Why Is My Ring Doorbell Not Picking Up Motion

A Ring doorbell is designed to act as your home’s first line of security, providing instant alerts when someone approaches your property. However, it can be frustrating when your Ring doorbell suddenly stops picking up motion or misses visitors entirely. This issue can occur for several reasons, ranging from incorrect settings in the app to poor WiFi connectivity or even environmental factors such as placement or weather conditions.

For UK homeowners who rely on their Ring device for both security and convenience, understanding why motion detection fails is essential. A doorbell that does not detect motion properly undermines its purpose, leaving you uncertain about who has approached your door. The good news is that most of these problems can be easily diagnosed and resolved without professional help.

This detailed guide explains how Ring’s motion detection technology works, why it sometimes fails, and how to adjust, reset, or optimise your system to ensure it functions correctly again. Whether you use a battery-powered or wired Ring doorbell, these troubleshooting steps apply to all models sold in the UK.

How Ring Motion Detection Works

Before identifying what is wrong, it helps to understand how Ring detects motion. Ring doorbells use a combination of passive infrared (PIR) sensors and camera-based analysis to identify movement. The PIR sensor detects changes in heat patterns caused by moving people, vehicles, or animals. When it recognises a temperature change within its range, it triggers the camera to record and sends a notification to your phone.

However, this technology has limitations. The sensor’s accuracy depends on its field of view, motion sensitivity settings, and environmental conditions. If your doorbell is placed at an incorrect height or angle, or if your settings are not configured properly, it may fail to recognise motion events reliably.

Unlike traditional CCTV systems, Ring devices are designed to capture human-sized movement and minimise false alerts from passing cars or rustling trees. Therefore, if the doorbell’s motion sensitivity or zones are set too narrowly, it might miss genuine events.

Common Reasons for Motion Detection Failure

When your Ring doorbell is not detecting motion, there are several possible causes. The most common include incorrect motion settings, low battery levels, poor WiFi signal, firmware issues, or obstructions in the camera’s field of view.

In some cases, motion detection can also fail after a software update or when a doorbell is repositioned. Environmental changes such as new outdoor lighting, furniture placement, or even temperature differences can also affect performance.

Let us look at each cause in detail to understand how they impact your device and what you can do to resolve them.

Incorrect Motion Settings in the App

One of the most frequent reasons your Ring doorbell fails to detect motion is incorrect settings within the Ring app. Over time, updates or manual adjustments can alter motion sensitivity or deactivate specific zones.

To check this, open the Ring app on your smartphone and select your doorbell from the device list. Navigate to Motion Settings and review the options available. If your motion sensitivity slider is set too low, your doorbell may not respond to activity. Increasing the sensitivity can improve detection.

Next, examine your Motion Zones. These zones define the areas where your device will monitor for movement. If your camera’s view is partially blocked or the zones are incorrectly drawn, it may miss people approaching your door. You can easily adjust these zones by dragging the highlighted areas within the app to cover walkways, driveways, or entrances.

Finally, ensure that Motion Alerts are enabled. If the toggle switch is off, your doorbell may detect motion but fail to send notifications. Turning this feature on ensures that you receive alerts in real time.

Low Battery Levels

Battery-powered Ring models such as the Ring Video Doorbell 2 or 3 rely heavily on consistent power for motion detection. When the battery level drops too low, the device may reduce motion sensitivity to conserve energy.

Check your battery level in the Ring app under Device Health. If it is below 20 percent, recharge it fully using the supplied cable. A full charge typically takes around six to ten hours, depending on the battery condition.

Cold UK weather can also affect battery performance, especially during winter. Low temperatures can cause the battery to discharge faster, leading to unreliable motion detection. To prevent this, keep your doorbell sheltered from harsh conditions where possible and recharge it regularly.

If you notice that motion detection issues occur only when the battery is low, maintaining consistent charge levels should resolve the problem.

Poor WiFi Connection

A weak or unstable WiFi signal is another common cause of motion detection failure. Ring doorbells rely on a strong internet connection to send alerts and upload video clips. If the signal drops, the device may detect motion but fail to notify you or record the event properly.

To test your WiFi strength, open the Ring app and check the Device Health section. A poor signal strength reading, typically below RSSI -60, can cause intermittent motion detection.

Try moving your router closer to the doorbell or installing a Ring Chime Pro to extend your WiFi coverage. You can also reduce interference by ensuring that your router is not blocked by thick walls, mirrors, or large appliances.

If you have recently changed your broadband provider or network name, your doorbell might be disconnected entirely. In this case, reconnect it to the new network by selecting Change WiFi Network in the app’s settings.

Improper Doorbell Placement

Ring recommends installing the doorbell at a height of about 1.2 metres (48 inches) from the ground for optimal motion detection. If it is installed too high or too low, the PIR sensor may not correctly identify heat changes associated with human movement.

Many users mistakenly install the device at eye level, assuming it will provide a better view. However, this can reduce its detection accuracy, as the sensor works best when it can capture motion across the ground plane rather than directly ahead.

If your Ring doorbell consistently fails to detect visitors until they are very close or not at all, consider adjusting its angle or height. You can use a wedge kit to tilt the camera slightly downward or outward depending on your doorway layout.

Environmental Factors and Lighting Conditions

Motion detection can also be influenced by the environment. Sudden temperature changes, bright sunlight, or moving shadows can affect how the sensor interprets movement. For instance, strong sunlight reflecting off glass or vehicles might confuse the PIR sensor, while heavy rain or snow can obstruct its view.

