How to change Wi-Fi on your Ring device
To change the Wi-Fi network your Ring doorbell or camera connects to, open the Ring app on your phone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select your device, then tap "Device Settings" and choose "Wi-Fi Network." Tap "Change Wi-Fi Network," enter your new network name and password, and wait for the device to reconnect — usually 30 seconds to two minutes. If the device doesn't reconnect, you may need to restart it by turning off power for 10 seconds, then turning it back on.
The process is the same whether you're switching to a different router in your home, moving to a new house, or changing your internet provider. Ring devices connect over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only — they won't work on 5 GHz networks, even if your router broadcasts both. If your router is a newer model that combines both frequencies under one network name, you'll need to split them or create a separate 2.4 GHz network for the Ring device to find it.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Ring app, go to Device Settings, and select "Change Wi-Fi Network" to switch to a different network.
- Ring devices only connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, not 5 GHz, so check your router settings if your device can't find your network.
- After entering your new network password, wait two to three minutes for the device to reconnect before troubleshooting.
- If your device stays offline after reconnecting, restart it by cutting power for 10 seconds, then restoring power.
- You can change Wi-Fi networks as many times as you need — there's no limit to how often you switch.
Why your Ring device might not find your new network
The most common reason a Ring device can't find your Wi-Fi is that your router is broadcasting a 5 GHz network only, or combining 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under the same name. Ring doorbells and cameras are built to work only on 2.4 GHz. If you have a newer mesh router or a modern Wi-Fi 6 router, it may default to 5 GHz for speed, leaving 2.4 GHz turned off.
To fix this, log into your router's settings (usually through a web browser or the router's app) and check whether 2.4 GHz is enabled. If your router combines both bands under one network name, look for an option to split them or create a separate 2.4 GHz network. Common routers like Netgear, TP-Link, and Linksys all have this option, though the exact menu location varies by model. Check your router's manual or manufacturer website if you're unsure how to access these settings.
What to do if the Ring app won't let you change networks
If you tap "Change Wi-Fi Network" but the option is greyed out or the app crashes, the device may have lost power or lost connection to your current network. First, check that your Ring device is powered on — if it's battery-powered, make sure the battery isn't dead. If it's hardwired (like a Ring Video Doorbell Pro), check that power is reaching it by looking for a light on the device itself.
If the device has power but still won't let you change networks, restart it. For battery-powered devices, remove the battery for 10 seconds, then reinstall it. For hardwired devices, turn off the breaker that powers it for 10 seconds, then turn it back on. Wait a full minute for the device to boot up, then try opening the Ring app again and navigating back to Device Settings.
Reconnecting after a power outage or internet outage
If your internet went down or your power was cut, your Ring device may stay offline even after service returns. This happens because the device tried to reconnect to your Wi-Fi automatically but failed, and it doesn't keep trying forever. The fix is simple: restart the device by cutting power for 10 seconds, then restoring it.
After you restore power, the device will scan for the Wi-Fi network it remembers and reconnect automatically — you don't need to re-enter your password. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. If it doesn't reconnect after five minutes, open the Ring app and check Device Settings to see whether the network is still listed correctly. If it is, restart the device again. If it's not, you'll need to change the Wi-Fi network manually using the steps above.
Moving your Ring device to a new location or new house
When you move a Ring device to a new location with a different Wi-Fi network, you'll need to change the network in the Ring app. The process is identical to switching networks in the same house: open the app, go to Device Settings, select "Change Wi-Fi Network," and enter your new network name and password.
If you're moving to a new house and your new router is far from where the device will be installed, test the connection before mounting it permanently. Ring devices work best when they're within 30 feet of your router and have a clear line of sight to it. If your new location is farther away or has walls between the device and router, you may need to move your router, add a Wi-Fi extender, or use a mesh Wi-Fi system to strengthen the signal.
Changing networks on multiple Ring devices
If you have more than one Ring device — for example, a doorbell and a camera — you'll need to change the Wi-Fi network on each one separately. Open the Ring app, select the first device from your device list, go to Device Settings, and change its network. Once that device reconnects, go back to the device list, select the second device, and repeat the process.
You can change all your devices to the same network or spread them across different networks if your home has multiple routers. For example, if you have a mesh system, you might connect one device to the main router and another to a satellite unit. The Ring app will show all your devices regardless of which network they're on, as long as they're all connected to the internet.
Troubleshooting when your device stays offline
If your Ring device won't reconnect after you've changed the network and restarted it, the problem is usually one of three things: the password is wrong, the device is out of range of the router, or the device itself has a hardware problem.
First, double-check that you entered your Wi-Fi password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If you're not sure what your password is, check your router's label (usually on the back or bottom) or log into your router's settings to see or reset the password. Second, move the device closer to your router temporarily to test whether it's a range problem. If it connects when it's close, you may need a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system. If it still won't connect even when close to the router, try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If none of these steps work, the device may have a hardware fault and may need to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my Ring device to a guest network or public Wi-Fi?
Yes, Ring devices can connect to guest networks as long as the guest network broadcasts 2.4 GHz. However, some public Wi-Fi networks require you to log in through a web page or accept terms before connecting — Ring devices can't do this, so they won't work on those networks. Guest networks on home routers usually don't have this requirement, so they work fine.
What if I forgot my Wi-Fi password?
Check the label on the back or bottom of your router — most routers print the default password there. If you've changed the password and forgotten it, log into your router's settings through a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) or through the router's app. You'll need to know your router's admin password to do this. If you've forgotten that too, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase all your settings.
Does changing Wi-Fi networks affect my Ring subscription or recordings?
No. Changing networks doesn't affect your Ring subscription, your recorded videos, or any settings you've configured in the app. Your recordings stay in the cloud and remain accessible even if the device is temporarily offline. Once the device reconnects to the new network, it will resume recording and uploading video normally.
Can I use a 5 GHz network if I split it from my 2.4 GHz network?
No. Even if your router broadcasts 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz as separate networks with different names, Ring devices will only connect to the 2.4 GHz network. You must use the 2.4 GHz network name and password when changing your Ring's Wi-Fi settings.
How long does it take for a Ring device to reconnect after changing networks?
Usually 30 seconds to two minutes. If your device hasn't reconnected after five minutes, restart it by cutting power for 10 seconds. If it still won't connect after that, check that you entered the correct password and that your router is broadcasting 2.4 GHz.