Ring Doorbell Blinking Blue: How to Fix It

Are you wandering why is your Ring Doorbell Blinking Blue? Yes, a homeowner, If your Ring Video Doorbell is blinking blue, it indicates that the device is not yet fully charged or another thing.

Have you ever walked up to your front door, only to be met with an eerie blue glow pulsing from your trusty Ring doorbell?

That ominous blinking immediately sparked questions in my mind. Is the battery dead? Did it lose WiFi connection? Does this require a complicated repair?

I dealt with this mini heart attack just recently. After some frantic troubleshooting, I managed to revive my Ring and restore its steady green glow.

But many sleepless nights of Googling “ring doorbell flashing blue” led me to realize there must be an easier way.

In this complete troubleshooting guide, we’ll walk through all the common culprits, from low batteries to wonky WiFi. We’ll share easy step-by-step fixes to banish that blinking blue light for good.

Here we go.

Why Does My Ring Doorbell Blinking Blue?

A blinking blue light on your Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Video Doorbell Elite, or any Ring doorbell model often signals one of four main issues:

1. Low Battery: If your Ring runs on battery power, a pulsing blue light may indicate critically low battery.
2. Connectivity/WiFi Problems: Blu light flashing can also mean your Ring is disconnected from your WiFi network or experiencing signal issues.
3. Firmware Problems: Outdated software/firmware can also cause blinking blue lights and unusual behavior.
4. Hardware Issues: In rarer cases, a hardware components failure can lead to flashing blue as the doorbell malfunctions.

Below, we’ll explore each of these common issues in detail, along with troubleshooting tips to banish that ominous blue blink for good.

Fix #1: Low Battery

If your Ring doorbell (like the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus) is battery-powered, a blinking blue light often means critically low battery.

Just like your phone blinking red when the juice runs dry, Ring signals impending battery death with this telltale blue flash.

Luckily, some simple troubleshooting can get your battery-powered Ring back on its feet!

Symptoms of Low Battery

Alongside the blinking blue indicator, here are some other signs your Ring battery needs a top-up:

• Sluggish responses to motion alerts
• Delayed notifications and live view feeds
• Frequent offline periods/connectivity drops
• The dreaded “battery low” notification in your Ring app

If your Ring is exhibiting any of these symptoms, proceed to the next section for battery-related fixes.

Fixing Battery Issues on Ring Doorbells

Give your hardworking battery some extra TLC with the following troubleshooting steps:

For battery-powered Rings:

• Safely remove the battery and charge it using the provided USB cable and adapter. Give it at least a few hours to fully recharge.
• Once it’s fully charged, carefully re-insert the battery and secure it in place per the instructions.
• In the Ring app, power cycle your doorbell (switch it off and on again) to reboot it with that new battery juice! This often resolves blinking blue lights.

For hardwired Rings connected to a transformer:

• Verify your transformer is correctly installed and grounded per Ring’s wiring guide. Consult an electrician if unsure.
• Check transformer connections to ensure tight, corrosion-free contact with secure wires.
• Try rebooting your wired Ring doorbell via the Ring app to refresh the power connection.

Also remember heat can affect batteries over time. Make sure your Ring isn’t sitting in direct sunlight or near other heat sources that may accelerate battery deterioration.

Cooler temps equal better battery lifespans.

Finally, if your battery requires charging very frequently or no longer holds sufficient charge, you may need to replace it.

Most hardware stores sell replacement batteries compatible with Ring doorbells.

Alright, that’s battery basics covered! Now, if your blinks persist, let’s investigate connectivity and WiFi issues.

📶 Fix #2: Connectivity and WiFi Issues

After battery problems, WiFi connectivity issues are the next most common culprit behind Ring doorbells blinking blue.

Just like a phone losing reception, an unstable WiFi signal can cause dropped connections and result in temporary offline statuses signaled by blue light flashing.

Luckily, by troubleshooting your WiFi connection and environment, you can often restore your Ring’s steady glow. Let’s break it down.

Symptoms of WiFi/Connectivity Issues

Here are the telltale signs of a Ring struggling with WiFi connectivity:

• Periodic offline status/unable to connect messages
• Buffering or lagging live view feeds
• Delayed motion alert notifications
• Blinking blue indicator light (especially if battery is charged)
• App error messages about connectivity issues

So if you’re experiencing any of those, let’s move on to troubleshooting.

Fixing WiFi/Connectivity Problems

Follow these step-by-step troubleshooting tips for restoring your Ring doorbell’s WiFi connection and ending the incessant blinking:

Step 1: Power cycle your WiFi router and Ring doorbell:

• Unplug your router, wait 10 seconds, then plug back in to reboot it
• In the Ring app, switch your Ring device off and on again

Step 2: Analyze WiFi signal strength at the Ring’s location using your phone’s diagnostic mode or apps like WiFi SweetSpots. Is the signal consistently weak or dropping?

