Ring is a name that is becoming familiar when discussing smart doorbells. Ring has developed a few of its wired and battery-powered models as the current business pioneer. A common question people have is whether or not the ringing doorbell keeps recording.
Ring Doorbell doesn’t always record due to some error. They start recording when motion is detected or triggered by a connected device. You must subscribe to a Ring protection plan to ensure that recordings are preserved.
In this article, I will talk about how different ring doorbell models stop working to tackle your concerns and how to take some time to focus on the most.
Do Ring Doorbells Record All the Time?
Ring doorbells and cameras are designed to record only when motion is detected. They don’t continuously record. Instead, they use motion sensors to trigger recording when someone or something enters their field of view. For this to happen, your doorbell needs to stay connected to your network and sync with Ring’s cloud servers.
By default, Ring devices are motion-activated, and recording only occurs with a subscription plan.
Without a subscription, you can still access live video feeds and answer doorbell alerts through the Ring app, 24/7. This feature is available regardless of your subscription status.
However, a subscription unlocks additional features. With a Ring Protect plan, you can:
- Store and review video recordings.
- Share videos.
- Access advanced features like smart alerts.
To start recording with your Ring doorbell, follow these steps:
- Ensure your doorbell is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network and adjust settings like motion detection and sensitivity.
- Choose from a free trial, monthly, or annual subscription to enable recording and access premium features.
With these steps completed, your doorbell will record events triggered by motion. Depending on your doorbell model, you’ll get either 30-second or 60-second video clips of each event.
How Ring Doorbells Use Motion Detection to Alert
Ring doorbells are equipped with motion sensors that detect movement in their field of view. When motion is detected, the device starts recording and sends a notification to your phone. This lets you view who is at your door in real-time.
The sensitivity of the motion sensors can be adjusted through the Ring app. You can set the device to alert you for all motion or only for significant movements. This adaptability diminishes misleading cautions and guarantees you just get warnings for significant events.
Troubleshooting Ring Doorbell Live View Issues
If you’re having trouble accessing the live view on your Ring doorbell, try these steps:
- Check Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure your Ring doorbell is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Weak or intermittent signals can disrupt live view.
- Update the Ring App: Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Ring app. Update it through your app store if needed.
- Restart Devices: Restart both your Ring doorbell and your smartphone or tablet to refresh connections.
- Check Device Status: Verify that your Ring doorbell is online and functioning properly in the Ring app.
How to Adjust Clip Length and Storage on Ring Doorbells?
The length of video clips recorded by Ring doorbells varies based on whether the device is wired or battery-powered. Wired models typically record for 60 seconds by default, while battery-powered versions have a shorter default recording time of 20 seconds.
You can customize the recording duration on your Ring device. Depending on your model, you can set the clip length anywhere between 15 seconds and 120 seconds.
Keep in mind that the length of the recording can impact battery life on battery-powered models. Longer recording times will drain the battery faster, especially if your doorbell is triggered often.
Here’s how to set the video recording length on your device:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap the Menu icon and select Devices.
- Choose your doorbell from the list.
- Tap Device Settings.
- Select Video Settings and then Video Recording Length.
- Pick your preferred recording length from the options provided.
If you have the recording set to auto or if advanced motion detection is enabled, the clip might end early depending on the detected motion. As a result, the actual length of your recorded clips could differ from your chosen setting.
Once recorded, video clips are automatically deleted from your Ring account after a certain period, depending on your Ring subscription plan.
In the U.S., the default storage period under the Ring Protect plan is 60 days, while in the U.K. and EU, it’s 30 days. You can extend this period up to 180 days, depending on your plan.
To manage the storage time on your Ring doorbell:
- Open the Ring app and tap the Menu icon.
- Go to Control Center.
- Tap Video Management and then Video Storage Time.
- Click “Edit” next to the device and select your preferred option.
How to Hear Conversations on a Ring Doorbell?
Yes, you can hear conversations with a Ring doorbell or camera using the two-way talk feature. To use this, activate it during the live view on the Ring app, and you’ll be able to speak and listen to the other party.
Besides the two-way talk, Ring devices also capture audio in recorded videos. You can choose to turn this audio recording on or off in the device settings.
In the sound settings, you can change the volume as you would prefer. Remember that the distance between the gadget and the sound source can influence how well the sound is captured.
Ring Doorbell Functions: Beyond Just Ringing
No, the Ring doorbell doesn’t just work when you press it. These doorbells detect motion and record activity. With a subscription plan, you receive alerts and recordings every time they detect motion.
If your doorbell is powered but lacks a Wi-Fi connection, it still functions like a traditional doorbell. Wired models will ring your indoor chime even without a network connection.
Here’s what you get with a Ring doorbell and a subscription:
- Motion detection alerts and recordings to your Ring Doorbells
- Announcements when the doorbell is pressed
- Access to premium features like Smart Alerts, Snapshots, and Video History
- Live view and two-way talk anytime
So, the doorbell does much more than just ring when pressed. You can use live view to see what’s happening outside and record it whenever possible.
However, a doorbell ring notification is the most straightforward way to know that someone is at your door.
Final Thoughts
Ring doorbells do not record all the time. Ring Doorbells start recording as soon as they detect motion. To save these recordings, you need a Ring Protect subscription. Without it, you can still view live feeds and get alerts.
Make sure your doorbell connects to Wi-Fi and syncs with Ring’s cloud for it to function properly. A subscription offers video storage, advanced alerts, and sharing options.
For issues with live view or recordings, check your Wi-Fi, update the app, and restart your devices. Adjust recording settings as needed, but be mindful of battery life.
Ring doorbells offer more than just ringing. With a subscription, you get motion alerts, live view, and recorded footage.
