Seeing who’s at the door without opening it, talking to a visitor without being at the door (or even in the house) – these are just some of the ways smart doorbell cameras can be convenient while, of course, making you feel safe.
Ring is one of the most popular video doorbell brands on the market.
They offer a versatile lineup of smart doorbells and security cameras, with features that cater to first-time buyers and home security enthusiasts.
But whether you’ve already bought a Ring camera (see also: Do Ring Cameras Record All The Time?)or not, this guide will run through how to set up a Ring camera, along with which device you should buy.
Factors To Consider Before You Buy
If you haven’t bought a Ring camera yet, there are a few factors worth considering beforehand as these will also determine how to set it up.
These include:
Whether you rent or own your property
What purpose you need it for
Power source and internet connection
Cost
Whether you want to save and store videos
Whether you rent or own your property will determine how your Ring camera can be installed(see also: How To Install Blink Camera) – as well as how easy it will be. Thankfully, Ring offers devices that can be set up with and without heavy DIY.
The purpose of your Ring camera is also worth considering, as Ring offers everything from basic smart doorbells to high-tech security cameras that can be fitted around your home,(see also: Best Smart Home Hub) each requiring a source of power.
Cost is another factor, along with whether you want to save and store recorded videos (as this will require subscribing to a Ring Protection Plan).
What Are The Different Types Of Ring Cameras?
Ring offers a versatile range of smart doorbell cameras and security cameras. A smart doorbell can be installed on your front door (see also: How To Barricade A Door) while security cameras can be installed around your house, better suited for surveillance.
All Ring cameras feature live 1080p video with infrared night vision, two-way audio, and an internet connection.
Where they differ, however, is their field of view, power source, and premium features – such as spotlights, siren alarms, and motion-activated alerts.
So before buying a Ring camera, the most important things to consider are whether you want a doorbell camera or multiple security cameras, along with how you will power your device(s), whether that’s battery-powered or wired.
Where To Put A Ring Camera
A Ring doorbell camera will go on your front door. But if you’re planning to install one or several Ring home security cameras, then you’ll need to consider the areas you want to survey.
These might include concealed areas that are at risk of break-ins or simply wherever you want to monitor your kid(s) or pet(s).
Once you have decided where to put your security camera, the next step is to consider how it will be powered. The good news is that Ring cameras come battery-powered, wired, or both, providing options for any setup.
Lastly, you’ll need to make sure the Ring camera can connect to your Wi-Fi. This will require good internet range or, if not, a Wi-Fi extender.
How To Set Up A Ring Doorbell Camera
In most cases, it’s best to opt for a professional installation as setting up a Ring doorbell camera will require some DIY skills – especially if you choose a wired device.
So you know how each Ring doorbell device can be set up, here are a few examples from the main Ring doorbell lineup:
Ring Doorbell Wired – hardwired to existing doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell (4, 3, and 2nd Generation) – rechargeable battery, hardwired to existing doorbell, or connected to mains
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 – hardwired to existing doorbell or connected to mains
Ring Video Doorbell Elite – powered via ethernet connection
Once the Ring doorbell camera is installed, you’ll need to download the Ring app, connect to your Wi-Fi, and subscribe to one of Ring’s Protect Plans if you want to save and store recorded videos.
How To Set Up A Ring Home Security Camera
Ring home security cameras can be plugged into a mains socket, hardwired, or powered via a rechargeable battery pack. If you’re going to hardwire your device, however, it’s best to opt for a professional installation unless you have the right DIY skills.
And so you know how each device can be set up, here are a few examples from the main Ring security camera lineup:
Ring Indoor Cam – plugged into power socket
Ring Stick Up Cam – plugged into power socket, battery-powered (via a rechargeable battery pack), or solar-powered
Ring Spotlight Cam – hardwired to mains, plugged into power socket, battery-powered (via a rechargeable battery pack), or solar-powered
Ring Floodlight Cam – hardwired to mains
Once the Ring security camera is installed, simply download the Ring app, connect to your Wi-Fi, and subscribe to one of Ring’s Protect Plans if you want to save and store the videos your device will record.
What Are Ring Protect Plans?
Ring cameras do not have local storage. So if you want to save and store recorded videos, you’ll need to subscribe to a Ring Protect Plan. These are:
Ring Protect Basic Plan
Ring Protect Plus Plan
Ring Protect Pro Plan
Needless to say, the Protect Pro Plan offers the most features, such as 24/7 professional monitoring, 24/7 backup, and extra storage options.
These plans are optional, however, so you only need to subscribe if you want to save recordings for future viewing or personal keeping.
Conclusion
To summarize, setting up a Ring camera depends on the device and whether it requires plugging in, hardwiring, or powering via battery. Plugging into the mains or powering via battery are the easiest ways to set up your Ring camera.
For hardwiring your device, it’s best to opt for a professional installation unless you have the right DIY skills.
After installation, it’s a matter of simply downloading the Ring app, connecting to your Wi-Fi, and subscribing to a Ring Protect Plan if you want to save your recordings.
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