Solving Common Ring Camera Mounting Issues
You've installed your Ring camera, but it's not working as you expected. Perhaps the mount has become loose, the viewing angle isn't quite right, or you're even experiencing connectivity problems. A poor mounting job can undermine the effectiveness of your entire security system.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve the most common post-installation issues with Ring camera mounts. From wobbly fittings to poor placement, we have the solutions to get your system working perfectly.
Identifying the Problem with Your Mount
After installation, you might notice one of several issues that indicate a problem with the mounting. Let's identify the symptom you're experiencing:
- Wobbly or Loose Camera: The entire device moves or feels insecure when touched.
- Incorrect Viewing Angle: The camera is pointing too high, too low, or is not covering the desired area.
- Poor Wi-Fi Signal: The camera frequently disconnects from your network or has poor live view quality.
- Water Ingress: You suspect water is getting behind the mounting bracket, particularly with doorbell cameras.
- Physical Obstructions: The camera's view is partially blocked by a wall, drainpipe, or other object.
How to Troubleshoot Your Ring Mount
Follow these targeted steps to fix your specific mounting issue.
1. Securing a Wobbly Mount
A loose camera is at risk of falling or being easily tampered with.
- Check the Wall Fixings: The most common cause is a screw that has come loose from the wall. This often happens when mounting on plasterboard without the correct type of expanding wall plug.
- The Solution: You may need to remove the mount and reinstall it using more appropriate hardware for your wall type. If the original hole is now too big, move the mount slightly to one side and use a fresh set of holes and plugs.
- Tighten the Security Screw: For battery-powered cameras, ensure the small security screw at the bottom of the device is fully tightened. This locks the camera to the mounting bracket and prevents it from being easily removed.
2. Correcting the Viewing Angle
Getting the right angle is crucial for effective motion detection and surveillance.
- Use a Wedge or Corner Kit: Ring sells official Wedge Kits and Corner Kits.
- A Wedge Kit will tilt your camera vertically, which is perfect if your camera is mounted too high and is only capturing the tops of people's heads.
- A Corner Kit will angle your camera horizontally, ideal for viewing a pathway leading up to your door.
- Consider a Different Location: Sometimes, the best solution is to move the camera. A higher position can provide a broader view and reduce the risk of tampering.
3. Improving Wi-Fi Signal Through Better Placement
Your mounting location has a huge impact on your camera's ability to connect to your router.
- Understand Wi-Fi Barriers: Wi-Fi signals struggle to pass through dense materials. Solid brick or concrete walls, large metal objects (like a fridge), and even foil-backed insulation can severely degrade the signal.
- How to Test: Before you permanently mount a camera, hold it in the proposed location and check the 'Device Health' section in the Ring app. Look for a strong 'Signal Strength' reading (RSSI).
- The Fix: If the signal is weak, you may need to move the camera to a different spot. Alternatively, installing a Ring Chime Pro near the camera can act as a dedicated Wi-Fi extender and significantly boost its connection.
Pro Tip: Weatherproofing Your Installation
For doorbell cameras mounted on uneven surfaces like rough brick, water can sometimes seep behind the bracket. After mounting, apply a thin bead of clear, weatherproof silicone sealant around the top and sides of the mounting bracket (leave the bottom open to allow any moisture to escape). This creates a waterproof seal and protects the sensitive electronics.