How to change your Ring camera's WiFi network
To change your Ring camera to a different WiFi network, open the Ring app on your phone, tap the three horizontal lines (menu), select your camera, go to Device Settings, then WiFi Network, and choose Forget This Network. After that, the camera will search for available networks — select your new one and enter the password. The whole process takes about two minutes and doesn't require unplugging anything.
You'll need the WiFi password for your new network ready before you start. If your camera can't find the network you want, make sure you're within 30 feet of your router and that the network name (SSID) is being broadcast — some routers hide their network names by default, which Ring cameras can't connect to without manually entering the details.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Ring app, navigate to your camera's Device Settings, and select Forget This Network to disconnect from your current WiFi.
- Ring cameras work with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, but not with hidden networks unless you manually enter the network name and password.
- If your camera loses connection after changing networks, restart it by unplugging the power cable for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Changing networks does not erase your camera's recordings or settings — only the WiFi connection changes.
Step-by-step process in the Ring app
Start by opening the Ring app on your phone or tablet. Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner to open the menu, then find and tap the camera you want to change. Look for Device Settings — this is usually near the top of the camera's settings page.
Once you're in Device Settings, scroll down until you see WiFi Network. Tap it, then select Forget This Network. Your camera will disconnect from its current network and begin searching for available networks. This step is necessary because the camera needs to "forget" the old network before it can connect to a new one.
When the search completes, a list of available networks will appear on your screen. Find your new network name in the list and tap it. Enter the WiFi password when prompted — make sure you type it exactly as it is, including capital letters and numbers. After you enter the password, tap Connect or Confirm, depending on what your app version shows.
What to do if your camera can't find your network
If your new network doesn't appear in the list, the most common reason is that you're too far from the router. Ring cameras typically need to be within 30 feet of the router to connect during setup. Move your phone and camera closer to the router and try searching again.
Another possibility is that your router is hiding its network name (called SSID broadcast). If this is the case, you won't see the network in the list. To connect anyway, look for an option in the Ring app that says "Can't find your network?" or "Connect to hidden network." Tap it and manually type in your network name and password. This works the same way as connecting to a visible network, but you have to enter the name yourself.
If you still can't connect, check that your router is turned on and that you're using the correct password. A common mistake is confusing the WiFi password with the router's admin password — they are different things. Your WiFi password is what you use to connect phones and laptops to the network.
Restarting your camera if the connection fails
Sometimes a Ring camera will disconnect from the new network even after you've entered the password correctly. The fastest fix is to restart the camera. If your camera is plugged into power, unplug the cable for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If it's battery-powered, press and hold the setup button (usually on the back or bottom) for 15 seconds until the light blinks, then release it.
After the restart, wait about two minutes for the camera to reconnect to the network. You can check the connection status in the Device Settings menu — if it shows "Connected" next to the network name, the restart worked. If it still shows "Disconnected," try the WiFi change process again from the beginning.
Understanding 2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz networks
Most home routers broadcast two networks at once: one at 2.4 GHz and one at 5 GHz. Ring cameras work with both, but they perform differently on each. The 2.4 GHz network has longer range and works better through walls, while the 5 GHz network is faster but doesn't travel as far.
If your router broadcasts both networks with the same name (called dual-band), your camera will automatically choose the best one. If you want to force your camera to use a specific band, you can usually split the networks in your router settings so they have different names — for example, "MyNetwork-2.4" and "MyNetwork-5" — then connect your camera to whichever one you prefer.
For most people, the automatic choice works fine. Only change this if you're having connection problems or if you specifically need the longer range of 2.4 GHz.
What doesn't change when you switch networks
Changing your Ring camera's WiFi network does not delete your recordings, change your camera's name, reset your notification settings, or affect any other configuration. The only thing that changes is which network the camera connects to. Your video history, motion detection settings, and any automations you've created all stay exactly as they were.
This also means you don't need to re-add the camera to your Ring account or set it up from scratch. The camera remains linked to your account the entire time — it just switches which router it talks to.
Troubleshooting a camera that keeps disconnecting
If your camera connects to the new network but then keeps dropping the connection, the problem is usually either distance from the router or WiFi interference. Try moving your router closer to the camera, or move the camera closer to the router. Even a few feet can make a difference.
WiFi interference from other devices can also cause disconnections. Microwaves, cordless phones, and some baby monitors all broadcast on the 2.4 GHz band and can interfere with your camera. If you're using 2.4 GHz and having problems, try switching to 5 GHz if your router supports it. You can also try changing your router's WiFi channel in the router's admin settings — this is a more advanced step, but it sometimes solves interference problems.
If the camera still disconnects frequently after trying these steps, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Sometimes the router itself needs a fresh start to maintain stable connections with all your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to unplug my Ring camera to change the WiFi?
No. You can change the WiFi network through the Ring app without unplugging anything. Only unplug the camera if it stops connecting after you've changed networks and you want to restart it.
Will changing networks delete my video recordings?
No. Your recordings stay in your Ring account and remain accessible through the app. Changing networks only affects how the camera connects to the internet — it doesn't touch any stored data.
What if I don't know my new WiFi password?
You can find your WiFi password by logging into your router's admin page (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) or by checking the sticker on the back of your router. If you've changed the password and forgotten it, you'll need to reset the router to its factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.
Can I use a guest network for my Ring camera?
Yes, Ring cameras work on guest networks. However, some guest networks are set up to block device-to-device communication, which can prevent your camera from working properly with other smart home devices. If you use a guest network, test whether automations and remote access still work before relying on it.
How long does it take for the camera to reconnect after I change networks?
Usually between 30 seconds and two minutes. The camera needs time to disconnect from the old network, search for the new one, authenticate with the password, and establish a connection. If it takes longer than five minutes, restart the camera by unplugging it for 30 seconds.