How to Reset Your Ring Doorbell or Camera

Understanding Your Ring Device and Reset Options

Ring makes several types of video doorbells and security cameras, and each model may have slightly different reset procedures. Before you begin, it's important to understand what type of device you own and what a reset actually does. A reset restores your Ring device to its original factory settings, which means it will no longer be connected to your Wi-Fi network, your Ring account, or any other configurations you've set up. All custom settings, including motion detection zones, recording preferences, and notification rules, will return to their defaults.

Common Ring devices include the Ring Video Doorbell (various generations), Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Pro 2, Ring Stick Up Cam, Ring Indoor Cam, Ring Floodlight Cam, and Ring Spotlight Cam. Each operates similarly but may have different physical reset buttons or methods. Some models use a dedicated reset button on the device itself, while others require you to hold down a button for a specific duration. Battery-powered models differ from wired models in how they reset.

You might need to reset your Ring device for several reasons. Common scenarios include forgetting your Ring account password and being locked out, experiencing persistent connection problems with your Wi-Fi network, preparing to sell or give away the device to someone else, troubleshooting issues after a failed software update, or removing the device from a shared account before transferring ownership. Understanding your reason for resetting helps you know what steps to take afterward.

Practical takeaway: Locate your specific Ring device model number before beginning. You'll find this on the device itself, in your Ring app under device settings, or on the original packaging. Knowing your model ensures you follow the correct reset procedure for your particular device.

Locating the Reset Button on Your Ring Device

The physical reset button is the most direct way to reset most Ring devices. However, the button's location varies depending on which model you own. For Ring Video Doorbell models (including the original, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, and 4K), the reset button is typically located on the bottom of the device. You'll need to look at the underside to find a small, recessed button that you can press with a thin object like a paperclip or pin.

Ring Stick Up Cam models have their reset button on the back of the camera. If you're using the battery-powered version, you can access it without removing the device from its mount. The Ring Indoor Cam also features a reset button on the back. Ring Spotlight Cam and Ring Floodlight Cam models usually have their reset buttons on the back or side of the unit, though you may need to remove the device from its mounting bracket to access it comfortably.

For wired doorbell models like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro or Pro 2, the reset button is located on the bottom of the device, similar to the standard Video Doorbell. The button itself is quite small to prevent accidental presses, which is why you'll need a thin, pointed object to activate it. Some users keep a straightened paperclip or a small tool specifically for this purpose.

If you cannot locate a physical reset button on your device, check your Ring app or visit the Ring website's support section for your specific model. Some newer or specialized Ring devices may not have a physical reset button and instead require you to reset through the app settings. Additionally, your device's user manual (available as a PDF on Ring's website) contains diagrams showing the exact button location with labeled images.

Practical takeaway: Before attempting a reset, physically locate the reset button on your device and gather a thin tool like a paperclip. Testing the location of the button without pressing it first prevents confusion during the actual reset process.

Performing a Factory Reset Using the Physical Button

Once you've located the reset button, performing a factory reset is straightforward but requires attention to timing. The process differs slightly depending on whether your device is battery-powered or wired to your home's electrical system. For most wired Ring devices, press and hold the reset button for approximately 15 to 20 seconds. You should see the light on your device change color or flash, typically transitioning to amber or blue, which indicates the reset is in progress. After you release the button, wait for the device to complete its restart cycle, which usually takes one to two minutes.

For battery-powered Ring devices like the Stick Up Cam or battery-operated Ring Video Doorbell, the process is similar. Press and hold the reset button for 15 to 20 seconds while watching for the light indicator to change. The device will restart, and you'll see the light cycle through colors as it restarts. Because battery-powered devices rely on stored power, ensure your battery is adequately charged before attempting a reset. A low battery may not allow the reset to complete properly.

During the reset process, do not unplug, disconnect, or remove the device. Let it complete the entire cycle, even if it seems to take longer than expected. If you interrupt the process, the device may end up in an incomplete state that requires additional troubleshooting. The light indicators are your guide to knowing the reset is progressing. Most Ring devices use a specific pattern: the light may turn solid amber, then flash blue, then return to normal, indicating the reset is complete.

After the reset finishes, your device will restart and enter a setup mode, ready to be reconnected to your Wi-Fi network and your Ring account. At this point, the device has no network connection, and the Ring app will no longer show it in your device list. This is normal and expected. You're now ready to proceed with reconnecting the device through the setup process.

Practical takeaway: During a physical button reset, hold the button for the full 15 to 20 seconds even if the light changes before that time. Releasing too early may leave the reset incomplete. Watch the light indicators and allow two to three minutes for the device to fully restart before attempting to reconnect it.

Resetting Your Device Through the Ring Mobile App

If your Ring device is still connected to your account and Wi-Fi network, you can initiate a reset through the Ring mobile app without using the physical button. This method is helpful if you cannot easily access the physical reset button or if you prefer a software-based approach. Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet, and navigate to the device you wish to reset. Look for the device settings, typically accessed by tapping on the device name or a settings icon on the device's main screen in the app.

Within the device settings, scroll down to find an option labeled "Advanced Settings," "General Settings," or "Device Settings," depending on your app version. Inside these settings, look for a "Factory Reset," "Reset to Defaults," or "Restart Device" option. Some Ring app versions may label this as "Perform a Restart" or "Reset Network Settings." Tap this option, and the app will ask you to confirm that you want to proceed. This confirmation step prevents accidental resets.

When you confirm the reset through the app, the Ring device will disconnect from your Wi-Fi network and return to its factory settings. The app will show the device as offline or unavailable shortly after. This process typically takes less time than a physical button reset, often completing within 30 to 60 seconds. However, this method only works if your device still has power and a Wi-Fi connection. If your device has lost connectivity or power, you'll need to use the physical button reset method instead.

After performing an app-based reset, the device will restart and enter setup mode. You'll need to reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network using the Ring app's setup wizard. Have your Wi-Fi network name and password ready. The app will guide you through reconnecting the device to your network and your Ring account, just as if you were setting up a brand-new device.

Practical takeaway: The app-based reset works only if your device maintains power and Wi-Fi connection. If you've already lost access to your account or the device is offline, use the physical button reset method instead. Document your Wi-Fi network details before resetting so you can quickly reconnect afterward.

Reconnecting Your Ring Device After a Reset

After your Ring device completes its factory reset, you'll see it enter setup mode, indicated by a specific light pattern or by the Ring app prompting you to set up a new device. To reconnect your device, you'll follow the standard Ring setup process. Open the Ring app and tap the menu icon, usually located in the top-left or top-right corner. Select "Set Up a Device" or "