How to Factory Reset Ring Doorbell

Factory resetting a Ring doorbell is sometimes the best way to resolve persistent problems or prepare your device for a new owner. Whether you’re dealing with WiFi connectivity issues, motion detection glitches, or selling your property, a full reset restores the doorbell to its original factory settings. This means all data, custom settings, and saved videos are erased, allowing you to start fresh.

Many UK homeowners use Ring devices as part of their home security setup. Over time, these devices can experience performance issues or firmware errors caused by network changes or software updates. A reset clears all configurations, giving you a clean slate to reconnect the device and eliminate lingering technical problems. It’s also essential to perform a factory reset before gifting or selling your Ring doorbell, ensuring your personal information remains private.

Understanding when and how to reset your Ring doorbell can save time and frustration, particularly if the device stops responding, fails to connect to WiFi, or becomes unresponsive in the Ring app.

Understanding What a Factory Reset Does

A factory reset removes all saved data and settings from your Ring doorbell, returning it to the exact state it was in when first unboxed. This includes deleting saved WiFi networks, motion zones, notifications, and linked accounts. The reset also removes any stored video recordings from the device, though recordings saved in the cloud under a Ring Protect subscription remain accessible in your account until they expire.

Once the reset is complete, you must set up your Ring doorbell again using the Ring app, just as you did when first installing it. This process involves connecting the doorbell to WiFi, assigning it a name, and linking it to your Ring account.

A factory reset is more comprehensive than a simple restart or power cycle. Restarting a Ring doorbell temporarily disconnects and reconnects the device to refresh its operation, while a factory reset erases all data entirely. For that reason, resetting should be a last resort after trying other troubleshooting steps.

When to Perform a Factory Reset

There are several common scenarios where resetting your Ring doorbell makes sense. If your device refuses to connect to WiFi after network changes, a reset can clear the old configuration so you can reconnect to your new router.

If motion detection stops working correctly or live view fails to load consistently, a reset can eliminate corrupted settings. Similarly, if your Ring doorbell becomes unresponsive in the app, performing a factory reset often resolves software conflicts or glitches.

You should also reset the device before transferring ownership. If you move house or give your doorbell to someone else, the reset ensures the new user can add it to their own account without issues.

In some cases, Ring support may instruct you to perform a factory reset to help diagnose persistent hardware or firmware problems.

How to Factory Reset a Ring Video Doorbell (Step by Step)

The exact process for resetting your Ring doorbell depends on which model you own. However, all models include a physical reset button that you’ll need to press and hold for a specific period of time.

Start by removing the faceplate from the doorbell. For most models, this can be done by loosening the security screw at the bottom using the included screwdriver. Once the faceplate is off, you’ll see a small button on either the front, back, or side of the unit depending on the model.

Press and hold this button for at least 15 seconds. On some models such as the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, you may need to hold it for 20 seconds. After releasing the button, wait another minute for the device to complete the reset process. The light on the front of the doorbell will flash during this time to indicate that the reset is in progress.

Once complete, the doorbell’s light will stop flashing or turn solid white, signalling that the reset has been successful. You can then proceed to set it up again in the Ring app.

Reset Instructions by Model

Different Ring doorbells have slightly different button placements and reset times. Below is an overview of the most common models and their reset methods.

For the Ring Video Doorbell (1st and 2nd Generation), remove the faceplate and press and hold the orange button on the back of the device for about 15 seconds. Release it and wait for the flashing light to complete the reset.

For the Ring Video Doorbell 2, remove the faceplate, locate the small black setup button on the front below the camera lens, and press and hold it for 15 seconds.

For the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and 4, the process is similar. Remove the faceplate, then press and hold the setup button on the right-hand side for 15 seconds.

For the Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Pro 2, the reset button is located on the side of the device. Press and hold it for 20 seconds before releasing.

For the Ring Video Doorbell Wired, press and hold the setup button on the right-hand side for 20 seconds.

For the Ring Doorbell Elite, you’ll find a small reset button near the camera. Hold it for 15 seconds, then wait until the LED stops flashing.

For the Battery Doorbell Plus or Battery Doorbell Pro, remove the battery before pressing and holding the setup button for 15 seconds. Reinsert the battery once the reset is complete.

Reconnecting Your Ring Doorbell After Reset

After performing a factory reset, you’ll need to reconnect your doorbell to your WiFi and Ring account. Open the Ring app on your phone or tablet, tap “Set Up a Device,” and select “Doorbells.”

Follow the on-screen prompts to scan the QR code on the back of your device or the packaging. This will begin the setup process. You’ll be asked to choose your WiFi network and enter the password. Once connected, you can name your device and customise settings such as motion zones and alerts.

If you’re reconnecting after moving to a new home, make sure to connect to the new property’s WiFi network and update your address within the Ring app for accurate location-based alerts.

Common Problems During Reset and Setup

Sometimes a Ring doorbell may not reset on the first attempt. If the light doesn’t flash after holding the button, try holding it a little longer, around 20 seconds. If it still doesn’t respond, check that the device is receiving power.

