Ring Camera Troubleshooting – How to Fix?

In the competitive security systems market, numerous brands or companies compete for attention. Ring Devices, however, has secured a notable position as a leading brand in the security system segment. Widely utilized in the United States and various other countries, Ring Devices are known for their robust, reliable, and advanced design. Despite these qualities, it’s important to note that no system is entirely bug-free.

Imagine a scenario where your Ring camera isn’t turning on, or you’re experiencing connectivity issues. What should you do in these situations? Repeatedly contacting customer support or a technician is not always a cost-effective solution. This guide provides comprehensive coverage of troubleshooting techniques you can apply at home to resolve issues, even if you lack technical knowledge about the devices. To enhance understanding, we’ve also covered why the Ring Camera might not be working, along with a general overview of the product. Stay with us until the end of this guide for a thorough discussion.

Overview of Ring Cameras

Ring Cameras, a security system product developed by Ring, a renowned company, has become synonymous with smart home security and surveillance. These cameras are designed to provide users with a comprehensive and accessible solution to monitor and protect their homes, both indoors and outdoors. Offering a range of features and capabilities, Ring Cameras have gained popularity for their ease of use, reliability, and integration into the broader Ring ecosystem.

At the core of Ring Cameras is the commitment to enhancing home security through innovative technology. One of the key features is motion-activated recording, which allows the cameras to capture footage when motion is detected in their field of view. This ensures that users receive alerts and have access to relevant video clips, providing a proactive approach to monitoring and securing their property.

Ring Cameras come in various models designed for different applications. Outdoor cameras are weather-resistant, equipped with infrared night vision, and designed to withstand the elements, making them ideal for monitoring the exterior of homes. Indoor cameras offer a compact and discreet solution for monitoring interior spaces, providing an additional layer of security within the home.

One standout feature of Ring Cameras is the two-way audio capability. This feature enables users to not only see what’s happening but also communicate in real time with individuals near the camera. Whether it’s answering the doorbell remotely, the two-way audio functionality adds a dynamic and interactive element to home surveillance.

Ring Cameras seamlessly integrate with the Ring app, allowing users to access live video feeds, review recorded footage, and receive instant alerts directly on their smartphones or tablets. The app also provides control over camera settings, including motion detection sensitivity, customizing motion zones, and configuring other preferences. Additionally, users can share access with family members, neighbours, or trusted friends, enhancing the collaborative aspect of community security.

Why Ring Camera is not Working?

1. Network Connection

One common reason for the Ring camera not working as expected is network connectivity issues. The Ring camera operates as a fully integrated circuit, where all security equipment is managed by a central unit that communicates through a network signal. If you experience a lack of network connection, your Ring camera becomes unusable.

Network problems may arise due to various factors. For instance, if your Ring camera is situated too far from the Wi-Fi router, it can receive weak signals because Wi-Fi routers are designed to connect devices within a specific range. Unfortunately, when the Ring camera is at the outer limit of the router’s range, it may experience signal issues.

Sometimes, the network service provider may be the cause of the problem, as they could be facing network outages or providing a low signal due to heavy traffic or technical difficulties. Additionally, misconfigured network settings can contribute to connectivity issues. This might involve using different bandwidths or network speeds that do not meet the standard requirements of the Ring camera.

2. Power Supply Issues

Another Possible reason for Ring Camera not working is power discontinuity or the power supply issue. These issues state that if your Ring Camera is facing discontinuity in power supply or we can say not getting enough supply for performing its functionality in all such cases, the Ring camera may stop working. A Power source can be of any type such as battery driven power source, Solar panel base, or an active supply from the power socket. Other than this the notable variation in the voltage and frequency from the power utility service beyond the standard tolerance limit may severely impact on the performance of the Ring cameras. So To avoid such cases ensure that your home or property is installed with the power stabilizer or else the necessary provision has taken such as an electrical circuit breaker or Fuses which will break the circuit from the source in case it’s detects any spikes or high Voltage surges from the utility or due to any electrical fault.