At night, motion detection relies more heavily on infrared light. If your doorbell’s infrared LEDs are obstructed by dirt, spider webs, or raindrops, it might struggle to detect people approaching. Cleaning the camera lens and surrounding area regularly ensures clear performance.

External lighting, such as porch lights or floodlights, can also interfere if positioned too close to the camera. Adjusting these lights to avoid direct reflection helps maintain accuracy.

Outdated Firmware or Software Glitches

Ring regularly releases firmware updates to improve device performance and fix known bugs. If your doorbell is running outdated firmware, it might cause motion detection to fail or behave inconsistently.

To check for updates, open the Ring app and go to Device Health. If a new version is available, it will update automatically when the doorbell is connected to WiFi. Ensure the device remains powered during this process to prevent interruptions.

If you suspect a software glitch, restart the doorbell by pressing and holding the setup button for 15 seconds. This refreshes its internal systems and often resolves temporary detection issues.

Incorrect Motion Scheduling

The Ring app allows users to create motion schedules to disable alerts during certain times of the day. If your doorbell stops detecting motion at regular intervals, it is possible that a schedule has been accidentally enabled.

Open the app and review your Motion Schedule under Settings. If you see any active time slots that overlap with periods when detection fails, delete or adjust them accordingly.

This feature is useful for preventing false alerts during busy times, but it can also cause confusion if left active unintentionally.

Camera Field of View Obstructions

Even minor obstructions in front of your Ring doorbell can affect its ability to detect movement. Objects such as hanging plants, bins, railings, or decorations can block the camera’s line of sight and reduce motion coverage.

Walk around your entryway and look for anything that might interfere with detection. Trimming plants, relocating objects, or repositioning the doorbell slightly can significantly improve performance.

If your doorbell faces a busy street, the opposite problem may occur. Excessive motion from passing cars or pedestrians can cause the device to reduce sensitivity automatically to prevent false alerts, which can lead to missed detections near your door.

Adjusting your Motion Zones to exclude the street and focus only on your pathway or doorway helps solve this problem.

Power Supply Issues on Wired Models

For wired Ring doorbells such as the Ring Doorbell Pro, insufficient voltage can cause the motion sensor to malfunction. The device requires a consistent supply between 16 and 24 volts AC.

If the power supply is weak, the doorbell might appear to function normally but fail to process motion events correctly. You can check the power status in the Device Health menu. If it reads low voltage, consult a qualified electrician to assess or upgrade your transformer.

Loose wiring or poor connections can also cause intermittent performance. Ensuring all cables are secure and corrosion-free helps maintain stability.

Cold Weather and Seasonal Variations

The UK climate can influence your Ring doorbell’s performance. Cold temperatures can affect both the camera and motion sensor. The PIR sensor may become less responsive when exposed to extreme cold, while condensation or frost can obscure the lens.

If your doorbell is installed in an exposed area, consider adding a weather shield or repositioning it under a porch. Keeping the device clean and sheltered will help maintain accuracy throughout the seasons.

Performing a Factory Reset to Restore Motion Detection

If you have checked all the settings and your Ring doorbell still does not detect motion, performing a factory reset can often resolve persistent issues. This process clears any software errors and returns the device to its original condition.

To reset your Ring doorbell, remove the faceplate and press the setup button for around 20 seconds. When the light on the front stops flashing, release the button and wait for the device to restart. You will then need to reconnect it through the Ring app.

After resetting, reconfigure your motion zones and sensitivity. Test the device by walking in front of it to confirm that it is now detecting motion correctly.

Preventing Future Motion Detection Problems

Once your Ring doorbell is working properly again, taking a few preventative steps can help avoid future problems. Keep your firmware up to date, clean the lens regularly, and check that your WiFi connection remains strong.

Review your motion settings occasionally, especially after app updates or changes to your environment. If you move garden furniture, install new lighting, or repaint your entryway, these changes can subtly affect how motion is detected.

For battery-powered models, maintain a regular charging routine and check the battery health every few weeks. For wired models, ensure the power supply remains stable and free from corrosion or loose connections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motion Detection

Why does my Ring doorbell only detect motion sometimes?

This often happens when motion sensitivity is set too low or WiFi connectivity fluctuates. Adjusting sensitivity and improving signal strength usually solves it.

Why is my Ring doorbell not picking up people but detects cars?

Your motion zones might be angled too far toward the road. Adjust the zones to focus closer to your doorway or pathway.

Can poor lighting affect motion detection?

Yes. Poorly lit areas can make it harder for the sensor to distinguish motion, especially at night. Ensure adequate but not excessive lighting near the doorbell.

Do I need to reset my Ring doorbell often?

No. Regular resets are unnecessary unless you experience ongoing problems. Restarting occasionally after major updates can help maintain performance.

Conclusion

A Ring doorbell that fails to detect motion can be frustrating, but in most cases, the solution is straightforward. Whether it’s adjusting settings, improving WiFi strength, or repositioning the device, small changes often make a big difference.

Understanding how motion detection works and what affects its accuracy empowers you to keep your system functioning as intended. Regular maintenance, correct installation height, and optimal app settings are key to ensuring consistent performance.

By paying attention to environmental factors and staying proactive with updates and cleaning, UK homeowners can ensure their Ring doorbells continue to provide reliable motion detection and peace of mind. With the right setup and care, your Ring doorbell will remain a dependable part of your smart home security system, alerting you to every movement that matters and helping you feel secure in your home.