How to Install Ring Sensor on Sliding Door: 5 Steps

Do you wish to know how to Install Ring Sensor on Sliding Door? Yes, as homeowner and I need to install Ring sensor to my indoors.

The process can be tricky, but is absolutely doable with some handy workarounds. I found this out firsthand when installing a Ring alarm system in my home.

My kitchen door was an older sliding glass model with wavy, molded trim that created an uneven surface.

With some spacers, tape layers, and careful positioning, I was able to securely mount the sensor and magnet even on this challenging door.

It took patience and testing, but was worth it for the added security and peace of mind.

While uneven doors can complicate the installation, you can overcome the hurdles with a bit of creativity.

Let me explain further how you can install a Ring sensor successfully on a difficult sliding door.

Let’s get started!

Why Add a Ring Sensor to Your Sliding Door?

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s briefly go over why a sliding door sensor is so useful:

• Enhanced security – Sliding doors can be vulnerable entry points due to their large glass expanses and smooth tracks. A Ring sensor provides an extra layer of security by notifying you any time the door opens.
• Peace of mind – There’s nothing worse than lying awake at night wondering if you locked the sliding door. A Ring sensor lets you double check the status right from your phone, day or night.
• Smart home integration – Ring sensors can integrate with other smart devices through IFTTT and Alexa. This allows you to set up customized automations like turning on lights when the sliding door opens.
• Easy installation – Installing a Ring sensor is a straightforward DIY project requiring minimal tools and expertise. The wireless design makes placement flexible too.

Now that you know the benefits of adding a Ring sensor to your sliding door, let’s get into the installation process.

What You’ll Need

Installing a Ring sensor is designed to be simple, but having the right tools and materials will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tools

• Power drill (optional, for screw installation)
• Drill bits
• Screwdriver
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Level

Materials

• Ring alarm contact sensor
• Mounting tape or mounting screws
• Alcohol wipes

Before getting started, be sure to grab your tools and materials so they’re on hand.

You’ll also want to disarm your Ring Alarm System through the app to avoid any false alarms during installation. Now let’s get to work!

How to Install Ring Sensor on Sliding Door in 5 Steps

1. Pick the Right Location
2. Install the Mounting Bracket
3. Mount the Sensor
4. Install the Magnet
5. Connect and Test the Sensor

Pick the Right Location

Choosing the right spot to mount your Ring sensor is key for optimal performance. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Door movement – Make sure the sensor won’t obstruct the door’s movement when opening and closing.
• Direct alignment – When the door is closed, the sensor and magnet should directly face each other with a gap of no more than 1 inch.
• Accessibility – Pick an area that’s easy to reach for maintenance and testing. Avoid cluttered spaces.
• Height – Mount the sensor approximately 60 inches (5 feet) above the floor for best detection.

Ideally, install the sensor on the fixed frame next to the sliding door. Place the magnet on the door itself, directly across from the sensor.

Check that they align properly when the door is closed.

Pay attention to door handles or other protrusions that could block alignment. Also make sure the sensor and magnet aren’t positioned where they’ll get knocked by regular activity.

With the right location picked, you’re ready to start installation!

Install the Mounting Bracket

Ring sensors come with a mounting bracket that provides a sturdy base for the device. Here’s how to install it:

1. Select your location and hold the bracket against the wall. Use a pencil to lightly mark the screw holes.
2. Use a power drill and small drill bit to make pilot holes in the marked locations (if needed).
3. Hold the bracket against the wall, lining up with the pilot holes. Drive the provided screws through the bracket and into the wall using a screwdriver.
4. Check that the bracket is mounted securely and level. Add any extra anchors if needed for stability.

If using adhesive mounting tape instead of screws, make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying the tape. Press the bracket firmly for 30 seconds to ensure a solid bond.

With the sturdy bracket in place, you’re ready for the next step!