Step 3: Try changing the WiFi channel on your router settings:

• Log into your router’s admin console
• Navigate to wireless settings
• Switch the channel from Auto to a less congested channel like 1, 6 or 11.
• Save settings, wait 5 minutes for changes, then check your Ring’s signal strength again.

Step 4: If signal continues struggling, consider adding a WiFi range extender or mesh network system to boost coverage in weak areas.

Step 5: As a last resort, you can factory reset your Ring to wipe saved WiFi settings using the Ring app or a hardware button on the device. Just be aware you’ll have to set it back up afterwards.

Consistent WiFi signals are crucial for Ring functionality. But with the right troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve connectivity problems, you can get your doorbell back online and blinking blue-free.

Now then, if your Ring has adequate WiFi and battery, but problems persist, it may be an issue with firmware. Let’s investigate.

🆙 Fix #3: Outdated or Buggy Firmware

Like most smart home gadgets, Ring doorbells rely on firmware – low-level software that operates the device. Periodically Ring will release firmware updates to add features or fix bugs.

If your Ring doorbell hasn’t been updated recently, it could be running outdated firmware causing issues like blinking blue lights or strange behavior.

Let’s break down troubleshooting steps involving firmware:

Identifying Firmware Issues

In addition to blinking blue lights, here are some other signs of outdated or buggy firmware:

• Strange notifications or error messages in-app
• Features not working properly like motion detection zones
• Connectivity drops or failing to reconnect after losing WiFi signal
• Video feed freezes, stutters, or loops segments

Basically, if your Ring exhibits odd behavior NOT clearly linked to battery or WiFi, firmware could be the culprit.

Updating Ring Doorbell Firmware

If you suspect firmware, follow these instructions to safely update your Ring device:

Step 1: In the Ring app, tap the three lines ≡ icon > Devices > select your Ring doorbell.

Step 2: On the device details screen, scroll down and tap Firmware Update > Check for Updates.

Tip: Connect your phone to WiFi for fastest download of firmware files.

Step 3: If an update is available, tap to start download. Do NOT interrupt the update or you risk “bricking” your device!

Step 4: Once the new firmware installs, give your Ring doorbell a manual power cycle/reboot.

Step 5: Test it out! With any luck, the update resolved your blinking issue.

Firmware updates require patience but often fix pesky issues. Just be 100% sure to follow official Ring instructions to avoid botched updates.

Now for the final and most complex possibility – hardware malfunctions.

Fix #4: Hardware and Component Failures

While less common than the previous issues we’ve covered, faulty hardware can also potentially cause flashing blue lights and other problems on your Ring doorbell.

If you’ve ruled out battery/connectivity/firmware troubleshooting, let’s explore hardware faults and solutions.

Signs of Hardware Failure

Hardware issues can produce extremely varied and unpredictable symptoms. However, here are a few potential red flags:

• Total unresponsiveness (no lights, pressing button does nothing)
• Visible damage like cracks around housing
• Permanent video freezing/endless reboot loops
• Loud buzzing/grinding noises from device
• Features like motion detection completely stop working

If your Ring exhibits total breakdowns like this, hardware damage may be the smoking gun.

Troubleshooting Hardware Problems

Before declaring your Ring doorbell hardware “dead,” there ARE a few last-ditch troubleshooting steps to attempt:

Step 1: Perform a power cycle on your Ring to restart components.

Step 2: Attempt a factory reset if possible to wipe all device data and potentially resolve software-related freezes.

Step 3: Contact Ring customer support! Explain the issue and they may have specialized troubleshooting tips.

However, if all else fails, significant hardware damage generally requires professional repair or replacement.

Most Ring doorbells come with 1 year warranties covering such manufacturing defects – just don’t take a hammer to it.

Alright, that about covers it – the four most common issues behind Ring doorbells blinking blue.

Now, for the grand finale

Bonus Tips for Keeping Rings Running Right

In addition to the troubleshooting already covered, here are some handy pro tips for keeping your Ring doorbell in flawless functional form:

Keep it clean:- Gently wipe down your Ring with a microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup from obstructing motion sensors.

Mind the mount:- Ensure screws are tight and housing isn’t sliding around causing internal wear and tear.

Beware power spikes:- Surges can overload sensitive circuits. Consider a surge protecting transformer.

Check the channel:- If dealing with WiFi woes, try less congested bands like 1, 6 or 11.

Add extenders:- Weak WiFi is #1 Ring killer. Boost signals with mesh networks or range extenders.

Update regularly:- Don’t ignore firmware updates for new features and bug fixes!

FAQs

How Long Should It Take To Charge My Ring Doorbell Battery?

• Most Ring batteries require 2-4 hours for a full charge from empty.

What Does The Solid Blue Status Light Mean On My Ring Doorbell?

• A steady blue light means your Ring doorbell is successfully connected to WiFi and functioning normally. No blinking distress signals here.

My Ring Doorbell Won’t Connect To Wifi – Why?

