Ring Doorbell or Camera Not Showing Video? Fixes

Ring Device Not Showing Video? Here's How to Fix It

One of the most critical features of any Ring doorbell or camera is 'Live View'. When you can't access it, or you're met with a black screen, your home security is compromised. This issue can be caused by problems with power, your Wi-Fi connection, or the Ring app itself.

This guide is designed to help you systematically troubleshoot the "no video" problem. By following these steps, you can identify the root cause and get your Ring device back online and streaming video reliably.

Step 1: Check Power and Device Health

Before diving into complex network troubleshooting, always start with the most fundamental requirement: power.

• For Battery-Powered Devices:

  1. Open the Ring app.
  2. Tap the menu (☰) in the top-left corner.
  3. Tap Devices and select the device in question.
  4. Tap on the Device Health tile.
  5. Check the Battery Level. If it's below 20%, it may not have enough power to initiate a live stream. Charge the battery fully.

• For Wired Devices:

  1. Check the same Device Health screen to ensure it shows 'Hardwired' under Power Status.
  2. If it's not showing as powered, check your circuit breaker to ensure it hasn't tripped.
  3. Verify that the transformer providing power is functioning correctly and meets Ring's specifications.

Resolving Live View and Connection Problems

If power isn't the issue, the problem almost certainly lies with the network connection.

2. Analyse Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength (RSSI)

The connection between your Ring device and your Wi-Fi router is crucial for video streaming. The Ring app has a built-in tool to measure this.

1. Navigate back to the Device Health screen for your device.
2. Look for Network and find the Signal Strength (RSSI) value.
3. Interpret the RSSI Value:
   • -40 to 0: Excellent signal. This is not the cause of your problem.
   • -60 to -41: Good, reliable signal.
   • -90 to -61: Poor or very weak signal. This is very likely the cause of your video issues. The connection is not stable enough to support a live video stream.

3. How to Improve a Poor Wi-Fi Signal

If your RSSI value is high (e.g., -65 or worse), you must improve the signal.

• Move Your Router: Try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to your Ring device. Remove any dense objects (like large furniture or appliances) from between them.
• Reboot Your Router: Unplug your router from power for 60 seconds and then plug it back in. This simple action can resolve many underlying network issues.
• Install a Ring Chime Pro: A Chime Pro acts as a dedicated Wi-Fi extender specifically for your Ring devices, providing a much stronger and more reliable connection.

4. Troubleshoot the Ring App

Sometimes, the app on your phone can be the weak link.

• Test on Another Device: If possible, try accessing Live View from another smartphone or tablet. If it works on one device but not another, the problem is with the specific device, not the Ring camera.
• Switch Networks: On your phone, switch from Wi-Fi to your mobile data network (or vice versa). If Live View works on one but not the other, it indicates an issue with your phone's connection.
• Reinstall the Ring App: As a last resort, you can try deleting the Ring app from your phone and reinstalling it from the app store. This ensures you have the latest version and can clear any corrupted data.

By methodically checking power, analysing your Wi-Fi signal, and troubleshooting the app, you'll be able to solve the vast majority of 'no video' issues with your Ring device.