Ring Motion Sensor Tampered? Here’s What to Do

Are you wondering how to fix Ring Motion Sensor Tampered message your Ring app that make your heart drop.

Has someone tampered with your home security? Did they disable your system?

As a busy working mom, I rely on my Ring devices to safeguard my home. My motion sensor guards my backyard, so seeing that alert filled me with dread.

What did it mean? Was my family vulnerable? Through trial and error, I learned how to troubleshoot the cause and clear the notification.

By understanding what triggers false alarms, you can save yourself needless panic.

I’ll explain what tampered really signifies and how to fix it, so you can feel totally assured by your Ring security once more.

What Does Ring Motion Sensor Tampered Means

The “Tampered” notification indicates that the motion sensor’s cover has been removed or opened in an unauthorized manner.

This triggers the built-in tamper detection switch, alerting you that physical security has been compromised.

There are a few potential reasons this could occur:

• Actual attempts at tampering: An intruder intentionally tried to disable the sensor by opening the housing.
• Accidental bump: The sensor cover became slightly loose and dislodged.
• Sensor malfunction: A fault in the hardware or firmware triggered the switch in error.
• Environment factors: Extreme temperatures, vibrations etc. toggled the tamper detection.

While an actual home security breach is rare, it’s important not to ignore this message just in case. Checking the device and clearing the error will restore functionality.

Clearing the Tampered Message on Your Ring Motion Sensor

When you receive an alert that your Ring Motion Sensor is tampered, there are a few troubleshooting steps to take:

1. Check the sensor physically
2. Clear the tamper detection switch
3. Check the Ring App
4. Update firmware
5. Get a replacement

1. Check the sensor physically

Inspect the actual device for any signs of damage or forced entry. Look for scratches, cracks, pry marks around the edges etc.

Check if it seems securely mounted in its original position. Any evidence points to probable tampering and should prompt an immediate call to law enforcement.

Also examine the sensor housing to ensure the cover is completely closed. A loose lid can sometimes trigger the tamper detection switch erroneously.

Press firmly around the edges of the cover to snap it back into place tightly.

2. Clear the tamper detection switch

Most Ring motion sensors have a small button on the back to clear the tamper detection alarm and reset the device.

Locate this button as per the instruction manual and press and hold for 10-15 seconds until the LED light starts rapidly flashing. This will clear any false alarms.

3. Check the Ring App

Open up the Ring app and navigate to the Motion Sensor settings. If the tampered warning persists in the app, try removing the device and adding it back. This often resolves app-specific errors by re-syncing the device.

4. Update firmware

Outdated device software can lead to unexpected malfunctions. Check the Motion Sensor firmware in the Ring App and install any pending updates. This resolves bugs and optimizes performance.

5. Get a replacement

If all else fails, the Ring Motion Sensor may be faulty beyond troubleshooting fixes. Ring offers a one-year limited warranty so you can get it replaced for manufacturing defects. Reach out to Ring customer support for next steps.

Why Does My Ring Sensor Keep Saying Tampered?

While a one-off tampered alarm is easily fixed, some users find that the warning keeps recurring frequently on their Ring Motion Sensors:

• The sensor positioning may expose it to environmental interference like direct sunlight, heat, cold or vibrations that toggle the switch. Try re-mounting it in a more stable location.
• Frequent false alarms could indicate a hardware flaw or damaged/faulty tamper sensor that needs replacing.
• Connection issues between the sensor and Ring base station or WiFi network could be sending erroneous signals.
• The motion sensor battery may be running low and impacting functionality. Try replacing it with fresh batteries.

If the tampered alert persists despite troubleshooting, contact Ring support. They can diagnose any underlying issues and will replace defective units that are still under warranty.

Can You Bypass the Tamper Sensor on a Ring Motion Detector?

The tamper detection switch plays an integral security role in Ring sensors. But reoccurring false alarms can be bothersome.

Unfortunately, there is no direct way to disable tamper detection on a Ring motion sensor.

Bypassing or tampering with your own security devices also raises liability concerns if your home system fails to deter or record actual criminal activity.

Instead, try the following alternatives:

• Adjust motion sensitivity so minor bumps don’t trigger an alarm
• Mount it in a more stable location away from environmental interference
• Insulate the sensor with a plastic case to amortize impacts
• Disable notifications for tamper warnings in the Ring App
• Add a layer of transparent tape to hold the cover snugly in place

Ultimately, if you are unable to resolve a persistently temperamental sensor, a replacement unit is the simplest option.

Tips to Prevent False Tampered Warnings

While the occasional false alarm may be inevitable, there are ways to minimize their frequency:

• Ensure sensors are securely mounted with the full complement of screws. This prevents jostling.
• Twist the sensor cover clockwise during installation to tighten it. The threads help hold it in place.
• Arrange mounting location carefully to avoid environmental triggers like sunlight or rain exposure, vibrations from doors slamming etc.
• Check tamper detection sensitivity settings in the Ring app and adjust as needed.
• Update motion sensor firmware whenever new versions are available.
• Consider protective cases or mounts to help stabilize and protect sensors.
• Proactively replace low sensor batteries to maintain optimal power.
• Clean sensor covers periodically using a microfiber cloth to allow lid to close flush.

