Poor RSSI in Ring doorbells can lead to various connectivity problems. Many Ring owners have reported issues like delayed connection to live view or during an event. I recently noticed this with my own Ring doorbell; the battery was draining much faster than usual.
Curious about this, I began researching and found that a lower RSSI value could cause the device to consume more power. This happens because the doorbell is constantly working hard to maintain a stable connection, especially when the RSSI is low.
To improve this situation, a needed boost in WiFi signal strength is often the key. In my case, my router was located about 53 feet from the doorbell, which isn’t ideal. To address this, I bought an additional accessory, the Ring Chime Pro. This device not only functions as a chime but also acted as a Wifi extender, significantly helping to enhance coverage and, consequently, the RSSI value of my Ring doorbell.
What Is RSSI On Ring Doorbells and Signal Strength?

Understanding RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is key to maximizing the performance of Ring Doorbells. It measures the strength of your doorbell’s WiFi connection to the wireless router. A higher RSSI number implies a stronger signal, which is essential for stable and reliable functionality.
As a Ring Doorbell user, I’ve noticed that RSSI is significantly affected by the proximity of the doorbell to the router and physical obstructions. To check this crucial aspect, open the Ring app, tap the Menu (☰), select ‘ Devices’, then your doorbell, and finally, ‘ Device Health’ to assess the signal strength.
The app intuitively displays RSSI levels: green for strong, amber for adequate, and red for weak signal. Remember, improving RSSI often involves optimizing the network environment around your Ring Doorbell, a simple yet effective step towards better quality and performance.
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)
In the context of enhancing your Ring Doorbell’s functionality, understanding RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is pivotal. RSSI is measured in decibels relative to a milliwatt (dBm), and its value typically ranges between 0 and -100 dBm.
A higher number, like -50 dBm, indicates a stronger signal, crucial for optimal performance, whereas a lower number, around -90 dBm, signifies a weaker connection. When checking the device health on the Ring app, the RSSI value is displayed, offering a clear insight into the signal quality of your doorbell.
From personal experience, maintaining an RSSI closer to -50 dBm ensures that your Ring Doorbell operates at its best, providing reliable alerts and clear video.
Factors Affecting Signal Strength
Several factors play a pivotal role in the Wi-Fi signal strength of your Ring Doorbell. Notably, the distance between the doorbell and the router can greatly impact the quality of your connection.
- Distance: Reducing the distance between your doorbell and router can significantly improve the RSSI. The farther these two devices are from each other, the weaker the signal tends to be. A shorter distance ensures a stronger and more stable connection for your Ring Doorbell.
- Physical barriers: Walls, floors, and large objects can significantly interfere with the signal between your Ring Doorbell and router, affecting the RSSI value. To ensure optimal performance, it’s advisable to minimize the number of these obstacles to maintain a strong and consistent connection.
- Electromagnetic interference: Devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, and other Wi-Fi routers can interfere with your Ring Doorbell’s signal, significantly lowering the RSSI. To combat this, consider relocating these devices to minimize the interference and enhance signal strength.
- Wi-Fi channel: Switching to a different Wi-Fi channel on your router can greatly reduce network congestion, thereby improving the signal strength of your Ring Doorbell. This simple adjustment can lead to a more stable and robust connection.
- Frequency: Using a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network can provide stronger and faster connections for your Ring Doorbell compared to traditional 2.4 GHz networks, especially if your router supports this frequency. Opting for a 5 GHz network can significantly enhance the performance and reliability of your Ring Doorbell.
What Is A Good RSSI Level for Ring Doorbell?

A good RSSI level for your Ring Doorbell is typically around -40 or higher, indicating best WiFi connectivity with no interference. Lower values mean you might encounter issues with connectivity and video quality.
While your doorbell might work fine in the range of -65 to -41, reports from the Ring Community suggest that users have encountered video issues in this range. The signal becomes completely unstable between -66 and -90, entering a critical zone where there’s a significant loss of functionality and the connection to the wifi can be lost entirely.
At this juncture, your sole recourse is to enhance your RSSI level.
RSSI Level | Signal Strength | Connection Quality |
-40 or higher | Strong | Excellent, No Issues |
-41 to -65 | Medium | Good, Possible Video Issues |
-66 to -90 | Poor | Weak, Major Connection Issues |
What Causes Poor RSSI On Ring Doorbells?
Unraveling the Mystery of Poor RSSI: A Symphony of Signal Woes
- WiFi Router Far Away from Doorbell: A router placed far from the Ring doorbell can significantly weaken the RSSI and signal, leading to dead zones or spotty reception. Ensuring closer proximity between these devices is crucial for maintaining strong signal strength.
- Physical Obstruction: Objects like mirrors, bookcases, metals, and glass windows near your router can act as physical barriers. These materials significantly reduce the WiFi signal strength, impacting the performance of your Ring Doorbell.
- Using Wrong WiFi band: Using the wrong WiFi band can significantly reduce the broadcast signal strength, leading to poor RSSI and increased interference. Selecting the appropriate band is essential for optimal Ring Doorbell performance.
- Competing WiFi Networks: In a populated area or condo, numerous WiFi networks in close locality can interfere with your own network, resulting in poorer RSSI for your Ring Doorbell.
Other Devices Connected with the Same Having multiple household electronics connected to the same network as your router can cause interference with the connectivity of your Ring doorbell, impacting its signal strength.
Here are 5 Tips to Improve RSSI on Ring Doorbells