3. Outdated Software/Firmware

In the human body system, the brain serves as the central unit responsible for executing actions and making decisions. Likewise, in the Ring camera, the software or firmware acts as the primary program that manages all stored features. It is common for brands to enhance their performance and address user concerns from previous versions.

If you neglect to update the software and continue using an outdated version of the Ring camera’s software, you might encounter various performance issues. These can include difficulties in turning on the device, connectivity problems with other Ring security equipment, slow responses or speed lags, errors in streaming live videos, and issues related to cloud storage.

To prevent such critical problems, it is advisable to consistently update the Ring firmware through the settings panel. If you are unfamiliar with this process, a step-by-step guide is provided in the next section to assist you.

Ring Camera Troubleshooting Tips

The Ring Camera stands out as one of the most favored and widely used security system brands. However, like any product, it may encounter certain issues during use. Some problems are minor, having little impact on performance, while others are more significant, hindering users from using the devices, such as the device not turning on. Fortunately, all such issues can be addressed at home without contacting the support team or incurring extra charges for technical services. The key lies in having technical knowledge and following standard procedures, commonly referred to as troubleshooting. In our comprehensive guide, we cover troubleshooting steps based on past issues, providing a solution for users to resolve problems on their own.

1. Restart Ring Camera

Rebooting stands out as a proven and effective solution for minor issues like connectivity and performance problems. Ring cameras, at times, encounter temporary glitches leading to malfunctions. Therefore, restarting the Ring Camera involves shutting down the system and then starting it anew. This process halts any malfunctioning functions or files in the background, allowing the system to refresh. Through this approach, issues arising from glitches, interference, or other factors can be resolved.

Common problems like inconsistent audio, interrupted video quality, and connectivity issues often find resolution through the simple act of rebooting the Ring Camera. Ring Camera provides various methods for rebooting, depending on whether it is WiFi-powered or not. If connected to the network, managing all functionalities, including rebooting, can be effortlessly done through the Ring Application at your fingertips.

• Ring Application: This is a seamless method for rebooting your Ring Camera without the need to go anywhere or exert any effort. All you require is a connected Ring Camera with a Wi-Fi network. Open the official Ring Camera application, which you can download from the website or the Play Store. Once installed, run the application and click on the Menu button, resembling three horizontal lines. From the list of cameras and other Ring Devices, select the one you wish to reboot. Click on the Device Health button and scroll down. Finally, click on the Reboot button. The time required for this process may vary based on the Ring Camera model, so wait until it reboots automatically.
  
• Manual Method: The design of Ring Cameras varies according to the model. The latest designs have easily accessible batteries inside the cameras, while older models have more complex designs that require effort to detach batteries. Detaching batteries ensures that your Ring Cameras are disconnected from the power supply, automatically initiating the reboot process. For conventional cameras, open the back panel by unscrewing it to access the batteries.
  

For wired-based Ring Cameras, performing a reboot is a simple and easy process because you can directly turn off the power supply from the circuit breaker. It is advisable to wait for a few minutes, then plug the cable back in and turn on the power. These two steps will automatically reboot the Ring Cameras.

2. Restart Router/ Modem

While investigating the primary causes of Ring Cameras malfunctioning, we observed that network issues significantly affect the performance of Ring cameras. Therefore, our recommended troubleshooting step is to conduct a simple reboot of your Wi-Fi router. Network problems such as weak signal, reduced video quality during streaming, or loss of connection can arise if your Wi-Fi router is improperly configured or behaving irregularly.

The most effective solution to resolve these issues is to reboot your Wi-Fi router. This action provides a fresh start for your network devices and ensures a stable internet connection.

To initiate a reset of your Wi-Fi router, you can follow these simple steps:

• Disconnect the power cable of your router from the wall socket. Allow a period of 2 to 3 minutes during which your router devices will clear their running files and reset the memory.
  
• Reconnect or plug in the power cable of the Wi-Fi router and turn on the power supply.
  
