It can be tricky to get access to an existing Ring doorbell if you've just moved into a house or apartment.
In a nutshell, you either need to reset the device or contact the former owner to get them to remove the device from their account.
In this article, we have compiled a list of tips on how to connect to a Ring doorbell that is already installed.
How to Connect to a Previously Installed Ring Doorbell
Sometimes, you might come across a previously used Ring doorbell, someone might have given you one, or you might find one already installed by the previous homeowner.
There are several methods by which you can gain access to this Ring doorbell.
You can:
- Reach out to the previous owner and have them hand over the ownership of that particular doorbell to you.
- Reset the Ring doorbell manually and start anew.
- If all else fails, reach out to Ring for assistance.
Things to Check If a Ring Doorbell Is Pre-Installed
Right off the bat, you need to check whether the Ring doorbell is powered up. You can check this by pressing its primary button. It will switch on even if there’s no Wi-Fi connection.
However, if the doorbell is not powered on, you will have to remove the device and recharge it.
After that, try connecting the doorbell to your Wi-Fi network using the Ring app.
If you cannot gain access to the doorbell via the app, that means the device is still linked to its previous owner.
Tips for Reaching Previous Device Owners
The easiest way to obtain ownership of an existing Ring doorbell is to contact the previous owner and notify them to remove the device from their account, including payment information and shared users.
However, this might not be very straightforward if you cannot get in touch with the previous owner.
If you cannot reach the previous owner, you can either reset the Ring doorbell manually and gain access to the device or contact Ring for assistance.
If you've managed to get access to the device, you will be able to find the previous owner's contact information.
You will also have to cancel the previous owner's payment plan and put in your information.
You have the option to delete this device from the previous owner's account and remove any existing shared users.
If you still cannot reach the previous owner or gain access to the device after resetting it, you will have to contact Ring for assistance.
Resetting the Ring Doorbell
Through this guide, you will learn how to reset your Ring doorbell step by step.
- First, inspect the bottom flat surface of the doorbell for any screws. If you find screws at the bottom, move on to step 3.
- If there are none, remove the faceplate by pulling it up and releasing it from its tabs. After that, move on to step 6.
- Inspect the screw and check if it's star-shaped. If so, you will need a Torx head screwdriver, specifically a T-15 Torx Bit. If you've got the original screwdriver provided by Ring, that will also be able to remove this screw(s).
- Unscrew the screw(s) at the bottom of the doorbell.
- Pull the faceplate/cover away from the doorbell.
- You will be able to see a small orange-colored button, either on the sides or at the front. Press and keep holding this button for at least 15 seconds, or until the light starts flashing.
- Wait until the lights stop flashing and the doorbell gives out an audio cue saying: Now in Setup mode.
- After this audio cue, depending on your model, the lights will stop blinking and follow a spinning ring pattern. It indicates that the Ring doorbell has performed a factory reset.
Setting Up the Ring Doorbell
If you've followed the previous guide and performed a successful factory reset on the Ring doorbell, you can now start setting up your account and linking this doorbell to your account.
With the help of this guide, we will show you how to set up your Ring doorbell.
- If you haven’t already, download the Ring smartphone app and sign up/log in to your account.
- Open the app and tap on the Menu icon. It’s usually the button that looks like three lines stacked on top of each other. Depending on the software version, it might be located in the upper left-hand corner.
- A side menu will pop up, tap on Set up a new device.
- After that, select Doorbells.
- Then, the app will ask you to scan the barcode/QR code on the doorbell. This code is usually on the sides or back of the doorbell but make sure you remove the faceplate first.
- After that, you will be asked where to set up this doorbell, set up your address, and tap on Continue.
- Then, you will be provided some instructions regarding screws, setting up a name, and asking you to confirm if the doorbell is running on Setup mode. Follow those instructions and press Continue.
- After that, you will need to confirm the device. A name will show up that corresponds to the MAC address on the QR code, check this and confirm.
- Finally, it will ask for your Wi-Fi details and some optional features. After that, you're all set.
Security Tips for New Account Owners
After setting up this Ring doorbell, it's time to configure a few optional features.
First, make sure that there are no traces of the previous owner linked to this device. This information includes account access, the previous owner's payment information, and shared users. Make sure to delete these before you add in your data.
Shared Users: You can allow other users to access this doorbell such as family members, relatives, or neighbors.
Snapshot Capture: When setting up your Ring doorbell for the first time, you will be asked to set up a feature called Snapshot Capture. This is a handy feature where the Ring doorbell takes a photo at regular intervals during the day.
Ring Protect Plan: If you want more features with regards to security, you can opt for a subscription plan that provides you with features such as video recording, professional monitoring 24/7, and extended warranties.
Chime: Chime is a gadget that will connect all of your Ring doorbells. They also provide additional features such as being a Wi-Fi range extender (for the Ring doorbells) and a night light.
The Verdict
Gaining access to an existing Ring doorbell can be tricky for first-timers, especially if they don't have the proper tools (such as the Ring screwdriver) and experience with Ring doorbells, but with some help, you can gain access and make it your own.
However, if you hope to sell it or leave it when moving out, make sure to delete the device from your account to make it easier for the new owner so you can spare them the trouble.