Connect to a new WiFi network through the Ring app

To change your Ring doorbell to a different WiFi network, open the Ring app on your phone, tap the menu icon, select your doorbell device, then tap "Device Settings" and "WiFi Network." Choose "Change WiFi Network" and follow the on-screen prompts to enter your new network name and password. The doorbell will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one — this usually takes two to five minutes.

You need the Ring app installed on an iOS or Android phone, and you must already be signed into your Ring account. Make sure your phone is connected to the new WiFi network you want the doorbell to use, because the app uses your phone's connection to communicate setup instructions to the doorbell.

If the doorbell does not reconnect after five minutes, the password you entered was likely incorrect, or the doorbell is out of range of the new router. Check that you typed the password exactly as it appears (including capital letters and special characters), and that the doorbell is within 30 feet of the router with no major walls or metal objects between them.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Ring app, navigate to your doorbell's Device Settings, and select "Change WiFi Network" to switch to a new network.
  • Your phone must be connected to the new WiFi network during setup so it can send the network credentials to the doorbell.
  • The doorbell needs to be within 30 feet of your router and will take two to five minutes to reconnect after you enter the new password.
  • If reconnection fails, verify that you typed the WiFi password correctly, including uppercase letters and symbols.
  • Some Ring doorbells have a physical reset button on the back that you can hold for 15 seconds if the app method does not work.

What happens during the WiFi change process

When you select "Change WiFi Network" in the Ring app, the doorbell enters pairing mode for about two minutes. During this window, it broadcasts a temporary signal that your phone uses to send the new network name and password directly to the device. Once the doorbell receives this information, it disconnects from the old network and attempts to join the new one.

The doorbell's status light will blink during this process. A solid blue light means it has successfully connected to the new network. If the light turns red or continues blinking after five minutes, the connection failed — this usually means the password was wrong or the signal is too weak.

Troubleshooting a failed WiFi change

If your doorbell does not reconnect after you enter the new network details, first double-check the WiFi password by typing it into another device on the same network. Copy and paste the password into the Ring app if possible, rather than typing it by hand, to avoid mistakes with uppercase letters or special characters.

If the password is correct but the doorbell still will not connect, move your phone and the doorbell closer to the router — within 15 feet if you can — and try the process again. WiFi signals weaken through walls, metal, and large appliances, so proximity matters during the initial connection.

If the app method continues to fail, you can reset the doorbell using the physical reset button on the back of the device. Hold the button for 15 seconds until the light flashes red, then release. The doorbell will restart and return to factory settings. After the reset, you can set it up again from scratch using the Ring app, which will walk you through connecting to your new WiFi network.

When you need to change your doorbell's WiFi

You might need to change your doorbell's network if you replace your router, switch internet providers, change your WiFi password, or move the doorbell to a different location with a separate network. You may also need to switch networks if your current one is overcrowded or if the doorbell keeps disconnecting.

If you are moving the doorbell to a new home, you will need to remove it from your Ring account first, then set it up again on the new network. Open the Ring app, go to Device Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Remove Device." After removal, the doorbell is no longer tied to your account, and you can set it up fresh at the new location.

Requirements before you start

Your Ring doorbell must be powered on and already installed at your location. If it is battery-powered, make sure the battery is charged. You need the Ring app on your phone and an active Ring account — you cannot change the WiFi network through the web browser version of Ring.

You must know the name and password of the new WiFi network you want to connect to. If you do not know your WiFi password, you can find it in your router's settings or contact your internet provider. Your phone should be connected to the new network during the setup process, so the app can communicate with the doorbell.

What to do if you forgot your WiFi password

If you do not know the password for your new network, log into your router's admin panel using a computer or phone connected to that network. The router's IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the back of the device — it often looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Once you log in (using the admin username and password, which may also be on the sticker), you can view or change your WiFi password.

If you cannot access the router settings, contact your internet provider — they can reset your WiFi password over the phone. Have your account number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my doorbell recordings when I change the WiFi network?

No. Your recordings are stored in your Ring account, not on the doorbell itself. Changing networks does not affect your video history. Once the doorbell reconnects to the new network, it will resume recording and uploading footage as normal.

Can I change the WiFi network from the Ring website instead of the app?

No. The Ring website does not have a WiFi change option. You must use the Ring mobile app on iOS or Android. The app communicates directly with the doorbell during setup in a way the website cannot.

How long does it take for the doorbell to show up in the app after I change networks?

The doorbell should appear as online in the app within two to five minutes of successfully connecting to the new network. If it still shows offline after 10 minutes, restart the Ring app by closing it completely and opening it again.

What if I have a 5GHz and 2.4GHz network with the same name?

Ring doorbells work best on 2.4GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both bands under the same name, your phone may connect to 5GHz while the doorbell tries to use 2.4GHz, causing a mismatch. Temporarily disable the 5GHz band on your router during setup, or give the 2.4GHz network a separate name so you can select it specifically in the Ring app.

Will changing WiFi networks affect my Ring subscription or features?

No. Your Ring subscription and any features you pay for (like extended video storage) remain active regardless of which network the doorbell uses. The change only affects how the doorbell connects to the internet.