If you just purchased a home that came equipped with a Ring video doorbell, you may be wondering what steps you need to take next. Getting access to an existing Ring and customizing it to your needs doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what to do.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The main things you’ll need to do are remove the previous owner’s access, claim the Ring doorbell for yourself through the app, update the WiFi password, and adjust any settings to your preferences.
Gain Access to the Existing Ring Account
So, you’ve bought a house with a Ring Doorbell installed and now you’re wondering what steps to take next. The first thing you need to do is gain access to the existing Ring account associated with the device.
This will allow you to manage the settings, receive alerts, and have control over the security features of your new smart doorbell.
Ask Previous Homeowner to Remove Device
The easiest way to gain access to the existing Ring account is by asking the previous homeowner to remove the device from their account. They can do this by following a few simple steps. First, they need to open the Ring app on their smartphone and go to the “Devices” section.
From there, they can select the Ring Doorbell and choose the option to remove it from their account. Once they have done this, the device will be ready for you to set it up under your own Ring account.
Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble reaching the previous homeowner, you can try using the Ring Neighborhoods feature to connect with your new neighbors. They might be able to provide you with contact information or even assist you in reaching out to the previous homeowner.
Perform a Factory Reset
If you’re unable to contact the previous homeowner or they are unable to remove the device from their account, you’ll need to perform a factory reset on the Ring Doorbell. This will wipe out all the existing settings and allow you to set it up as a new device under your own Ring account.
To perform a factory reset, you’ll need to locate the small reset button on the back of the Ring Doorbell. Press and hold the button for about 15 seconds until the light on the front of the device starts flashing. This indicates that the reset process has begun.
Once the reset is complete, you can proceed with setting up the Ring Doorbell under your own account.
Important Note: Performing a factory reset will erase all the existing settings and recordings associated with the previous owner’s Ring account. Make sure you have their permission or have exhausted all other options before proceeding with a factory reset.
For detailed instructions on how to set up your Ring Doorbell under your own account, you can visit the official Ring support website here.
Claim the Ring Doorbell
Once you have bought a house with a Ring Doorbell, the first step is to claim ownership of the device. This will allow you to access all the features and functionalities it offers. Here are the steps to claim your Ring Doorbell:
Download Ring App
The Ring Doorbell operates through the Ring app, which allows you to control and monitor your doorbell right from your smartphone. To claim your Ring Doorbell, start by downloading the Ring app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, so you can use it regardless of the type of smartphone you own.
Add Doorbell using QR Code
Once you have the Ring app installed on your smartphone, open it and follow the instructions to set up your Ring Doorbell. One of the easiest ways to add your doorbell to the app is by scanning the QR code that came with the device.
Simply hold your smartphone camera up to the QR code and let the app do the rest. This will automatically add your Ring Doorbell to your account.
Connect to WiFi
After adding your Ring Doorbell to the app, the next step is to connect it to your home’s WiFi network. This will enable you to receive notifications, view live video feed, and access other features remotely.
In the app, go to the settings menu and select the option to connect your Ring Doorbell to WiFi. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
It’s worth noting that the exact steps to claim your Ring Doorbell may vary slightly depending on the specific model you have purchased. Be sure to refer to the instruction manual or the Ring website for detailed instructions tailored to your device.
Customize Your Ring Settings
Once you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell and set up your account, it’s time to customize your Ring settings to make the most out of your new device. Here are a few important settings you should consider adjusting:
Notification Settings
With Ring Doorbell, you have the power to control when and how you receive notifications. By accessing the notification settings, you can choose to receive alerts for various activities, such as when someone rings the doorbell or when motion is detected.
You can even customize the sound and vibration patterns for your notifications. This way, you’ll never miss an important visitor or delivery again!
Motion Detection
One of the key features of the Ring Doorbell is its motion detection capability. By adjusting the motion detection settings, you can fine-tune the sensitivity of the device to ensure you’re only notified when it matters most.
Whether you want to be alerted for all motion events or only those in specific areas, Ring gives you the flexibility to customize these settings according to your preferences.
Privacy Zones
Privacy is important, even when it comes to home security. With Ring’s privacy zone feature, you can define specific areas within the camera’s field of view where you don’t want any motion to be detected or recorded.
