How to switch your Ring doorbell to a different WiFi network
To change the WiFi network on your Ring doorbell, you use the Ring app on your phone to remove the doorbell from your current network, then add it back to a new one. The process takes about five minutes and does not require a technician. You will need your new WiFi network name and password, and your phone must be on the same network you are trying to connect the doorbell to.
The doorbell itself does not have buttons or a screen for WiFi setup — all changes happen through the Ring app. If you have forgotten your WiFi password, you will need to retrieve it from your router or your internet provider's account before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Ring app, go to your doorbell's settings, and select "Reconnect to WiFi" or "Change WiFi Network" to begin the process.
- Your phone must be connected to the new WiFi network you want the doorbell to use before you start the reconnection.
- The doorbell will restart during the process, which takes two to five minutes, and you will see a confirmation message in the app when it is complete.
- If the doorbell does not reconnect, restart your router, move closer to it, or check that your WiFi password is typed correctly.
Step-by-step process in the Ring app
Open the Ring app on your phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner. Select "Devices" and then tap the name of the doorbell you want to change. Scroll down and tap "Device Settings," then look for "WiFi Network" or "Reconnect to WiFi" — the exact wording depends on your Ring model and app version.
Tap that option and the app will ask you to confirm you want to disconnect the doorbell from its current network. Confirm, and the doorbell will restart. This takes about 30 seconds. Once the doorbell has restarted, the app will show you a list of available WiFi networks. Select the new network you want to use and enter the password. The doorbell will connect and restart again, which takes another one to two minutes.
When the doorbell is back online, you will see a green checkmark or "Connected" status in the app. If you do not see this within five minutes, the connection failed and you will need to try again.
What to do if the doorbell will not reconnect
If the doorbell stays offline after you enter the WiFi password, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Double-check that you typed it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyNetwork" is different from "mynetwork." If you are unsure of the password, log into your router's settings page (usually through a web browser or the router manufacturer's app) or call your internet provider.
The second most common issue is that the doorbell is too far from the router. Ring doorbells work best within 30 feet of the router, and through one or two walls. If your doorbell is farther away or has many walls between it and the router, move the router closer temporarily, or use a WiFi extender to boost the signal near the doorbell.
If the password is correct and the doorbell is close enough, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then try reconnecting the doorbell again. If it still does not work, restart the Ring app itself by closing it completely and opening it again.
Preparing your phone and network before you start
Before you begin, make sure your phone is connected to the new WiFi network you want the doorbell to use. The Ring app needs your phone to be on that network so it can guide the doorbell to connect to it. You can check which network your phone is on by going to your phone's WiFi settings — it will show the name of the network you are currently connected to.
If you are switching to a completely new router or internet provider, make sure the new network is already set up and working on other devices (like a laptop or tablet) before you try to connect the doorbell. This confirms the network is stable and you have the correct password.
Doorbell models and app differences
Ring makes several doorbell models — Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Video Doorbell Wired, and others — and the steps are nearly identical across all of them. The main difference is that wired models (plugged into your home's existing doorbell wiring) do not have a battery, so they stay powered during the reconnection process, while battery-powered models briefly lose power.
Older versions of the Ring app may label the WiFi option differently — you might see "WiFi Settings," "Network Settings," or "Change Network" instead of "Reconnect to WiFi." Regardless of the label, you are looking for the option that lets you change which network the doorbell is connected to. If you cannot find it, update the Ring app to the latest version from your phone's app store.
When to contact Ring support
If you have tried restarting the router, checked the password multiple times, and moved the doorbell closer to the router, but it still will not connect, the doorbell itself may have a hardware problem. Contact Ring's support team through the app (tap the menu, then "Help & Support") or through their website. Have your doorbell's serial number ready — you can find it on the back of the device or in the app under Device Settings.
Ring support can walk you through additional troubleshooting steps specific to your model and may send you a replacement if the doorbell is still under warranty. Most Ring doorbells come with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the doorbell from the wall to change the WiFi?
No. You can change the WiFi while the doorbell is mounted on your door or wall. You only need to remove it if you need to access the serial number on the back or if you are physically moving it to a new location.
Will changing the WiFi network erase my video recordings?
No. Your video history stays in the Ring app and on Ring's servers. Changing the WiFi network does not delete any recordings or settings. Once the doorbell reconnects, you will see all your previous videos in the app.
Can I connect the doorbell to a 5GHz WiFi network?
Most Ring doorbells work on 2.4GHz networks only, not 5GHz. If your router broadcasts both, make sure you select the 2.4GHz network name when reconnecting. Some newer Ring models support both, but check your doorbell's specifications or the Ring app to confirm which your model uses.
What if I do not have the Ring app on my phone anymore?
Download the Ring app again from your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store). Log in with the email and password you used when you first set up the doorbell, and your doorbell will appear in the app. Then follow the WiFi change steps above.
How long does it take for the doorbell to reconnect after I enter the password?
Usually two to five minutes. The doorbell restarts twice during the process — once when it disconnects from the old network and once after it connects to the new one. If it takes longer than five minutes, the connection likely failed and you should try again.