• Following a fresh start, it may take a longer time to establish the Wi-Fi signal. Wi-Fi routers are equipped with various indicator lights to convey the status of the signal. By monitoring these lights, you can ascertain whether the router’s Wi-Fi connection has been restored.
  

These methods can assist in resolving basic network-related issues that may impact the performance of the Ring camera.

3. Check Power Source

The next crucial factor that we have already discussed and must check when troubleshooting the Ring Camera is the health of its power source and related parameters. Ring cameras require a stable power supply for proper functioning. If your Ring Camera is not powering up or not responding to prompts, it is worth first checking the power source. When discussing the power source of the Ring camera, it depends on an active power supply and a battery-driven source. In this section, we are specifically addressing Ring Cameras powered by an active power supply or from a wall socket.

The initial steps involve ensuring that the power cable is securely connected at both ends. Trace the entire cable from the power source socket to the camera’s back panel, looking for any signs of damage or broken cable. If your power cable is found to be damaged or broken, you may need to replace it first. The next recommended check is to verify the functioning of the outlet where you are connecting your Ring Camera adapter. Confirm its state by plugging another device into the same outlet. If power is not flowing, use a different outlet for your Ring camera. Additionally, we always recommend safeguarding your Ring Camera with a power stabilizer because any power surge or spikes from the utility or lightning can severely damage your Ring Camera.

4. Check Batteries

As discussed earlier, it’s important to note that not all cameras are wired. Ring Cameras provide a variety of models that operate wirelessly, relying on a battery as their power source. It’s common knowledge that the health of batteries diminishes over time, gradually reducing their charging capacity, especially with regular use of Ring Cameras.

When the battery level drops to its lowest point, your Ring camera may experience malfunctions and connectivity issues due to insufficient power. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the battery’s condition when troubleshooting Ring cameras.

To assess the battery health of your Ring Cameras, the optimal method is to monitor it through the Ring Mobile or Desktop application. Navigate to the Device Health window from the Ring application dashboard, or simply click on the Battery icon. If it indicates low power, prompt recharging is necessary. It’s worth noting that not all batteries are rechargeable; conventional Ring cameras were equipped with non-rechargeable batteries, leaving replacement as the only viable option.

5. Check Audio Issues

Ensuring audio functionality is a crucial step in addressing issues with your Ring Camera, given its significant audio features, including two-way communication. When encountering any audio problems, communication through your Ring camera becomes impossible. Therefore, troubleshooting for audio issues involves monitoring various components.

Begin by examining the condition of the microphone and speaker. Both components come into contact with dust and dirt, being situated in the natural environment. There is a high probability that the speaker may not be responding as expected due to the accumulation of dust and dirt. Regular cleaning with a brush is recommended for maintaining the microphone and speaker.

Apart from physical factors, misconfigured audio settings can also impact the audio quality of the Ring Camera. Adjusting the volume level of your speaker through the Ring app’s settings is essential. It should neither be too low nor too high. Additionally, issues such as poor Wi-Fi signal and device compatibility can affect the proper functioning of audio. Therefore, a thorough examination of these factors is necessary during the troubleshooting process.

6. Check Device Settings (Motion Detection and Sensitivity Settings)

It has been noted that many issues arise due to misconfigured or improper settings on Ring devices. Ring cameras have undergone significant evolution over the years, offering advanced features such as precise motion sensors capable of detecting individual or living movements. However, setting the motion sensor sensitivity too high can unnecessarily trigger alarms, causing inconvenience to property owners and neighbours. Adjusting sensitivity is a crucial setting and an important troubleshooting step to prevent false alarms.

To check and customize the sensitivity of your Ring Camera’s motion sensor, follow these steps:

• Launch the Ring Application on your smartphone or desktop device.
  
• Go to the Settings option and navigate to Motion settings, where you can adjust motion detection settings.
  
• Use the Sensitivity Slider according to your preference to set the motion sensitivity for your Ring Camera.
  

