How to Reset Ring Camera: Ring cameras have become a cornerstone of modern home security, offering peace of mind through real-time alerts and high-definition monitoring. However, even the most advanced smart home technology can occasionally face hurdles. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn Wi-Fi connection, a glitchy video feed, or you’re simply preparing to hand your camera over to a new owner, knowing how to reset your Ring camera is an essential skill every user should have.
While “factory resetting” might sound like a technical headache, it is actually a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. From the Indoor Cam and Stick Up Cam to the powerful Floodlight and Spotlight Cams, each model has its own unique reset procedure. The goal is to clear the device’s internal memory and return it to its original out-of-the-box settings, giving your security system a much-needed “fresh start.”
In this guide, we will walk you through the quick and easy steps to perform a hard reset on any Ring camera model. We’ll also cover the crucial difference between a simple reboot and a full factory reset, ensuring you choose the right method for your specific problem. Let’s get your Ring camera back online and working perfectly!
What Does Resetting a Ring Camera Mean?
Resetting a Ring Camera means restoring the device to its original factory settings by erasing all existing configurations, Wi-Fi credentials, and linked account information. In simple terms, it brings your Ring camera back to the same state it was in when you first took it out of the box. This process is commonly used to fix persistent technical issues, prepare the camera for a new owner, or reconnect it to a different Wi-Fi network
When you reset a Ring camera, all customized settings, such as motion zones, alert preferences, and device schedules, are completely removed. The camera is also disconnected from your Ring account, which means it will no longer appear in the Ring app until it is set up again. However, any videos previously saved to your Ring cloud account remain accessible, as they are stored online and not on the camera itself.
Resetting is often recommended if your Ring camera is not connecting to Wi-Fi, keeps going offline, or fails to respond within the Ring app. It can also be helpful after a firmware update issue or when the camera is being transferred to another user. By clearing out old settings, a reset gives the device a fresh start and allows it to function properly once reconfigured.
It’s important to note that resetting a Ring camera is different from simply restarting it. A restart only refreshes the system without deleting any settings, while a reset permanently removes all stored configurations. Because of this, resetting should be used as a last troubleshooting step when other solutions do not work.
In summary, resetting a Ring camera is a powerful troubleshooting and security measure that restores the device to factory default mode. Whether you’re fixing connectivity problems, resolving app errors, or preparing the camera for resale, a reset ensures the Ring camera can be set up cleanly and securely from scratch.
How to Reset Ring Camera
Resetting a Ring camera is a simple but powerful troubleshooting step that restores the device to its original factory settings. Whether you’re fixing Wi-Fi issues, resolving app errors, or preparing the camera for a new owner, following the correct reset process ensures a smooth and successful setup afterward. Below is a human-friendly, SEO-optimized, step-by-step guide to help you reset your Ring camera safely and correctly.
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Step 1: Locate the Reset Button on Your Ring Camera
The reset button is usually a small, recessed button found on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment of the Ring camera. Depending on the model (Ring Stick Up Cam, Ring Spotlight Cam, or Ring Indoor Cam), the button may be orange or black and sometimes labeled as “Reset.” Make sure you know exactly where it is before continuing.
Step 2: Power On the Ring Camera
Ensure your Ring camera is powered on before attempting a reset. If your camera uses a rechargeable battery, insert a fully charged battery. For wired models, confirm the camera is connected to a working power source. The reset process will not work if the device is turned off or has low power.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button
Using a paperclip or your finger, press and hold the reset button firmly for 15 seconds. Keep holding the button even if the light starts flashing. After releasing the button, the camera’s LED light will begin blinking; this indicates that the reset process has started.
Step 4: Await the Completion of the Reset Process
Once you release the reset button, allow the Ring camera a few minutes to fully reset. During this time, the light may flash or change colors. Do not unplug or power off the device while it is resetting, as interrupting the process may cause setup issues later.
Step 5: Reconnect the Ring Camera to the Ring App
After the reset is complete, open the Ring app on your smartphone and select “Set Up a Device.” Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect the camera to your Wi-Fi network and Ring account. This step is required because resetting removes all previous settings, including Wi-Fi credentials and account links.
Step 6: Customize Your Settings Again
Once setup is complete, reconfigure your motion zones, alert preferences, video recording options, and privacy settings. Taking time to customize these settings ensures your Ring camera performs optimally and provides reliable home security coverage.
