How to move your Ring Doorbell to a new WiFi network

To change your Ring Doorbell's WiFi network, you need to remove it from the Ring app, reset the device itself, and then add it back to the app while connected to your new network. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. You'll need the WiFi password for your new network and access to the Ring app on your phone.

The reason you can't just tell the doorbell to switch networks from the app is that Ring devices don't store multiple network credentials — they only remember one WiFi network at a time. When you move to a new network, the doorbell can't reach the old one to update its settings, so you have to physically reset it and start over.

Key Takeaways

  • You must remove the doorbell from the Ring app before resetting it, or you won't be able to add it back without contacting Ring support.
  • The physical reset button on your Ring Doorbell is usually on the back or bottom of the device — hold it for 15 seconds until the light flashes.
  • After resetting, the doorbell enters pairing mode for about 10 minutes, during which you can add it to the Ring app and select your new WiFi network.
  • If your doorbell doesn't connect after reset, check that your new WiFi network is 2.4 GHz (not 5 GHz) and that you entered the password correctly.

Remove the doorbell from your Ring app first

Open the Ring app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right. Select Devices, then find your doorbell in the list and tap it. Scroll to the bottom of the device screen and tap Remove Device. The app will ask you to confirm — tap Yes, Remove.

This step is essential. If you reset the doorbell without removing it from the app first, the app will still think it owns that device, and you won't be able to add it back without calling Ring support or factory resetting through their website. Removing it first tells the app to let go of the device so you can pair it fresh.

Physically reset the Ring Doorbell

Locate the reset button on your doorbell. On most Ring Doorbell models, it's a small recessed button on the back or bottom of the device. You may need a straightened paperclip or a ballpoint pen to reach it. Press and hold the reset button for 15 seconds without releasing. The light on the front of the doorbell will flash orange, then turn off, then flash blue — this means the reset is working.

Once the light turns blue and starts flashing, release the button. The doorbell is now in pairing mode and will stay that way for about 10 minutes. If you wait longer than 10 minutes without adding it to the app, you'll need to reset it again.

Add the doorbell back to the Ring app on your new network

Open the Ring app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right. Select Set Up a Device. The app will ask what you're setting up — choose Doorbells, then select your specific doorbell model. The app will search for nearby Ring devices in pairing mode.

When it finds your doorbell, it will show up in the list. Tap it to connect. The app will then ask you to select your WiFi network from the list of available networks and enter the password for that network. Make sure you're entering the password for your new network, not your old one. Tap Connect and wait — this usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.

Troubleshoot if the doorbell won't connect

If the app says it can't connect after you've entered your WiFi password, the most common cause is that your new network is broadcasting on 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz. Ring Doorbells only connect to 2.4 GHz networks. Check your router settings to see what frequency your network is using. If your router supports both, you may need to create a separate 2.4 GHz network or enable a "dual-band" mode that broadcasts both frequencies at once.

The second most common issue is a typo in the WiFi password. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so if you have capital letters or numbers, make sure you're entering them exactly as they appear. If you're not sure of your password, you can usually find it in your router's settings or on a sticker on the back of the router itself.

If the doorbell still won't connect after checking the frequency and password, reset it again and try once more. If it fails a second time, the doorbell may have a hardware issue — contact Ring support with your device serial number (found on the back of the device or in your original receipt).

What to do if you need to move the doorbell to a third network later

The process is exactly the same each time: remove it from the Ring app, reset the physical device, and add it back to the app while connected to the new network. You don't need to do anything special or different on subsequent moves. The doorbell has no memory of previous networks, so each reset is a fresh start.

If you're moving frequently or testing different networks, you can speed up the process by keeping your WiFi password written down or saved in a password manager. The bottleneck is usually typing the password correctly, not the reset itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my doorbell footage when I reset it?

No. Your video history is stored in the Ring cloud, not on the doorbell itself. Resetting the doorbell only changes its WiFi connection — all your recorded footage stays in your Ring account and remains accessible through the app.

Can I reset the doorbell without removing it from the app first?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. If you reset without removing it first, the app will still claim ownership of the device and won't let you add it back. You'd have to contact Ring support to disconnect it remotely, which takes longer than just removing it yourself.

Why won't my doorbell connect to my 5 GHz WiFi network?

Ring Doorbells only support 2.4 GHz WiFi. If your router broadcasts only 5 GHz, you'll need to enable a dual-band mode in your router settings so it broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz at the same time. Check your router's manual or login to its settings page to find this option.

How long does the doorbell stay in pairing mode after I reset it?

About 10 minutes. If you don't add it to the Ring app within that window, the doorbell will exit pairing mode and you'll need to reset it again. Have your phone and WiFi password ready before you start the reset.

What if I forget to remove the doorbell from the app before resetting it?

You can still fix it. Go to the Ring app, find the doorbell in your device list, and tap Remove Device. Then reset the doorbell again and add it back to the app. The app should recognize it as a new device this time.