If you’ve just bought a Ring doorbell or are thinking about one, the first question is usually “how do I keep it safe?” The truth is, a Ring doorbell can be a great way to see who’s at the door, but it also opens a digital doorway for hackers if you don’t lock it down. Below you’ll find straight‑forward advice on hardening your Ring, what the monthly plan actually gives you, and how to install it without calling an electrician every time.
Ring devices run on Wi‑Fi, so the first line of defense is your home network. Change the default admin password on your router, enable WPA3 if it’s available, and turn off WPS – the shortcut that burglars love to exploit. Next, enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on your Ring account; a code sent to your phone stops anyone from logging in even if they guess your password.
Ring videos are stored in the cloud, and that’s where many people get confused about privacy. If you skip the subscription, your video clips disappear after 60 days (or even sooner for some models). Keeping a paid plan gives you longer storage and richer features like motion zones, but it’s not a must‑have for basic security. Just be aware that anyone with access to your Ring account can watch live footage, so keep your credentials secret.
Physical tampering is another risk. Thieves have been known to smash or pull the doorbell off the wall. Choose a model with a tamper‑alert – it sends you a push notification the moment the device is moved. Mount the unit at the recommended height (about 4‑5 feet) and use the supplied security screws to make removal harder.
Installing a Ring doorbell in the UK is easier than you think. Most modern models are wireless (or battery‑powered), so you can skip the hard‑wired setup entirely. If you prefer a wired version for endless power, you don’t always need a certified electrician – just make sure you turn off the circuit at the breaker, connect the live, neutral, and earth wires to the Ring’s terminal block, and follow the step‑by‑step video guide on the Ring app.
When the device is up, open the Ring app and follow the on‑screen prompts to connect it to your Wi‑Fi. Aim for a signal strength of -50 dBm or better; if the signal is weak, consider a Wi‑Fi extender or a power‑over‑Ethernet (PoE) adaptor for a more stable link.
About the subscription – Ring Protect Basic costs about £3 per month and covers video storage for a single device, while Protect Plus (around £10 per month) adds coverage for all Ring devices at your address, extended warranties, and professional monitoring in some regions. If you only want to watch live feeds and don’t need long‑term storage, you can skip the plan and still enjoy the doorbell’s core features.
Finally, keep the firmware up to date. Ring pushes updates automatically, but you can manually check in the app under Device Settings > General Settings > Check for Updates. An updated firmware patches known vulnerabilities, so don’t ignore that notification.
By tightening your Wi‑Fi, using 2FA, installing tamper alerts, and choosing a subscription that matches your needs, you’ll get the most out of your Ring doorbell without opening new security holes. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with seeing visitors before you open the door – and keep those unwanted eyes out.
Worried about someone swiping your Ring doorbell? This article covers simple and effective ways to protect your device from theft. Discover smart installation tricks, useful add-ons, and tech features that put you back in control. Learn how to act fast if your Ring does go missing and know what the Ring Theft Protection policy actually does for you. Stay one step ahead of thieves and secure your home’s front line.