Installing a wired Ring Doorbell is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following these instructions carefully, you can ensure that your doorbell is installed correctly and is functioning properly. Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials, including a screwdriver, drill, wire strippers, and electrical tape. Additionally, make sure that you have a stable internet connection and a compatible mobile device to set up the doorbell.
The first step is to choose a suitable location for your doorbell. The ideal location is near your front door, where it will be easily accessible to visitors and delivery drivers. Once you have selected a location, use a drill to create a hole for the doorbell wires. Then, feed the wires through the hole and connect them to the doorbell terminals. Be sure to tighten the screws securely to ensure a good connection.
Next, mount the doorbell to the wall using the provided screws. Once the doorbell is mounted, use a screwdriver to secure the faceplate. Finally, download the Ring app on your mobile device and follow the instructions to set up the doorbell. Once the setup is complete, your doorbell will be ready to use. You can now receive notifications when someone presses the doorbell button, and you can use the app to communicate with visitors from anywhere in the world.
Selecting the Ideal Location
Choosing the perfect location for your wired Ring Doorbell is crucial for optimal performance and security. Consider the following factors when selecting the ideal spot:
Field of View
Ensure that the camera’s field of view covers the desired area, including the entrance, porch, and any potential blind spots. Avoid placing the doorbell too high or low, as it may obstruct the camera’s vision or capture unwanted footage.
Power Supply
Select a location near an existing doorbell wiring system or an electrical outlet. The doorbell requires a transformer that plugs into an outlet or connects directly to the doorbell wiring. Ensure that the transformer is compatible with the doorbell model and that there is sufficient power available.
Mounting Surface
The doorbell can be mounted on flat surfaces such as door frames, walls, or siding. Check that the mounting surface is structurally sound and can support the weight of the doorbell. Consider protecting the doorbell from direct sunlight by choosing a shaded area to prevent overheating.
Existing Infrastructure
Take into account any existing infrastructure that may interfere with the doorbell’s installation or operation. This includes pipes, wires, or other objects that could block the camera’s view or interfere with the doorbell’s connection to the Wi-Fi network.
Convenience and Accessibility
Choose a location that is easily accessible for visitors and maintenance. The doorbell should be placed at a comfortable height for both children and adults to press the button. Avoid placing the doorbell in an area that receives heavy foot traffic or is susceptible to vandalism.
Acquiring the Necessary Equipment
To embark on the installation process, you’ll need to ensure you possess all the requisite components. Here’s an extensive list of the essential tools and materials:
Hardware Components:
- Wired Ring Video Doorbell
- Mounting bracket
- Screws for mounting bracket and Ring Doorbell
- Wire nuts (if connecting to existing wires)
Tools:
- Drill
- Screwdriver (Phillips head)
- Wire strippers
- Level (optional but recommended)
Required Wires:
The type of wires you’ll need depends on whether you’re installing the Ring Doorbell to an existing doorbell system or not. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
| Existing Doorbell System | Required Wires |
|---|---|
| Yes | Use existing wires (typically 16-22 AWG) |
| No | New wires: 16-22 AWG, low-voltage doorbell transformer (8-24 VAC, at least 10VA) |
Additional Considerations:
In addition to the aforementioned items, you may also need the following, depending on your specific installation needs:
- Chime Kit (if your existing doorbell doesn’t have one)
- Angle Mount (for optimal positioning of the Ring Doorbell)
- Weatherproof sealant (for added protection against the elements)
Routing the Wires through the Wall
Once you’ve identified the location of your doorbell and transformer, it’s time to route the wires through the wall. This will require drilling a hole big enough to fit the wires through.
Step 1: Drill a hole in the wall.
- Use a drill bit that is slightly larger than the diameter of the wires.
- Drill the hole where you want the wires to enter the wall.
Step 2: Push the wires through the hole.
- Gently push the wires through the hole until they reach the other side.
- If the wires are too long, you can trim them to the desired length.
Step 3: Seal the hole.
- Use caulk or expanding foam to seal the hole around the wires.
- This will help keep the wires from moving around and will also prevent drafts from entering your home.
Step 4: Test the wires.
- Once the wires are sealed in place, test them to make sure they’re working properly.
- You can do this by connecting the wires to a doorbell or other electrical device.
Connecting the Transformer
The next step is connecting the doorbell to your home’s electrical system. Gather the following tools: a voltage tester, screwdriver set, wire strippers, wire cutters, and electrical tape. To connect the transformer:
- Find a suitable power source. Look for a nearby outlet with a voltage between 16V and 24V. Ensure the outlet has a stable power supply.
- Turn off the power. Flip the breaker to cut the electricity supply to the circuit connected to the outlet.
- Connect the wires. Strip about 1/2 inch of the insulation from the ends of the transformer wires. Connect the black wire to the brass terminal and the white wire to the silver terminal on the transformer.
-
Mount the transformer.