When adjusting the sensitivity of the motion sensor, consider that setting it too high may result in false alarms, while a low sensitivity configuration may miss important details or activities you want to capture.

7. Turn On Live View

Enabling Live View is a crucial troubleshooting step. This feature allows users to monitor the real-time footage of their Ring Camera. It proves helpful in verifying various features in one place, including camera connectivity, analysing video quality, and checking speed. Moreover, it assists in understanding whether the current camera angle covers the required field. Therefore, Live View not only helps identify the view but also facilitates diagnosing issues such as poor connectivity and camera malfunctioning in real time.

To activate the Live View feature on your Ring camera, follow the steps outlined below:

• Open the Ring application on your smartphone or desktop device.
  
• Navigate to the “Devices” option and choose the specific Ring Camera for which you wish to activate Live View.
  
• After enabling these settings, locate the Live View icon on the main screen. Select the Ring Camera device and click on it.
  
• Your Ring application will attempt to establish a connection with the camera. Once the connection is successful, you can view real-time footage from your Ring camera on your mobile phone.
  

Now, assess the video quality during live streaming. Verify if the video is streaming smoothly or if there’s any lag or distortion. If you notice distortion or experience constant loading while streaming, it indicates a connectivity issue with your Ring Camera. Similarly, you can test the Two-way Communication by speaking into the Ring app microphone and listening to the output from the speaker on the Ring camera. Additionally, explore other features based on your preferences. Using Live View in these ways helps you ensure that all features are functioning as expected by analysing this single Live View feature.

8. Update Ring App

The Ring Application serves as the platform for communicating with Ring Cameras, granting users fingertip access to the features. Regular updates are provided to enhance performance and eliminate bugs from previous versions. If you encounter connectivity issues or other bugs in an older version, these can be resolved by updating to the latest version. Additionally, users can benefit from access to new features introduced in updates.

To update the Ring application on IOS devices, visit the App Store, and for Android devices, go to the Google Play Store. In the list of applications, search for Ring, locate the update button, and click on it. This action initiates the update process for the Ring application. Once the application is updated to the latest version, you will only see the installed icon. Consistently updating the Ring application is the recommended approach to prevent compatibility issues, enhance performance, and improve the overall quality of the Ring App.

9. Contact Ring Support

If none of the aforementioned methods proves effective for you, and you find yourself without a solution, in these instances, we recommend reaching out to the Ring Support Team. The technical team is highly qualified and familiar with every aspect of Ring cameras. So, if you encounter any issues, whether it’s a performance problem, connectivity issue, or your Ring Camera won’t start, the technical team can assist you and provide technical guidance to resolve your problems.

The Ring security system provides both chat and call support to its valued customers. Chat support through the Ring app enables users to converse with live associates, and one technical team member will be designated to address your concern until the issue is resolved or a satisfactory solution is achieved. Another method of connection is through voice calls. To contact the Ring support technical team via phone, you can visit the official website and obtain the corresponding number for your country. If you are in the United States, Ring Camera offers 24/7 support for all states.

Ring Camera Troubleshooting – FAQs

Conclusion

At the conclusion of this guide, it is evident that all troubleshooting techniques essential for addressing issues with Ring Cameras at home have been thoroughly addressed. This guide accommodates users with or without technical knowledge, offering easy-to-follow troubleshooting tips. By following these suggestions, one can detect the factors impacting the performance or preventing the activation of their Ring Camera. The guide systematically outlines solutions for various issues. For instance, if the camera encounters network problems, a simple restart of the router or modem can be performed. The step-by-step procedure for this action is thoroughly explained. Likewise, solutions for problems like rebooting the Ring App, diagnosing power sources, ensuring battery health, checking battery conditions, and analysing the Live View are all adequately covered within this guide.

These troubleshooting tips will enable users to resolve their camera issues independently. In cases where these tips prove ineffective, we recommend resorting to our final suggestion, which involves contacting Ring Support. We hope that these comprehensive guidelines assist you in effectively troubleshooting Ring cameras.