How to Change Wi-Fi for Ring Cameras: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve switched your internet provider, upgraded your router, or just rearranged your home network. Whatever the reason, your Ring camera is now staring blankly into the digital abyss, unable to connect to the internet. Fear not! Reconnecting your Ring device to a new Wi-Fi network is a common hurdle, and I’m here to guide you through it with the precision of a seasoned security expert and the clarity of your favorite tech tutor.

Here’s the quick and dirty answer: The process involves using the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Navigate to the device you want to update, select “Device Health,” then choose “Change Wi-Fi Network.” Follow the on-screen instructions, which will guide you through putting your Ring device into setup mode and connecting it to your new network. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Ring Camera’s Wi-Fi

Changing your Ring camera’s Wi-Fi isn’t rocket science, but skipping steps can lead to frustration. Here’s the definitive guide to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Charge Your Device (If Applicable): This is particularly crucial for battery-powered Ring devices. Ensure it’s adequately charged before you begin. A sudden power outage during the setup process can lead to complications.

2. Open the Ring App: Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you have the latest version installed. Outdated apps can sometimes have connectivity issues.

3. Select Your Device: Tap the three horizontal lines in the top left corner (the “hamburger” menu). From the menu, select “Devices.” You’ll see a list of all your Ring devices. Choose the specific Ring camera you want to reconnect to Wi-Fi.

4. Access Device Health: Once you’ve selected your device, you’ll be on the device’s dashboard. Look for the “Device Health” tile and tap on it. This section provides information about your device’s current status, including its network connection.

5. Change Wi-Fi Network: Within the “Device Health” section, scroll down until you find the option “Change Wi-Fi Network.” Tap on this. You may see a warning message explaining that this will disconnect your device from its current network. Confirm that you want to proceed.

6. Enter Setup Mode: This is where things get a little device-specific. The Ring app will guide you on how to put your device into setup mode. This usually involves pressing a button on the device itself.

   • For Ring Doorbells: Look for a small orange button on the side or bottom of the device. Press and release it.
   • For Ring Security Cameras (Spotlight Cam, Floodlight Cam, etc.): The button location varies, but it’s often found near the top or on the back. Consult your device’s manual if you’re unsure.
   • For Ring Indoor Cam: The button is usually located on the top of the device.

   Your Ring device is in setup mode when its light is flashing slowly – typically a white or blue light. The app will confirm once it detects that your device is in setup mode.

7. Connect to the Ring Wi-Fi Network: Your smartphone or tablet will now search for available Wi-Fi networks. You should see a Wi-Fi network with the name “Ring Setup” followed by some numbers. Connect to this network. Note: This is not your home Wi-Fi network; it’s a temporary network created by your Ring device for setup. You may temporarily lose internet connectivity on your phone or tablet during this step, which is normal.

8. Select Your Home Wi-Fi Network: The Ring app will now display a list of available Wi-Fi networks in your area. Select your home Wi-Fi network from the list.

9. Enter Your Wi-Fi Password: Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully. Double-check for typos! Incorrect passwords are the most common reason for failed connections.

10. Wait for Connection: The Ring app will now attempt to connect your Ring device to your chosen Wi-Fi network. This may take a few minutes. The app will display a progress bar.

11. Test Your Connection: Once the connection is successful, the Ring app will confirm. It’s a good idea to test your device to ensure it’s working correctly. Try triggering a motion event or viewing the live feed.

12. Verify Network Status: Go back to the “Device Health” section of your Ring app and confirm that the Wi-Fi signal strength is good. If the signal is weak, consider moving your router closer to your Ring device or using a Wi-Fi extender.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with these steps, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Incorrect Wi-Fi Password: This is the most frequent culprit. Double-check the password you entered. Passwords are case-sensitive.
• Weak Wi-Fi Signal: A weak Wi-Fi signal can prevent your Ring device from connecting. Try moving your router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender.
• Device Not Entering Setup Mode: Ensure you’re pressing the correct button and holding it for the appropriate duration. If the light doesn’t flash, try resetting the device (consult your device’s manual for reset instructions).
• Router Issues: Make sure your router is functioning correctly. Try restarting it. Also, check if your router’s firewall is blocking the Ring device. Refer to your router’s manual for instructions on managing firewall settings.
• Outdated Ring App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Ring app installed.
• Ring Device Offline: If your Ring device is showing as offline, try restarting it by removing the battery (if applicable) or disconnecting it from the power source for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing Wi-Fi for Ring cameras:

1. What if my Ring camera is too far from the router?

Consider using a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal strength to your Ring camera. Place the extender halfway between your router and your camera.

2. My Wi-Fi network name doesn’t appear in the list. What should I do?

Ensure your Wi-Fi network is broadcasting its SSID (Service Set Identifier). Some routers allow you to hide the network name, which can prevent the Ring app from detecting it.

3. Can I change the Wi-Fi for multiple Ring cameras at once?

Unfortunately, no. You need to change the Wi-Fi for each Ring camera individually using the Ring app.

4. What if I forgot my Wi-Fi password?

You’ll need to recover your Wi-Fi password through your router’s settings. Consult your router’s manual or contact your internet service provider for assistance.

5. Does changing the Wi-Fi affect my Ring Protect plan?

No, changing the Wi-Fi does not affect your Ring Protect plan. Your subscription is tied to your Ring account, not the specific Wi-Fi network.

6. My Ring device is stuck in setup mode. How do I get it out?

Try restarting your Ring device by removing the battery (if applicable) or disconnecting it from the power source for a few seconds. If that doesn’t work, perform a factory reset (refer to your device’s manual for instructions).

7. My Ring camera keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi. What’s wrong?

This could be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal, interference, or router issues. Try troubleshooting the connection as described above. Also, check for firmware updates for your Ring device.

8. I changed my Wi-Fi password, but my Ring camera is still connected to the old network. Why?

You need to manually update the Wi-Fi settings on your Ring camera using the steps outlined above. Simply changing your Wi-Fi password won’t automatically update the settings on your Ring device.

9. Can I use a mobile hotspot for my Ring camera?

While technically possible, using a mobile hotspot is generally not recommended for long-term use with Ring cameras. Mobile hotspots often have limited data and can be unreliable.

10. My Ring camera only supports 2.4 GHz, but my router has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. What should I do?

Ensure that your 2.4 GHz network is enabled on your router. During the Wi-Fi setup process, make sure your smartphone or tablet is also connected to the 2.4 GHz network.

11. Can I change the Wi-Fi for my Ring Alarm Base Station?

Yes, the process is similar to changing the Wi-Fi for Ring cameras. Go to Device Health in the Ring app, select the Base Station, and choose Change Wi-Fi Network.

12. After changing the Wi-Fi, my Ring device isn’t recording motion events. What happened?

Check your motion settings in the Ring app. Ensure that motion recording is enabled and that the sensitivity is properly configured. Also, verify that your Ring Protect plan is active.

Changing your Ring camera’s Wi-Fi is a straightforward process, but following these steps carefully can save you time and frustration. Remember to double-check your Wi-Fi password, ensure a strong signal, and troubleshoot any issues systematically. With a little patience and this guide, you’ll have your Ring camera back online and protecting your home in no time.