Method Description Surface Mount Screw the transformer to a flat surface, such as a wall or electrical box. Recessed Mount Cut a hole in the drywall or exterior wall to fit the transformer. Secure it with screws or expanding anchors. - Wrap the electrical tape. Cover the exposed wire connections with electrical tape to ensure a secure and insulated connection.
- Turn on the power. Restore electricity to the circuit and check if the transformer is functioning correctly.
Mounting the Chime Unit
The second component of your Ring doorbell system is the chime unit. This device is responsible for sounding an audible alert when someone rings the doorbell. Mounting the chime unit is relatively simple and can be done in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Choose a Location
The first step is to choose a location for the chime unit. The ideal location is near the door so that the doorbell sound can be easily heard. The chime unit can be mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop.
Step 2: Mount the Wall Plate
If you are mounting the chime unit on a wall, you will need to first mount the wall plate. The wall plate comes with two mounting screws. Use a screwdriver to drive the screws into the wall. Ensure the wall plate is level.
Step 3: Connect the Wires
Once the wall plate is mounted, you need to connect the wires to the chime unit. There are two pairs of wires that need to be connected: the power wires and the doorbell wires. The power wires are typically red and black, while the doorbell wires are typically white and yellow.
| Wire Color | Terminal |
|---|---|
| Red | Power + |
| Black | Power – |
| White | Doorbell + |
| Yellow | Doorbell – |
Step 4: Secure the Chime Unit
Once the wires are connected, you can secure the chime unit to the wall plate. Simply snap the chime unit into place.
Step 5: Test the Chime Unit
Once the chime unit is mounted, you can test it to ensure it is working properly. To do this, simply press the button on the doorbell. The chime unit should sound.
Installing the Doorbell Unit
After preparing the wiring, you can now proceed with installing the doorbell unit. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Connect the Wires to the Quick-Connect Terminals
Loosen the screws on the quick-connect terminals and insert the wire ends. Ensure that the wires are fully inserted and tighten the screws.
2. Mount the Backplate
Identify the mounting holes on the backplate and align them with the doorbell wires. Insert the screws and tighten them to secure the backplate. Ensure that the backplate is flush against the wall or door frame.
3. Snap the Doorbell Unit onto the Backplate
Align the doorbell unit with the backplate and push it down until it snaps into place. Check if it is securely fastened.
4. Level the Doorbell Unit (Optional)
If necessary, use a level to check if the doorbell unit is level. Adjust the screws on the backplate accordingly to level it.
5. Install the Cover Plate
Align the cover plate with the doorbell unit and push it down until it snaps into place. Ensure that the cover plate is securely fastened.
6. Activate and Test the Doorbell
Download the Ring app on your smartphone and follow the instructions to activate and set up the doorbell. Check if the doorbell is working correctly by pressing the button and listening for the chime. Additionally, you can test the motion detection and video streaming features to ensure proper functionality.
| Required Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
| Drill | Doorbell unit |
| Screwdriver | Backplate |
| Level (optional) | Cover plate |
Connecting the Power Supply
To provide your wired Ring Doorbell with a continuous power source, you’ll need to connect it to your home’s electrical system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing this process:
1. Determine Power Source
Identify the existing doorbell wires or transformer that will supply power to your Ring Doorbell. Ensure the transformer meets the required voltage and wattage specifications for your device.
2. Disconnect Existing Doorbell
Turn off the power to your doorbell at the breaker or fuse box. Remove the existing doorbell button and the wires connected to it.
3. Connect Transformer Wires
Connect the red wire from the Ring Doorbell to the terminal on the transformer labeled “Front” or “Doorbell.” Connect the black wire from the Ring Doorbell to the terminal labeled “Common” or “COM.” Secure the wires tightly with the included wire nuts.
4. Connect Doorbell Wires
Run the doorbell wires from the Ring Doorbell to the door chime. Connect the red wire to the terminal labeled “Front” or “Doorbell.” Connect the black wire to the terminal labeled “Common” or “COM.”
5. Install Doorbell
Mount the Ring Doorbell over the wires and secure it to the wall or doorframe using the provided screws and anchors.
6. Power On and Test
Turn on the power at the breaker or fuse box. Press the button on the Ring Doorbell and listen for the chime to confirm the connection and functionality.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with the power connection, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Ring Doorbell Not Ringing | – Verify proper wire connections at the transformer and doorbell terminals. – Check for damaged wires or loose connections. – Ensure the transformer is providing sufficient voltage and wattage. – Reset the Ring Doorbell by holding the reset button for 20 seconds. |
| Chime Not Chiming | – Verify the chime is plugged in and turned on. – Check the chime terminals for loose connections or corrosion. – Replace the chime if necessary. |
Setting Up the App
Begin by downloading the Ring app onto your smartphone or tablet. Here are the steps for setting up the app:
1. Create an account using an email address and a password.
2. Provide your address and contact information.
3. Select your Ring device and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
4. Choose a name for your doorbell.
5. Enable notifications to receive alerts when someone rings your doorbell or triggers the motion sensor.
6. Adjust the motion detection settings to customize the sensitivity and range of motion detection.
7. Set up privacy zones to exclude certain areas from motion detection.
8. Customize the doorbell’s chime settings:
- Select a chime tone from a variety of options.
