Suspect Your Ring Camera Has Water Damage? Here's What to Do
Ring devices are built to live outside and are designed to be weather-resistant, but they are not fully waterproof. An unusually heavy storm, a blast from a pressure washer, or incorrect installation can lead to water getting inside the device, causing serious and often permanent damage.
Recognising the signs of water damage early and taking immediate action is crucial. This guide will help you identify the symptoms of water ingress, explain the critical first steps you should take, and offer advice on how to prevent it from happening again.
Telltale Signs of Ring Camera Water Damage
If your Ring device has been compromised by moisture, you'll likely see one or more of these symptoms:
- Foggy Lens: The most common sign is condensation or fog appearing on the inside of the camera lens. This means the seal has been breached.
- Device is Offline: The camera or doorbell disconnects from your Wi-Fi and refuses to reconnect. The internal electronics have likely been short-circuited.
- No Power or Lights: The device is completely dead. The blue LED status light doesn't flash, and it doesn't respond when you press the button (on a doorbell).
- Distorted Video Feed: The image from the camera is blurry, hazy, or has a permanent pink, purple, or white tint. This often indicates the imaging sensor itself has been damaged by moisture.
- Muffled or Crackling Audio: The speaker or microphone no longer works correctly. You might hear static, or your voice may not be audible through the two-way talk feature.
- Unresponsive Button: The main button on your Ring Video Doorbell no longer registers a press or feels 'mushy'.
- Rapid Battery Drain: For battery-powered models, the battery fails to hold a charge or drains much faster than usual, as the water is causing a short.
Immediate Steps to Take for a Water-Damaged Ring Device
If you suspect your Ring camera is water damaged, you must act fast to have any chance of saving it.
1. Disconnect Power Immediately!
This is the most critical step. Water and electricity do not mix. Continuing to supply power to a wet electronic device will cause short circuits and permanent corrosion.
- For Battery-Powered Devices (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell, Stick Up Cam Battery): Immediately remove the quick-release battery pack.
- For Hardwired Devices (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Floodlight Cam): Go to your home's consumer unit (fuse box) and turn off the circuit breaker that supplies power to the device. Do not simply rely on the switch inside your chime box.
2. Bring the Device Inside to Dry
Once the power is disconnected, carefully uninstall the device and bring it indoors.
- Remove any covers or compartments. If it's a battery model, leave the battery compartment open.
- Let it air dry. Place the device in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. A spot near a dehumidifier is ideal.
- Be patient. You need to allow at least 48-72 hours for the device to dry out completely. Do not be tempted to apply power before this time.
- Do NOT use rice. The 'put it in rice' trick is a myth. Tiny particles of dust and starch from the rice can get inside the device and cause more problems. It is less effective than open-air drying.
- Do NOT use heat. Do not place the device on a radiator, use a hairdryer, or put it in an oven. Excessive heat can warp the plastic housing and damage sensitive electronic components.
3. Assess and Test
After 2-3 days of drying, you can attempt to power the device back on.
- Insert the battery or turn the circuit breaker back on.
- Observe the device's behaviour. Does the light turn on? Does it attempt to reconnect to your network?
- Check the video and audio quality. Look for any lingering signs of damage.
If the device works, you've been lucky. If it remains dead or dysfunctional, the water damage was too severe, and the device will likely need to be replaced. Contact Ring Support to discuss your options, especially if the device is still under warranty.
How to Prevent Future Water Damage
- Install Under Shelter: Whenever possible, install your Ring device under an eave or on a porch to shield it from the worst of the elements.
- Ensure Seals are Tight: Make sure the battery compartment is securely closed and that any protective covers are properly seated.
- Avoid Pressure Washers: Never use a pressure washer or a high-power hose to clean your Ring device or the area immediately around it. This can force water past the seals.
- Consider a Silicone Skin: Third-party companies sell silicone skins that slip over your Ring device, providing an extra layer of protection against rain.