Why Is My Ring Doorbell Not Ringing on My Phone

Smart doorbells have become an increasingly common feature in UK homes, offering convenience, improved security, and peace of mind. Among the most popular devices is the Ring doorbell, which provides motion alerts and doorbell notifications directly to your phone. However, one issue many homeowners face is that the Ring doorbell is not ringing on their phone as expected. This can be inconvenient and frustrating, particularly when relying on the system for home security or simply not wanting to miss a delivery. Understanding the reasons behind this problem and the possible solutions is essential for restoring full functionality.

How Ring Notifications Work

When someone presses the button on your Ring doorbell or when motion is detected, the device sends a signal over your home’s Wi-Fi network to Ring’s servers. From there, the servers send a notification to your smartphone through the Ring app. For this process to work smoothly, every element in the chain must be functioning correctly, from the doorbell itself to your internet connection and the settings on your phone. If one part fails, the notification may not arrive.

Checking App Notification Settings

A very common cause of a Ring doorbell not ringing on a phone is an issue with app notifications. On both iOS and Android devices, it is possible to disable notifications entirely or restrict them through settings such as “Do Not Disturb” or notification permissions. If notifications from the Ring app are not enabled, the phone will not ring even if the doorbell itself is working correctly. Ensuring that notifications are fully enabled within both the Ring app and the phone’s system settings is an important first step in resolving the problem.

Internet and Wi-Fi Connectivity

A weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection can also cause the Ring doorbell not to ring on your phone. If the doorbell is unable to maintain a strong link to the internet, notifications may be delayed or not sent at all. Similarly, if your phone has poor signal or is disconnected from data or Wi-Fi, it may not receive the alert. In homes with thick walls or where the router is placed far from the front door, this can be a particular problem. A Wi-Fi booster or repositioning the router may help improve reliability.

Device Power and Functionality

For battery-powered Ring doorbells, low charge can reduce performance, including the ability to send timely notifications. In hardwired models, if the power supply is unstable or there are wiring faults, the device may not function properly. Ensuring the battery is regularly charged or confirming the wiring complies with UK electrical standards such as Part P and BS7671 can help eliminate power as a cause. If wiring is suspected, the work should be checked by a qualified electrician to maintain safety and compliance.

Mobile App and Software Issues

Sometimes the issue lies not with the doorbell or connectivity but with the app itself. If the Ring app is not up to date, it may not work correctly with the latest version of your phone’s operating system. Deleting and reinstalling the app, or ensuring the most recent updates are installed, can often resolve these software-related problems. Restarting both the phone and the doorbell can also refresh the connection and restore notifications.

Phone Sound and Notification Settings

It is worth considering whether the notification is being delivered but not noticed. Many users discover that their phone is receiving alerts but is set to silent or the notification sound is not loud enough. In some cases, notifications may appear only as a banner or vibration without an audible tone. Customising the notification tone within the Ring app can make alerts more obvious and easier to distinguish from other phone notifications.

Conflicts with Other Devices

In homes with multiple smart devices, such as additional Ring cameras or security systems, there may be conflicts in how notifications are prioritised. If another device is configured to receive alerts, or if there are multiple users linked to the same Ring account, notifications may behave differently depending on who is logged in. Reviewing account sharing and linked device settings can help ensure that the right phone receives the ring notification every time.

When to Seek Further Support

If none of these solutions restore ringing on your phone, there may be a hardware fault with the doorbell itself. Resetting the device to factory settings can sometimes clear persistent issues, but if problems continue, contacting Ring support may be necessary. For hardwired devices, particularly in older UK properties where wiring standards may have changed over time, it is worth having the electrical supply checked professionally. Ensuring the installation meets current BS7671 wiring regulations can prevent ongoing reliability issues.

Conclusion

When a Ring doorbell is not ringing on a phone, the cause is usually linked to notification settings, Wi-Fi connectivity, device power, or software issues. By methodically checking these areas, most homeowners can quickly resolve the problem and restore their doorbell to full working order. For issues related to power supply or wiring, professional advice should always be sought to remain compliant with UK electrical regulations and to keep the system safe and reliable.