How to Reset a Ring Doorbell: Setup Mode, Factory Reset, and Power Cycle
By Kanika Modi · Part of the Ring guides · Last verified 3 Oct 2026 against Ring’s official support documentation · 3 sources
“Reset” covers three different operations on a Ring doorbell, and choosing the right one saves a lot of re-setup: putting the device into setup mode, resetting the device itself, or removing it from your account. Ring’s own documentation separates these, and so should you.
Where the Setup Button is on Each Model
| Model Family | Setup Button Location |
|---|---|
| Battery doorbells (Battery Doorbell, Plus, Pro) | On the back of the unit |
| Wired doorbells (Wired, Wired Plus, Wired Pro) | Under the front faceplate, or on the back depending on model |
| Older Video Doorbells (1st to 4th gen) | Orange button on the front faceplate or back, varying by generation |
Ring’s documentation puts it simply: the setup button is on the back of the doorbell, or under the faceplate on the front, depending on model. On older generations it is the orange button people recognize from setup videos; newer hardware uses a darker button in the same role.
The Three Reset Operations
1. Setup Mode ~1 min
A brief press of the setup button puts the doorbell into setup mode: the light ring spins, and the device is ready to join or rejoin a network through the Ring app. Use this for router changes and reconnects; it changes nothing else. Full steps in the Wi-Fi change guide.
2. Device Reset ~2 min
- Press and hold the setup button for 20 seconds, then release. This is Ring’s documented reset procedure for doorbells.
- The device clears its settings and is ready to be set up again from scratch in the app.
- If the doorbell was registered to your account, you may still need to remove it in the app (see below) before it can be added to a different account.
3. Remove From Your Account ~2 min
- Open the Ring app and select the doorbell.
- Open Device Settings, then tap Remove Device (or Remove This Device, depending on app version).
- This is the factory reset for account purposes: the doorbell detaches from your Ring account so it can be set up fresh, sold, or re-added.
Wired Doorbells: Power Cycling First
For wired models, Ring’s troubleshooting places a power cycle before a reset: switch off the doorbell’s circuit breaker for about 30 seconds, then restore power and give the device a few minutes to reconnect. A power cycle clears memory-level faults without touching setup, which makes it the first move for frozen devices and odd behavior on wired installs. If the behavior survives a power cycle, the 20-second reset is next.
What a Reset Does Not Fix
A reset clears the device, not the network around it. If a doorbell keeps dropping offline, a reset typically just restarts the same problem: the causes that matter are Wi-Fi signal strength at the door, router changes that need the network re-selected, and battery charge on wireless models. Ring’s own troubleshooting order reflects that: connectivity and power first, reset last.
Questions People Ask
How Do I Reset a Ring Doorbell to Sell It?
Do both halves of a factory reset: hold the setup button for 20 seconds to clear the device, then remove it from your Ring account in the app (Device Settings, Remove Device). The new owner can then set it up on their own account.
Where is the Reset Button on a Ring Doorbell?
On the back of most models, or under the faceplate on the front. On older generations it is the orange setup button. Ring’s documentation confirms the location varies by model, with the back being most common.
Does Resetting a Ring Doorbell Delete Recordings?
Recordings are stored in the cloud against your Ring account, not on the doorbell, so a device reset does not delete them. Removing the device from your account affects what the app shows for that device; subscription recordings follow the account and plan.
Sources
Retrieved 3 Oct 2026:
- Reset or Power Cycle Your Ring Device (Ring Support)
- Ring Help Center: Doorbell Setup (Ring Support)
- Ring Support Home (Ring)