What to Do When Your Ring Device Won't Reset
A factory reset is often the ultimate solution for fixing persistent issues with a Ring doorbell or camera. It's the go-to step when your device is offline, not connecting to Wi-Fi, or otherwise malfunctioning. But what happens when the reset process itself fails? If you're holding down the orange setup button and nothing is happening, it can be very frustrating.
This guide will walk you through the necessary troubleshooting steps to take when your Ring device is unresponsive and refuses to enter setup mode or perform a factory reset.
Why a Ring Device Fails to Reset
The inability to reset a Ring device almost always points to one of two fundamental problems:
- Power Issues: The device is not receiving sufficient, stable power to initiate the reset sequence. This could be due to a dead battery, faulty wiring, or an inadequate power supply.
- Hardware Failure: In rarer cases, the device itself may have a critical hardware fault that prevents it from functioning correctly, including responding to the reset button.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for a Non-Resetting Ring Device
Let's start with the most common and easily solvable issues first.
1. Verify Power Supply
No power means no reset. How you check this depends on your Ring model.
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For Battery-Powered Devices (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell, Stick Up Cam Battery):
- Charge the Battery: Remove the battery and connect it to a power source using the provided orange USB cable. The LED lights on the battery should illuminate to indicate it is charging. Leave it to charge for at least 6-8 hours to ensure it is fully powered.
- Re-insert the Battery: Once fully charged, re-insert the battery into the device firmly until it clicks into place. Check if the device shows any signs of life.
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For Hardwired Devices (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Floodlight Cam):
- Check for Power in the App: Open the Ring app, go to your device's 'Device Health' page, and check the 'Power Status'. If it says 'Offline' or 'Very Poor', there's a power issue.
- Check Your Circuit Breaker: Ensure the breaker that supplies power to your doorbell or camera has not been tripped.
- Inspect Wiring: For experienced users, you can turn off the power at the breaker and check that the wires connected to the back of the Ring device are secure.
2. Perform the Reset Procedure Correctly
It's easy to get the timing wrong. Let's confirm you're doing it right.
- Locate the orange setup button on your Ring device. Its location varies by model (it can be on the back, side, or under the faceplate).
- With the device powered on, press and hold this button firmly.
- Continue holding it for at least 20 seconds.
- After holding it, release the button. The device should flash its front-facing light and announce that it is in 'setup mode'.
If you hold it for less than 20 seconds, it may not trigger a full factory reset.
3. Power Cycle the Device
Before attempting another reset, perform a full power cycle. This can clear temporary hardware glitches.
- For Battery-Powered Devices: Remove the battery for 30 seconds and then re-insert it.
- For Hardwired Devices: Turn off the power at the circuit breaker for 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
After the device has had a moment to reboot, try the factory reset procedure again.
4. Check for Physical Damage
Inspect the reset button itself. Does it feel stuck, loose, or broken? While uncommon, it's possible the physical button has been damaged, preventing you from pressing it correctly. Also, check the device for any visible signs of water damage or corrosion, which could indicate a more serious internal failure.
5. Contact Ring Support
If you have confirmed the device is fully powered and have followed the reset procedure correctly multiple times without success, it is highly likely that there is a hardware fault.
At this stage, the best course of action is to contact Ring's official customer support. Be ready to provide them with:
- The model of your Ring device.
- A description of the problem (i.e., it's unresponsive and won't reset).
- The troubleshooting steps you have already taken.
They can provide further diagnostic steps and determine if your device is still under warranty and eligible for a replacement.