Are you tired of dealing with a Ring doorbell that refuses to connect to WiFi when you’re not home? You’re not alone. One of the most common issues Ring users face is reconnecting their device to WiFi remotely. In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons behind this problem and provide you with step-by-step solutions to get your Ring doorbell up and running again, even when you’re not physically present.
Why Does My Ring Doorbell Keep Losing WiFi Connection?
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why your Ring doorbell might be losing its WiFi connection in the first place. Here are some common reasons:
Improper Installation
One of the most common mistakes people make when installing their Ring doorbell is not ensuring it’s installed in a spot with a strong WiFi signal. If your doorbell is installed in an area with weak signal strength, it can lead to frequent disconnections.
Router Issues
Your router might be the culprit behind your Ring doorbell’s WiFi woes. Router issues can range from outdated firmware to overcrowding, causing your device to drop its WiFi connection.
Physical Obstructions
Physical obstructions such as walls, furniture, or even trees can block the WiFi signal, making it difficult for your Ring doorbell to maintain a stable connection.
Software Issues
Sometimes, software glitches or bugs can cause your Ring doorbell to lose its WiFi connection. These issues are usually resolved with a simple reboot or a firmware update.
Reconnecting Your Ring Doorbell to WiFi Remotely
Now that we’ve covered some of the common reasons behind your Ring doorbell’s WiFi disconnections, let’s move on to the solutions. Here are some methods to reconnect your Ring doorbell to WiFi when you’re not home:
Method 1: Restart Your Router and Ring Doorbell
The first step to resolving any technical issue is to restart the devices. Ask a family member or a trusted neighbor to restart your router and then your Ring doorbell. This simple process can often resolve connectivity issues.
Important: Make sure your router is restarted first, followed by your Ring doorbell. This sequence is crucial to ensure your doorbell reconnects to the router’s WiFi network.
Method 2: Use the Ring App to Reconnect
The Ring app allows you to reconnect your doorbell to WiFi remotely. Here’s how:
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines on the top left corner to access the menu.
- Select “Devices” and then choose the doorbell you want to reconnect.
- Tap on “Device Settings” and then “WiFi Settings.”
- Select “Reconnect to WiFi” and follow the prompts.
Method 3: Use a WiFi Range Extender
If you have a large home or a lot of physical obstructions, a WiFi range extender can help boost the signal strength to your Ring doorbell. This can improve the overall connectivity and reduce the likelihood of disconnections.
Tip: Place the WiFi range extender in an area where the signal strength is strong, and it can reach your Ring doorbell.
Method 4: Update Your Router’s Firmware
Outdated router firmware can cause connectivity issues with your Ring doorbell. Check with your internet service provider to see if there are any firmware updates available for your router. Updating your router’s firmware can resolve connectivity issues and improve overall performance.
Method 5: Move Your Router or Ring Doorbell
If you’ve tried all the above methods and your Ring doorbell still refuses to connect to WiFi, it might be time to reevaluate your device’s placement. Try moving your router to a more central location or relocating your Ring doorbell to an area with a stronger WiFi signal.
Additional Tips to Prevent WiFi Disconnections
To minimize the likelihood of your Ring doorbell losing its WiFi connection in the future, follow these additional tips:
Regularly Update Your Router’s Firmware
Regular firmware updates can improve your router’s performance, fix bugs, and enhance security. Set reminders to check for updates every few months.
Use a Strong WiFi Password
A strong WiFi password can prevent unauthorized access to your network, which can cause connectivity issues with your Ring doorbell. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to create a secure password.
Avoid Overcrowding Your Network
Too many devices connected to your network can cause overcrowding, leading to connectivity issues. Limit the number of devices connected to your network, and consider upgrading to a mesh network system for better coverage.
Monitor Your WiFi Signal Strength
Use a WiFi analyzer app to monitor your WiFi signal strength and identify areas with weak coverage. This can help you optimize your network’s performance and reduce disconnections.