For battery-powered models, ensure the battery is fully charged before resetting. For wired models, confirm that the power supply is intact by testing the transformer or checking the fuse.

If the doorbell remains unresponsive, try performing a power cycle first by disconnecting it from power for a few minutes, then reconnecting and attempting the reset again.

If the device fails to reconnect to WiFi after the reset, double-check that your router is broadcasting on a 2.4GHz network. Most Ring doorbells do not support 5GHz connections, and choosing the wrong frequency can prevent successful pairing.

You can also move your router temporarily closer to the doorbell to strengthen the signal during setup.

Factory Reset vs Removing the Device from the Ring App

It’s important to note that removing your Ring doorbell from the app is not the same as performing a factory reset. Removing a device from the app only unlinks it from your account, but the doorbell still retains its WiFi information and settings.

If you’re transferring ownership, you must both remove the device from the app and perform a factory reset. This ensures that the new user can add it to their account without seeing error messages such as “Device already registered.”

If you skip the factory reset, the next owner will be unable to set up the doorbell until the original account owner removes it completely.

When Not to Factory Reset Your Ring Doorbell

There are times when a reset isn’t necessary. If your doorbell briefly loses connection to WiFi or sends delayed notifications, restarting the device or router may resolve the issue without needing a reset.

Similarly, if the live view is slow, check your internet speed or router placement first. A weak signal is often the cause of poor performance rather than a software error.

You should also avoid resetting the doorbell if you haven’t backed up video recordings you want to keep. While cloud-stored recordings remain accessible, any locally stored or unsynced data will be lost permanently.

How to Restart Without Resetting

If you want to refresh your Ring doorbell without erasing settings, you can perform a simple restart. For battery-powered models, remove the battery for about 30 seconds and reinsert it. For wired models, disconnect power at the breaker for one minute, then restore it.

Some models also allow you to restart directly from the Ring app. Open the app, select your device, go to “Device Health,” and tap “Restart.” This can often clear temporary bugs without requiring a full reset.

How to Verify a Successful Reset

Once you’ve performed the reset, the doorbell will enter setup mode automatically. You’ll know it’s ready when the light on the front flashes in a pattern or pulses white.

When you open the Ring app, it should no longer appear under your list of devices. If it does, remove it manually. Then proceed with setup as if the doorbell were brand new.

If the light doesn’t flash after resetting, repeat the process and ensure you hold the button for the full duration required by your model.

Resetting Ring Chime and Other Accessories

If you use a Ring Chime or Chime Pro alongside your doorbell, these accessories may also need resetting to ensure smooth operation. The process is similar: press and hold the small reset button on the side or back for 15 seconds until the light flashes.

Once the reset is complete, re-add the Chime to your Ring app by following the setup prompts.

This ensures that notifications, motion alerts, and doorbell rings continue to sync properly between devices after a reset.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Factory resetting your Ring doorbell ensures your personal data is erased before selling or disposing of the device. The process removes stored WiFi passwords, recorded clips, and user account details.

If you’re resetting because you’ve moved house, remember to delete your old address in the Ring app to prevent confusion with motion alerts or location services.

The reset also protects your data under UK GDPR privacy standards, as no personal information remains on the device once the process is complete.

If your doorbell was previously registered to an account that you no longer have access to, contact Ring’s customer support for assistance with de-registering it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Factory Resetting Ring Doorbells

Will resetting my Ring doorbell delete my videos?

Yes, all locally stored data is deleted. However, videos saved in your Ring Protect cloud account remain accessible until they expire.

How long does it take to reset a Ring doorbell?

The process usually takes less than two minutes. Holding the button for 15 to 20 seconds starts the reset, and the light will indicate when it’s complete.

Can I reset my doorbell from the Ring app?

No, factory resets can only be done using the physical button on the device. The app can restart the device but cannot perform a full reset.

Why is my Ring doorbell not entering setup mode after a reset?

This can happen if the device lacks power. Ensure the battery is charged or that the wiring provides a steady current.

What happens if I don’t reset before selling?

The new owner will be unable to register the doorbell under their account. The device will remain tied to your Ring account until you reset and remove it.

Conclusion

Knowing how to factory reset your Ring doorbell gives you control over your smart home security system and helps resolve technical problems quickly. Whether you’re troubleshooting, changing WiFi networks, or preparing the device for resale, performing a reset restores the system to its original state.

By holding the reset button for the correct duration and following the reconnection process in the Ring app, you can easily refresh your device and ensure it performs like new. It’s a straightforward process that can solve many persistent issues without professional assistance.

Factory resets also protect your privacy by removing all stored data and account information. Once reset, you can safely transfer ownership or start from scratch with confidence that your details remain secure.

For UK users, keeping your Ring doorbell well maintained and knowing how to reset it when necessary ensures reliable performance and continued peace of mind. When connectivity falters or settings go astray, a proper factory reset is often the simplest and most effective solution.