to ensure notifications, video, and audio all work perfectly. A stable WiFi connection keeps your smart home system dependable, secure, and always ready to show you who is at the door, no matter where you are.