How to Fix Poor Video Quality on Your Ring Camera
A grainy, pixelated, or lagging video feed from your Ring camera can be a major source of frustration. You rely on your Ring device to provide a clear view of your property, and when the quality is poor, it fails to deliver that promise. Most often, these video quality issues are not a fault of the camera itself but are related to the wireless network connection.
This guide will help you understand the key factors that affect your Ring's video quality and how to troubleshoot them for a sharper, smoother stream.
## 1. Understand and Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength (RSSI)
This is the most critical metric for your Ring device's performance. RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measures how strong the Wi-Fi signal is at your Ring device's location.
- How to Check RSSI:
- Open the Ring app.
- Select the device you want to check.
- Tap on the Device Health tile.
- Look for Signal Strength.
- What the Numbers Mean:
- -40 to -60: This is a good to average signal strength. Your video quality should be reliable.
- -61 to -85: This is a poor to very weak signal. It's the most likely cause of pixelation, lag, and grainy video.
- The closer the number is to 0, the stronger the signal.
## 2. How to Improve a Poor Wi-Fi Signal
If your RSSI is poor, you need to strengthen the signal reaching your Ring device.
- Move Your Router: Even moving your router a few feet closer to the Ring device can make a significant difference. Try to place it in a more central location, away from thick walls or large metal objects like refrigerators.
- Use a Wi-Fi Extender: A Wi-Fi extender can help bridge the gap between your router and your Ring device. The Ring Chime Pro is an excellent option as it acts as both a doorbell chime and a dedicated Wi-Fi extender for your Ring devices.
- Reduce Interference: Other electronic devices, such as cordless phones, baby monitors, and microwave ovens, can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal. Try to keep your router away from such devices.
## 3. Check Your Internet Upload Speed
While download speed is important for streaming movies, upload speed is crucial for your Ring camera, as it needs to send video data from your home to the Ring servers.
- Run a Speed Test: Stand near your Ring device and use a speed testing app or website on your smartphone.
- Required Speed: Ring recommends a minimum sustained upload speed of 2 Mbps per device. If your speed test shows a result lower than this, your internet plan may not be sufficient to support high-quality streaming, especially if other devices are using the network.
## 4. Clean the Camera Lens
A surprisingly common cause of a picture that looks generally poor or hazy is simply a dirty lens. Dust, pollen, and water spots can accumulate over time.
- Use a Microfibre Cloth: Gently wipe the lens with a clean, dry microfibre cloth.
- Avoid Abrasives: Do not use harsh cleaners or paper towels, which can scratch the lens.
By focusing on improving your Wi-Fi signal and ensuring sufficient upload speed, you can resolve the vast majority of video quality problems and enjoy the clear, high-definition video your Ring device is capable of delivering.