What you need before you start
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus arrives with the doorbell unit itself, a rechargeable battery pack, a small screwdriver, and mounting hardware. Before you open the box, check that your door frame can accommodate it — the doorbell is about 2 inches wide and 4.5 inches tall, and it needs to mount within 6 inches of an existing doorbell wire or a power outlet if you want to use wired power later.
You will also need the Ring app on your phone or tablet. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then create a Ring account or sign in if you already have one. The app is where you will complete the setup, view video, and adjust settings.
The battery takes about 4 hours to charge fully using the USB-C cable included in the box. Charge it before installation so you are not waiting on the day you want to mount the doorbell.
Key Takeaways
- The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus mounts to your door frame with the included hardware and does not require any wiring, though it can be wired to a power source later if you want.
- You must create a Ring account and read the Ring app before you start, because the doorbell will not work without connecting to your Wi-Fi through the app.
- The battery should be fully charged before installation, which takes about 4 hours using the included USB-C cable.
- During setup, the app will ask for your Wi-Fi password and will guide you through connecting the doorbell to your network — this step often takes longer than the physical mounting.
- After installation, test the video and motion detection in the app to confirm everything is working before you rely on it for security.
Mounting the doorbell to your door frame
Decide whether you want the doorbell on the right or left side of your door frame, or centered above the door. Most people mount it on the right side at about eye level, roughly 48 inches from the ground. Mark the two screw holes with a pencil using the mounting bracket as a template.
Drill pilot holes at the marks using a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws. If your door frame is metal, use the self-tapping screws included in the box. If it is wood, use the regular screws. Screw the mounting bracket into place, then slide the doorbell unit onto the bracket until you hear or feel it click. The unit should not wiggle or move side to side.
If you are mounting into brick, stone, or stucco, use a masonry bit and the wall anchors included, or use a concrete screw rated for your wall type. Take your time with this step — a loose doorbell will fall or shift out of position.
Connecting to Wi-Fi and completing setup in the app
Open the Ring app and tap the plus icon to add a new device. Select "Doorbells" and then "Ring Battery Doorbell Plus." The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell unit or enter the setup code manually if scanning does not work.
When prompted, hold your phone close to the doorbell so it can detect your Wi-Fi network. Select your network from the list and enter your Wi-Fi password. The doorbell will connect — this usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes, but can take longer if your Wi-Fi signal is weak near your door.
Once connected, the app will ask you to name the doorbell (for example, "Front Door"), choose your time zone, and set up motion detection zones if you want. You can adjust these settings later, so do not spend too much time on them now. Finish the setup by tapping "Complete Setup."
Testing video, motion, and notifications
After setup is complete, open the doorbell in the app and tap the live view button. You should see a video feed from the doorbell camera. If the image is dark, blurry, or does not appear at all, check that your Wi-Fi connection is strong and that the doorbell is not pointing directly into bright sunlight.
Walk in front of the doorbell to test motion detection. The app should send you a notification on your phone within a few seconds. If you do not receive a notification, go back into the doorbell settings and check that motion alerts are turned on. You may also need to adjust the motion sensitivity — the default setting works for most people, but if you are getting alerts from passing cars or trees, you can lower the sensitivity.
Press the doorbell button and listen for a chime sound from inside your home. If you have a Ring Chime or another compatible speaker, the app will let you choose which device plays the sound. If you do not hear anything, check that notifications are enabled in your phone's settings and that the doorbell is not muted in the Ring app.
Wiring the doorbell to power (optional)
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus works on battery alone, but you can wire it to your existing doorbell power supply if you have one. This keeps the battery charged automatically and means you will never need to remove it to recharge.
Turn off power to your existing doorbell at the breaker. Locate the two wires connected to your old doorbell — they are usually red and black, or red and white. Disconnect them and connect them to the two terminals on the back of the Ring doorbell using the included wire connectors. Turn the power back on at the breaker.
If you do not have existing doorbell wiring, or if you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, skip this step. The battery will last 3 to 6 months depending on how much motion and button presses the doorbell receives. You can recharge it by removing the battery pack and plugging it into any USB-C charger.
Troubleshooting common installation problems
If the doorbell will not connect to Wi-Fi, move your router closer to the door temporarily, or use a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal. The doorbell needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network — it does not work on 5 GHz alone. If your router broadcasts both, make sure you are connecting to the 2.4 GHz band.
If the video feed is choppy or cuts out frequently, the Wi-Fi signal is too weak. Move your router, add a Wi-Fi extender, or consider wiring the doorbell to power, which sometimes improves connection stability.
If the doorbell is mounted but the app says it is offline, restart the doorbell by holding the reset button on the back for 10 seconds, then set it up again in the app. If it still will not connect after a restart, check that your Wi-Fi password is correct and that your network is not blocking the doorbell's connection.
What to do after installation
Once the doorbell is working, spend a few minutes adjusting the motion detection zones in the app. You can draw boxes around areas you want to monitor — for example, your porch or walkway — and ignore motion from the street or your driveway if you do not want alerts for those areas.
Set up activity zones and notification schedules if you want to reduce alerts during certain times of day. You can also enable two-factor authentication on your Ring account to protect your video and account settings.
Check the battery level in the app every few months. The doorbell will send you a notification when the battery is low, but checking proactively means you will not miss alerts because the battery died.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install the doorbell without removing my old one?
Yes. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus does not require your old doorbell to be removed or disconnected. You can mount it next to your existing doorbell, or replace the old one entirely. If you leave the old doorbell in place, turn off its power at the breaker so it does not interfere.
What happens if my Wi-Fi goes down?
The doorbell will not send you notifications or let you view video while Wi-Fi is offline. However, it will continue to record video locally if you have a Ring Protect subscription, and you can view that recording once your Wi-Fi is back up. Without a subscription, video is not saved during an outage.
How often do I need to recharge the battery?
Battery life depends on how much activity the doorbell sees. In a typical home, the battery lasts 3 to 6 months. Homes with high motion activity or frequent doorbell presses may need to recharge every 2 to 3 months. You will receive a notification when the battery is low.
Can I use this doorbell if I rent my home?
Yes. Because it mounts with screws and does not require wiring, you can install it and remove it when you move. Use the included wall anchors if you are concerned about leaving holes, or ask your landlord first. Some rental agreements restrict modifications to the door frame, so check your lease.
What if the doorbell keeps going offline?
Move your Wi-Fi router closer to the door, or install a Wi-Fi extender near the doorbell. If the signal is still weak, wiring the doorbell to power sometimes improves connection stability. Restart the doorbell by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, then set it up again in the app.