Model-Specific Tips
| Ring Model | Button Location |
| Indoor Cam (Wired) | Top of the camera body. |
| Stick Up Cam (Battery/Wired) | Under the bottom cover or on the back. |
| Spotlight Cam | On top of the camera unit. |
| Floodlight Cam | On top of the camera (not the lights). |
| Video Doorbell (Classic) | Orange button on the back. |
Important Tips Before Resetting
Resetting a Ring camera deletes all saved device settings, but cloud-stored videos remain safe in your Ring account. If you’re resetting the camera for troubleshooting, try restarting it first. Use a full reset only when necessary, such as for persistent connectivity problems or ownership transfer.
Resetting a Ring camera is a straightforward process that can solve many common issues and give your device a fresh start. By following these step-by-step instructions carefully, you can reset your Ring camera safely and get it back online quickly. Whether you’re fixing technical problems or setting up the device for a new user, a proper reset ensures smooth performance and secure operation.
Hard Reset Ring Camera
A hard reset Ring camera is used when the device becomes unresponsive, frequently disconnects from Wi-Fi, or fails to work properly after basic troubleshooting. This process clears temporary software glitches and restores the camera to default settings.
Step 1: Identify the Reset Button
Locate the reset button on your Ring camera. Depending on the model, it is usually found on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment. The button may be small and recessed, so you might need a paperclip to press it.
Step 2: Power On the Camera
Make sure the Ring camera is powered on. Insert a fully charged battery for battery-powered models or confirm that wired models are properly connected to a power source. A hard reset will not work if the camera is turned off.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button
Hold down the reset button for fifteen seconds. Continue holding even if the LED light starts flashing. After releasing the button, the camera will begin the hard reset process.
Step 4: Watch the LED Light
The LED light will flash, indicating that the camera is resetting. This confirms the hard reset has started. Give the procedure a few minutes to finish.
Step 5: Reconnect the Camera
Once the hard reset is complete, the camera enters setup mode. Open the Ring app and follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect the camera to your Wi-Fi network and Ring account.
A hard reset is best used when your Ring camera is frozen, not responding in the app, or experiencing repeated connection failures.
Factory Reset Ring Camera
A factory reset The Ring camera completely erases all settings, Wi-Fi information, and account links. This method is recommended when selling the camera, transferring ownership, or fixing serious software issues.
Step 1: Locate the Factory Reset Button
The factory reset button is the same physical reset button found on your Ring camera. Check the back, base, or battery compartment depending on the model.
Step 2: Ensure the Camera Is Powered
Before starting, confirm the camera is powered on. A stable power supply is essential to complete the factory reset successfully.
Step 3: Press and Hold for 15–20 Seconds
Press and hold the reset button for 15 to 20 seconds until the LED light starts flashing rapidly. This indicates the start of the factory reset procedure.
Step 4: Wait for the Reset to Finish
After releasing the button, wait several minutes while the camera restores factory settings. Do not unplug or remove the battery during this time.
Step 5: Set Up the Camera as New
Once the factory reset is complete, open the Ring app and select “Set Up a Device.” The camera will behave like a brand-new unit, allowing you to connect it to a new Wi-Fi network and Ring account.
Step 6: Customize Settings Again
After setup, reconfigure motion detection, alert notifications, recording preferences, and privacy zones to match your needs.
A factory reset is ideal when you are changing owners, switching networks, or resolving deep system errors that other fixes cannot solve.
Key Difference Between Hard Reset and Factory Reset
A hard reset is mainly used to fix performance and connectivity issues, while a factory reset completely wipes all data and settings. Both processes require re-adding the device to the Ring app, but a factory reset is more thorough and permanent.
Knowing how to perform a hard reset and a factory reset on a Ring camera helps you troubleshoot problems effectively and protect your privacy. Whether you’re fixing technical glitches or preparing the camera for a new user, following these step-by-step instructions ensures a smooth reset and reliable performance afterward.
How to Reset a Ring Camera Without Pressing the Button
Resetting a Ring camera without pressing the physical reset button can be useful if the button is damaged, hard to reach, or not working properly. While Ring devices are primarily designed to be reset using the hardware button, there are a few safe and effective alternative methods you can try depending on your situation. Below is a human-friendly, SEO-optimized, step-by-step guide explaining all possible options.
Method 1: Reset Ring Camera Using the Ring App (Soft Reset)
This method works best if your Ring camera is still connected to your Ring account and appears online or semi-responsive in the Ring app.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet and log in to your Ring account.
