While the Ring doorbell is one of the best video security systems, it may fail you spectacularly from time to time. As it is a virtual system, constant Wi-Fi connectivity is mandatory.
Failure to which the doorbell will not record any videos and notify you of people approaching your house. So, what causes Wi-Fi interruption, and how can you fix the issues?
Why does your Ring doorbell not connect with Wi-Fi?
There can be several reasons for the Ring doorbell not connecting with the Wi-Fi network;
- Your Wi-Fi password has special characters: Users noticed that the inclusion of special characters in their Wi-Fi password could cause problems while installing and testing the Ring doorbell for the first time.
- Wrong Password Input: Sometimes, the problem can be a no-brainer, like a bad password input.
- Poor Wi-Fi signal: There can be a failure to connect the Ring doorbell if your Wi-Fi has a poor signal, which also causes a delay in the device’s performance.
- Electrical issue: If the device runs with an electric connection, there can be a problem with the internal electrical connectivity.
- Low Battery or Power Issues: If your Ring doorbell is battery operated, a simple low battery or powerlessness might cause the error.
How to fix Ring doorbell Wi-Fi connectivity issues?
To fix the issues above, do the following;
- Change your Wi-Fi password: If your Wi-Fi password contains special characters when installing the Ring device, we recommend changing it into a simple password and trying again.
- Input Correct Wi-Fi password: Double check whether you are simply entering the wrong password to get access.
- Poor Signal or Wi-Fi network: Check whether the signal or the network is poor or not. Try to move the router closer to the Ring device to make a strong connection. This would enhance its performance and restrict delay.
- Resolve Electrical Connectivity issues: A faulty external wiring can cause the issue. First, you need to check the circuit by turning the power off. Then, see whether the wiring is proper and, if not, make it right.
- Low Battery problem: If a 16V battery power source does not power your Ring device, it will drain the performance and harm device health. Make sure to power the Ring doorbell with the proper battery to meet its requirement.
Additional fixes for Wi-Fi connectivity problems;
Make sure the Wi-Fi signal is on the 2.4GHz band
Your Wi-Fi network can be set on the 5 GHz band by default. However, to run a proper lag-free connection in the Ring smart doorbell, you must set the Wi-Fi to 2.4 GHz.
In most conditions, users can modify their internet connection from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz with the help of a manual. However, if you want to stick with the 5 GHz connection, you must look forward to other similar or advanced Ring products like Ring Video Doorbell 3, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, and other devices you can explore from the Ring app.
Check this too: Does Ring Work Better on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WiFi?
Reset Your Ring Device
You can reset the Ring device and resolve the problem with some simple steps if the problem persists. First, you can reset the device with a button at the back of the device. Next, press the orange button and hold it for a few seconds to complete the reset process of the Ring device.
After a successful reset, you will need to perform the whole setup initially, as the device will remain in setup mode.
Check the Wi-Fi Channels that your Device is Connected
Ring devices do not support channel 12 or 13 but all other channels. For convenience, your router broadcasts network service through 13 channels. You have to choose the channel through which the Wi-Fi connection of the device is connected.
You have to avoid channels 12 and 13 and add the device to any other channel dedicated to it. Take a look at the router’s user manual to switch Wi-Fi channels manually.
Wi-Fi speed
Ensure your Wi-Fi has strong upload and download speeds for proper camera connection. The upload speed plays a bigger part when it comes to IP cameras. The ideal upload speed is 1.5 MB/s per camera to run at 1080P, whereas a 4MP may require a 3 MB/s upload speed.
The higher the camera’s resolution, the more upload speed it will require. And lower resolution cameras will require lower upload speeds. You will also need to account for other devices connecting to the network.
Proximity to router
The distance between the router and your doorbell can affect connectivity. The larger the distance, the higher the chances of interference. Move your router closer to your doorbell for better connectivity. Alternatively, you can use a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal.
You can also set up the doorbell connection as a bridge connection and turn off any DHCP features to reduce network lag. Again, you can refer to your manual for more clarification on settings adjustment.
Reduce blockage
Your Wi-Fi signal reduces as it passes through a different medium. For example, it reduces by 10-30% while passing through plastic and wood, 30-50% passing through brick, 50-70% passing through concrete cinder blocks, and 70-90% passing through metal and metal cladding.
Additionally, the Wi-Fi signal strength is also reduced when passing through shrubs and trees. To minimize interference, ensure minimal blockage between the doorbell and the Wi-Fi router.
Camera settings
You need to ensure that your doorbell is on the same network as your setup web UI or App. This means that your phone cannot be on a cellular date while setting up the doorbell. It must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the doorbell. To prevent IP change, set it to static on the web UI.
Invest in a Ring Chime Pro Network
The Ring Chime Pro is used to extend the Wi-Fi range and also works as an indoor smart doorbell. Whenever you wish to reconnect a device that is having trouble with a wireless connection, the Chime Pro Network will come in handy with setting up a connection that will never drop. All you need to do here is connect the device(s) to the Ring Chime Pro network instead of connecting it/them to your regular Wi-Fi network at home.
Run Troubleshooting with the Ring app
The Ring application is helpful for you to diagnose the problem with a troubleshooting feature. One of the methods is reconnecting the doorbell manually to your Wi-Fi network through the steps given below:
Changing the Wi-Fi network of your Ring doorbell
Launch the Ring app on your mobile device. Once the Ring app, go to the top-left section of the app and select the three small lines available there. You will see a list of options on the left section of the app interface. Select the option named Devices.
Then you will see the list of devices connected to the app. First, select the Ring device (your doorbell) that needs to be reconnected to the Wi-Fi. Once you have made the selection, you will be able to see an option named Device Health at the bottom of the next screen. Tap on it.
Again, select either the Change Wi-Fi Network option or the Reconnect to Wi-Fi option on the next screen.
Note: The same process can reconnect other Ring devices to the wireless networks through the app. Using the Ring app on your smartphone, you can detect and diagnose network connectivity issues of the Ring device at any time you feel convenient.
How to prevent future Wi-Fi disconnection
The main cause of the disconnection is internet connectivity. You can try the following solutions to try and resolve the issue;
- Ensure no objects are blocking the signal, such as walls, floors, metal, concrete, and plaster.
- Ensure there is no interference from other Wi-Fi networks. For example, if you live in an apartment complex, multiple networks operating on the same channel may cause interference. Change the channel on your router to minimize network channel interference.
- Check if your other electronic gadgets such as televisions, microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones are causing wireless interference. Then move your router a few feet away from these devices to improve your router’s performance.
- Check your network bandwidth to see if you have enough upload and download speed to connect your doorbell and camera. And upgrade your broadband plan if the speed is too slow.
- Perform a firmware update to improve the connectivity of the cameras.
- Switch camera position to determine if the camera or the location is the issue.
- Unplug your router for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This will help clear out any unnecessary stored cache that may be bogging down your network.
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