How do I connect my ring doorbell left by previous owner?

Quick Overview

Connecting a ring doorbell left behind by a previous owner is a straightforward process, but there are a few things you need to do:

• Make sure the doorbell is compatible with your wireless network
• Perform a factory reset on the doorbell
• Remove the doorbell from the previous owner’s Ring account
• Add the doorbell to your own Ring account
• Connect the doorbell to your wireless network
• Mount the doorbell outside your door
• Perform final setup steps in the Ring app

As long as the previous owner fully removed the doorbell from their Ring account, you should be able to add it to your own account and get it fully set up. Just follow the steps below.

Checking Doorbell Compatibility

Before doing anything else, you’ll want to make sure the Ring doorbell left behind is compatible with your wireless network. Here are the requirements:

• Works with 2.4 GHz WiFi networks (will not work with 5 GHz only networks)
• Supports WPA and WPA2 wireless security protocols
• Requires a strong WiFi signal to operate – must be located within range of your router

So check your WiFi settings and make sure your network meets these requirements. If not, you may need to adjust settings or move your router closer to where the doorbell will be installed.

If you’re unsure about compatibility, look on the back or underside of the doorbell for the model number. You can then check specific compatibility details on Ring’s website.

Factory Resetting the Doorbell

Before you can add the used Ring doorbell to your own account, you need to factory reset it. This will erase any connection the device still has with the previous owner’s account.

Here are the steps to factory reset a Ring doorbell:

1. Remove the doorbell from its mount outside your door.
2. Locate the setup button on the back/side of the doorbell.
3. Press and hold the setup button for around 10 seconds until the light ring on the button blinks a few times.
4. Release the button – this resets the device back to factory default settings.

Once reset, the doorbell will be ready to pair with your account.

Removing From the Previous Owner’s Account

The previous owner should have already removed the device from their Ring account before leaving it behind. However, it’s a good idea to confirm this.

You can either contact the previous owner and ask them to double check their app, or try adding the device in your own app (next steps) to see if it’s still linked to their account.

If it is still added in their app, you’ll get an error about the device already being set up. At that point, contact the previous owner and request they fully remove the device from their account before proceeding.

Adding the Doorbell to Your Ring Account

With the doorbell factory reset and confirmed removed from any old accounts, you’re ready to add it to your own Ring app.

1. Open the Ring app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Tap the menu icon in the upper left corner, then tap Set Up a Device.
3. Select Doorbells.
4. Choose your specific doorbell model from the list.
5. Follow the in-app prompts to scan the QR code or enter the 8-character code on the back of the doorbell.
6. After scanning/entering the code, the doorbell will be added to your account.

Once added, you can move onto getting it connected to your WiFi.

Connecting to Your Wireless Network

With the doorbell now on your account, you need to connect it to your home WiFi.

1. Within the Ring app, select your doorbell then tap on Set Up Device.
2. Select Wi-Fi and follow the prompts to choose your WiFi network.
3. Enter your network password when requested.
4. Wait for the doorbell to successfully join the network – this may take a few minutes.
5. Once WiFi setup completes, the doorbell configuration will proceed automatically.

The doorbell will indicate when WiFi setup is complete and it can connect to Ring’s servers. At that point, you’re ready to mount and finish setup!

Mounting the Doorbell Outside Your Door

To actually use your Ring doorbell, you need to mount it outside next to your door. Here are some tips:

• Install the doorbell around chest height for optimal motion detection and video.
• Make sure the doorbell is no more than 25 feet from your WiFi router (closer is better).
• Only install on doors that open outward – mounting on inward opening doors will damage the device.
• Use the included mounting hardware and follow all instructions for safe installation.
• Avoid pointing the doorbell into direct sunlight which could impair video quality.

Take your time to find just the right spot that meets all these guidelines. You want the best position to capture visitors at your door.

Finishing Setup in the Ring App

With your used Ring doorbell mounted outside, complete these final steps in the app:

1. Tap Set Up Motion Settings and adjust motion detection zones/sensitivity as desired.
2. Set up Linked Chimes if you want doorbell rings to sound in other Ring devices.
3. Customize notifications and privacy settings.
4. Ensure two-factor authentication is enabled for account security.
5. Share access with housemates if desired – great for roommates!

Take some time to explore all the settings in the app and tailor the experience to your needs.

And that’s it! Your secondhand doorbell should now be fully operational. Enjoy having smart security and convenience at your door!

Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into any problems getting a used Ring doorbell working, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Can’t connect to WiFi – Double check password and move WiFi router closer to doorbell.
• Not detecting motion – Adjust motion sensitivity higher and check positioning.
• Not ringing phone – Make sure notifications are enabled in the app.
• Not charging – Inspect wire connectors and make sure it’s plugged in fully.
• Stops working – Try removing it from your account and adding it again.

Resetting the doorbell can also fix many issues. Customer support can further assist with troubleshooting.

Conclusion

While not quite as seamless as a brand new device, a pre-owned Ring doorbell can still be a great affordable option. As long as you reset it fully and connect it properly to your WiFi, you can take advantage of Ring’s smart security features. With a few configuration steps, you can save money over buying new. Just follow this guide and your secondhand doorbell will be operational in no time!