Do I need existing doorbell wiring to install the Ring doorbell, or can I use it with just the battery?

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Here's the great news: the Ring Video Doorbell (2020 release) works exactly how you need it to work, whether you have existing doorbell wiring or not.

No Wiring? No Problem!

If your home doesn't have doorbell wiring (maybe you're in an apartment or a newer house that skipped the traditional doorbell), you're all set. The Ring Video Doorbell comes with a built-in battery that lasts 6-12 months. Just mount it, connect to WiFi, and you're done.

This battery approach is actually pretty clever. You can:

• Install it anywhere that makes sense (not just where old wiring exists)
• Move it later if needed
• Set it up in about 20 minutes
• Never worry about finding an electrician

Got Existing Wiring? Even Better!

If you do have doorbell wiring, connecting to it gives you some nice perks. Your existing doorbell chime keeps working (so family members who don't have the app still hear visitors), and you never have to charge the battery.

The cool part is that Ring keeps the battery active even when hardwired. So if your power goes out, the doorbell keeps working. It's like having a backup generator for your front door.

Start Simple, Upgrade If You Want

Here's what I'd recommend: start with just the battery. Get it installed, see how you like the location, make sure everything works well. If you decide later that you want the convenience of hardwired power, you can always connect it to your existing wiring without buying anything new.

What About Older Homes?

Most houses built in the last 50 years have doorbell wiring that works fine with Ring. The device needs 8-24 volts, and pretty much every doorbell transformer provides that. Ring even includes a little voltage tester so you can check before connecting anything.

If your home is really old or the wiring is sketchy, just stick with battery power. You're not missing out on core functionality - the doorbell does everything it's supposed to do either way.