How to Turn Off Ring Doorbell

The Ring doorbell is designed to be always on so that it can provide round-the-clock monitoring and security. However, there may be times when you need to switch it off completely. This could be because you are carrying out electrical work, moving house, redecorating, or simply want a break from the notifications. Unlike a traditional doorbell, which can be turned off by disconnecting the chime, a Ring doorbell is an electronic device that requires a little more consideration. Understanding the correct way to power it down ensures safety and avoids damage to the unit.

Why You Might Want to Turn Off a Ring Doorbell

There are several situations where switching off your Ring doorbell may be necessary. For homeowners, this is often when electrical maintenance or upgrades are being carried out. In line with UK wiring regulations, any work involving circuits connected to the doorbell should only be done once the power is isolated. Landlords may also choose to turn off a Ring device temporarily between tenancies if they do not want it linked to a previous account. Some people may also prefer to power the unit down for privacy reasons or to prevent constant alerts during events such as garden parties.

Turning Off Through the App

The simplest way to stop a Ring doorbell from functioning without physically disconnecting it is through the Ring app. By adjusting the settings, you can disable motion detection, alerts, or notifications, effectively silencing the device without cutting its power supply. This option is particularly useful if you only need to pause the monitoring for a short period. It does not fully turn off the unit but prevents it from recording or notifying you of activity.

Disconnecting the Power on a Battery Model

For battery-powered models, turning off the device is straightforward. The internal battery can be removed entirely, which powers down the unit until it is reinserted. When doing this, it is good practice to make sure the device is safely dismounted from its bracket before removing the power pack. This ensures that no damage is caused to the fittings or the casing of the unit. Once the battery is removed, the doorbell is completely off and will not respond until reconnected.

Disconnecting the Power on a Hardwired Model

If your Ring doorbell is hardwired into the property’s existing doorbell circuit, switching it off requires more care. The safe way to do this is to isolate the circuit from your consumer unit, which is usually labelled as the doorbell, power, or lighting circuit depending on how it was originally wired. As with any electrical work in the UK, if you are unsure or if the wiring has been altered over time, it is best to consult a qualified electrician. Simply attempting to disconnect wires without isolating the circuit poses a safety risk and is not recommended.

Temporarily Disabling Without Removing Power

There may be situations where you do not want to fully power down the device but still want to stop it from operating. The Ring app provides a snooze or disarm function depending on the model, which suspends alerts and recordings for a set period. This option is ideal for short breaks where you do not want to receive notifications but also do not want to go through the process of reconnecting a powered-down device.

Safety Considerations When Turning Off a Ring Doorbell

When dealing with any smart device that involves electricity, safety must always come first. If the device is battery-powered, removing the battery is completely safe provided it is handled correctly. For hardwired devices, isolating the power at the consumer unit is the only safe method. It is important never to attempt to disconnect live wires, as this breaches basic electrical safety rules and could cause injury. Under Part P of the Building Regulations, any alterations to circuits in a domestic property must be done safely and in accordance with wiring standards.

Resetting After Being Powered Down

Once a Ring doorbell has been turned off and later powered back up, it should reconnect automatically to the Wi-Fi and app. In some cases, particularly after a long disconnection, you may need to run through the setup process again. This involves holding the reset button on the device and reconnecting it to your Wi-Fi through the app. Making sure your Wi-Fi is stable and that the device is within range will help avoid problems when powering the unit back on.

Everyday Practicality

For most people, turning off a Ring doorbell will not be something they do often. The device is intended to operate continuously, providing reliable security. However, knowing how to switch it off safely, whether through the app, battery removal, or circuit isolation, gives you full control over its operation. It also ensures you can carry out maintenance or electrical work in line with UK safety standards without putting yourself at risk.

Final Thoughts

Turning off a Ring doorbell is simple once you know the right method for your particular model. Battery units can be powered down by removing the pack, while hardwired devices require safe circuit isolation. For those who only want a temporary pause, app controls provide an easy solution. By understanding the options and following safe practice, you can manage your device effectively without compromising security or safety.