Tip 1: Get A WiFi Extender
To enhance the signal range between your router and Ring doorbell, consider moving to using a WiFi extender. Devices like the Ring Chime Pro not only extend coverage but also act as a bridge, amplifying your wireless network for a more stable connection.
This can lead to an improved RSSI, ensuring that your doorbell maintains a strong link to the internet. An added advantage is the ability to receive notifications through the Ring app when your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected.
Tip 2: Reduce Physical Obstructions
Reducing physical obstruction near your router can significantly enhance the Wi-Fi signal for your Ring Doorbell, thus improving RSSI. Path loss, a phenomenon where radio waves lose strength as they travel through denser materials, is often a key issue.
A practical solution is to reposition or remove metal objects, like filing cabinets or radiators, that are movable and close to your device, to ensure a clearer signal path.
Tip 3: Use the Right WiFi Band
For wireless devices like Ring doorbells, selecting the appropriate WiFi band is vital for robust connectivity. While the 2.4GHz band is a standard choice due to its longer range, it often results in a lower RSSI, especially in areas with many networks like those using CenturyLink.
On the other hand, the 5 GHz band, despite its shorter range, offers faster speeds. If your router is placed far from the doorbell, it’s a good idea to connect to the 5 GHz network for enhanced signal strength and better overall performance.
Tip 4: Change Router Channel
If your phone’s wireless options show a long list of networks, it means your WiFi network is competing with others, which can affect speed by slowing down the signal. This is particularly true in a populated area or condo.
To enhance your Ring Doorbell’s performance, manually change your router’s channel to a less crowded frequency, thereby increasing the quality of the connection.
Tip 5: Free Up WiFi Bandwidth
For your Ring doorbell, ensure the WiFi router isn’t overwhelmed by too many devices connecting at once. Gadgets like your smartphone, TV, gaming consoles, and PC can crowd the network. Too many wireless devices simultaneously using the signal can weaken the RSSI.
A practical solution is to minimize the use of these devices when not needed or set up a separate network for the doorbell to ensure it gets ample bandwidth.
Addressing Issues with Doorbells and Security Cameras
1. Signal Strength and Video Quality:
For Ring Doorbell and security cameras, maintaining optimal signal strength is key to ensuring high video quality. You can monitor this via the Ring app. Simply access the menu, select ‘Devices’, choose your device, and then view ‘Device Health’ to check the Network Signal Strength.
Here, the RSSI value is color-coded: green signifies a strong signal, amber an adequate signal, and red a weak signal. If your WiFi signal strength is subpar, consider actions to improve it.
Moving your device closer to the WiFi router, using a range extender, switching to a more powerful router, or opting for a wired connection can provide a more stable and reliable connection.
2. Failed Setup Attempts and Disconnections:
A common issue with Ring devices, including failed setup attempts and disconnections, often boils down to the need to verify the WiFi signal strength in the area where your Ring Doorbell and security cameras are installed.
If the signal is insufficient, the device may disconnect frequently, hindering its functionality. Ensuring adequate WiFi strength is crucial for the smooth operation of these devices.
Actions to Improve Network Connectivity:
1. Router Reboot:
Periodically reboot your router to refresh the network. This clears any temporary glitches or congestion in your router’s operation. Simply unplugging the router, waiting for about a minute, and then plugging it back in can effectively reset the connection.
2. Frequency Adjustment:
If your router supports dual-band frequencies, switch from 2.4GHz to 5GHz. The 5GHz frequency often has less interference and can provide a faster connection. This setting can typically be adjusted in your router’s admin settings, accessible through a web browser.
3. Firmware Update:
Regularly check and update your router’s firmware. Firmware updates can enhance performance, fix bugs, and improve security. Instructions for updating firmware are usually found on the router manufacturer’s website or in the user manual.
4. Minimize Signal Obstructions:
Ensure that there are minimal obstructions, such as concrete walls or large metal objects, between your Ring devices and the router. Physical barriers can significantly weaken Wi-Fi signals, so positioning your router in a central, open location can improve connectivity.
5. Additional Enhancements:
Consider using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks to increase the range and stability of your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. Limit the number of devices connected to your network, as each connected device can consume bandwidth and reduce overall performance.
By implementing these steps, you can significantly improve the quality of your network connection, ensuring a more reliable and efficient performance of your connected devices.
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How Do I Increase My RSSI Ring?
To increase RSSI for your Ring doorbell, place your router within 1-2 feet off the floor and away from big metal objects and large devices like TVs and sofas. Moving the router closer to your Ring devices can make a significant difference. If necessary, use a broadband cable extension kit to reposition your router for optimal signal strength.
How Can I Improve My Ring Doorbell Signal?
Using a Ring Chime Pro as a wifi extender can effectively extend the range of your wireless network for doorbells and cameras, leading to improved speed and quality in receiving in-home doorbells and motion alerts. Simply plugging it in close to your Ring device can make a notable difference in signal strength.
What is the Best RSSI for Ring Doorbell?
For optimal performance of your Ring Doorbell, an RSSI of -40 or better is recommended. This range significantly reduces video and communication concerns. Eliminating distance and obstacles like multiple walls between your router and the Video Doorbell is key to achieving this ideal RSSI level.
Would Moving My Router Closer Improve RSSI for Ring Doorbell?
Moving your router within 30 feet of your Ring Doorbell can significantly improve its ability to work effectively. This change often helps achieve a strong signal strength, enhancing the RSSI for smoother operation.
Final Verdict:
Enhancing the RSSI for your Ring Doorbell is crucial for its optimal functionality and can be achieved through several practical steps. Ensuring your router is strategically positioned close to the doorbell, minimizing physical obstructions, and utilizing tools like WiFi extenders or selecting the right WiFi band significantly boost signal strength.
Additionally, regular router reboots and managing network congestion by limiting connected devices can further enhance connectivity. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve the performance and reliability of your Ring Doorbell, ensuring smoother video and communication experiences.
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