Reconnect Your Ring Device to a New Wifi Network in Four Steps

To change your Ring device's wifi network, open the Ring app on your phone, tap the three-line menu, select your device, go to Device Settings, then Wifi Network, and choose "Change Wifi Network." You'll enter your new network name and password, and the device will reconnect within a few minutes. The whole process takes about five minutes and doesn't require you to reset the device or lose your settings.

You need this when you've changed internet providers, moved to a new home, renamed your wifi network, or switched from a 2.4 GHz band to a 5 GHz band. Ring devices work with most home wifi networks, but they connect more reliably on 2.4 GHz if you have the option — 5 GHz has shorter range and Ring doorbells and cameras often sit at the edge of your home's coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ring app is the only way to change wifi — you cannot do it from the device itself or through a web browser.
  • Your Ring device stays on your account and keeps all recorded footage and settings; changing wifi does not erase anything.
  • If the device cannot find your new network, check that your phone is connected to that network first, and that the network name does not have special characters like @ or &.
  • Ring devices work best on 2.4 GHz wifi, even if your router offers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz on the same network name.

What You Need Before You Start

Have your new wifi network name and password ready. If you do not know your password, you can find it in your router's settings or contact your internet provider. Make sure your phone is already connected to the new network — the Ring app uses your phone's connection to communicate with the device during the changeover.

Your Ring device must have power and be within range of the new wifi network. If it is a battery-powered device like a Ring Video Doorbell, make sure the battery is charged. If it is plugged in, check that the outlet is working. The device does not need to be connected to the old network anymore — it just needs to be powered on.

The Step-by-Step Process

Open the Ring app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner. Tap "Devices" and select the device you want to reconnect. Scroll down to "Device Settings" and tap it. Look for "Wifi Network" or "Wifi" in the settings list and tap "Change Wifi Network."

The app will show you a list of available networks. Find your new network name in the list and tap it. Enter your wifi password exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." Tap "Connect" and wait. The device will disconnect from the old network and attempt to join the new one. This usually takes one to three minutes.

Once the device reconnects, the app will show a green checkmark or "Connected" status next to the device name. If you do not see this within five minutes, the connection failed and you will need to try again. Check that you entered the password correctly and that the network is 2.4 GHz if possible.

Why Your Device Might Not Connect

The most common reason is an incorrect password. Wifi passwords are case-sensitive and often include numbers or symbols — if you type "Ring123" instead of "ring123," the device will not connect. If you are unsure of the password, log into your router's settings page (usually printed on the router itself) or call your internet provider.

Your network name might contain special characters that Ring devices do not handle well. Names with @ symbols, ampersands (&), or quotation marks can cause connection problems. If your network name has these characters, rename it in your router settings to something simpler like "MyHome" or "MyHome2.4" and try again.

If your device is too far from the router, it may not have enough signal to connect. Ring doorbells and cameras typically need to be within 30 feet of the router on 2.4 GHz. If the device is at the edge of your home, try moving the router closer temporarily, complete the connection, and then move the router back. You can also add a wifi extender or mesh network to improve coverage.

Some older Ring devices have trouble connecting to newer routers that use only 5 GHz wifi. If your router is brand new and only broadcasts 5 GHz, check your router settings to see if you can enable a 2.4 GHz band. Most modern routers allow both bands at the same time, often on the same network name.

What Happens to Your Footage and Settings

Changing wifi does not erase any of your Ring device's settings, recordings, or account information. Your device stays linked to your Ring account, and all video clips stored in the cloud remain accessible through the app. Motion detection settings, notification preferences, and any automations you have set up stay exactly as they were.

If your device was offline for a while before you changed the network, you may see a gap in your video history for that period. Once the device reconnects, it will resume recording and uploading new footage normally. Older footage is not affected.

Switching Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Networks

If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz on separate network names (like "MyHome" for 2.4 GHz and "MyHome-5G" for 5 GHz), connect your Ring device to the 2.4 GHz network. Ring devices have older wifi chips that work more reliably on 2.4 GHz, even though 5 GHz is faster. The speed difference does not matter for a doorbell or camera — they do not need high bandwidth.

If your router uses one network name for both bands (called dual-band), your device will automatically pick 2.4 GHz if it is available. You do not need to do anything special. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz and you cannot enable 2.4 GHz, Ring devices can still connect, but you may experience more dropouts or slower response times in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my video recordings when I change wifi?

No. Your recordings are stored in Ring's cloud servers, not on the device itself. Changing wifi does not affect them. Your device will resume uploading new footage once it reconnects to the new network.

Can I change wifi from a computer instead of my phone?

No. The Ring app is only available on iOS and Android phones and tablets. You cannot change wifi through a web browser or from a computer. You must use the mobile app.

What if my device shows "Unable to Connect" after I enter the password?

First, double-check that you entered the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive. Second, make sure your phone is connected to the new network. Third, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try again. If it still fails, your device may be too far from the router.

Will my Ring device work on a guest network?

Most Ring devices work on guest networks, but some routers isolate guest networks from other devices on your home network. If you use a guest network, you may not be able to control your device from other phones or computers on your main network. It is usually better to connect Ring devices to your main home network.

How long does it take for the device to reconnect?

Usually one to three minutes. If it takes longer than five minutes, the connection has likely failed. Check your password and network name, and try again.