Is A Ring Doorbell Waterproof? (Find Out Now!)
The Ring Video Doorbell is made to be mounted outside of a home, typically underneath eaves or under a porch where it will be subjected to some weather but not the full force of soaking rain or driving winds. It is also assumed that it will not be regularly sprayed by landscaping irrigation sprinklers or doused by splashing pool water.
The Ring doorbell is not waterproof. It is water-resistant and will withstand normal weather and storm conditions. It is not made to withstand hurricane or tornado conditions, or direct spray from landscaping irrigation. It must be installed in a protected area. A protective cover can be installed to increase rain resistance, but it can not be made completely waterproof.
For those who are considering installing a Ring doorbell in a one-off situation where it will be subjected to extreme weather conditions or it may be soaked by water, the unit must be protected from as much excess water as possible by using a waterproof case. These cases still can not offer 360-degree weather or water protection. Read on to see why.
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Ring Video Doorbell Operating Specifications
The ring doorbell comes in two main configurations. One series is hardwired, and one series is battery-powered. Users must keep in mind that the doorbell is housed in a case that provides it with reasonable protection from normal weather conditions. Inside the housing are sensors, cameras, and circuit boards that are very sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature.
| Wired Ring Video Doorbell | Battery-Powered Ring Video Doorbell |
| Works in heat up to 120 degrees F | Works in heat up to 120 degrees F |
| Works in a deep freeze down to -22 F | Works in moderate freezing down to -5 F |
| Water-resistant in normal rainy conditions | Water-resistant in normal rainy conditions |
The main difference in the ability of the unit to handle extreme weather is the battery pack that is included in the battery-powered Ring doorbell. Batteries can not function well in extremely cold conditions. Buyers who use a Ring doorbell in very hot or cold conditions will find that the reliability of the unit is spotty at best when the weather is at its most extreme.
Additionally, the unit can build up fogging or even frosting on the inside or outside of the lens. These conditions can be mitigated to some extent by keeping the unit protected and dry. Further, sensors tend to malfunction in extreme weather, so users must understand the limitations of the technology that is used in the Ring doorbells.
All sensitive electronics are affected by temperature swings, humidity swings, and lighting conditions that dramatically affect the reliability and function of the unit. Ring has given the doorbell a surprisingly robust case that can keep it dry under normal conditions and protect the inner electronics from freezing.
Units that are subjected to unusual amounts of moisture have the potential to freeze inside the case when the temperatures dip. This can cause a malfunction or break the doorbell altogether, so this type of circumstance should be avoided whenever possible.
Use a Ring Video Doorbell in Wet Conditions
A Ring Video Doorbell can be used in conditions that are somewhat too wet for the provided case. However, additional protection must be installed to protect the sensors, cameras, and circuitry from getting wet and shorting out. There is no way to completely weatherproof a Ring doorbell.
Unfortunately, Ring does not sell a waterproof cover for doorbells, but there are a wide array of options on shopping platforms like Amazon and Etsy that can add a significant amount of water protection under normal use conditions. While these covers are marketed as “waterproof,” that does not mean that they make the doorbell itself waterproof. It simply means that they can not be ruined by water because they are solid plastic or metal.
- This Doorbell Camera Cover is made of metal for maximum durability. It is quick and easy to install and offers reliable sun and weather protection. This type of cover is also good for applications where the unit is subjected to direct sun which can interfere with sensor function.Â
- This Generic Ring Doorbell weather cover is made of plastic and costs a bit less. Again it gives additional protection from the rain that may blow in from the sides or drip down from the top onto the unit and seep into the Ring case causing a circuitry short.
- The Yiphates Plastic Rain Cover is clear. It does not offer the shade that black plastic and metal covers do, but it will protect from dripping and blowing rain quite well.
None of these covers can add full 360-degree protection from all weather. If the rain is excessive or blowing from the front it will still be able to seep into the Ring doorbell cover during prolonged exposure. Additionally, these do not add protection from water spraying from the front or below such as splashing water from a pool or direct watering from landscaping irrigation sprinklers.
How to Deal With a Wet Ring Doorbell
The Ring doorbell does not have any options for a completely weatherproof protective case because the sensors and camera can not be covered. If there is a clear glass or plastic protector placed on the front of the Ring doorbell, it will cause the sensors to malfunction and stop detecting motion.
Some users have a problem with fogging on the camera lens. This is a sign that extra humidity is getting into the unit. When the temperature rises, that humidity begins to evaporate and condense on the glass camera lens.
If the Ring doorbell has gotten wet or shows signs of excess humidity inside, here are some steps that can be taken to extend the life of the unit.
- If the unit has gotten wet, do not attempt to trigger it. Wet circuitry can sometimes be saved if it is not made to work while wet. Instead, turn a wired unit off at the breaker box, if possible, or power the unit down.Â
- Unmount the unit from the wall.
- Do not attempt to open the unit, as this will void any warranty that may be left on it.
- Submerge the Ring doorbell in a bowl of uncooked instant rice, silica packets, or crystal-type cat litter for several days to allow the drying media to pull moisture out of the unit.Â
- Once the unit has dried, it can be tested for function and remounted.
- For those who have a unit that builds up extra humidity, consider using narrow strips of silicone weather stripping tape to add additional protection to the cracks in the case to help avoid future moisture buildup.
- The unit should be remounted with a rain protection cover to help keep direct rainfall from soaking the doorbell.
Unfortunately, the Ring Video Doorbell warranty is short and does not cover acts of God like hurricanes and other severe weather, or acts of negligence that could cause the doorbell to get soaked such as allowing a sprinkler to spray directly on the video doorbell.
The doorbell is not designed to withstand water, and the installation instructions detail that the unit should be placed in a dry place, so installation in a place where the doorbell will get soaked will void the warranty coverage.
Those who find that the Ring doorbell is ruined by water submersion or excessive soaking will likely have to purchase a new doorbell, but it is always worth it to attempt to dry the unit and retest to see if it can be saved.
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Conclusion
The Ring Video Doorbell is not waterproof. It can not be subjected to excessive rain, hurricane or tornado weather, landscaping irrigation sprinklers, splashing from pool water, or any other type of water soaking or submersion. These conditions will cause water to seep inside the doorbell case and may short-circuit the electronics inside.
There are weatherproof covers available to help protect the Ring Video Doorbell, but they can not offer 360-degree protection from water damage. Instead, the Ring doorbell should be installed in a protected place with the added protection of a weatherproof shield to extend its life as long as possible.
Hannah DeMoss has been a writer for nearly a decade. Her passion for writing began years ago has continued to grow. Her expertise at home involves furniture restoration and other small DIY tasks. When not writing, Hannah enjoys the outdoors with her husband and pups, as well as traveling.
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