Why Is My Ring Doorbell Not Ringing on My Phone

If your Ring doorbell suddenly stops ringing on your phone, it can feel as though the very purpose of having a smart doorbell has disappeared. The ability to receive instant notifications when someone presses your doorbell or when motion is detected is one of the key reasons people buy these devices. When those alerts fail to appear, it is usually down to a small configuration error, a connectivity issue, or a permissions setting on your smartphone.

For many UK homeowners, this is a common problem that arises after software updates, WiFi disruptions, or changes to phone notification settings. Fortunately, the issue is rarely permanent. By working through a few logical checks and adjustments, you can usually restore full functionality without replacing any hardware. This guide explains all the possible reasons your Ring doorbell might not be ringing on your phone, with detailed advice on how to fix it and prevent the problem from happening again.

How Ring Doorbells Send Notifications

A Ring doorbell sends notifications through the Ring app installed on your smartphone or tablet. When someone presses the button or triggers motion detection, the doorbell sends a signal via WiFi to Ring’s servers, which then relay an alert to your device. For this to work, several components must function correctly. The doorbell must have a stable WiFi connection, the Ring app must have the right permissions, and your phone’s notification settings must allow the alert to appear.

If any of these links in the chain fail, the notification will not reach your phone. The device itself may still be working perfectly and recording footage, but you simply will not hear or see the alert. Understanding this process is the first step toward fixing the problem because it helps you identify whether the issue lies with the hardware, the app, or your phone’s settings.

Checking WiFi and Connectivity Issues

A weak or interrupted WiFi connection is one of the most common causes of missed notifications. Ring doorbells rely on a constant internet connection to communicate with your phone. If the signal is unstable or your router is too far from the front door, the doorbell may not be able to send notifications in real time.

Start by opening the Ring app and navigating to Device Health. Check the WiFi signal strength listed there. If the signal is marked as weak, try moving your router closer to the doorbell or adding a WiFi extender to boost coverage. In UK homes with thick brick walls, signal strength can drop significantly between rooms or floors, especially when routers are positioned at the back of the property.

Restarting both your router and the doorbell can also help re-establish a proper connection. Turn off your router for about 30 seconds, then switch it back on. Next, press and hold the setup button on your Ring doorbell for ten seconds to reboot it. Once both are back online, test the doorbell by pressing the button to see if the alert appears on your phone.

Ensuring Notifications Are Enabled in the Ring App

Even if your doorbell is connected correctly, it will not ring on your phone if notifications are disabled within the app. Open the Ring app and select your doorbell device. Then go to Device Settings followed by Notification Settings. Make sure that both Motion Alerts and Ring Alerts are switched on.

It is easy to accidentally disable these alerts, especially if you have multiple Ring devices and switch between them. If you use a shared Ring account with family members, verify that you are logged into the correct profile. Each user can customise their own notification settings, so the main account may still receive alerts even if yours does not.

After enabling notifications, test the doorbell again. If you receive motion alerts but not button press alerts, the problem may relate to permissions or background restrictions on your phone.

Checking Phone Notification Settings

Both Android and iPhone devices have their own notification systems that can override app-specific settings. For Android users, go to Settings, then Notifications, and find the Ring app in the list. Ensure that notifications are allowed, that they appear on the lock screen, and that sound is enabled. You may also need to check Do Not Disturb mode, which can silence alerts without you realising.

On iPhones, go to Settings, then Notifications, and select the Ring app. Make sure that Allow Notifications is switched on, that banners and sounds are enabled, and that you have chosen the correct alert style. iOS updates occasionally reset notification permissions, so if your phone recently updated, double-check that the settings are still active.

Some Android phones, particularly Samsung and Huawei models, have aggressive battery-saving systems that limit background apps. Go to the App Battery Management section and add the Ring app to the list of apps not restricted by battery optimisation. This allows it to run in the background and send alerts even when the screen is off.

Checking Volume and Sound Settings

It may sound obvious, but another simple reason your Ring doorbell might not seem to be ringing is because your phone volume is too low or muted. Ensure that your phone’s media and notification volume are turned up. If you are using custom notification tones, make sure the selected tone file still exists on your device. Occasionally, updates or resets can remove or change sound files, leaving you with silent alerts.

If you use Bluetooth headphones or speakers, your notifications might be playing through those devices instead of the phone’s speaker. Disconnect Bluetooth accessories temporarily to test whether the alert sounds correctly on your phone.

Testing the Ring App on Another Device

If your Ring doorbell still does not send notifications to your phone, try logging into your Ring account on another device, such as a tablet or secondary phone. Install the Ring app, sign in with your usual details, and test the doorbell again. If the other device receives alerts, the issue is almost certainly related to your phone’s settings or software.

If the second device also fails to receive notifications, then the problem may lie with the Ring doorbell itself or your WiFi connection. Testing with a second device helps you quickly determine where the fault lies.

Updating the Ring App and Firmware

Outdated software is another common cause of notification issues. Ring regularly releases updates for both its devices and the mobile app to improve performance and fix bugs. Open your app store and check whether an update is available for the Ring app. If so, install it and restart your phone.

Next, check your doorbell’s firmware version by opening the Ring app, selecting Device Health, and scrolling down to Firmware. If it says “Up to Date,” you are fine. If it does not, ensure your doorbell is connected to WiFi and leave it plugged in. Firmware updates install automatically when the device is idle and has power.