This is particularly useful if you have areas in your property that you want to keep private, such as neighboring yards or windows. By creating privacy zones, you can have peace of mind knowing that your Ring Doorbell is respecting your boundaries.
Remember, these settings can be adjusted at any time through the Ring app, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the configuration that works best for you. By customizing your Ring settings, you’ll be able to maximize the functionality and convenience of your new device, making it an invaluable addition to your home security system.
Add Additional Features
After setting up your Ring Doorbell and enjoying the added security it brings to your home, you may be wondering what other features you can add to enhance your smart home experience. Luckily, there are several additional features you can integrate with your Ring Doorbell to make your home even smarter and more secure.
Link to Alexa
One of the first features you should consider adding is linking your Ring Doorbell to Alexa. By doing so, you can utilize voice commands to interact with your doorbell. You can ask Alexa to show you a live feed from your doorbell camera on your Echo Show or Fire TV.
This is especially useful when you are busy cooking in the kitchen or lounging on the couch and don’t want to physically check who is at your door. With just a simple voice command, you can see who is outside without leaving your seat.
Enable Ring Alarm Integration
If you have a Ring Alarm system installed in your home, it’s a great idea to enable the integration between your Ring Doorbell and Ring Alarm. This integration allows the two systems to work together seamlessly.
For example, if the Ring Doorbell detects motion or someone presses the doorbell, it can trigger the Ring Alarm to sound an alert. This provides an additional layer of security and ensures that you are notified of any activity at your front door, even if you are not near your smartphone or other devices.
Pair with Chime Pro
To extend the range of your Ring Doorbell’s Wi-Fi signal and eliminate any dead zones, consider pairing it with a Chime Pro. The Chime Pro acts as a Wi-Fi extender and a doorbell chime. It amplifies the signal from your router, ensuring that you have a strong and reliable connection to your Ring Doorbell.
Additionally, the Chime Pro can be placed anywhere in your home and can play customizable tones whenever someone presses the doorbell or when motion is detected. It’s a convenient and practical accessory to enhance your Ring Doorbell experience.
By adding these additional features to your Ring Doorbell, you can take full advantage of its capabilities and make your home smarter and more secure. Remember to always refer to the official Ring website for detailed instructions on how to integrate these features and get the most out of your Ring Doorbell.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
After buying a house with a Ring Doorbell, it’s important to know how to properly maintain and troubleshoot any potential issues that may arise. Here are some key steps to follow:
Keep Firmware Updated
One of the first things you should do is ensure that your Ring Doorbell’s firmware is up to date. Firmware updates often include important security patches and performance enhancements. To check for updates, open the Ring app on your smartphone and go to the device settings.
If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. Keeping your firmware updated will help ensure that your Ring Doorbell is functioning optimally.
Change Batteries
If your Ring Doorbell is battery-powered, it’s crucial to regularly check and replace the batteries when needed. The frequency at which you’ll need to change the batteries will depend on factors such as usage and weather conditions.
To check the battery level, open the Ring app and go to the device settings. If the battery level is low, consider replacing the batteries to prevent any interruptions in functionality. It’s a good idea to keep spare batteries on hand so that you can easily swap them out when needed.
Troubleshoot Connectivity Issues
If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with your Ring Doorbell, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. Start by ensuring that your Wi-Fi network is working properly and that your internet connection is stable.
You can also try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to the doorbell to improve signal strength. If the issue persists, try resetting your Ring Doorbell by pressing and holding the setup button for 15 seconds. This will reset the device and allow you to set it up again.
If all else fails, contacting Ring’s customer support for further assistance can be helpful.
Remember, proper maintenance and troubleshooting can help ensure that your Ring Doorbell continues to provide you with the security and convenience you expect. Refer to the Ring website’s support section for more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Conclusion
Acquiring a home with a pre-installed Ring doorbell can be a great added bonus, but only if you take the proper steps to claim the device and customize it to your needs. With the previous owner’s access revoked, the doorbell claimed to your own Ring account, and settings adjusted to your preferences, you’ll be able to fully utilize your new security system.
Don’t let an inherited Ring doorbell go to waste! Follow this guide to remove any access by the previous homeowner, link the device to your own account, update settings, and add complementary features like Alexa integration.
With a few simple steps, you can make sure your new Ring is working exactly the way you want it to.
