Skip to main content

How to factory reset a Ring Doorbell

Ring has quickly become a staple brand in the smart home space thanks to its Video Doorbell. The standard doorbell version has had four iterations along with a Pro model. Yet even with all the upgrades and different models, there are times when it, just like any other electronic device, can have issues. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to fix that issue is a factory reset.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Ring Video Doorbell

  • Tiny Screwdriver (ideally the one that came with the doorbell)

Factory resetting your Ring Video Doorbell will completely erase all the information and settings on it as if you had just taken it out of the box. A reset fixes most problems and should be performed before selling or giving away the doorbell. If you are giving it away, make sure to remove the doorbell from the Ring app.

There is a slight difference in how you reset the Doorbells depending on which model you have. First and second-generation doorbells have a slightly different method than the rest. The current Video Doorbell roster includes the Ring Video Doorbell 2/3/3 Plus/4, Wired, Pro/Pro 2, and Elite. We will explain each one down below. Let’s get to it.

How to reset Ring Video Doorbell

Step 1: Undo the security screw to remove the doorbell from its bracket or the faceplate from the doorbell.

The first and second-generation doorbells will need to be removed from their bracket once the screw is removed. For all recent and current Video Doorbells, you’ll remove the faceplate after removing the screw.

Step 2: Find the Setup button, then press and hold it for 10 seconds.

On most doorbells, the setup button will be a bright orange color. For the current crop of Video Doorbells, the setup button is just below the camera lens.

Step 3: The Doorbell light will flash for several seconds or minutes. Once the flashing stops, the doorbell has been reset and will be back in setup mode.

FAQ

How do I get my ring doorbell back online?

Once you’ve reset a Ring Video Doorbell and it is back in setup mode, you can use the Ring app on your phone to add it to your Ring account.

How do I reset my 2nd generation ring doorbell?

The earlier versions of Ring’s Video Doorbells can still easily be factory reset. The main difference in erasing them is that you have to remove the doorbell from its bracket. This is the only way to get access to its Setup button.

Now that your Ring Doorbell is reset go ahead and get it back online, upgrade it to a new model, or give it away.

Keyan Riddick
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Keyan Riddick is a freelance writer based in the mountains on North Carolina. When he isn't writing you can find him behind…
The latest Philips smart lock can read your palm to open your front door
The Philips Palm Reader smart lock on a blue door.

Philips just launched a slew of new products, headlined by the Philips Home Access 5000 Series Palm Recognition Smart Lock. The device works not just with a physical key, PIN code, or Philips mobile app, but also with the built-in palm scanner -- making it one of the most futuristic smart locks of 2024.

According to Philips, the scanner works by tracking "unique palm vein patterns," making it nearly impossible to hack and offering families an ultra-secure way to lock their front door. Setup is just as easy as most other smart locks, thanks to built-in Wi-Fi so you can get up and running without the need for a secondary bridge. It also works with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Read more
Arlo’s new Security Tag lets you arm/disarm your security system with just a tap
The Arlo Security Tag pressed against the Arlo Video Doorbell.

Arlo recently launched a home security system, expanding its lineup of cameras to include a multifaceted sensor that detects motion, opened windows, environmental hazards, and more. It can also be bundled with professional monitoring, giving owners an affordable way to secure their property. The company is now expanding the system with the all-new Security Tags, which arm or disarm the system when tapped against your Arlo Video Doorbell or Keypad Sensor Hub.

The NFC tag is available in a two-pack and costs just $20. It brings some unique (and long-awaited) functionality to the Arlo Security System, as being able to quickly arm or disarm the entire home with a single tap from the Security Tag streamlines your home security. Prior to the launch of the tag, you'd have to enter a password into the Keypad or open the mobile app. This turns the process into something that takes just a few seconds.

Read more
Reolink Argus 4 Pro: First 4K battery cam with night vision, dual-image stitching
Argus 4 Pro with Solar Panel mounted on exterior wall

Security cameras and smart home surveillance systems have advanced significantly in recent years, and nothing is more indicative of that evolution than Reolink's new Argus 4 Pro. Building upon its predecessors, this advanced smart security camera introduces several firsts. It's the first dual-band Wi-Fi 6-ready 4K quality camera powered by a battery, establishing a new benchmark in wireless connectivity. But it's also equipped with Reolink's innovative ColorX night vision that delivers a stunning, bright-as-day visual clarity and a new dual-image stitching algorithm. The stitching seamlessly combines separate images from two built-in lenses to achieve a complete 180-degree horizontal field of view. That means you get a much wider view of the surrounding area with minimal distortion. All of that, combined with existing functionality -- like smart detection for people, vehicles, and animals -- make it one of the most powerful security solutions to hit the market. By my measure, it's exciting already, but let's take a closer look at what else the Reolink Argus 4 Pro offers.
Shop Reolink Shop Amazon

Industry's firsts combined with industry greats

Read more