Step 2: Select Your Ring Camera
Tap the menu icon and choose Devices, then select the Ring camera you want to reset.
Step 3: Access Device Settings
Tap Device Settings and navigate to General Settings.
Step 4: Remove the Device
Select Remove Device or Remove This Device. Confirm your choice when prompted. This action disconnects the camera from your Ring account and clears saved configurations.
Step 5: Set Up the Camera Again
After removing the device, tap Set Up a Device in the Ring app and follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect the camera to Wi-Fi and your account.
Note: This method functions as a soft reset. It removes the camera from your account but may not fully restore factory settings on all models.
Method 2: Power Cycle the Ring Camera (Alternative Reset)
If the reset button is inaccessible, a power cycle can help clear temporary software glitches.
Step 1: Turn Off Power
For battery-powered models, remove the battery. For wired cameras, unplug the power adapter.
Step 2: Wait 30–60 Seconds
Leave the camera without power for at least one minute. This allows internal memory to clear.
Step 3: Restore Power
Reinsert the battery or reconnect the power cable.
Step 4: Check Camera Status
Open the Ring app and test Live View or motion detection. If issues persist, proceed with device removal in the app.
Method 3: Reset Ring Camera by Changing Wi-Fi Network
This method helps when Wi-Fi issues are the main problem and the reset button cannot be used.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Go to Device Settings > Network Settings.
Step 2: Change Wi-Fi Network
Select Change Network and follow the instructions to reconnect the camera to Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Reconfigure Settings
Once connected, review motion alerts, video recordings, and notification preferences.
Important Limitations to Know
It’s important to understand that most Ring cameras cannot perform a full factory reset without the physical reset button. If the button is damaged or completely nonfunctional and the camera cannot be removed via the app, you may need to contact Ring Support for advanced assistance or replacement options.
When Should You Use These Methods?
Resetting a Ring camera without pressing the button is best for:
- Minor software glitches
- Wi-Fi connection issues
- App-related errors
- Temporarily unresponsive devices
For selling, gifting, or transferring ownership, a physical factory reset is still recommended whenever possible.
While the reset button is the primary way to factory reset a Ring camera, you can still reset or refresh the device without pressing the button using the Ring app, power cycling, or network reconfiguration. These methods are effective for many common issues and can help restore normal operation when hardware access is limited. For complete resets or severe problems, contacting Ring Support is the safest next step.
How to Reboot a Ring Camera from the App
Rebooting a Ring camera from the Ring app is a quick and safe way to fix minor glitches, improve performance, and restore connectivity without deleting any settings. Unlike a factory reset, a reboot simply refreshes the system. Below is a human-friendly, SEO-optimized, step-by-step guide explaining exactly how to reboot a Ring camera using the Ring app.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Log In
To begin, use the Ring app on your tablet or smartphone. Make sure you are logged in to the correct Ring account associated with the camera you want to reboot.
Step 2: Select Your Ring Camera
Tap the menu icon (☰) and go to Devices. From the list of connected devices, select the Ring camera you want to reboot.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
Once the device page opens, tap Device Settings. This section allows you to manage all camera-related configurations.
Step 4: Navigate to General Settings
Inside Device Settings, select General Settings. This is where system-level options like rebooting and device health are located.
Step 5: Tap “Reboot This Device.”
Scroll down and tap Reboot This Device. A confirmation message will appear to confirm to proceed. The Ring camera will begin rebooting immediately.
Step 6: Wait for the Reboot to Complete
The reboot process usually takes 1–2 minutes. During this time, the camera may go offline temporarily and the LED light may flash. Avoid closing the app or interrupting power while the reboot is in progress.
Step 7: Confirm the Camera Is Back Online
Once the reboot is complete, check Live View and motion alerts to confirm the camera is working normally. All your previous settings will remain unchanged.
When Should You Reboot a Ring Camera?
Rebooting from the app is recommended when:
- Live View is slow or not loading
- Motion alerts stop working
- The camera appears online but doesn’t respond
- Minor connectivity or performance issues occur
- If rebooting doesn’t solve the issue, a hard reset or factory reset may be required.
Important Things to Know
- Rebooting does not erase Wi-Fi settings or account data
- Cloud video history remains intact
- The camera must be online to reboot from the app
- Some older models may not show the reboot option
Rebooting a Ring camera from the app is one of the easiest and safest troubleshooting steps you can take. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can quickly refresh your device and restore smooth operation without losing any settings. For persistent issues, consider performing a reset or contacting Ring Support for further assistance.
