Ring doorbell batteries take 4 to 8 hours to charge fully, depending on the model and charger you use

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd and 3rd generation) charges in about 4 hours with the included USB cable and power adapter. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro takes roughly 2 to 3 hours because it has a smaller battery. The Ring Video Doorbell Plus and Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 fall in the 4 to 6 hour range. These times assume you're using the official Ring charger — third-party USB cables or lower-wattage power adapters will extend the charging time.

You don't need to remove the doorbell from your door to charge it. Ring doorbells come with a removable battery pack that slides out from the device. You charge the battery separately using the USB cable, then slide it back in. This means your doorbell can stay mounted while you charge the battery indoors.

Charging time also depends on the battery's current level. A completely drained battery takes longer than one that's partially charged. If your battery is at 20 percent, it may take only 2 to 3 hours to reach 100 percent, whereas a dead battery could take the full 4 to 8 hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Ring doorbells charge in 4 to 8 hours with the official USB charger, with Pro models charging faster at 2 to 3 hours.
  • The battery pack slides out of the doorbell, so you can charge it indoors while the device stays mounted on your door.
  • Using a third-party charger or low-wattage power adapter will add several hours to the charging time.
  • A partially drained battery charges faster than a completely dead one, so you don't always need to wait the full time.

Charging times for each Ring doorbell model

Ring makes several doorbell models, and each has a different battery capacity and charging speed. The standard Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation) and Ring Video Doorbell 3 both use the same battery and charger, so they take about 4 hours to charge fully. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro has a smaller battery and charges in 2 to 3 hours. The newer Ring Video Doorbell Plus takes 4 to 6 hours, and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 also charges in 4 to 6 hours.

If you have an older Ring Video Doorbell (1st generation), charging takes about 3 to 4 hours. Ring no longer sells this model, but the charger and battery are still available as replacements if you own one.

The difference in charging speed comes down to battery size and the charger's wattage. Pro models have smaller batteries but also use chargers with higher wattage output, which is why they charge faster overall. Standard models have larger batteries but lower-wattage chargers, so the process takes longer.

What charger to use and how to charge correctly

Ring includes a USB charging cable and power adapter with every doorbell. The power adapter is typically a 5-watt or higher output. To charge your battery, plug the power adapter into a wall outlet, connect the USB cable, and insert the battery into the charging port. The battery has a specific orientation — the metal contacts on the battery must align with the metal contacts in the charger. You'll feel a slight click when it's seated correctly.

The battery will show a red light while charging and turn green when fully charged. Some models display a percentage on the Ring app, so you can check the battery level from your phone without unplugging it. Leave the battery plugged in until the light turns green or the app shows 100 percent.

Using a third-party USB charger is possible but not recommended by Ring. If you use a charger with lower wattage — such as a 1-amp phone charger instead of the 2-amp Ring charger — the battery will charge much more slowly, potentially taking 10 to 12 hours or longer. Chargers with higher wattage won't damage the battery but won't speed up charging either, because the battery itself limits how fast it can accept power.

How often you need to charge the battery

How often you charge depends on how much activity your doorbell sees. A doorbell in a quiet neighborhood with few visitors and deliveries might go 3 to 6 months between charges. A busy doorbell that records dozens of motion events per day could need charging every 2 to 3 months. Cold weather also drains batteries faster, so you may need to charge more frequently in winter.

Ring's app will notify you when the battery drops below 20 percent. At that point, you have a few weeks before the battery runs out completely, so you don't need to charge immediately. However, if the battery reaches 0 percent, the doorbell stops recording and won't send notifications until you charge it again.

If you want to avoid charging altogether, you can hardwire your Ring doorbell to your home's existing doorbell wiring. This keeps the battery topped up automatically and means you never have to remove it to charge. Hardwiring requires some electrical work, and not all homes have compatible wiring, so check Ring's compatibility guide first.

Troubleshooting slow or failed charging

If your battery isn't charging or is charging very slowly, start by checking the metal contacts on both the battery and the charger. Dirt, dust, or corrosion can prevent a good connection. Wipe both sets of contacts gently with a dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth if there's visible buildup. Let the battery dry completely before trying again.

Make sure you're using the correct charger for your model. Ring sells different chargers for different doorbell versions, and using the wrong one can result in slow or failed charging. Check your doorbell's model number on the back of the device or in the Ring app under device settings, then verify you have the matching charger.

If the battery still won't charge after cleaning the contacts and confirming the correct charger, the battery itself may be defective. Ring batteries are covered under the device's warranty, which is typically one year from purchase. Contact Ring support with your proof of purchase, and they can send you a replacement battery.

Charging in cold weather

Ring batteries charge more slowly in cold temperatures, and some may not charge at all below freezing. If you're trying to charge a battery that's been outside in winter, bring it indoors to room temperature first. This typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. Once the battery is warm, it should charge normally.

Cold weather also reduces how long a fully charged battery lasts. A battery that normally lasts 3 months might only last 6 to 8 weeks in winter because the cold slows the chemical reactions inside the battery. This is normal and not a sign of a defective battery. The battery will return to normal performance once temperatures warm up.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The battery must be removed from the doorbell to charge it, so the doorbell won't record or send notifications while you're charging the battery. The charging process typically takes 4 to 8 hours, so plan to charge when you don't need the doorbell actively monitoring.

What happens if I charge the battery overnight?

Leaving the battery on the charger overnight is safe. Once the battery reaches 100 percent, it stops accepting power, so overcharging isn't possible. The light will turn green and stay green, indicating a full charge. You can leave it plugged in without damaging the battery.

Why is my battery draining so fast?

High motion activity, frequent video recording, and cold weather all drain batteries faster. If your doorbell is in a high-traffic area or near a street where motion triggers constantly, the battery will deplete quicker. Lowering motion sensitivity in the Ring app or adjusting the motion zones can help extend battery life between charges.

Do I need to fully drain the battery before charging it?

No. Ring batteries use lithium technology and don't require a full drain before recharging. You can charge the battery at any level, even if it's only at 50 percent. Charging whenever it's convenient is fine and won't harm the battery.

Can I buy an extra battery so I always have a charged one ready?

Yes. Ring sells replacement batteries separately for most doorbell models. Having a spare battery means you can swap out the drained one and charge the other indoors without any downtime. This is useful if you want continuous monitoring and don't want to wait 4 to 8 hours for a charge.