by The Ring Doorbell is truly one of the best devices in its category. It’s easy to use, smart and it simply makes some things in your life easier.
You’re instantly notified if there’s someone at your front door through Ring’s free smartphone app. It detects motion, so if you have unwanted visitors at any time, you are also notified about that.
It’s got an amazing 1080p HD camera with a 155-degree horizontal and 90-degree vertical field of view. You can check the outside of your front door in real-time wherever you are regardless if it’s day or night because the Ring doorbell also comes with night vision. Not only that, but it even has two-way audio, so you can talk to visitors before opening your door.
So, here’s where the problem lies: the battery. The Ring doorbell comes equipped with a rechargeable battery that’s non-removable on the 2nd generation doorbell. That means that if somehow the battery goes bad, the only option you have is to hardwire your device to a transformer and have it plugged in 24/7.
However, the 3rd generation Ring doorbell has a quick-release rechargeable battery. While you can order a replacement battery if the original one goes bad, you can also hardwire this device.
Why Is My Ring Doorbell Not Charging?
First things first, make sure your Ring doorbell is properly connected to your Wi-Fi. Not only it has to be connected, but the signal strength must be pretty strong for things to work right. Try moving your internet router closer to your doorbell.
After you’re sure that your Ring doorbell has a good connection to the internet, let’s find out why the Ring doorbell isn’t charging.
Check The Health of Your Ring Doorbell
The Ring app allows you to monitor your doorbell’s health and ensure that it’s working correctly. In this blog section, we will discuss how to check your Ring doorbell’s health through the Ring app.
Open the Ring App
The first step is to open the Ring app on your smartphone. The Ring app is available for both Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded from the respective app stores. Once you have downloaded the app, log in using your Ring account credentials.
Select Your Ring Doorbell
After logging in, you will see a list of your Ring devices on the dashboard. Select your Ring doorbell from the list.
Check the Health Status
Once you have selected your Ring doorbell, you will see its live view on your screen. To check the health status of your doorbell, tap on the gear icon located in the top right corner of the screen. This will take you to the device settings page.
On the device settings page, you will see the health status of your Ring doorbell. The health status is indicated by a green, yellow, or red circle next to the health status section. A green circle indicates that your Ring doorbell is healthy, while a yellow or red circle indicates that there is an issue with your device.
Troubleshoot the Issue
If your Ring doorbell has a yellow or red health status, you will need to troubleshoot the issue. Tap on the “Device Health” section to see the specific issue affecting your device. The app will guide you through the steps to troubleshoot the issue.
Check Your USB Cable
The first thing you should check is the USB cable. A faulty USB cable can cause your Ring doorbell to stop charging. To check the USB cable, unplug it from the Ring doorbell and plug it into a USB port on your computer or a wall adapter. If the USB cable is functioning correctly, your Ring doorbell should start charging.
Inspect the USB Cable
If your Ring doorbell still does not charge, inspect the USB cable for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or loose connections. If you find any damage, replace the USB cable with a new one.
Check the USB Port
If the USB cable is not the problem, check the USB port on your Ring doorbell. Sometimes, the USB port can get dirty or become loose, causing charging issues. To clean the USB port, use a toothbrush or a small brush to gently remove any debris or dust. If the USB port is loose, you may need to tighten it or contact Ring’s customer support for assistance.
Make Sure Your Charger Is Functional
Ring recommends using any USB power source such as a computer or a phone charger. If you followed the step above and your cable is working properly, try swapping your charger when trying to charge your Ring doorbell.
I recommend that you use a proper, powerful charger, such as a charger from a newer phone. Charging your device from a computer’s USB port is usually very slow and your Ring doorbell will take a very long time to charge or in some cases will not charge at all.
Factory Reset Your Ring Doorbell
Maybe your device is just confused and it needs a fresh start. Sometimes a software issue might stop your device from charging and a factory reset will put it back on the right track.
To do so, follow the steps written on Ring’s website:
- Undo the security screws and remove your doorbell from its bracket.
- Press and hold the orange setup button on the back of the device for 10 seconds.
- The light on the front of the doorbell will flash for several minutes, when the light turns off the reset is complete.
After the reset is complete, follow the setup steps just as when you first bought your device. After completing the setup, try charging your Ring doorbell again, keeping the steps above in mind.
Why Does the Battery Discharge So Fast?
If you live in a part of the world where temperatures go down pretty heavily, you must keep in mind that low temperatures and batteries are not friends.
The colder the weather, the harder will be for the battery to hold its charge. At around 35°F (2°C) the battery starts struggling to hold its charge and at around 32°F (0°C) the battery may not even charge at all. Anything under 10°F (-12°C) and your device will be rendered useless.
Consider Hardwiring
Hardwiring consists of connecting your Ring doorbell to a transformer, eliminating the need to charge your batteries as your device will be powered constantly. This requires you to have an already existing doorbell wiring. This install should be done by a professional, as it involves working with high voltages.
Your transformer should meet these specs (10-24 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 10-40 VA). You can check if your transformer meets these specs by reading the rating printed on its side. However, keep in mind that you need to cut the power to the transformer through the power breaker before touching anything, just to be safe.
Ring has released a video guide showing you how to hardwire your Ring doorbell step by step. I only recommend following this guide if you really know what you’re doing. If you don’t, hire an electrician as it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Your Ring Doorbell Might Just Be Faulty
If your Ring doorbell still isn’t charging, then maybe it’s just faulty. The USB cable, the charger, and even the battery might be working but the device itself could be defective and that could prevent it from charging.
Contacting Ring Customer Support is the next thing you should do, as they will help you fix your device or you could get a replacement. Ring offers a one-year warranty for their devices and you could be able to get a free replacement.
Conclusion
In most cases, batteries tend to fail and your device will turn off quicker than usual. Usually, a bad battery will also be unable to be charged properly, leading to more and more problems down the line with your device.
The Ring doorbell is no exception here, as harsh conditions and constant usage will deplete the battery health quickly. Typically, Ring doorbell batteries have a lifespan from 6 to 12 months but that depends a lot on how many events happen during the day, such as doorbell rings, motion detection, and more.
