Plug in your Ring device using the correct power method for your model

Ring doorbells and cameras charge in different ways depending on which model you own. Some Ring devices plug directly into a power outlet using a USB cable. Others draw power from your home's existing doorbell wiring. A few models use rechargeable batteries that you remove and charge separately. The first step is identifying which Ring device you have, then using the charging method that matches it.

Check the model name on your device or in the Ring app by opening the app, tapping the menu icon, selecting your device, and looking at the device name at the top of the screen. Common models include Ring Video Doorbell (wired), Ring Video Doorbell Plus (wired), Ring Stick Up Cam (battery or wired), and Ring Indoor Cam (wired only). Once you know your model, you can find the exact charging instructions in the Ring app under Device Settings, or follow the method for your type below.

Key Takeaways

  • Wired Ring devices plug into your home's existing doorbell transformer or a USB power adapter, and they charge continuously as long as power is connected.
  • Battery-powered Ring models like the Stick Up Cam have removable batteries that charge in a separate charging dock or USB cable, taking two to four hours per charge.
  • A low battery warning in the Ring app means your device is below 20 percent charge and you should charge it within a few days to avoid it shutting off.
  • Ring devices charge slower or not at all if the power source is weak, the cable is damaged, or the charging contacts are dirty — cleaning the contacts often fixes the problem.

Charging wired Ring devices through your doorbell transformer

If you have a wired Ring doorbell like the Video Doorbell or Video Doorbell Plus, it draws power from your home's existing doorbell transformer. This is the small box usually mounted in a basement, attic, or utility closet that powers your old doorbell. Ring devices connected to this transformer charge continuously and never run out of battery as long as the transformer is working.

To connect a wired Ring device to your transformer, you need two wires running from the transformer to your Ring device. During setup, the Ring app walks you through connecting the wires to the two terminals on the back of your device. If your Ring device is not charging, check that both wires are firmly pushed into the terminals and that the transformer itself is plugged in. A transformer that is switched off or unplugged will not send power to your Ring device.

If you do not have a doorbell transformer in your home, or it is not working, you can power a wired Ring device using a USB power adapter instead. Plug a USB-C or micro-USB cable (depending on your model) into a standard USB power adapter, then connect the other end to your Ring device. This method works the same way as the transformer — your device charges continuously as long as the adapter stays plugged in.

Charging battery-powered Ring devices with a charging dock or cable

Ring Stick Up Cam, Ring Stick Up Cam Elite, and some other models use removable rechargeable batteries. To charge these devices, you remove the battery from the camera, then charge it separately using either a charging dock or a USB cable, depending on which model you own.

To remove the battery, open the back cover of your Ring device — usually by pressing a release button or sliding the cover down. The battery slides or pops out. Take the battery to a power outlet and insert it into the charging dock (if your model includes one) or plug the USB cable into the battery's charging port. A light on the dock or cable will turn on, showing that charging has started. Most Ring batteries take two to four hours to charge fully. When the light turns green or stops blinking, the battery is ready to use.

While one battery charges, you can insert a second fully charged battery into your Ring device so it keeps working without interruption. Many people buy a second battery for this reason. Once the first battery finishes charging, swap it in when the second one runs low. This way your Ring device is always powered.

Understanding low battery warnings and how long devices stay powered

When your Ring device battery drops below 20 percent, you will see a low battery notification in the Ring app. This warning means you should charge your device within a few days. If you ignore the warning and the battery reaches zero, your Ring device will stop recording and you will not be able to see video or use features until you charge it again.

How long a Ring device stays powered between charges depends on how much activity it records. A Ring device that records motion events all day uses battery faster than one in a quiet area. Cold weather also drains batteries more quickly. In normal conditions, a fully charged Ring battery lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If your battery drains much faster than expected, check that motion detection is not set too sensitive, and make sure your device is not in direct sunlight, which can cause it to overheat and drain faster.

Fixing charging problems when your Ring device charges slowly or not at all

If your Ring device is not charging or charges very slowly, the problem is usually one of four things: a weak power source, a damaged cable, dirty charging contacts, or a battery that has failed.

Start by checking the power source. If you are using a USB adapter, plug something else into that outlet (like a lamp) to confirm the outlet works. If the outlet is dead, try a different one. If you are charging through a doorbell transformer, make sure the transformer is plugged in and switched on. Some transformers have an on-off switch that can accidentally be turned off.

Next, inspect the charging cable for damage. Look for cuts, fraying, or bent connectors. If the cable looks damaged, try a different cable if you have one. A damaged cable will not carry power properly and will either not charge your device or charge it very slowly.

Then clean the charging contacts on both your Ring device and the charging cable or dock. Use a dry cotton swab or soft cloth to wipe away dust, dirt, or corrosion from the metal contacts. Dirty contacts prevent power from flowing between the cable and the device. This is the most common reason Ring devices charge slowly, and cleaning usually fixes it when ready.

If none of these steps work, your battery may have reached the end of its lifespan and no longer holds a charge. Ring batteries typically last two to three years. If your device is older than that and will not charge even with a new cable and clean contacts, you may need to replace the battery or the device.

Checking your Ring device's charging status in the app

You can see your Ring device's current battery level and charging status in the Ring app at any time. Open the Ring app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select your device, then tap Device Health. You will see the battery percentage displayed there. If your device is plugged in and charging, the percentage will slowly increase over time. If it stays the same or decreases, your device is not receiving power.

The Device Health screen also shows whether your power source is working correctly. For wired devices, it will say "Wired" if the connection is good. For battery devices, it will show the battery percentage and whether it is currently charging. If Device Health shows a warning like "Power adapter not detected" or "Weak power source," that tells you the problem is with how your device is connected to power, not with the device itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fully charge a Ring device?

Wired Ring devices charge continuously and do not have a "full charge" — they stay powered as long as they are connected to the transformer or USB adapter. Battery-powered Ring devices take two to four hours to charge fully, depending on the model and the power adapter you use. Using a higher-wattage USB adapter can speed up charging slightly.

Can I use any USB cable to charge my Ring device?

You should use the USB cable that came with your Ring device or a replacement cable designed for your specific model. Using the wrong type of cable (for example, a micro-USB cable when your device needs USB-C) will not charge your device. Check your device's manual or the Ring website to confirm which cable type your model uses.

What should I do if my Ring device keeps losing battery even when plugged in?

First, clean the charging contacts with a dry cloth. Then check that the cable is fully inserted and not loose. If the device is wired to a transformer, confirm the transformer is plugged in and switched on. If the battery still drains while plugged in, the battery may be failing and need replacement, or the charging port may be damaged.

Is it safe to leave my Ring device plugged in all the time?

Yes, it is safe to leave wired Ring devices plugged in continuously. They are designed to stay powered at all times. For battery-powered devices, you can leave them on the charging dock or cable as long as you want — once fully charged, they will not overcharge or damage the battery.

Why does my Ring device charge faster with one power adapter than another?

Different USB power adapters deliver different amounts of power, measured in watts or amps. A higher-wattage adapter (like 2 amps or more) charges Ring devices faster than a lower-wattage adapter (like 0.5 amps). Check the wattage printed on your adapter. Ring recommends using an adapter with at least 1 amp for best charging speed, though any working adapter will eventually charge your device.