Did you know you can add a video doorbell without an electrician or having to mess with wires? You don’t even have to have an existing doorbell! We recently added one to our front door and it’s one of the easiest DIY projects we’ve done in a while.
Note: This is not a sponsored post. We paid our own money ($99!) for our bell. This is exactly the Ring Video Doorbell we bought.
Why add a video doorbell?
Video doorbells are an increasingly popular home security device, and the Ring Video Doorbell is one of the most popular models. With it, we can see and hear what’s happening at our front door from anywhere using the Ring smartphone app. We can even talk about it when we’re not at home with a neighbor who stops by or the package delivery guy! The doorbell camera is also motion activated so we receive notifications when deliveries are placed on our front porch. And if someone uninvited was up to no good, we’d receive a notification and have video (with audio) of the incident – making it a good deterrent to any potential trespassers. It’s basically a super helpful doorbell that offers a lot of peace of mind.
We also chose Ring Video Doorbell because they offered both wired and wireless options. We bought the wireless option as we didn’t have an existing doorbell to replace. More precisely, we got it Bell video doorbell (2nd generation). It took us less than 10 minutes to add and involved no wires or electrical work. Really easy!
Installing a wireless doorbell
You can see how easy the installation process is by watching the 2-minute video below. And there is additional information and photos below the video.
Note: You can also watch this video on YouTube.
Tools needed to install a doorbell
The ring includes almost everything you will need to install your video doorbell in the box. They provide screws, a charging cable and even a small screwdriver. However, you’ll need a few more things on hand:
Step 1: Charge the battery
Ring recommends fully charging the ringer battery before installation. This takes several hours (ours took about 8 hours) so be sure to start this in advance or your installation will stall right out of the gate. This model does not have a removable battery and instead just plugs into the back of the bell itself.
There is a blue light on the front of the doorbell to indicate charging progress. The ring will be completely blue when the battery is ready for use.
Step 2: Install the Ring app
While the battery is charging, download the free Ring app on your smartphone and create an account if you don’t already have one. This is the app you’ll use to access doorbell features like remotely viewing the camera or receiving motion alerts. It will also guide you through the setup process. Here’s a link to Ring app for iPhone and Ringtone app on Google Play.
Once the doorbell battery is charged, you can begin the installation process. The Ring app has a helpful step-by-step guide that will walk you through the physical and online installation of your new doorbell. You can start this process by clicking on the 3 horizontal lines in the upper left corner and then clicking on “Set up device” as shown below.
We won’t detail every part of setting up this app here, but there is a step where you will sync the app with your device. This is done by scanning the device’s unique QR code, which is located on the back of the doorbell (under the mounting plate) or on the back of the user manual.
Part of this process will also involve connecting the doorbell to your home internet, so you have your own wifi password convenient!
Step 3: Attach the bell mounting plate
You will then hang the bell mounting plate on the outside of your home. The plate is a thin detachable plate that easily peels off from the back of the doorbell. The hanging process depends on the surface you are attaching it to. We hung ours on wood paneling around the door, but it can also be added to paneling, brick or stone. There’s even a no-drill option that we’ll discuss below!
First you will want to determine the location of your doorbell. The ring recommends placing it at least 4 feet off the ground. You may want to use a tape measure to check this as well as make sure it is centered on your trim. We also recommend using a small level to make sure it’s right. Once you have it in place, use a pencil to mark the four holes in the corners of the board.
In order to avoid splitting the wooden paneling, we always advise using a drill first make pilot holes. This is also a step you will need to take if you are drilling into brick or stone, as you will need to insert the anchors provided by the Ring. To make pilot holes in the brick, you will probably need a masonry drill bit and/or drill.
With the pilot holes drilled, you can now use a screwdriver and included screws to secure the mounting plate to your home. Be sure to use the longer screws from bag A, as specified in the instructions. Our mounting plate even had a sticker to remind us!
If you can’t get your siding pierced – say you’re a renter or just don’t want to – you can buy adhesive mount instead of that. You can also find other mounting brackets like these intended for vinyl coverings or adjustable brackets that rotate. Just make sure you buy the one that matches your bell model exactly.
Step 4: Secure your bell to the bracket
Then put the doorbell back on the bracket. Don’t push too hard. No force should be required.
Then use the short screws (in bag B) and the included screwdriver to attach the doorbell. Not only does this prevent the doorbell from falling or being dislodged, it will also deter someone from removing or stealing the doorbell itself.
These security screws have a specially shaped head to prevent theft, so be sure to hold on to that screwdriver! A spare screw is also included, which seems handy if it rolls under your deck or something.
Step 5: Configure the doorbell in the app
The final steps involve configuring the doorbell settings within the app. The setup process will walk you through these options and can be changed at any time by clicking the gear icon in the app. Settings include things like defining “motion zones” for people and packages, and setting the events you want to trigger notifications on your phone.
It may take some trial and error to get this just to your liking. You can always turn off certain alerts if you get too many or if you need to charge your battery too often.
Other video doorbell FAQs
Is it easy to install a doorbell?
Yes! If you can handle a screwdriver and a smartphone, then you can completely install a video doorbell yourself (especially a wireless model). Wired doorbells involve connecting low-voltage wires, but this is simple for most homeowners.
Do you need an electrician to install a doorbell?
No, both wired and wireless video doorbells can be installed without an electrician. The hardwired version includes only low-voltage wiring that is relatively easy to work with. Just make sure the appropriate switch is off before you start working. However, do not hesitate to hire an electrician if you are not comfortable doing the job yourself.
You may also need the help of an electrician if you don’t already have a wired doorbell. However, in that case we recommend installation wireless model like ours.
Does installing a doorbell involve wiring?
no, battery operated doorbell model that we installed does not include any wiring. Unless you count the USB charging cable, I guess. Ha! As I mentioned in the last question, wired models (like Doorbell plus) includes low-voltage wiring. This is the wiring that already exists behind most traditional doorbells.
How do I choose between a wired or wireless doorbell?
If you already have a wired doorbell (like most traditional doorbells), then it’s probably best to go for it wired video doorbell. These models are usually smaller and do not require regular battery charging. In addition, it is easier to reuse existing wires than to remove them. Cordless models are best for those without existing doorbells or for renters who cannot add a corded model.
Does the doorbell require a subscription?
No, a Ring subscription is not required. However, you can unlock additional features with a Ring protection plan. Most importantly, it will allow you to record videos and play past video events. Without it, you’ll still receive real-time notifications and be able to watch live video. Currently, plans start at $4 per month or $40 per year.
Do I need to buy anything else?
The box comes with everything you need for a basic installation. However, here are some additional purchases you should consider:
- Chime: Since wireless video doorbells do not connect to an existing wired doorbell box, you may want to add this little wireless device. It plugs into an outlet and plays doorbell notifications in your home, just like a traditional doorbell. We have one and love all the sound options.
- Wedge Kit: If you have steps leading up to your front porch like ours, you’ll want your doorbell camera to face down to better capture people approaching you. This kit is installed behind your bell mounting plate to give your bell a slight angle (we have one and it’s great). There are also corner stud kits which are also available.
- Faceplate Covers: These are 3 different metallic colors that you can buy to change the look of your doorbell. They come in brushed bronze (medium gold), brushed graphite (dark gray) and brushed silver (light gray). The oil rubbed bronze shown in this post is the Venetian bronze that comes with our ring and we love it. Ties right to our dark windows and metal rocking chairs nearby.
- Solar charger: Mounted behind the doorbell, this solar panel can save you from having to charge the battery as much (or ever!) depending on your front door’s exposure to sunlight.
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