- Adjust the volume of the chime.
- Set the chime to play on your phone’s speaker or a compatible Echo device.
- Create customized chimes for different people or events.
- Enable night mode to automatically adjust the chime volume at night.
Testing and Troubleshooting
Once you have installed your wired Ring Doorbell, it’s important to test it to make sure it’s working properly. Here are the steps on how to test your Ring Doorbell:
- Press the doorbell button on the front of the device.
- You should hear a chime sound from the Ring Doorbell chime kit.
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- You should see a live video feed from the Ring Doorbell in the app.
- Try talking into the microphone on the Ring Doorbell.
- You should hear your voice coming out of the speaker on the Ring Doorbell.
- Try pressing the motion detection button on the Ring Doorbell.
- You should see a notification in the Ring app when motion is detected.
- If you are having any problems with your Ring Doorbell, you can refer to the following troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| I can’t hear the chime sound from the Ring Doorbell chime kit. | Check to make sure that the chime kit is plugged into an outlet and that the volume is turned up. |
| I can’t see a live video feed from the Ring Doorbell in the app. | Check to make sure that your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Ring Doorbell. |
| I can’t hear my voice coming out of the speaker on the Ring Doorbell. | Check to make sure that the microphone on the Ring Doorbell is not blocked. |
| I’m not getting notifications in the Ring app when motion is detected. | Check to make sure that the motion detection settings are turned on in the Ring app. |
If you are still having problems with your Ring Doorbell, you can contact Ring customer support for assistance.
Finalizing the Installation
1. Restore Power to Your Doorbell
Turn the breaker back on or replace the fuse to restore power to your doorbell.
2. Verify the Doorbell’s Operation
Press the doorbell button and listen for the chime inside your home. You should also see the LED light on the doorbell illuminate.
3. Install the Faceplate
Align the faceplate over the doorbell and secure it with the included screws. Make sure the faceplate is flush against the wall.
4. Insert the Battery Pack (Optional)
If you want to use the doorbell even when your home loses power, insert the battery pack into the designated slot inside the doorbell.
5. Connect the Wires to the Ring Doorbell
Using a screwdriver, connect the wires from your existing doorbell to the terminals on the Ring Doorbell. Refer to the following table for proper wiring:
| Terminal | Wire Color |
|---|---|
| FRNT | Front Door Wired Chime |
| TRNS | Transformer |
| GND | Ground |
6. Secure the Wires
Use the provided wire nuts to secure the wires. Twist the wires together and then screw on the wire nut until it is tight.
7. Tuck the Wires
Push the wires back into the electrical box and use the included wire clips to hold them in place.
8. Level the Doorbell (Optional)
If needed, use the included leveling tool to adjust the angle of the doorbell. This will ensure that the camera has a clear view of your entryway.
9. Install the Security Screw
Insert the provided security screw into the hole on the bottom of the doorbell and tighten it using the screwdriver.
10. Test the Doorbell Again
Press the doorbell button again to verify that it is working properly. You should hear the chime inside your home and see the live video feed on the Ring app.
How to Install Wired Ring Doorbell
Overview
Installing a wired Ring Doorbell is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. Before beginning, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials, including a screwdriver, drill, and wire strippers. Determine the location where you want to install your doorbell and make sure it has a stable power supply.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Shut off power to the doorbell circuit: Turn off the circuit breaker or fuse that powers the doorbell.
- Disconnect the existing doorbell: Remove the wires from the existing doorbell terminals and disconnect it.
- Install the backplate: Mark the location of the mounting holes on the wall and drill pilot holes. Insert the included screws and attach the backplate.
- Connect the wires to the Ring Doorbell: Strip the ends of the wires and connect them to the corresponding terminals on the Ring Doorbell. Tighten the screws to secure the connections.
- Mount the Ring Doorbell to the backplate: Align the Ring Doorbell with the backplate and slide it into place. Tighten the screw to secure it.
- Restore power to the doorbell circuit: Turn the circuit breaker or fuse back on to restore power.
- Test the Ring Doorbell: Press the button on the front of the Ring Doorbell and wait for the chime to sound. If it doesn’t, check the wiring and ensure it is secure.
People Also Ask
How do I connect my Ring Doorbell to Wi-Fi?
Once the Ring Doorbell is installed, you need to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Open the Ring app on your smartphone, create an account, and follow the prompts to add the doorbell. The app will guide you through the process of connecting to Wi-Fi.
Can I install the Ring Doorbell without a doorbell transformer?
No, the Ring Doorbell requires an existing doorbell transformer to provide power. If you don’t have a transformer, you can purchase one separately or contact an electrician to install one for you.
What if my existing wires are not long enough?
If the existing wires are too short to reach the Ring Doorbell, you can use wire extenders to extend the length. Make sure the extenders are rated for outdoor use and have the correct gauge.