If you recently updated your firmware and notifications stopped working afterwards, restarting both your router and phone usually resolves temporary post-update glitches.

Reinstalling the Ring App

Sometimes, app data can become corrupted, causing problems with notifications and performance. Uninstall the Ring app from your phone, restart the device, and then reinstall the latest version from your app store. After reinstalling, sign back into your account and allow all notification permissions when prompted.

Once you have done this, test your doorbell again. In most cases, reinstalling the app resolves persistent notification problems, especially if the app had been running with outdated or cached data.

Ensuring the Doorbell Is Online

If your doorbell appears offline in the Ring app, it will not send notifications. Open the app and check the device status under Device Health. If it is offline, verify that your WiFi network is working correctly. You can also press the doorbell button and see whether the light on the front of the device illuminates. No light often indicates a power or battery problem.

For battery-powered models, remove the battery and charge it fully before reinstalling. For wired models, check that your transformer is functioning correctly and providing consistent voltage. If you recently changed your WiFi password or router, you will need to reconnect your doorbell to the new network using the setup process.

Managing Multiple Devices and Accounts

If you own several Ring devices, make sure you are checking the correct one in the app. Notifications are set individually for each device, so it is possible to have alerts disabled for one but active for others.

If you share your Ring account with another household member, ask whether they have changed any settings. Some users turn off alerts during specific times or use modes like “Disarmed” that silence notifications altogether. Revisit the Modes settings in the app to confirm that your doorbell is in the correct mode for your situation.

Checking Ring Protect and Cloud Status

Although rare, temporary outages on Ring’s cloud servers can interrupt notifications. If your WiFi is working and all settings look correct, wait a few minutes and test again. Server maintenance or updates can cause short delays in notification delivery.

Your Ring Protect subscription status does not affect live notifications directly, but if your subscription has expired, you may notice missing recordings or delays in alert history. Renewing or reactivating your plan ensures that all features work as expected.

Testing Motion Settings

Ring doorbells allow you to customise motion detection zones and sensitivity. If you have adjusted these settings too narrowly, you might miss motion alerts that would otherwise appear on your phone. Go into Motion Settings in the app and expand your motion zones slightly to cover the main approach to your door.

Test the system by walking past your doorbell to see whether it detects movement. If motion events appear in the app history but do not trigger notifications, the issue lies with your phone’s notification settings rather than the motion sensor itself.

When to Reset the Doorbell

If you have tried all the above steps and your Ring doorbell still does not ring on your phone, a full reset may be necessary. Hold the setup button on the doorbell for about twenty seconds until the light flashes. Once it resets, open the Ring app, remove the old device, and add it again as a new installation.

Resetting the doorbell clears all previous settings and forces it to re-establish communication with your network and account. After reinstallation, double-check that notifications are enabled and test the doorbell again.

Troubleshooting with Alexa or Linked Devices

If your Ring doorbell is linked to an Alexa device, such as an Echo Show, ensure that the connection is still active. Occasionally, skill permissions between Ring and Alexa can expire after updates. Open the Alexa app, go to Skills and Games, and disable then re-enable the Ring skill.

Also, confirm that Alexa announcements are switched on for doorbell presses. If Alexa still receives notifications but your phone does not, the problem likely lies within the Ring app’s notification permissions rather than the device itself.

Keeping Software and Devices Updated

Keeping your devices up to date is essential for long-term reliability. Set your phone to install app updates automatically, and periodically check for firmware updates through the Ring app. Smart home devices rely heavily on compatibility between software versions, and outdated firmware can easily cause communication issues.

In addition, reboot your phone occasionally to refresh background services that handle push notifications. Regular maintenance like this prevents small glitches from turning into bigger problems.

Avoiding Future Notification Problems

Once your Ring doorbell is working again, it is worth taking a few steps to avoid future issues. Always allow the Ring app to run in the background and never restrict its access to mobile data or WiFi. Avoid force-closing the app unless it becomes unresponsive, as this can interrupt notification delivery.

Check your notification settings after any phone software update, since these updates sometimes reset app permissions. Keep your WiFi network stable with a strong signal and avoid changing router passwords unless necessary. If you do change them, update your Ring device connection immediately to prevent disconnections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Ring doorbell show activity but not notify me?

This usually means notifications are disabled in either the Ring app or your phone’s settings. Ensure both are enabled and properly configured.

Can low battery prevent my phone from ringing?

Yes. If your doorbell battery is very low, it may go offline, stopping notifications. Recharge or replace the battery and test again.

Why does my phone sometimes ring and sometimes not?

Intermittent notifications often result from unstable WiFi or background restrictions on your phone. Check both and disable battery optimisation for the Ring app.

Do I need a Ring Protect subscription for phone alerts?

No. Notifications work without a subscription, although recordings and cloud storage require an active plan.

Can I change the ringtone for my Ring doorbell on my phone?

Yes. You can change alert tones in the Ring app under App Alert Tones. Make sure the volume is turned up and not set to silent.

Conclusion

If your Ring doorbell is not ringing on your phone, the cause is usually something simple like a disabled setting, a poor WiFi connection, or a phone update that reset permissions. By checking each area carefully connectivity, app settings, and phone notifications—you can usually fix the issue within minutes.

Regularly maintaining your system, keeping software updated, and ensuring that both your phone and doorbell are properly configured will help prevent future problems. Once restored, your Ring doorbell should once again deliver instant notifications, keeping you aware of visitors and activity at your doorstep wherever you are.