The Ring Doorbell ($200) looks just like any other doorbell for the most part, but comes with a built-in video camera so you can see who’s at the door — from your smartphone — even when you’re not at home. Here’s how to quickly and easily install and set up a doorbell.
A ring doorbell is not like a regular doorbell — it doesn’t need to be connected to an existing system (although it can be). It’s a battery-powered device that can work independently and wirelessly, and you can even get multiple Wi-Fi connected bells (sold separately) that can be connected throughout your home. If you’re not connecting it to an existing system, you’ll need a $30 doorbell and bell so you can hear the bell when it rings.
It’s also fairly easy to install, as it simply involves attaching a bracket to the outside wall of your home. Let’s start.
Step One: Set Up Your Doorbell Using the App
Unlike most other devices that require you to install first and then install an app, the Ring Ring Doorbell is the other way around. First you need to set up the doorbell using the app, which is available for iOS and Android.
Once the app is installed, open it and click «Set Up Device».
From there, you will begin the Ring account creation process. Start by entering your first and last name and click Continue.
On the next screen, enter your email address and create a password for your account. Click «Continue» when you’re done.
After that, select the Ring device you are setting up. We are setting up Ring Video Doorbell, so we will select «Video Doorbell» from the list.
Give your doorbell ring a name by choosing a pre-made one or by clicking «Custom» to enter your own name.
Next, the Ring will need your location. This is necessary in order to get an accurate timestamp for the videos it records when motion is detected or the doorbell rings. Confirm your location and click Continue.
Take your Ring Ring device and press the orange button on the back of the device. Then click «Continue» in the app. The light around the doorbell will begin to rotate.
Then, if you are using an iPhone, you need to open the «Settings» app, tap «Wi-Fi» and connect to «Ring-xxxxxx». (If you are using Android, you can skip this step.)
Once you’re connected, return to the Ring app. Select your home’s Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password.
Your doorbell will take a few minutes to connect to the Wi-Fi network in your home.
Once completed, click Continue.
On the next screen, you can add other family members and share it with them by entering their email address to send them an invitation to join. Otherwise, click «Skip this step».
You’ll get a free 30-day trial of Ring’s cloud-based recording service, which saves any recording for up to six months. After a free trial, it only costs $3/month or $30/year. Otherwise, the doorbell will only allow live view of the camera.
To continue, click «Learn More» at the bottom or «Close» at the top right.
After that, your doorbell will be fully configured and you will be taken to the main screen where all your entries will appear. You can filter them by showing only recorded events when someone pressed the doorbell button or when motion was detected.
Clicking on the Ring Doorbell device will display various settings and options at the top that you can play with to set up your Ring Doorbell, including setting alerts, adding shared users, and changing motion settings.
Step two: install the doorbell ring
Once the doorbell is fully set up, you can start using it to receive alerts and record videos. However, it still needs to be installed outside next to your front door. Fortunately, this process is quite simple and does not require any wiring (if you do not want to).
Start by removing the orange stickers covering the mounting plate.
Then take the mounting plate and hold it on the wall where you want your doorbell to go. Use the included leveler to level it.
From there, drill four test holes with a drill that will hold four screws. Be sure to keep the mounting plate still and try not to move it while you do this. If you have a concrete or brick wall, use the included drill to make holes for the pilots and hammer in the included anchors before driving in the screws. If you just have a wood or vinyl case, just use a small drill if you have one.
Attach the plate to the wall with the included screws using your drill. Be sure to remove the orange leveler from the mounting plate.
Then take the Ring Doorbell device and align it with the mounting plate. The small hooks on the plate (pictured below) are for fixing the device, so place the Ring Doorbell on the mounting plate and press down to lock the device in place.
After that, take the included Torx screwdriver and insert the two security screws on the bottom of the device. This prevents people from simply removing the «Doorbell» block. Of course, all they need is a Torx screwdriver, but luckily Ring will replace any stolen Ring doorbell for free.
After that you are good to go and you can start using your doorbell.
In addition, you can install a Doorbell Ringer by taking the wiring from your traditional doorbell and connecting it to the Ring so that your existing doorbell will sound every time the button is pressed. The instructions will walk you through the process, but most likely you’ll probably have to reroute those wires in order to hook them up to the ring doorbell, which isn’t exactly easy, but it’s at least an option.
Step Three: Install and Customize a Ringtone (Optional)
If you choose not to take your existing doorbell wires and connect them to a ring doorbell, you can buy a $30 chime that plugs into any outlet and makes a ringing sound every time the doorbell is pressed. Without it, you’d just get notifications on your phone — so you’ll probably want Chime.
To set this up, the process is very similar to ringing the doorbell itself. Start by opening the Call app on your phone and tap the Add device button at the top.
Select «Chime» from the list.
If you haven’t already done so, plug the Chime into any outlet and then click Continue.
Give Chime a name by selecting a pre-made one or by clicking «Custom» to enter your own name.
Next, the Ring will need your location. Confirm your location and click Continue.
After that, wait until the Chime LED starts flashing slowly. When it does, it’s ready to be set up. Click «Continue» on the app.
Then, if you’re connected to an iPhone, you need to temporarily close the Ring app and open the Settings app, tap «Wi-Fi» and connect to «Chime-xxxxxx». (If you are using Android, you can skip this step.)
Once you’ve done that, return to the Ring app and it will start looking for Wi-Fi networks to connect to Chime.
Click on your home’s Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Click Continue.
Chime will take a few minutes to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
On the next screen, you’ll set up when you want the Chime to turn off. «Call Alerts» is when the doorbell is pressed and «Motion Alerts» is when the doorbell detects movement even when the doorbell is not pressed. With one or both selected, click Done in the top right corner.
Click «Continue» at the bottom.
Chime will be fully configured and will appear at the top of the main screen in the Ring app. Clicking on it will show the settings for the device.
From here, you can adjust the volume of the Chime and click «Test Sound» to see how loud it will be. By clicking on «Associated doorbells», you can change the notification settings.
Once it’s all set, you’re ready to rock — welcome to the future of doorbells.
