Struggling with Poor Video Quality from Your Ring Camera?
There's nothing more frustrating than checking a notification from your Ring camera only to be met with a blurry, pixelated, or lagging video feed. Whether it's a live view or a recorded event, poor video quality can make it impossible to identify faces, read number plates, or see what's actually happening, defeating the purpose of having a security camera.
The good news is that in most cases, poor video quality is not due to a faulty camera. It's almost always a result of a poor Wi-Fi connection. This guide will help you diagnose the problem and take clear steps to improve your Ring's video stream.
## The #1 Cause of Poor Video: Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Your Ring device needs to upload high-definition video to the cloud in real-time. This requires a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection. When the connection is weak, the device has to compress the video heavily to send it, resulting in pixelation, or it has to buffer, causing lag and freezing.
The key metric for measuring this connection is RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator).
- What is RSSI? It's a measurement, in decibels (dBm), of how well your camera can "hear" your Wi-Fi router.
- What do the numbers mean? It's a negative scale, so a number closer to 0 is better.
- RSSI -40 to -60: A good to average signal. You should not have major video issues.
- RSSI -61 to -75: A weak signal. You will likely experience lag, pixelation, and delayed notifications.
- RSSI -76 and below: A very poor signal. The device may struggle to stay online at all.
## How to Check Your RSSI and Fix Your Wi-Fi
Let's diagnose and solve the problem.
### 1. Check Your Device Health
- Open the Ring app.
- Select the camera you are having issues with.
- Tap on the "Device Health" tile.
- Look for "Signal Strength" under the Network section.
- Make a note of your RSSI value.
If your RSSI is -61 or higher (e.g., -70), you have found the source of your problem. The following steps are designed to lower this number.
### 2. Improve the Wi-Fi Signal Path
- Move Your Router: The simplest solution is often to move your Wi-Fi router closer to your Ring device. Even moving it a few feet can make a big difference. Try to place it in a more central location in your home.
- Remove Obstructions: Wi-Fi signals are weakened by physical objects. Dense materials like brick, concrete, metal, and even water (in aquariums or hot water cylinders) are major culprits. Minimise the number of walls and dense objects between your router and your Ring camera.
- Elevate Your Router: Don't keep your router on the floor. Place it on a shelf or table to allow the signal to broadcast more effectively.
### 3. Invest in a Wi-Fi Extender
If you cannot move your router, the next best solution is a Wi-Fi extender.
- Ring Chime Pro: This is the best option for many users. It's a dual-purpose device that acts as an indoor chime for your doorbell and a dedicated Wi-Fi extender for your Ring devices. You place it halfway between your router and your Ring camera to boost the signal directly to the device.
- Mesh Wi-Fi System: For larger homes or those with persistent dead zones, a mesh Wi-Fi system (like Google Nest Wifi or Eero) is an excellent investment. It uses multiple satellite units to blanket your entire home in a strong, seamless Wi-Fi signal.
### 4. Check Your Internet Upload Speed
While signal strength is the most common issue, your internet plan's upload speed also matters. Ring recommends a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps per device.
- Use a speed test app on your phone while connected to the same Wi-Fi network near the Ring device.
- If your upload speed is consistently below 2 Mbps, you may need to contact your internet service provider to upgrade your plan.
By systematically improving your Wi-Fi signal and ensuring adequate upload speed, you can resolve the vast majority of video quality issues and enjoy the crystal-clear HD video your Ring camera is capable of.