FAQs

Why Does My Ring Keep Saying Front Door Sensor Tampered?

If you located the motion sensor near an entry door, the opening and closing vibrations or even forceful slams could jostle it just enough to loosen the cover and trigger the switch.

Try insulating it or moving the position away from the direct impact zone of the door.

Why Does My Ring Sensor Keep Saying Tampered For No Reason?

Frequent seemingly random tampered alerts often come down to minor impacts from environmental factors like winds or vibrations loosely dislodging the lid.

Making sure the sensor cover is fully pressed into place or insulating it can help prevent false notifications.

How Do I Permanently Fix Ring Tampered Error?

If tampered alerts persist despite troubleshooting and repositioning, the sensor likely has developed a hardware issue or broken tamper switch.

A permanent fix would be getting it replaced under Ring device warranty rather than trying to repair it yourself. This ensures full and lasting functionality.

What Happens When The Ring Motion Sensor Is Tampered With?

The built-in tamper detection switch triggers an alert to the Ring app. You’ll receive a notification that your sensor is “Tampered” along with a timestamp.

This indicates the sensor cover has been removed or opened without authorization.

It could be an attempted security breach if someone tried disabling it. But often a minor bump simply dislodged the lid.

The tamper alarm acts as an early warning system regarding potential compromise of that detection zone.

The sensor itself continues trying to operate, but accuracy is impacted with the housing open.

So functionality is limited until the tamper error is cleared. The sensor doesn’t resume normal activity, trigger recordings or send motion alerts until fixed. But it continues drawing battery power in this error state.

Can I Use The Sensor If It’s Tampered With?

While the Ring sensor will technically still detect some motion with the cover open, functionality is reduced so it shouldn’t be relied upon for security monitoring.

The tampered notification is the sensor equivalent of a low battery warning – it needs immediate attention before failing entirely.

So use should be minimized once tampered, only to test that reset steps restore normal operation.

Ideally, troubleshoot and fix the error within 24 hours. Until cleared, the compromised housing leaves the sensor electronics exposed and more likely to sustain damage if bumped or exposed to weather.

While usable in theory, for practical purposes, a tampered Ring sensor should be addressed right away for optimal security and performance.

How Do I Know If My Sensor Is Tampered With?

You’ll receive prominent notifications in the Ring app for any sensor in a tampered state. To check manually, open the app and select your sensor.

In the device health status, “Tampered” will display if the cover was triggered.

Visually inspecting the sensor also reveals clues. Check if the housing seems intact and lid snugly mounted. Gently try to wiggle the cover edges to test if it’s loose.

Any physical signs of prying, scratches near the screw holes or cracked plastic could indicate tampering attempts. But often it’s just minor loosening that’s not visually evident.

So both the Ring app warnings plus physical corroboration provide confirmation. But the in-app messages are the foremost way to know tamper status.

How Long Does It Take For The Sensor To Reset?

Resetting a tampered Ring sensor only takes seconds once you press the built-in tamper detection button. Typically hold this button located inside the back housing for 10-15 seconds.

You’ll see the small LED light begin rapidly flashing, indicating the reset sequence.

At this point, release the button. The sensor reboots, clears any error messages and restores to normal operation.

The whole process from physically opening the device, locating the button and holding for 15 seconds rarely exceeds one minute.

But allow 5-10 additional minutes to reinstall the sensor and check in the Ring app that errors properly cleared.

If not, repeat the sequence. But sensor reset is very quick, just hampered by the manual open/close motions for access.

What Are The Warranty Options For A Tampered Sensor?

Ring Motion Sensors have a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects, hardware flaws resulting in malfunction, connectivity issues or premature battery failure.

If tamper errors persist after troubleshooting, Ring Support can initiate a warranty claim and ship you a replacement sensor free of cost within this 1-year period.

For errors occurring after 12 months of purchase, sensors can still be replaced at 50% discount.

Support may also suggest advanced troubleshooting before determining the need for replacement.

So Depending on age, you can get a tampered sensor cost-free replaced under warranty or 50% extrapolated cost.

This ensures restored performance and security by eliminating any persistently glitchy units.

Conclusion

Getting to the bottom of a “Tampered” alert on your Ring Motion Sensor quickly restores security confidence.

As we learned, in most cases it results from accidental bumps or glitches – not actual tampering attempts. But never ignore it without checking first.

Now you know how to systematically troubleshoot issues, clear error messages and optimize sensor placement to prevent future false alarms. With this knowledge, you can keep your home guarded with total peace of mind.