The Ring Doorbell battery charges outside your doorbell, not inside it
The Ring Doorbell battery is a removable rechargeable pack that slides out from the front of your doorbell. You cannot charge it while it sits in the doorbell itself. Instead, you remove the battery, plug it into a USB charger using the cable that came with your doorbell, and wait for the light indicator to show it is fully charged — usually two to four hours depending on how depleted it was.
The battery looks like a rectangular black or white block about the size of a deck of cards. It has metal contacts on one end and a small light on the front that turns red while charging and green when full. Once charged, you slide it back into the doorbell from the front, and it clicks into place.
Most people do not realize the battery comes out because Ring does not make this obvious in the setup instructions. The doorbell will not work without the battery installed, and the battery will not charge while installed, so this step is essential to keeping your doorbell running.
Key Takeaways
- Remove the battery by gently pulling the front faceplate of your doorbell away from the wall, then sliding the battery block out from the bottom.
- Plug the battery into any standard USB charger using the micro-USB cable that came in your Ring box, or any compatible micro-USB cable.
- The battery light turns red while charging and green when it reaches full charge, which takes two to four hours from empty.
- Slide the charged battery back into the doorbell from the front until you hear or feel it click, then test the doorbell to confirm it powers on.
- If your doorbell stops responding or shows a low battery warning in the Ring app, charge the battery when ready to avoid losing video and alerts.
How to remove the battery from your Ring Doorbell
Start by looking at the front of your doorbell. You will see a faceplate — the visible part that sticks out from your door frame. This faceplate is not permanently attached. Grip it gently on both sides and pull it straight toward you. It will come away from the wall, revealing the battery block behind it.
Once the faceplate is loose, look at the bottom of the battery. You will see a small notch or tab. Push up on this tab with your thumb while holding the faceplate steady with your other hand. The battery will slide downward and out of the doorbell. Do not force it — if it does not slide smoothly, you may be pulling the faceplate at an angle. Straighten it and try again.
Set the faceplate aside somewhere safe. You will need to reattach it after charging. The battery is now free to charge.
Charging the battery with the correct cable and power source
Look in your Ring box for a micro-USB cable. This is a small flat cable with a rectangular connector on one end. One end plugs into the battery, and the other end plugs into a power adapter. If you cannot find the original cable, any micro-USB cable will work — these are standard and come with many devices like older Android phones or wireless speakers.
Plug the micro-USB connector into the port on the battery. The port is on the side or back of the battery block, and the connector will only fit one way. Push it in until you feel it seat firmly. Then plug the other end of the cable into a USB power adapter — the kind you use to charge a phone. Any adapter rated for at least 1 amp will work. Plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
Within a few seconds, a light on the front of the battery will turn red. This means charging has started. Leave the battery plugged in until the light turns solid green, which signals a full charge. This usually takes two to four hours. If you are charging from completely empty, it may take closer to four hours. If the battery was only partially drained, it may charge in two hours.
Understanding the battery light indicator
The small light on the front of the battery tells you the charging status. A red light means the battery is actively charging. A green light means the battery is fully charged and ready to use. If the light does not turn on at all, check that the micro-USB cable is pushed in firmly on both ends and that the power adapter is plugged into a working outlet.
Some Ring batteries have a light that blinks red instead of staying solid red. This also means charging is in progress — blinking and solid red both indicate the same thing. Once you see a solid green light, the battery is done charging and you can unplug it.
If the light stays red for longer than four hours, the battery may be defective or the charger may not be providing enough power. Unplug it and try a different USB power adapter, or contact Ring support if the problem continues.
Reinstalling the battery in your doorbell
Once the battery is fully charged, pick up the faceplate you set aside earlier. Hold it in one hand. With your other hand, align the charged battery with the slot at the top of the doorbell housing — the part still mounted on your wall. The battery should slide in from the top or front, depending on your Ring model.
Push the battery in gently until you feel it click or seat into place. You will know it is fully installed when it stops moving and feels snug. Then press the faceplate back onto the doorbell. It should snap back into its original position with a click. If it does not snap, the battery may not be fully seated — remove the faceplate and push the battery in further.
Once the faceplate is back in place, open the Ring app on your phone and check the battery status. It should show 100 percent or "full." If it shows a lower percentage, wait a few minutes for the app to update. If it still shows low after five minutes, remove the battery and reinstall it to may support the connection is find.
What to do if your battery drains quickly
If you find yourself charging the battery more often than once every few months, something is using power faster than normal. The most common cause is that your doorbell is recording video constantly instead of only when motion is detected. Check the Ring app settings and make sure motion detection is turned on and continuous recording is turned off.
Another cause is cold weather. Ring batteries drain faster in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to charge more frequently during winter. This is normal and does not mean the battery is failing.
If the battery drains completely within a few days even with motion detection on, the battery itself may be wearing out. Ring batteries typically last two to three years before they stop holding a charge as well. If yours is older than that, you may need to order a replacement battery from Ring.
Troubleshooting when the battery will not charge
If you plug in the battery and the light does not turn red, first check the cable. Inspect both ends for bent pins or damage. If the cable looks damaged, try a different micro-USB cable. Many cables fail before the battery does.
Next, test the power outlet. Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to confirm it has power. If the outlet is dead, try a different one. If the outlet works but the battery still will not charge, try a different USB power adapter. Some adapters do not provide enough current, especially older ones rated below 1 amp.
If you have tried three different cables and two different power adapters and the battery still will not charge, the battery itself may be defective. Contact Ring support with your doorbell model number and the date you purchased it. They can send you a replacement battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge the battery while it is still in the doorbell?
No. The Ring Doorbell battery is designed to be removed for charging. There is no way to charge it while installed. If you try to charge it in place, the USB cable will not reach or fit properly. You must remove it first.
How often do I need to charge the Ring Doorbell battery?
Most people charge their Ring Doorbell battery once every two to three months, depending on how much motion activity your doorbell detects. If your doorbell is in a high-traffic area, you may charge more often. If it is in a quiet location, you may go longer between charges. The Ring app will notify you when the battery is low.
What if I lose the USB cable that came with my Ring?
Any standard micro-USB cable will work. These cables are inexpensive and widely available at electronics stores, online retailers, and even many grocery stores. You do not need a Ring-branded cable — any micro-USB cable will charge the battery the same way.
Is it bad to leave the battery charging overnight?
No. Once the battery reaches full charge and the light turns green, it stops charging automatically. Leaving it plugged in overnight will not damage the battery or cause it to overcharge. However, unplugging it once it is full will save a small amount of electricity.
Why does my battery drain so fast in winter?
Cold temperatures reduce how efficiently rechargeable batteries work. Below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, your Ring battery will drain faster and may charge more slowly. This is temporary and normal. Once temperatures warm up, the battery will return to its normal drain rate. You do not need to do anything — just charge it more often during cold months.