If you’re looking for a way to keep an eye on your home while you’re away, a Ring Video Doorbell is a great option. These devices allow you to see and speak to visitors at your door from anywhere in the world, and they can also record video footage of anyone who comes to your door. However, if you want to get the most out of your Ring Video Doorbell, you’ll need to install it outside your door.
Installing a Ring Video Doorbell outside your door is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you’ll need to do to make sure it’s done correctly. First, you’ll need to choose a location for your doorbell. The best place to install it is near your front door, but you’ll need to make sure that there is enough room for the doorbell to fit and that it will be protected from the elements. Once you’ve chosen a location, you’ll need to drill a hole in the wall for the doorbell’s wires.
Once you’ve drilled the hole, you’ll need to feed the wires through the hole and connect them to the doorbell. The doorbell will come with instructions on how to do this, but you may also want to consult with a qualified electrician if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. Once the doorbell is wired, you’ll need to mount it to the wall. The doorbell will come with screws and anchors for mounting, but you may also want to use a level to make sure that it’s hung straight. Once the doorbell is mounted, you’ll need to download the Ring app and create an account. The app will allow you to view live video footage from your doorbell, speak to visitors, and receive notifications when someone comes to your door.
Best Placement Considerations
Deciding the optimal placement for your Ring Camera Bell outside your door is crucial for capturing clear footage and maximizing its effectiveness. Here are key factors to consider when choosing the best spot:
1. Height and Angle
Position the camera at a height between 4-6 feet above the ground to capture visitors’ faces and provide a wider field of view. Tilt the camera slightly downward to cover the area in front of your door and any potential blind spots.
2. Lighting and Obstacles
Ensure the area around the camera is well-lit to provide clear images, especially at night. Avoid placing the camera in direct sunlight or near reflective surfaces that can cause glare and affect image quality. Additionally, check for any obstructions such as plants, fences, or vehicles that may block the camera’s view.
| Ideal Lighting Conditions | Avoid |
|---|---|
|
Natural sunlight |
Direct sunlight |
|
Motion-activated floodlights |
Reflective surfaces |
|
Outdoor lighting fixtures |
Areas with dim or inconsistent lighting |
3. Coverage and Blind Spots
Determine the desired coverage area and identify any potential blind spots before deciding on the camera’s placement. Consider the approach to your door, any side entrances, or areas where visitors may approach from. If necessary, install multiple cameras to cover all angles and eliminate blind spots.
Connect to Wi-Fi
To connect your Ring Camera Bell to Wi-Fi, follow these steps:
1. Open the Ring app and tap on “Set Up a Device.”
2. Select “Doorbells” and then tap on your Ring Camera Bell.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your doorbell to your Wi-Fi network.
4. If you have trouble connecting your doorbell to Wi-Fi, try the following troubleshooting tips:
Ensure that your doorbell is within range of your Wi-Fi router.
Make sure that your Wi-Fi network is broadcasting on the 2.4 GHz frequency.
Restart your doorbell and your Wi-Fi router.
Reset your doorbell to factory settings and try connecting it again.
If you are still having trouble connecting your doorbell to Wi-Fi, contact Ring support for assistance.
Mount the Camera Bell
To mount the Ring Camera Bell outside your door, follow these steps:
- Choose a mounting location:
Decide where you want to mount the Camera Bell, ensuring it has a clear view of your door and surrounding area. It should be at a height of approximately 4-5 feet from the ground.
- Mark the mounting holes:
Using the provided template or measuring tape, mark the locations of the mounting holes on the wall.
- Drill the mounting holes:
Using a drill, create holes at the marked locations. If drilling into wood, use screws. If drilling into masonry, use plastic anchors and screws.
- Secure the mounting bracket:
Align the mounting bracket with the holes and insert the screws. Tighten them securely.
- Attach the Camera Bell:
Insert the mount spring latch into the mounting bracket and press down until it clicks into place.
- Secure the Faceplate:
Slide the security screw into the bottom of the Camera Bell and tighten it using the provided screwdriver until snug but not overtightened.
This will secure the faceplate to the mounting bracket and prevent theft or tampering. - Level the Camera Bell:
Use the built-in level on the Ring App or a physical level to ensure the Camera Bell is mounted level. Adjust the mounting bracket as necessary.
- Connect the wires:
If you are hardwiring the Camera Bell, connect the wires according to the provided instructions. Ensure the wires are securely connected and protected from the elements.
- Tighten the screws:
Make sure all screws are tightly secured to ensure the Camera Bell is securely mounted and weather-resistant.
- Test the Camera Bell:
Once installed, open the Ring App and follow the instructions to configure the Camera Bell and ensure it is working properly.
Angle and Adjust the Camera
Finally, you’ll need to angle and adjust the camera to get the best possible view of your doorstep. Here are a few tips:
1. Mount the camera at a height of 4-5 feet.
This will give you a good view of people’s faces as they approach your door.
