Ring doorbell batteries take 4 to 8 hours to charge fully, depending on which model you own and how depleted the battery was

The Ring Video Doorbell (the standard wired model) does not have a removable battery — it draws power directly from your home's existing doorbell wiring, so there is no charging time. The Ring Video Doorbell Battery (the battery-powered version) and the Ring Video Doorbell Plus both use removable batteries that you charge separately, usually in 4 to 8 hours depending on how empty they are when you start.

The battery itself is a rechargeable lithium-ion pack that comes out of the doorbell. You charge it with a USB cable and power adapter — the same type of charger that comes in the box. A completely dead battery takes longer than one that is partially drained. Ring does not publish exact charging times for different battery levels, but most owners report that a full charge from empty takes around 5 to 6 hours in normal conditions.

Temperature affects charging speed. Cold weather slows the process, and Ring recommends charging indoors at room temperature for the fastest results. If you charge the battery in a cold garage or outside, expect it to take longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Ring's wired doorbell models draw power from your home's existing doorbell wiring and do not need charging.
  • Battery-powered Ring models use removable lithium-ion batteries that charge in 4 to 8 hours with the included USB cable.
  • A completely empty battery takes longer to charge than a partially drained one, and cold temperatures slow the charging process.
  • You can use your doorbell while the battery is charging if you have a USB power bank or outlet nearby, since the battery is removable.

Which Ring models have removable batteries

The Ring Video Doorbell Battery (second generation and newer) and the Ring Video Doorbell Plus both ship with removable rechargeable batteries. These are the models designed for renters or homes where running new wiring is not practical. The battery slides out from the bottom of the doorbell unit and connects to a USB charger.

The original wired Ring Video Doorbell, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 are all hardwired to your home's existing doorbell circuit. They do not have removable batteries and do not need charging — they draw power continuously from your home's electrical system. If your home does not have an existing doorbell, a hardwired model requires an electrician to run new wiring or install a transformer.

If you are not sure which model you own, check the bottom of your doorbell unit. If a battery slides out, you have a battery-powered model. If nothing comes out and the unit is mounted directly to your wall or door frame with no removable parts, it is hardwired.

How to charge your Ring doorbell battery correctly

Remove the battery by sliding it downward from the bottom of the doorbell unit. The battery is a rectangular pack about the size of a deck of cards. Plug the USB charging cable into the battery's charging port — this is usually a micro-USB or USB-C port depending on your model — and connect the other end to a power adapter or USB power bank.

The battery will show a light indicator while charging. Most Ring batteries display a red or orange light while actively charging and turn green when fully charged. Leave the battery plugged in until the light turns green. Do not unplug it early, even if the light stops changing — lithium-ion batteries charge in stages, and the final stage is slower but necessary for full capacity.

While the battery charges, your doorbell will not record or send alerts unless you have a backup power source connected. If you need continuous monitoring, charge one battery while a second battery is installed in the doorbell. Ring sells spare batteries separately if you want to rotate between two.

Factors that affect charging time

The power adapter you use matters. Ring includes a standard USB power adapter in the box, but if you use a lower-power charger — such as a phone charger rated for 500 mA or less — charging will take significantly longer. A higher-power adapter (2 amps or more) will charge faster. Most modern phone chargers are 1 to 2 amps, which is sufficient.

Battery age also affects charging speed. A brand-new battery charges faster than one that has been in use for a year or more. Over time, lithium-ion batteries naturally lose some ability to accept a fast charge, though they still hold a full charge for normal use.

The starting charge level matters too. A battery at 50 percent charge will reach 100 percent much faster than one at 5 percent. The first half of the charge typically happens quickly, while the second half slows down as the battery approaches full capacity — this is normal and protects the battery's long-term health.

How often you need to charge the battery

Ring doorbell batteries last 6 to 12 months between charges in typical use, depending on how many people visit your door and how many video clips are recorded. A doorbell in a busy location with frequent deliveries and visitors will drain faster than one on a quiet street. Cold weather also drains batteries faster because lithium-ion chemistry is less efficient in low temperatures.

Ring sends a notification to your phone when the battery drops below 20 percent. This gives you time to charge it before the doorbell stops working. You do not have to wait for the notification — you can check the battery level anytime in the Ring app under device settings.

If you forget to charge the battery and it dies completely, the doorbell will not record or send alerts until you charge it again. Unlike some devices, Ring doorbells do not have a backup battery or capacitor that keeps them running for a few hours after the main battery dies.

Charging with a power bank or alternative power sources

You can charge a Ring doorbell battery with any USB power bank that has a USB-A or USB-C port, depending on your battery model. This is useful if you do not have an outlet near your doorbell or if you want to charge the battery indoors while keeping your doorbell running. Bring the battery inside, charge it with a power bank, and swap it back in when it is full.

Some people use solar chargers or car chargers to charge Ring batteries, though Ring does not officially recommend these. A solar charger will work but charges very slowly — expect 12 to 24 hours in direct sunlight. A car charger with a USB port works fine as long as it outputs at least 1 amp.

Do not attempt to charge the battery with a non-standard charger or one that outputs more than 2 amps. Overcharging or using the wrong voltage can damage the battery or create a safety hazard.

What to do if your battery will not charge

If the battery does not show a light indicator after 10 minutes of charging, check that the USB cable is fully inserted into both the battery and the power adapter. Try a different USB cable if you have one — the cable itself can fail. Also try a different power outlet to rule out a problem with that specific outlet.

If the battery still does not charge, it may be defective. Ring batteries typically last 2 to 3 years before they start to fail, though some fail sooner. If your battery is still under warranty (usually one year from purchase), contact Ring support with your proof of purchase and they can send a replacement.

If the battery is out of warranty, you can purchase a replacement battery from Ring's website or from retailers like Amazon. Replacement batteries cost between $30 and $50 depending on the model. Before you buy a replacement, confirm which model of Ring doorbell you own — the battery for a Ring Video Doorbell Battery is different from the battery for a Ring Video Doorbell Plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Ring doorbell while the battery is charging?

No, not with the battery removed. The doorbell will not record or send alerts while the battery is out and charging. If you need continuous monitoring, you can purchase a second battery from Ring and keep it installed while the first one charges. Alternatively, some people use a USB power bank to charge the battery while it remains partially inserted, though this is not officially supported by Ring.

Is it bad to leave the battery charging overnight?

No. Ring batteries have built-in protection that stops charging once they reach 100 percent, so leaving them plugged in overnight will not damage them. However, it is not necessary — unplugging them once the light turns green is fine and saves a small amount of electricity.

Why does my battery drain so fast?

Frequent video recording, cold weather, and age all drain batteries faster. If your doorbell is in a busy location or if it is winter, expect to charge every 3 to 6 months instead of 6 to 12 months. If the battery is more than 2 years old, it may have lost capacity and need replacement sooner than newer batteries.

Can I charge the battery with a fast charger?

Yes, but it will not charge faster than 2 amps. Ring batteries have a built-in limit that prevents them from accepting more power than that, so using a 3-amp or 5-amp charger will not speed up the process. Stick with the included adapter or any standard USB charger rated for 1 to 2 amps.

What happens if the battery completely dies?

The doorbell stops recording and will not send alerts until you charge the battery and reinstall it. There is no backup power, so the device is completely offline when the battery is dead. This is why Ring sends notifications when the battery drops to 20 percent — it gives you time to charge before it stops working.