Ring Device Won't Sync? How to Get It Back Online
A Ring device that won't sync or frequently shows as "offline" in the app can leave a significant gap in your home security. When a device is offline, you can't view live video, and it won't record motion events, rendering it ineffective. This guide will help you diagnose and fix the common causes of syncing problems with your Ring cameras and doorbells.
The vast majority of syncing issues are related to Wi-Fi connectivity. Let's start by troubleshooting the connection between your Ring device and your home network.
## Step 1: Diagnose Your Wi-Fi Connection
The strength and stability of your Wi-Fi signal are critical for your Ring device to stay synced with the Ring servers.
### Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength (RSSI)
The Ring app has a built-in tool to measure the signal strength your device is receiving.
- Open the Ring app.
- Navigate to the device that is having syncing issues.
- Tap on ‘Device Health’.
- Scroll down to the ‘Network’ section and look for the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value.
The RSSI value is a measurement of signal quality. Here's how to interpret it:
- -60 to 0: This is a strong signal, and your syncing issues are likely not caused by Wi-Fi strength.
- -61 to -99: This is a weak signal. Your device will likely struggle to maintain a stable connection, leading to it going offline and failing to sync.
### How to Improve a Weak Wi-Fi Signal
If your RSSI value is poor, you need to improve the signal reaching your Ring device.
- Move Your Router: If possible, move your Wi-Fi router closer to your Ring device. Even moving it a few feet can make a difference.
- Remove Obstructions: Wi-Fi signals are weakened by physical barriers. The most common culprits are thick brick or concrete walls, large metal appliances (like refrigerators), and foil-backed insulation.
- Invest in a Wi-Fi Extender: If you can't move your router, a Wi-Fi extender can boost the signal. The Ring Chime Pro is an excellent option as it functions as both a Wi-Fi extender specifically for Ring devices and an internal chime.
## Step 2: Power and Device Troubleshooting
If your Wi-Fi signal is strong, the problem might lie with the device's power or its software.
1. Reboot Your Router Sometimes the issue is with your router, not the Ring device. A simple reboot can clear up temporary glitches.
- Unplug your router from the power outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart before checking your Ring device in the app.
2. Check the Power
- For battery-powered devices: A critically low battery can cause the device to go offline. Remove the battery and charge it fully using the provided USB cable.
- For wired devices: A temporary power outage or a tripped breaker could be the cause. Check the Device Health screen to ensure it's receiving adequate voltage. If not, you may have a wiring or transformer issue.
3. Reboot the Ring Device A hard reset can force the device to re-establish its connection.
- Find the orange setup button on your Ring device.
- Press and hold this button firmly for 20 seconds.
- After releasing the button, the device will restart and enter setup mode.
- In the Ring app, you will need to go through the "Reconnect to Wi-Fi" process to get it back online and synced.
By systematically checking your Wi-Fi signal, power source, and performing a few simple reboots, you can resolve most syncing issues and ensure your Ring device stays reliably online, keeping your home secure.