2. Angle the camera slightly downward.
This will help you avoid getting a glare from the sun or other light sources.
3. Adjust the field of view to cover your doorstep and the area immediately surrounding it.
You don’t want to miss any important activity.
4. Test the camera’s night vision.
Make sure you can see clearly in the dark.
5. Adjust the motion detection settings.
You can adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor to avoid false alarms.
6. Set up motion zones.
You can create specific areas where the motion sensor will be active.
7. Calibrate the camera’s image.
This will help ensure that the image is clear and accurate. To calibrate the camera, follow these steps:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap on the device you want to calibrate.
- Tap on “Settings.”
- Tap on “Video Settings.”
- Tap on “Calibrate Image.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Charge or Plug In
Before mounting your Ring Video Doorbell outside, you need to determine how you will power it. There are two options:
Battery-Powered
If you choose to use the battery-powered option, you will need to charge the battery before installing the doorbell. To charge the battery:
- Remove the battery from the doorbell.
- Connect the battery to the charging cable.
- Plug the charging cable into a power outlet.
- Allow the battery to charge for at least 8 hours.
Once the battery is fully charged, you can insert it back into the doorbell.
Hardwired
If you prefer a more permanent solution, you can hardwire your Ring Video Doorbell to your home’s electrical system. To do this, you will need to:
- Turn off the power to the circuit that will be powering the doorbell.
- Remove the faceplate from the doorbell.
- Connect the doorbell wires to the appropriate terminals on the back of the mounting bracket.
- Secure the doorbell to the mounting bracket.
- Turn on the power to the circuit.
Power Source Pros Cons Battery-Powered No wiring required Needs to be recharged periodically Hardwired Permanent solution Requires wiring The table below provides a more detailed comparison of the two power options:
Test and Monitor the Camera
Once you’ve installed the Ring Camera Bell outside your door, it’s crucial to test and monitor its functionality. Here’s a detailed guide:
1. Install the Ring App: Download the Ring app from the App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Create an Account: Create a Ring account by providing your email address and creating a password.
3. Connect the Device: Open the Ring app and scan the QR code on the back of the Ring Camera Bell to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
4. Customize Settings: Set up your preferred motion detection zones, video settings, and notification preferences in the Ring app.
5. Grant Access to Others (Optional): If desired, share access to the camera with family members or friends by inviting them via the Ring app.
6. Test Motion Detection: Walk in front of the camera to trigger the motion detection feature. The app will send you a notification, and you should see a live view of the event.
7. Check Video Quality: View a live stream from the camera to assess its video quality. Make adjustments to the settings as needed to optimize the clarity.
8. Monitor Night Vision: Wait until it’s dark outside and check if the camera provides clear night vision. Adjust the night vision settings if necessary.
9. Review Recorded Events: Access the event history in the Ring app to review recorded motion events. You can also download or share these recordings.
10. Schedule Maintenance: Regularly check the battery level, clean the camera lens, and ensure a strong Wi-Fi connection to maintain optimal performance. It’s also advisable to schedule professional maintenance as recommended by Ring.
How To Put Your Ring Camera Bell Outside The Door
Installing a Ring camera bell outside your door is the most effective way to keep your home, property, and loved ones safe. Protect your home with Ring Video Doorbell, which lets you see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere. Get real-time notifications whenever someone presses your doorbell or triggers your built-in motion sensors. With a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), you can record, review, and share what you missed for up to 180 days.
Follow these simple steps to install your Ring camera bell outside your door:
- Choose the right location. The best place to install your Ring camera bell is near your front door, where it can get a clear view of your property. Make sure the location is also within reach of your Wi-Fi network.
- Drill the mounting holes. Use the included drill bit to drill two holes into the wall where you want to mount your Ring camera bell.
- Insert the anchors. Insert the included anchors into the holes.
- Screw in the mounting bracket. Screw the mounting bracket into the anchors.
- Attach the Ring camera bell to the mounting bracket. Slide the Ring camera bell onto the mounting bracket and tighten the screws.
- Connect the wires. Connect the wires from your Ring camera bell to the wires from your doorbell chime.
- Test your Ring camera bell. Press the doorbell button to make sure your Ring camera bell is working properly.
People Also Ask
How do I connect my Ring camera bell to my Wi-Fi network?
To connect your Ring camera bell to your Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:
- Open the Ring app on your mobile device.
- Tap the three lines in the top left corner of the screen.
- Tap "Devices."
- Tap "Add Device."
- Select your Ring camera bell model.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your Ring camera bell to your Wi-Fi network.
How do I troubleshoot my Ring camera bell?
If you are having trouble with your Ring camera bell, follow these steps:
- Check to make sure that your Ring camera bell is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Check to make sure that your Ring camera bell is getting enough power.
- Reset your Ring camera bell.
- Contact Ring support.