Mount the Sensor

Once the bracket is up, it’s time to attach the Ring sensor itself:

1. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the back of the sensor and bracket. Let dry completely.
2. Line up the sensor with the mounting holes on the bracket.
3. Gently press the sensor onto the bracket while sliding it downward so the holes lock into place. You should hear a click when it’s properly mounted.
4. Try sliding the sensor upward to ensure it’s securely attached to the bracket.
5. Open and close your sliding door to confirm the sensor doesn’t interfere with the door’s movement.

If needed, gently twist the sensor left or right to adjust the orientation on the bracket. You want to make sure it’s positioned for optimal alignment with the magnet when the door is closed.

Install the Magnet

Now it’s time to mount the corresponding magnet component. Follow these tips for proper installation:

• Clean the installation area on the sliding door with an alcohol wipe. Let dry completely.
• When the door is closed, position the magnet directly across from the sensor with a gap of around 1 inch or less.
• Use mounting tape or screws to adhere the magnet securely. Make sure it won’t interfere with the door track.
• Open and close the door again to double check the sensor and magnet are properly aligned. Adjust if needed.

Proper alignment between the sensor and magnet is crucial for accurate detection. Take your time to get this right before moving to the next steps.

Connect and Test the Sensor

You’re so close to the finish line! Just a few more steps to wrap up:

1. If the sensor isn’t already paired with your Ring Bridge, go into the app and select Add Device to connect it.
2. Arm your Ring Alarm System.
3. Open and close your sliding door, checking that the sensor accurately detects the movement and triggers alerts.
4. Make sure the sensor status updates properly in the Ring app from open to closed.
5. Check for any false alarms or other quirks and troubleshoot as needed.
6. Consider adjusting settings like motion sensitivity and alert schedules to suit your needs.

And that’s it – you’ve successfully installed and tested your Ring sensor! Now you can relax knowing your sliding door is protected.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Hopefully your new sensor is working flawlessly. But occasionally you may run into hiccups. Here are some quick fixes for common problems:

No alerts when door opens

• Check battery level – low batteries can prevent proper detection.
• Ensure sensor and magnet are properly aligned when door is closed.
• Make sure sensor is paired and connected to your Ring Bridge.
• Adjust motion sensitivity level in the Ring app if needed.

Delayed or false alerts

• Clear debris, dirt, or spiderwebs that could obstruct sensor.
• Check for sources of interference like other wireless devices.
• Ensure a gap of 1 inch or less between sensor and magnet when closed.
• Disable motion monitoring if detection area allows pets or kids to trigger sensor.

Still having issues? Contact Ring customer support for troubleshooting tips tailored to your specific situation.

Maintenance Tips

Like any piece of security equipment, your Ring sensor needs occasional maintenance to keep it in tip top shape. Here are a few easy maintenance tips:

• Check battery level monthly and replace batteries every 6-12 months. Low battery is a common cause of wonky detection.
• Gently wipe down the sensor and magnet with a dry cloth to remove dirt, dust, or grime.
• Test that the sensor is detecting door movement properly. Do this during your monthly battery check.
• Ensure the sensor and magnet remain properly aligned. Realign them if they get knocked out of position.
• Update the sensor firmware when new versions are released for bug fixes and feature improvements.

Stay on top of these simple maintenance practices to keep your sensor running smoothly for years to come.

Expanding Your Ring System

Once you’ve got the sliding door protected, it’s easy to build out your Ring security system to safeguard other entry points and high-value areas.

Here are some popular ways to expand your coverage:

• Add Ring door/window sensors to ground floor windows.
• Install Ring Motion sensors in rooms like basements, offices, or hallways.
• Position Ring indoor cameras to monitor key areas like entryways, staircases, or living spaces.
• Mount Ring spotlight cams outdoors covering exterior doors, driveways, or yards.

You can add sensors and devices gradually over time or all at once. All Ring products integrate seamlessly through the Ring app and Alarm Monitoring service.

As your needs evolve, it’s simple to expand your system’s capabilities. Pretty soon your whole property will be locked down!

FAQs

How Far Apart Should The Sensor And Magnet Be?

When installing a Ring sensor on a sliding door, the recommended gap between the sensor and magnet is no more than 1 inch when the door is fully closed.