Conclusion
Reconnecting your Ring doorbell to WiFi when you’re not home can be a challenging task, but with the right methods and tips, you can resolve the issue quickly. By understanding the reasons behind WiFi disconnections and implementing the solutions outlined above, you can enjoy a seamless and secure home security experience with your Ring doorbell. Remember to regularly update your router’s firmware, use a strong WiFi password, avoid overcrowding your network, and monitor your WiFi signal strength to prevent future disconnections.
How do I reconnect my Ring doorbell to WiFi when I’m not at home?
To reconnect your Ring doorbell to WiFi when you’re not at home, you’ll need to have a friend or family member assist you. Have them go to the location of your Ring doorbell and follow the restart process. They should press and hold the small button on the back of the doorbell for about 20 seconds until the light on the front of the device starts flashing. This will put the doorbell into setup mode.
Once the doorbell is in setup mode, have your assistant open the Ring app on their phone and follow the in-app prompts to reconnect the doorbell to the WiFi network. Make sure they select the correct WiFi network and enter the correct password. If they’re having trouble connecting, they can try moving the doorbell closer to the router or restarting the router itself.
Why does my Ring doorbell keep disconnecting from WiFi?
There are several reasons why your Ring doorbell might keep disconnecting from WiFi. One common issue is interference from other devices on the same network. This can be caused by having too many devices connected to the same network, or by having devices that are using a lot of bandwidth. Another possible cause is physical obstruction between the doorbell and the router, such as walls or furniture.
To troubleshoot the issue, try moving the doorbell closer to the router or switching to a different WiFi network. You can also try restarting the router or upgrading to a WiFi range extender to improve the signal strength. If none of these solutions work, you may want to consider contacting Ring support for further assistance.
Can I reconnect my Ring doorbell to WiFi remotely?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to reconnect your Ring doorbell to WiFi remotely. The doorbell needs to be in setup mode, which can only be activated by pressing the small button on the back of the device. This means that someone needs to be physically present at the location of the doorbell to restart it and reconnect it to the WiFi network.
However, if you have a Ring Protect plan, you can use the Ring app to troubleshoot connectivity issues and receive notifications when your doorbell goes offline. This can help you identify the problem and take steps to resolve it, even if you’re not physically present.
What happens if I forget my WiFi password?
If you forget your WiFi password, you won’t be able to reconnect your Ring doorbell to the network. However, you can try resetting your router to its default settings, which will restore the default admin username and password. You can then use these credentials to log back into the router and retrieve your WiFi password.
Alternatively, you can try contacting your internet service provider for assistance. They may be able to help you recover your WiFi password or provide additional guidance on how to reset your router.
Can I reconnect my Ring doorbell to a different WiFi network?
Yes, you can reconnect your Ring doorbell to a different WiFi network. To do this, you’ll need to follow the same restart process as before, but this time select the new WiFi network from the list of available networks in the Ring app. Make sure to enter the correct password for the new network.
Keep in mind that if you’re moving to a new location, you may need to update your Ring doorbell’s location in the app as well. This will ensure that you receive accurate weather updates and that any location-based features continue to work properly.
How long does it take to reconnect my Ring doorbell to WiFi?
The time it takes to reconnect your Ring doorbell to WiFi can vary depending on the strength of your WiFi signal and the speed of your internet connection. On average, the process should take around 5-10 minutes, including the time it takes to restart the doorbell and complete the setup process in the Ring app.
If you’re having trouble connecting, it may take longer to resolve the issue. However, if you’re following the correct steps and your WiFi network is working properly, you should be able to get your doorbell reconnected in a relatively short amount of time.
Is it safe to reconnect my Ring doorbell to WiFi using a public network?
It’s generally not recommended to reconnect your Ring doorbell to WiFi using a public network, such as a coffee shop or library. Public networks may not be secure, which can put your Ring doorbell and associated account information at risk.
Instead, try to reconnect your doorbell to your home WiFi network or a trusted network that you know is secure. If you need to reconnect your doorbell while you’re away from home, consider using a mobile hotspot or a secure public network that you trust.