Solving Ring Device Wi-Fi Disconnection Problems
There's little more frustrating than finding your Ring device is "Offline." A disconnected device means missed notifications and a gap in your home security. This professional guide will help you understand why your Ring device keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi and provide clear, actionable steps to fix the problem for good.
The key to a stable Ring device is a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal. Let's dive into how to diagnose and improve your connection.
Step 1: Check Your Router and Internet
Before focusing on the Ring device itself, let's ensure its foundation is solid.
- Internet Connection: Is your home internet service working? Check if other devices in your home can connect to the internet.
- Power Cycle Your Router: This is the most common and effective first step. Unplug your router from the power source. Wait for at least 60 seconds to allow it to fully discharge. Plug it back in and give it several minutes to restart completely. This simple reboot often resolves temporary network glitches that could be causing your Ring device to drop off.
- Router Location: Is your router tucked away in a cupboard, basement, or at the far end of the house? For the best performance, your router should be in a central, open location, away from thick walls and other major electronics.
Step 2: Use the Ring App to Diagnose the Problem
The Ring app itself has powerful tools to help you understand the issue.
- Open the Ring app and select the device that is offline or disconnecting.
- Tap on the Device Health tile. This screen is your diagnostic hub.
- Check Signal Strength (RSSI): Under the "Network" section, look for the Signal Strength reading. This is measured by RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator).
- An RSSI of -60 to 0 is considered a good, strong signal.
- An RSSI of -61 to -75 is a weak signal and is likely the cause of disconnections.
- An RSSI of -76 or higher is extremely weak, and you will definitely experience performance issues.
Step 3: Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal to Your Ring Device
If your RSSI is weak, your top priority is to improve the signal reaching your device.
- Reduce the Distance: If possible, try moving your router closer to the Ring device. Even a small change in location can have a big impact.
- Eliminate Obstructions: The signal from your router can be blocked by certain materials. The most common culprits are brick, concrete, and stucco walls, metal security doors, and double or triple-paned glass windows.
- Use a Wi-Fi Extender: For most people, the most practical and effective solution is a Wi-Fi extender. The Ring Chime Pro is highly recommended as it serves as both an indoor chime and a dedicated Wi-Fi extender for your Ring devices. Place it about halfway between your router and your Ring device to bridge the gap and create a strong, reliable connection.
Step 4: Reconnect Your Ring Device
If your device is offline and won't reconnect after rebooting your router, you may need to manually reconnect it to your network.
- Go to the Device Health screen in the app.
- Tap on Change Wi-Fi Network or Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
- Follow the in-app instructions, which will involve putting your device into setup mode (usually by pressing the small orange or black button on the device) and re-entering your Wi-Fi password.
By following these steps, you can systematically identify the cause of your Wi-Fi issues and take the necessary actions to create a stable connection for your Ring device.