This allows the sensor to reliably detect when the door is opened while avoiding false alarms.

The key is ensuring the sensor and magnet have line-of-sight and are aligned properly.

If the gap is more than 1 inch when closed, the magnetic connection may be too weak for the sensor to detect door openings.

On the other hand, the components shouldn’t be touching when the door is closed.

They need a bit of space between them for the magnetic field to disconnect and trigger an alert when the door is slid open.

So in summary, good rules of thumb are:

• Closed door gap: 1 inch maximum
• Opened door gap: Distance doesn’t matter as long as magnetic connection is broken
• No physical contact: Don’t allow sensor and magnet to touch when door is closed

Following these guidelines provides the ideal positioning for accurate open/closed detection. Test the alignment and adjust if needed to prevent delayed or missed alerts.

Where Do You Put The Sensor On A Sliding Glass Door?

The recommended placement for the Ring sensor is on the fixed panel of the sliding door near the edge that meets the moving door.

This puts the sensor in a stable location that won’t shift or interfere with the door’s movement.

Specifically, you’ll want to attach the sensor on the vertical frame next to where the sliding door overlaps when closed.

Position it close to the edge but avoiding any handles or protrusions.

The magnet component gets attached to the sliding door itself. When installing, slide the door to the open position.

Line up the magnet directly across from the sensor, leaving a gap of 1 inch or less.

For aesthetics, placing the sensor and magnet near the top or bottom of the door instead of at eye level can make them subtler. Just don’t mount so high or low that they become hard to reach.

With this strategic placement, the sensor can consistently maintain alignment with the magnet when closed and detect whenever the sliding door is breached.

How Do You Install Ring Sensors On A Door?

Here is an overview of the key steps for properly installing Ring sensors on doors:

1. Select positions for the sensor and magnet on the fixed and movable door portions. They should directly align when the door is shut.
2. Clean the surfaces thoroughly where the sensor and magnet will adhere. Let dry completely.
3. Remove the backing on the provided mounting tape. Firmly press the sensor and magnet in their positions for 30 seconds.
4. Check that the components are firmly secured and aligned with a gap of 1 inch or less when the door is closed.
5. Open and close the door a few times while monitoring the sensor status in the Ring app. Verify it reliably detects movement.
6. Adjust the position of the sensor and/or magnet if needed to improve the alignment. Re-test until satisfied with the detection accuracy.
7. Consider screwing the components into place for a more permanent mount, especially on frequently used doors. The tape may deteriorate over time.

Following these steps carefully during installation will ensure your door sensor is positioned for optimal performance.

Adjust sensitivity settings if needed to reduce false alarms based on the door’s specific environment.

How Do You Install A Ring Contact Sensor On An Uneven Window?

Mounting a Ring sensor on an uneven window like those with molded trim can be trickier. Here are some tips:

• Use tapered spacers – Place these under the magnet to build it up and match the height of the sensor.
• Add layers of mounting tape – Stack multiple tape layers under the magnet to minimize the height difference.
• File the trim – Carefully use a file to flatten any extremely raised sections so the magnet can lie flat.
• Pick flat spots – Look for flatter spots on the trim to mount the sensor/magnet even if they aren’t perfectly aligned with each other.
• Shim the sensor – Use thin spacers or stacked tape under the sensor if needed to match the height of raised trim.
• Seal gaps – Fill any major gaps between the magnet and trim with silicone caulk to stabilize and prevent false alarms.

The key is securing both components flat and steady to prevent misalignment. Extra time and effort during install can overcome the challenges of uneven surfaces and still provide reliable protection.

What Sensors Are Used In Sliding Doors?

Here are the two main types of security sensors designed for use with sliding doors:

Contact sensors detect when the sliding door is opened by separating the two components – typically a sensor mounted to the fixed frame and a magnet mounted on the sliding door.

Popular options like Ring’s entry sensors use this magnetic contact technology.

Glass break sensors listen for the specific sound frequency of breaking glass and can detect when a sliding door window is broken.