How To Reset Wifi On Ring Camera
When you upgrade your router or change your Wi-Fi password, your Ring camera will lose its connection. Since Ring cameras don’t automatically scan for new networks, you must manually update the settings through the app.
Here is a professional, step-by-step guide to resetting your Wi-Fi on a Ring camera, covering both the “Remote” and “Manual” methods.
Method 1: The App Method (No Reset Button Needed)
If your camera is still online but you are planning to change your router, you can update the Wi-Fi settings quickly within the app.
- Open the Ring App: Tap the Menu (≡) in the top-left corner.
- Select Your Device: Tap Devices and pick the camera you want to update.
- Go to Device Health: On the camera’s dashboard, select the Device Health tile.
- Change Network: Under the “Network” section, look for Change Wi-Fi Network or Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
- Follow the Prompts: The app will guide you through selecting your new Wi-Fi name and entering the new password.
Method 2: The “Setup Mode” Method (If Camera is Offline)
If your camera is already “Offline” because the old Wi-Fi is gone, you will need to put it into Setup Mode manually.
- Locate the Setup Button: Usually an orange button on the back or behind the faceplate.
- Stick Up/Indoor Cams: On the top or back.
- Floodlight/Spotlight Cams: On the top of the camera unit.
- Enter Setup Mode: Press and release the setup button. Do not hold it down (holding for 20 seconds will trigger a full factory reset).
- Wait for the Light: The light on the front of the camera will start spinning or flashing white.
- App Setup: In the Ring app, go to the camera’s Device Health and tap Reconnect to Wi-Fi. Since the camera is in setup mode, your phone will find it and allow you to enter the new credentials.
Pro-Tips for a Successful Connection
- Check the Frequency: Most Ring cameras (especially older models) only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your new router is 5 GHz only, the camera will not see the network. Make that the 2.4 GHz band on your router is operational.
- The “Same SSID” Trick: If you have many Ring devices, name your new Wi-Fi network and password exactly the same as the old one. Most of your cameras will automatically reconnect without any manual effort.
- Signal Strength (RSSI): After connecting, check the RSSI value in Device Health. A value between -40 and -60 is good. If it’s -70 or higher, your new Wi-Fi signal is too weak, and you may need a Ring Chime Pro or a Wi-Fi extender.
FAQs
When should I reset my Ring camera?
You should reset your Ring camera if it keeps going offline, isn’t responding in the app, has Wi-Fi issues, or if you plan to transfer it to a new owner.
How do I perform a hard reset on a Ring camera?
While the camera is switched on, press and hold the reset button for about fifteen seconds. Release it when the LED starts flashing to initiate a hard reset.
Can I reset my Ring camera without pressing the button?
Yes, you can remove the device from the Ring app or change the Wi-Fi network to refresh settings, but a full factory reset generally requires the physical button.
Will resetting my Ring camera delete cloud videos?
No. Cloud videos stored in your Ring account remain intact even after performing a hard or factory reset.
How do I reset Wi-Fi on my Ring camera?
Use the Ring app to select your device, go to Device Settings → Network Settings → Change Network, and follow the instructions to reconnect to a new Wi-Fi.
How long does it take to reset a Ring camera?
A typical reset process takes 1–3 minutes, during which the camera may flash its LED and go offline temporarily.
Do I need to set up the camera again after a reset?
Yes. After a reset, you must set up your Ring camera in the app, reconnect it to Wi-Fi, and customize motion detection, alerts, and preferences.
What should I do if my Ring camera won’t reset?
If the camera doesn’t reset using the button or the app, try a power cycle, check the battery/power supply, or contact Ring Support for advanced troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Knowing how to reset your Ring camera is one of the most effective ways to maintain a reliable home security system. Whether you are fixing a persistent “Offline” error, preparing your device for a new owner, or simply giving your software a fresh start after a relocation, the process is quick and stress-free when you follow the right steps.
By understanding the difference between a simple reboot through the app and a full factory reset using the physical button, you can solve almost any technical glitch without needing professional support.
As a final reminder, always ensure your camera is fully charged or properly powered before initiating a reset to prevent any firmware corruption. If you are selling or gifting your device, don’t forget the crucial step of removing the camera from your Ring account to release the ownership lock. With these simple maintenance habits, your Ring camera will continue to provide the peace of mind and high-quality surveillance your home deserves.