Identifying and Dealing with Ring Device Weather Damage
Ring's doorbells and security cameras are built to live outdoors, but extreme weather conditions can sometimes take their toll. Whether it's driving rain, intense summer sun, or freezing temperatures, the elements can occasionally cause damage. This guide will help you identify the signs of weather damage and understand your options for getting your device working again.
Are Ring Devices Weatherproof?
It's important to understand the terminology. Ring devices are weather-resistant, not waterproof. This means they are engineered to withstand typical weather like rain, snow, and humidity. However, they are not designed to be submerged in water or sprayed with a high-pressure jet washer. A breach in the device's protective seals can lead to permanent damage.
Common Types of Weather Damage and Their Symptoms
Here are the most common issues you might encounter and how to spot them.
1. Water or Moisture Damage
This is the most frequent type of weather-related failure, often occurring after a period of heavy, driving rain.
- Symptom: Condensation Inside the Lens: The most obvious sign is a foggy, blurry, or hazy video feed. If you look closely at the lens, you may see tiny water droplets or a general cloudiness on the inside. This means the weather seal has failed.
- Symptom: Unresponsive Device: The device may go completely offline and become unresponsive. The doorbell button may not work, and the internal electronics may have been short-circuited by the moisture.
- Symptom: Distorted Audio: Water getting into the microphone or speaker can cause audio to sound muffled, crackly, or stop working entirely.
- Symptom: Corrosion: If you remove the device from its mount, you might see green or white corrosive buildup on the charging contacts or screw terminals.
2. Sun and Heat Damage
Prolonged exposure to direct, intense sunlight can also cause problems, especially in very hot climates.
- Symptom: Warped or Cracked Casing: The plastic housing of the device can become brittle over time with constant UV exposure, leading to cracks that can then allow moisture inside.
- Symptom: Discoloured Video: Extreme heat can, in some cases, damage the camera's image sensor, leading to a permanent pink, purple, or washed-out hue in the video feed.
- Symptom: Frequent Shutdowns: In extreme heat, the device's internal temperature can exceed its operating limits, causing it to shut down to protect itself. If this happens frequently, it can strain the components.
3. Cold Weather Problems
While less likely to cause permanent damage, very cold temperatures can cause temporary issues.
- Symptom: Reduced Battery Life: The primary victim of cold weather is the battery. Lithium-ion batteries lose a significant amount of their capacity in freezing temperatures, leading to your device needing much more frequent recharging.
- Symptom: Device Shutdown: In extreme cold, the battery's voltage may drop too low to power the device, causing it to shut down until the temperature rises.
What to Do if You Suspect Weather Damage
- Bring it Inside: If you suspect water damage, immediately disconnect the device from power (if wired) or remove the battery and bring it indoors. Let it dry out in a warm, dry place for at least 48-72 hours. Do not attempt to power it on during this time. Placing it in an airtight container with silica gel packets can help draw out moisture.
- Inspect for Damage: Once dry, carefully inspect the device for any signs of corrosion or permanent damage.
- Check Your Warranty and Ring Protect Plan: Standard warranties may not cover damage from the elements. However, if you subscribe to the Ring Protect Plus plan, you may be covered by an extended warranty that includes some forms of accidental damage. It is crucial to check the specific terms of your plan.
- Contact Ring Support: Regardless of your warranty status, your final step should be to contact Ring's official customer support. They can help diagnose the issue definitively and will inform you of any replacement options you may be eligible for.