This is useful backup protection if an intruder breaks the glass instead of picking the lock.

Many homeowners choose to install both on sliding doors for enhanced security:

• Contact sensor provides real-time open/close monitoring.
• Glass break sensor serves as a backup if the sliding door glass is smashed instead of opened conventionally.

This dual approach combining contact and glass break sensors gives homeowners maximum protection on the vulnerable sliding door entry point.

Do Door Sensors Work On Sliding Doors?

Regular magnetic door contact sensors like those made by Ring, SimpliSafe, and ADT can absolutely work on sliding doors. The key is proper placement and alignment.

Here are some tips for success:

• Mount the sensor component on the fixed frame and the magnet on the sliding door.
• Carefully align them so they are directly across from each other with a small gap when the door is fully shut.
• Make sure neither component obstructs the door’s movement when opening or closing.
• Adjust the orientation as needed so the alignment remains accurate across the door’s range of motion.
• Use spacers or tapered mounts if the two sides are slightly uneven.

With strategic placement and alignment, door contact sensors can reliably detect sliding door movement for added security and awareness.

Just take extra care during testing to ensure the magnet and sensor maintain connection when closed.

Do Ring Contact Sensors Need To Be Perfectly Aligned?

Perfect alignment between the sensor and magnet components is ideal for reliably detecting door and window openings.

However, Ring contact sensors are designed to work even if the alignment is slightly off.

Some key principles to remember:

• Strive for direct alignment when installing – this gives the strongest and most consistent magnetic connection.
• Minor misalignments are ok. The sensors can tolerate small gaps or offsets and still function properly.
• Maximum gap recommended is around 1 inch when the entry point is closed. Wider gaps risk intermittent or failed detection.
• The magnet should face squarely towards the sensor surface for optimal detecting. Twisting or tilting the magnet reduces effectiveness.
• Test detection thoroughly and tweak positioning if you notice delayed alerts or non-detections.

So in summary, perfect alignment is great but Ring sensors have some built-in tolerance if you can’t achieve it. Just be sure to test diligently and adjust if needed.

How Many Sensors Can Be Connected To Ring?

The maximum number of security sensors that can be added to a single Ring Alarm system is 200.

This limit allows you to comprehensively protect homes of any size and configuration.

Here are some key facts on sensor capacity:

• Up to 200 total sensors spread across contact sensors, motion detectors, smoke/CO alarms, flood/freeze sensors and more.
• No limit on specifically contact sensors if desired. All 200 could be allocated for entry point protection.
• Unused sensors can be saved for adding coverage down the road. The 200-device capacity remains static.
• Multiple sensor hubs can be added to handle larger homes and properties beyond the range of a single base station.

Ring’s hefty sensor capacity makes their Alarm Security Kit highly scalable for homes large and small.

With strategic planning, you can take full advantage of the 200-sensor limit for robust protection.

How Close Do Ring Sensors Need To Be?

For reliable communication, Ring contact and motion sensors should be installed within range of the base station or sensor hub. Recommended guidelines are:

• Contact sensors: Installed on entryways within 500 ft. of a base station or sensor hub.
• Motion sensors: Positioned within 30 ft. of a base station/hub for best motion detection.
• Extenders: Can boost the range if needed to reach more distant areas. Extend wireless coverage up to an additional 2500 sq. ft.

Other factors affecting functional range include obstructions between the sensor and base station, building materials, and wireless interference. Doors and walls can impede signals.

Test the sensor and system thoroughly during install. If connectivity seems spotty, relocate hubs or add extenders as needed for full, reliable coverage. Proper placement is key for robust protection.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to installing a Ring sensor on your sliding door provides an extra layer of security, peace of mind, and smart home functionality.

While the process involves careful planning and placement, it’s absolutely a DIY-friendly project.

Now that you know how to install and maintain a Ring sensor properly, you can safeguard this potentially vulnerable entry point.

Just remember to disarm your system first, align the components carefully, and take time to test for accurate detection.

Do you have any other tips for flawless Ring sensor installation and usage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!