Table of Contents

How to Change Your Ring Camera’s Wi-Fi Network: A Comprehensive Guide

So, your Wi-Fi network has undergone a seismic shift – maybe you upgraded, changed providers, or simply tweaked your network name. Now, your trusty Ring camera is stubbornly offline, blinking its little light in digital confusion. Don’t fret! Reconnecting your Ring device to a new network is a common task, and I’m here to walk you through it. Here’s the straightforward method:

Open the Ring App: Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. It’s the control center for your entire Ring ecosystem.
Select Your Device: On the dashboard, locate the specific Ring camera or doorbell you need to reconnect. Tap on it to access its device settings.
Access Device Health: Within the device dashboard, find and tap on the “Device Health” tile. This section provides crucial information about your device’s performance and connectivity.
Change Wi-Fi Network: Scroll down within the “Device Health” section until you find the “Network” subsection. Here, you’ll see an option labeled “Change Wi-Fi Network.” Tap on this option.
Enter Setup Mode: The Ring app will prompt you to confirm that you’re ready to begin the Wi-Fi setup process. This usually involves pressing a button on your Ring device. For doorbells, it’s often the main doorbell button. For cameras, look for a small button, often on the underside or back of the device. This action puts the device into a discoverable mode, signaling that it’s ready to connect.
Connect to the Ring Network: Your phone’s Wi-Fi settings will likely prompt you to connect to a temporary Ring network (something like “Ring Setup XXX”). This allows the Ring app to communicate directly with your device. If you don’t see the prompt, manually go into your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and select the Ring network.
Select Your New Wi-Fi Network: Once connected to the Ring’s temporary network, the app will display a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Select your desired network from the list.
Enter Your Wi-Fi Password: Enter the password for your chosen Wi-Fi network. Double-check for typos – passwords are the bane of modern existence.
Wait for Connection: The Ring app will now attempt to connect your device to your new Wi-Fi network. This process may take a few minutes.
Test Your Connection: Once the connection is complete, the Ring app will confirm the successful Wi-Fi update. It’s wise to test the connection by triggering a live view or motion detection to ensure everything is working smoothly.

That’s it! While this process is generally straightforward, sometimes snags can occur. Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to troubleshoot common issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I find the button to put my Ring device in setup mode?

The location of the setup button varies depending on the Ring device.

Ring Doorbells: Typically, you press the main doorbell button itself. Press and release.
Ring Security Cameras (Indoor/Outdoor): Look for a small, often recessed button on the top, bottom, or back of the camera. It might require a paperclip or similar object to press. Consult your device’s manual if you’re unsure.
Ring Spotlight/Floodlight Cams: Similar to other security cameras, look for a small button, often on the underside of the camera housing.

My Ring device won’t connect to the Wi-Fi, even after following the steps. What’s wrong?

Several factors can cause Wi-Fi connection problems. Consider these troubleshooting steps:

Check your Wi-Fi password: Ensure you’ve entered the correct password. Passwords are case-sensitive, and a single typo can prevent the connection.
Wi-Fi signal strength: Your Ring device needs a strong Wi-Fi signal. If it’s too far from your router, consider moving the router or using a Wi-Fi extender. Check the signal strength in the Ring app’s “Device Health” section. Anything less than good can cause issues.
Router compatibility: Some older routers aren’t fully compatible with Ring devices. Check Ring’s website for a list of compatible routers.
Internet connection: Make sure your internet connection is active and working correctly. Test other devices on your Wi-Fi network to confirm connectivity.
Firewall settings: Your router’s firewall settings might be blocking the Ring device. Consult your router’s manual or contact your internet service provider for assistance with firewall configuration.
VPN: VPN (Virtual Private Network) is often the culprit. Deactivate your VPN and try again.
Firmware Update Needed: Make sure that your Router and Ring App are up to date.
Factory Reset: This is a last-ditch resort, but a factory reset can sometimes resolve persistent connection issues. Press and hold the setup button for 20-25 seconds. The device will reset and then you can try to set it up again.

Why does the Ring app say “Incorrect Password” even though I know it’s correct?

This is a frustratingly common problem. Try these solutions:

Double-check Caps Lock: Ensure Caps Lock isn’t accidentally enabled.
Special Characters: Some special characters can cause issues. Try changing your Wi-Fi password to a simpler one with only letters and numbers.
Copy and Paste: Instead of typing, copy the password from a password manager or text document and paste it into the app.
Restart Your Router: A simple router restart can sometimes clear up connectivity issues.
Restart Your Phone: This one seems too simple, but it works surprisingly often. Restart the phone or tablet you’re using to configure the Ring device.

Can I change my Ring camera’s Wi-Fi network without the Ring app?

Unfortunately, no. The Ring app is essential for managing your Ring devices, including changing the Wi-Fi network. There’s no workaround for this requirement.

How do I change the Wi-Fi network on multiple Ring devices at once?

Regrettably, there isn’t a bulk Wi-Fi change option within the Ring app. You’ll need to repeat the process for each individual Ring device. Consider setting aside dedicated time to manage these changes efficiently.

My Ring device is offline after changing my Wi-Fi network. What should I do?

First, patiently wait a few minutes. Sometimes it takes time for the device to reconnect. If it remains offline:

Power Cycle: Try power cycling the Ring device by unplugging it (or removing the battery) for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
Check Wi-Fi Signal: Verify that the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough at the device’s location.
Restart Your Router: Again, a simple router restart can work wonders.
Repeat Setup: If all else fails, go through the Wi-Fi setup process again within the Ring app.

My new Wi-Fi network has a different name (SSID) than my old one. Is that a problem?

Yes, a different Wi-Fi network name (SSID) requires you to reconnect your Ring device. The Ring device is programmed to connect to the Wi-Fi network that was programmed into it during set up. This is precisely why you’re going through this process!

Can I use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network with my Ring camera?

Most newer Ring devices support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. However, the 2.4 GHz band generally offers better range and penetration through walls, making it a more reliable choice for outdoor cameras. Check your specific Ring device’s specifications to confirm compatibility. Be aware that the Ring app will first use the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection when setting up the device. It will then give you the option to switch over to the 5 GHz during the setup process if your device supports it.

My Ring device is too far from my router. What are my options?

A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause intermittent connectivity issues. Consider these solutions:

Move the Router: If possible, move your router closer to the Ring device.
Wi-Fi Extender: A Wi-Fi extender can amplify your Wi-Fi signal and extend its range. Place the extender halfway between your router and the Ring device.
Mesh Wi-Fi System: A mesh Wi-Fi system provides broader and more consistent coverage than a traditional router and extender setup.
Wired Connection: Ring offers certain devices, like some of the wired Ring Spotlight Cams, that support an Ethernet connection, enabling an even more stable and reliable connection.

Do I need to delete my Ring device from the app before changing the Wi-Fi network?

No, deleting the device is unnecessary. Using the “Change Wi-Fi Network” option within the Ring app is the proper way to update the device’s Wi-Fi settings.

What happens to my Ring Protect subscription when I change the Wi-Fi network?

Changing the Wi-Fi network will not affect your Ring Protect subscription. Your subscription is linked to your Ring account, not to a specific device or network. You should still have access to all your recordings and features after reconnecting your device.

Is it possible to connect my Ring camera to a guest Wi-Fi network?

Yes, you can connect your Ring camera to a guest Wi-Fi network, but there are caveats. Guest networks often have limited access to other devices on your network, which may affect certain Ring features. Consider the security implications before connecting sensitive devices to a guest network.