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Changing Your Ring Camera Wi-Fi: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to switch your Ring camera to a new Wi-Fi network. Perhaps you’ve upgraded your internet, moved to a new location, or simply need to troubleshoot a connectivity issue. Whatever the reason, the process is relatively straightforward, and this guide will walk you through it step-by-step using the Ring app. The core process involves entering setup mode on your device and then following the app prompts to connect to the desired network.

The Direct Answer: How to Change Your Wi-Fi Network on the Ring App

Here’s the breakdown:

Open the Ring App: Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you are logged in with your credentials.
Select Your Device: On the dashboard, locate the specific Ring camera you want to update. Tap on it to access its device dashboard.
Access Device Health: Within the device dashboard, find and tap on the “Device Health” tile. This is usually located near the bottom of the screen.
Change Wi-Fi Network: Scroll down within the Device Health screen until you find the “Network” section. Tap on “Change Wi-Fi Network“.
Follow the In-App Instructions: The app will now guide you through the setup process. This usually involves putting your Ring device into setup mode.
Enter Setup Mode: This step varies depending on your specific Ring device model. Common methods include:
- Battery-Powered Devices: Usually, this involves pressing and releasing the setup button (often orange) on the device. The device’s light ring should begin spinning blue, indicating it’s in setup mode.
- Wired Devices: Some wired devices may automatically enter setup mode when the Change Wi-Fi Network option is selected. Others may require a button press or a power cycle.
Connect to Ring’s Wi-Fi: Your phone’s Wi-Fi settings will likely automatically prompt you to connect to a Ring Wi-Fi network (usually something like “Ring Setup xxx”). If not, manually select it in your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.
Select Your New Wi-Fi Network: Return to the Ring app. It should now display a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Choose your desired network.
Enter Your Wi-Fi Password: Enter the password for your selected Wi-Fi network carefully. Double-check for typos!
Connect and Test: The Ring app will now attempt to connect your Ring device to the new Wi-Fi network. This may take a few minutes. Once connected, the app should indicate success.
Verify Connectivity: After the process is complete, verify that your Ring camera is functioning correctly by checking the live view and triggering a test event (e.g., motion detection).

FAQs: More on Ring Wi-Fi and Troubleshooting

Here are some common questions and answers regarding changing your Ring camera‘s Wi-Fi network, delving into potential issues and offering troubleshooting tips:

How do I find the setup button on my Ring device?

The location of the setup button varies by device model. Consult your Ring device’s manual or the Ring support website for specific instructions. Look for a small button, often orange or black, usually located on the back or bottom of the device. Online search with your specific Ring camera model number and “setup button location” will also often yield clear instructions.

What if my Ring camera won’t enter setup mode?

If your Ring camera isn’t entering setup mode, try these troubleshooting steps:

Power Cycle: Disconnect the device from power (if wired) or remove the battery (if battery-powered) for at least 30 seconds, then reconnect/reinsert.
Check Battery Level: If it’s a battery-powered device, ensure the battery is adequately charged.
Factory Reset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset on the device. Note that this will erase all settings, requiring you to set up the device from scratch. Consult the Ring support website for factory reset instructions specific to your device model.
Button Check: Ensure the physical button itself isn’t damaged or stuck.

My Wi-Fi network isn’t showing up in the Ring app. What should I do?

If your Wi-Fi network isn’t appearing, consider these potential causes:

Network Broadcasting: Ensure your Wi-Fi network is broadcasting its SSID (network name). Some routers allow you to hide the SSID, which can prevent it from appearing in the list.
Distance: Make sure your phone is close enough to your Wi-Fi router during the setup process. Weak Wi-Fi signal can prevent the network from appearing.
2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: Ring devices primarily connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Ensure your Wi-Fi network is broadcasting on the 2.4 GHz band, and that your phone is connected to that band during setup. Some routers combine the two bands under a single SSID; in this case, your Ring device should still connect automatically. However, for troubleshooting, it’s often helpful to separate the bands during the setup process.
Router Compatibility: In rare cases, there may be compatibility issues with certain routers. Consult the Ring support website or your router’s documentation for potential solutions.

What does the Ring setup Wi-Fi network look like?

The Ring setup Wi-Fi network is a temporary network broadcast by your Ring device when it’s in setup mode. It typically appears as something like “Ring Setup xxx“, where “xxx” is a unique identifier for your device. This allows your phone to directly communicate with the Ring device during the setup process.

My Ring camera is connected, but the video feed is constantly buffering. What can I do?

Buffering issues typically indicate a weak Wi-Fi signal or slow internet connection. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Use the Ring app (under Device Health) to check the Wi-Fi signal strength of your Ring camera. Aim for a signal strength of at least RSSI -60 or lower.
Router Placement: Optimize the placement of your Wi-Fi router. Ensure it’s centrally located and free from obstructions that can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.
Internet Speed: Ensure your internet connection is fast enough to support video streaming. Test your internet speed using an online speed test tool.
Reduce Interference: Minimize interference from other electronic devices that may be operating on the 2.4 GHz band, such as microwaves or cordless phones.
Upgrade Your Router: If you have an older router, consider upgrading to a newer model with better range and performance.

Can I change the Wi-Fi network without physically accessing the Ring device?

In most cases, you cannot change the Wi-Fi network without physically accessing the Ring device to initiate setup mode. The process requires a direct connection between your phone and the Ring device, which is established through the Ring setup Wi-Fi network.

What if I forgot my Wi-Fi password?

If you’ve forgotten your Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to retrieve it from your router’s settings. The process for doing this varies depending on your router model. Consult your router’s documentation or contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.

Will changing the Wi-Fi affect my Ring Protect plan?

Changing the Wi-Fi network will not directly affect your Ring Protect plan. Your recordings and subscription will remain associated with your Ring account, not the specific Wi-Fi network.

What if my Ring camera keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Persistent disconnections suggest a Wi-Fi connectivity problem. Try these solutions:

Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: As mentioned earlier, ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Router Reboot: Reboot your Wi-Fi router. This often resolves temporary glitches.
Firmware Update: Ensure your Ring device and your Wi-Fi router are running the latest firmware.
Interference: Reduce potential interference from other devices.
Dedicated Wi-Fi: Consider dedicating a Wi-Fi network specifically for your security devices.

Do I need to remove the device from my Ring account before changing the Wi-Fi?

No, you do not need to remove the device from your Ring account before changing the Wi-Fi network. The “Change Wi-Fi Network” feature in the Ring app is designed to seamlessly transition the device to the new network while preserving its association with your account.

What if I’m still having trouble?

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, contact Ring support. They can provide more specialized assistance based on your specific device and network configuration.

What should I do before moving locations with my Ring Camera?

Before relocating, it’s always a good idea to perform a hard reset to factory settings. Doing so will delete all previous connections, making the reconnection process at your new location easier.

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to successfully change the Wi-Fi network on your Ring camera and keep your home security system running smoothly. Remember to consult the Ring support website for more detailed information and model-specific instructions.