You can change your Ring doorbell's WiFi network through the Ring app on your phone in about five minutes

Ring doorbells store the WiFi network name and password in their memory. When you move, change your internet provider, or upgrade your router, you need to tell the doorbell about the new network. The process is the same whether you're switching from one home network to another or reconnecting to the same network after a password change.

You'll need the Ring app (available on iPhone and Android), your phone connected to the new WiFi network you want to use, and the password for that network. The doorbell itself stays mounted on your door — you don't remove it or reset it to factory settings unless something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Ring app, go to your device settings, and select "Change WiFi Network" to start the process.
  • Your phone must be connected to the new WiFi network before you begin, or the doorbell won't be able to find it.
  • The doorbell will search for available networks and display them as a list — select yours and enter the password.
  • The connection usually takes one to three minutes; if it fails, check that you entered the password correctly and that your router is within range.
  • If the doorbell still won't connect after two or three attempts, you may need to restart your router or check whether your network uses a frequency band the doorbell doesn't support.

Steps to change the WiFi network in the Ring app

Open the Ring app on your phone and make sure you're logged into the account that owns the doorbell. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner, then select "Devices." Find your doorbell in the list and tap it.

Scroll down to "Device Settings" and tap "WiFi Network." The app will show you the network the doorbell is currently connected to. Tap "Change WiFi Network." Your phone will ask for permission to access your location — Ring needs this to scan for nearby networks, so tap "Allow" or "Allow While Using the App."

The app will display a list of WiFi networks it can detect. Find your new network name in the list and tap it. A text field will appear asking for the password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, and a single wrong character will cause the connection to fail. Tap "Connect."

The doorbell will attempt to join the network. You'll see a spinning circle or a "Connecting" message. This usually takes between one and three minutes. Once connected, the app will show a confirmation message and return to your device settings page.

What to do if the doorbell won't connect to the new network

The most common reason for connection failure is an incorrect password. Go back to "Change WiFi Network" and try again, typing the password very slowly and checking each character. If you're not sure of the password, check your router's label (usually on the back or bottom) or log into your router's settings page from a computer to view or reset it.

If the password is correct but the doorbell still won't connect, restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully restart. Then try the Ring doorbell connection again. A restarted router sometimes clears temporary connection problems.

Check that your phone is actually connected to the new network, not the old one. Open your phone's WiFi settings and confirm the network name matches what you selected in the Ring app. If your phone is on a different network, the doorbell may not be able to find the one you're trying to connect it to.

Some routers broadcast on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Ring doorbells typically only connect to 2.4 GHz networks. If your router is set to broadcast only on 5 GHz, the doorbell won't see it. Log into your router settings (usually through a web browser or the router's app) and enable the 2.4 GHz band, or create a separate 2.4 GHz network name if your router allows it.

Distance and signal strength matter more than you might think

Ring doorbells need a reasonably strong WiFi signal to connect and stay connected. If your router is more than 50 feet away or separated by multiple walls, the doorbell may struggle. Walls, especially those with metal studs or insulation, weaken WiFi signals significantly.

If your doorbell is in a location with weak signal, consider moving your router closer, adding a WiFi extender or mesh network node near the doorbell, or upgrading to a router with stronger range. Some people place a WiFi extender in a hallway or near a window to improve coverage to outdoor doorbells.

What happens to your old network after you change

Once the doorbell connects to the new network, it forgets the old one. If you ever need to move it back to the old network or to a third network, you'll follow the same steps. The doorbell doesn't store multiple networks — it only remembers the one it's currently connected to.

If you're moving to a new home and want to take the doorbell with you, change the network before you leave the old place if possible. That way you can confirm the connection works before you're without internet at the old address. If you've already moved, you can still change the network remotely through the Ring app as long as you have internet access on your phone.

Security considerations when changing networks

When you enter your WiFi password into the Ring app, that password is sent to Ring's servers so the doorbell can retrieve it and connect. Ring encrypts this data in transit, but you're still sharing your network password with a third party. If you're uncomfortable with that, you have the option to create a separate guest network on your router just for the doorbell, with its own password.

After you change the network, the doorbell will continue sending video and audio to Ring's cloud servers. The WiFi network itself is just the connection between your doorbell and the internet — it doesn't change what data the doorbell collects or where it goes. If you want to understand what Ring does with that data, check Ring's privacy policy on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the WiFi network without removing the doorbell from my door?

Yes. The entire process happens through the Ring app on your phone. The doorbell stays mounted and powered. You only need physical access to the doorbell if you need to press its setup button, which is rarely necessary for a straightforward network change.

What if my new router has the same network name as my old one?

The doorbell will connect to whichever network it can reach. If both networks are broadcasting the same name from different locations, the doorbell may connect to the weaker one. To avoid confusion, temporarily rename one of the networks, complete the doorbell setup, then rename it back if you want.

Do I need to tell Ring support that I changed networks?

No. The change is automatic and when ready. Ring's servers will see the doorbell connecting from the new network and update their records. You don't need to contact support or do anything else on your account.

Will changing the network affect my video recordings or settings?

No. Your video history, motion detection settings, notification preferences, and all other doorbell settings stay exactly the same. Only the WiFi network connection changes.

What if the doorbell connects but then keeps disconnecting?

Intermittent disconnections usually mean weak signal or interference. Try moving your router closer, checking for other devices on the same frequency (microwaves and cordless phones can interfere), or switching to a less crowded WiFi channel through your router settings. If the problem persists, contact Ring support with your doorbell's serial number and router model.