• If consistently struggling with WiFi setup, try rebooting your router, changing WiFi channels, adding extenders, or factory resetting the device as troubleshooting steps.

Can A Dead Battery Completely Break My Ring Video Doorbell?

• In rare cases, allowing a battery to fully and permanently drain can damage cells and render the battery unusable. Promptly recharge batteries.

Why Is My Ring Doorbell Chime Blinking Blue When Plugged In?

If your Ring Chime accessory is plugged into power but keeps flashing blue, there’s likely a connectivity issue preventing it linking with your Ring doorbell itself.

A few things to try:

• Reboot both the Chime and Ring doorbell by unplugging them for 30 seconds and plugging back in.
• Open the Ring app and make sure the Chime is detected under linked devices – if not, you may have to set it up again.
• If they won’t reconnect, try power cycling your router as well in case connectivity is compromised at the network level.
• Be sure the Chime is within WiFi range of your router – move it closer if signal could be weak/obstructed where it’s located.

If all else fails, contact Ring Support for further investigation – they can confirm if a hardware defect is causing the blinking blue despite a powered connection.

What Does The Light On The Ring Doorbell Mean?

The color displayed by your Ring doorbell’s circular LED light signals different device statuses:

• Pulsing white – Motion detected (video recording triggered)
• Solid white – Doorbell button pressed
• Solid blue – Connected to WiFi
• Pulsing blue – Connectivity issue or low battery
• No light – Power issue (dead battery, transformer problem)

So in summary:

• White = normal operation
• Blue = requires attention
• No light = no power

If your Ring exhibits a strange color or behavior not listed, consult support articles or contact Ring’s team for specifics.

How Do You Fix A Flashing Ring Light?

If your Ring light starts randomly blinking/pulsing, that’s the device’s way of signaling something requires troubleshooting. Here are tips to stop the flashes:

• Flashing blue light – Try recharging battery if applicable, check WiFi signal, restart router/Ring
• Flashing white light – Motion alerts are working correctly (not an issue)
• No light – Attempt restarting, check power connections
• Flashing other colors – Update firmware or contact support

See our complete troubleshooting guide for steps to stabilize connectivity, battery charge, and firmware on Rings with blinking issues. Acting fast preserves functionality.

Why Is My Ring Flashing White And Blue?

Seeing your Ring doorbell alternate white & blue flashes is actually perfectly normal! Here’s what this color combo means:

• The blue signifies your Ring maintaining a normal WiFi connection
• The white flashes confirm the motion sensor is detecting movement and triggering video recording as expected

So in summary, flashing white AND blue means your Ring is operating 100% correctly:

• 📶 Blue = Connected to WiFi
• 🔵 White = Detecting motion events

As long as your Ring reliably goes back to solid blue after motion stops, consider these synchronized white & blue pulses a sign your smart doorbell sentry is on alert and ready to guard your home!

How Do I Know If My Ring Doorbell Is Charging?

To confirm your Ring’s battery is actually charging rather than dying, check these indicators:

• The LED light shows solid orange when actively charging
• The Ring app displays charging status and current percentage
• Charging ring around the button icon fills over time

If none of those signals appear while the device is plugged into a confirmed power source, the issue may be:

• Faulty USB cable – Try another cable
• Non-compliant charger – Use Ring’s official adapter
• Dead battery – Leave plugged in for several hours to attempt revival

If still won’t charge, contact support to determine if battery replacement is needed. Stay vigilant to keep that video doorbell running strong.

How Do I Reboot My Ring Doorbell?

Rebooting your Ring is a handy first step for resolving flakey behavior. To reboot:

For battery-powered:

• Remove battery for ~30 seconds (using provided tool)
• Reinsert battery to restart

For wired/transformer models:

• In Ring app, go to Device Health > Power > toggle off to cut power
• Wait 10-30 seconds then toggle back on

Allow a few minutes for your Ring to restart, reconnect to WiFi, and resume function. Make sure it displays solid blue light before testing alerts, motion sense, etc.

How Do I Do A Hard Reset On My Ring Doorbell?

If issues like connectivity drops or strange behavior persist after a standard reboot, a more aggressive reset may be required:

To hard reset:

• Remove battery or cut transformer power
• Press & hold setup button on back for 15+ seconds
• Without releasing button, restore power – keep holding til light flash pattern appears
• Release button when hardware reset confirmed

This totally wipes any settings, WiFi details, alerts config, etc back to factory state. So you’ll need to fully reinstall. But it often resolves even severe glitches when standard troubleshooting fails.

Conclusion

We’ve covered everything from low batteries to WiFi and even tricky hardware issues that could be causing your Ring doorbell to blink a foreboding blue.

By remembering these troubleshooting fundamentals, keeping firmware updated, monitoring your battery, and maintaining a healthy WiFi signal, you can continue relying on your Ring for crystal clear security footage and lightning-fast motion alerts for years to come.

Now go confidently monitor your front door with the power of knowledge and a resilient, blinking blue-free Ring doorbell.