Looking to amp up security and keep an eye on your home even when you’re away? A video doorbell like Ring allows you to see, hear, and speak to visitors at your doorstep from anywhere through your smartphone.
Installing a Ring doorbell is a straightforward DIY project that can be completed in under an hour with basic tools. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions to install your Ring doorbell for enhanced home security and convenience.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of installing a Ring doorbell: Turn off power, remove existing doorbell, connect wires to Ring doorbell, mount to wall, and set up with Ring app.
Gather Tools and Materials
Before you start installing a Ring doorbell for enhanced home security, it is important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here is a list of items you will need:
Ring doorbell
The first item on the list is, of course, the Ring doorbell itself. Make sure you have the model that is compatible with your home and meets your security needs. You can purchase the Ring doorbell from various online retailers or directly from the official Ring website https://ring.com/.
Screwdriver
A screwdriver is essential for installing the Ring doorbell. It will be needed to secure the mounting bracket and attach the doorbell to it. Make sure you have a screwdriver that fits the screws provided with the doorbell.
Drill
In some cases, you may need a drill to create holes for the mounting bracket or to secure the bracket to your wall or door frame. Check the installation instructions provided with your Ring doorbell to determine if a drill is necessary.
Hammer
A hammer may be required to gently tap the screws into place or to secure any additional hardware provided with the Ring doorbell. It is always good to have a hammer on hand for any unexpected needs during the installation process.
Wire strippers
If your Ring doorbell requires wiring, you will need wire strippers to remove the insulation from the wires. This will allow you to connect the doorbell to your existing doorbell wiring or to a power source.
Pencil and level
Lastly, you will need a pencil and a level to ensure that your Ring doorbell is installed straight and level. The pencil will be used to mark the location for the mounting bracket, and the level will help you align the doorbell properly.
By gathering all the necessary tools and materials before you begin the installation process, you can ensure a smooth and efficient installation of your Ring doorbell for enhanced home security.
Turn Off Power and Remove Old Doorbell
Locate circuit breaker and turn off power
Before starting the installation process, it is crucial to ensure your safety by turning off the power. Locate the circuit breaker that controls the doorbell’s electrical supply and switch it off. This step will protect you from any potential electrical hazards while working on the installation.
Remove cover plate and unscrew old doorbell
Once the power is turned off, remove the cover plate of your existing doorbell. This can usually be done by unscrewing a few screws holding it in place. Once the cover plate is removed, you will have access to the inner components of the doorbell.
Disconnect existing wires
To completely remove the old doorbell, you need to disconnect the existing wires. Carefully unscrew the screws holding the wires in place and gently pull them out. It is important to note the color coding of the wires to ensure proper installation of the new doorbell.
For a more detailed step-by-step guide, you can refer to the official website of Ring Doorbell: www.ring.com/support. They provide comprehensive instructions along with visual aids to help you through the process.
Install Ring Doorbell Mount
Determine height and mark with pencil
The first step in installing a Ring Doorbell is to determine the appropriate height for the mount. This will ensure that the camera captures the best possible view of your front door area. To do this, hold the Ring Doorbell mount against the wall near your front door and use a pencil to mark the desired height.
It is recommended to place the mount at a height of about 48 inches from the ground.
Drill pilot holes
Once you have marked the desired height for the mount, the next step is to drill pilot holes. These holes will serve as a guide for the screws that will secure the mount to the wall. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screws provided with your Ring Doorbell to create the pilot holes.
This will help prevent the wall from cracking or splitting when you insert the screws.
Secure mount to wall with screws
After drilling the pilot holes, it’s time to secure the mount to the wall. Place the mount against the wall, aligning it with the pencil marks you made earlier, and insert the screws into the pilot holes. Use a screwdriver or a power drill to tighten the screws until the mount feels secure.
Make sure the mount is level and straight before moving on to the next step.
Attach faceplate to mount
Once the mount is securely attached to the wall, it’s time to attach the faceplate to the mount. The faceplate is the part of the Ring Doorbell that houses the camera and other components. Simply align the faceplate with the mount and push it in until it clicks into place.
You should hear a satisfying click sound, indicating that the faceplate is securely attached.
Now that you have successfully installed the Ring Doorbell mount, you are one step closer to enhancing the security of your home. Keep in mind that following the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines is essential for a successful installation.
For more detailed instructions, you can visit the official Ring website at https://ring.com.
Connect Wires to Ring Doorbell
Strip wires with wire strippers
Before connecting the wires to your Ring Doorbell, you need to strip the ends of the wires using wire strippers. This ensures a clean and secure connection. Simply place the wire between the blades of the wire stripper and squeeze gently, then pull the wire out to remove the insulation.
Be careful not to strip too much of the wire, as this can cause connectivity issues.
Connect existing wires to terminals
Once the wires are stripped, you can connect them to the terminals on your Ring Doorbell. Most doorbells have two wires – one for power and one for the doorbell chime. The terminals on the Ring Doorbell are usually labeled “Power” and “Chime”.
Match the corresponding wires from your existing doorbell system to the appropriate terminals on the Ring Doorbell, and tighten the screws to secure the connection. It’s important to ensure that the wires are securely attached to prevent any loose connections.
Attach Ring doorbell to mount
After the wires are connected, you can attach the Ring Doorbell to its mount. The mount typically comes with screws and anchors for easy installation. Position the Ring Doorbell over the mount and align the screw holes.
Insert the screws through the holes and tighten them until the doorbell is securely attached to the mount. Make sure the doorbell is level and facing the desired direction for optimal functionality.
Following these steps will help you properly connect the wires to your Ring Doorbell and ensure a secure and reliable home security system. For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips, refer to the official Ring Doorbell installation guide available on their website https://www.ring.com/.
Finish Installation and Set Up
Restore power at circuit breaker
Before moving forward with the installation, it is crucial to restore power at the circuit breaker. This step ensures that the Ring Doorbell receives the necessary power supply to function effectively. Locate the circuit breaker panel in your home and switch the corresponding breaker back on.
If you are unsure which breaker controls the doorbell, consult with a professional electrician to avoid any potential hazards.
Download Ring app
Once the power is restored, it’s time to download the Ring app onto your smartphone or tablet. The Ring app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be easily found in the respective app stores. Simply search for “Ring” and download the app onto your device.
This app will serve as the control center for your Ring Doorbell, allowing you to monitor and manage its settings.
Create account and connect Ring doorbell
After downloading the app, open it and create a Ring account. This account will be used to connect your Ring Doorbell to your smartphone or tablet. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account, providing the necessary details.
Once your account is created, follow the app’s prompts to connect your Ring Doorbell to your device. This process typically involves scanning a QR code on the device or entering a unique code provided with the Doorbell.
Adjust settings in app
With your Ring Doorbell successfully connected, you can now adjust its settings within the Ring app. Explore the various options available to customize your doorbell’s functionality. You can adjust motion sensitivity, set up motion zones, enable notifications, and even integrate it with other smart home devices.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the app’s features and make the necessary adjustments to suit your preferences.
It’s worth noting that the Ring website, ring.com, also provides detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips for installing and setting up your Ring Doorbell. If you encounter any difficulties during the installation or need further guidance, referring to the official website can be immensely helpful.
Conclusion
With just a few tools and about an hour of your time, you can install a Ring doorbell for enhanced home security and convenience. The process involves turning off power, removing your old doorbell, mounting the Ring doorbell, connecting the wires, and configuring in the app.
Follow the steps carefully and you’ll soon be able to monitor your front door no matter where you are.
