Why Is My Ring Doorbell Not Detecting Motion? (7 Fixes)

Having a Ring Doorbell that fails to detect motion can be incredibly frustrating. You rely on it to keep your home secure, alert you to visitors, or monitor suspicious activity, and when it doesn’t work, it feels like a breach in your safety net. This is a common issue reported by many Ring users, often stemming from simple configuration errors to more complex hardware or connectivity problems.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most likely causes of motion detection failure, from quick app settings adjustments to hardware checks. You'll learn 7 actionable fixes to get your Ring Doorbell back on track, understand why these issues happen, and know when it’s time to consider an upgrade. Whether it’s a dead battery or a faulty sensor, we’ve got you covered with practical solutions based on real user experiences.

By the end of this guide, you’ll either have your device working again or be equipped with the knowledge to decide if a replacement is the better option. Let’s dive in!

Common Causes

• Motion detection settings are disabled or misconfigured in the Ring app
• Weak Wi-Fi signal or connectivity issues
• Battery is low or dead (for battery-powered models)
• Obstructions or improper placement blocking the sensor
• Hardware or sensor failure due to age or damage

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Motion Detection Settings in the Ring App

Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes

Open the Ring app on your smartphone and navigate to your Doorbell’s settings. Ensure that 'Motion Detection' is toggled on and check the 'Motion Zones' to confirm they cover the desired area. Adjust the sensitivity slider if needed—low sensitivity might miss subtle movements.

This works because many users accidentally disable motion detection or set zones too narrowly. If successful, you should receive a test motion alert within a few minutes of walking in front of the camera. If no alerts come through, move to the next step.

2. Verify Wi-Fi Connection Strength

Difficulty: easy | Time: 10 minutes

In the Ring app, go to 'Device Health' and check the Wi-Fi signal strength. A weak signal (less than 2 bars or RSSI below -60) can prevent motion alerts from being sent. If the signal is poor, move your router closer to the Doorbell or consider a Wi-Fi extender.

Connectivity issues often interrupt real-time data like motion alerts. If the signal improves and you get a test alert, the issue is resolved. If not, or if the app shows 'Offline,' proceed to the next step.

3. Check Battery Level (Battery-Powered Models)

Difficulty: easy | Time: 15 minutes (plus charging time)

For battery-powered Ring Doorbells, a low battery can disable features like motion detection to conserve power. In the Ring app, check the battery percentage under 'Device Health.' If it’s below 20%, recharge or replace the battery following the user manual.

A dead battery is a common culprit for non-functioning features. After charging, test motion detection by walking in the zone. If it still doesn’t work, or if the battery won’t hold a charge, continue troubleshooting.

Tools needed: Ring Doorbell charging cable

4. Inspect for Physical Obstructions

Difficulty: easy | Time: 10 minutes

Examine the area around your Ring Doorbell. Ensure no plants, decorations, or dirt are blocking the camera or PIR (passive infrared) sensor. Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth if it’s dirty. Also, confirm the Doorbell is mounted at the recommended height (about 4 feet) and angle.

Obstructions can prevent the sensor from detecting movement. If cleared, test by walking in the motion zone—you should get an alert. If there’s no response, the issue might be deeper.

Tools needed: Microfiber cloth

5. Restart the Ring Doorbell

Difficulty: medium | Time: 10 minutes

Perform a soft reset by pressing and holding the setup button on the Doorbell for 10 seconds (location varies by model—check your manual). After it restarts, reconnect it to the Ring app if prompted. This clears temporary glitches affecting motion detection.

A restart often resolves software hiccups. Test motion detection post-restart. If alerts still don’t trigger, the problem may be hardware-related or a deeper connectivity issue.

6. Update Firmware via the Ring App

Difficulty: medium | Time: 15-30 minutes

In the Ring app, under 'Device Health,' check if a firmware update is available. If so, follow the prompts to update. Ensure the device stays connected to Wi-Fi during the process, as interruptions can cause further issues.

Outdated firmware can cause bugs in motion detection. After updating, test for alerts. If the problem persists, it’s likely not a software issue. Be cautious—don’t interrupt the update, as it could brick the device.

7. Contact Ring Support for Hardware Diagnosis

Difficulty: hard | Time: 30-60 minutes

If none of the above work, the motion sensor itself might be faulty. Visit Ring’s support website or call their helpline (1-800-656-1918 in the US) to report the issue. Be ready with your device model and serial number (found in the app or on the device). They may offer a replacement if under warranty.

This step is for ruling out hardware failure, which can’t be fixed DIY. If support confirms a defect and it’s out of warranty, consider whether repair costs justify a replacement. If no alerts trigger even after support intervention, it’s likely time to upgrade.

When to Upgrade

If you’ve gone through all troubleshooting steps and your Ring Doorbell still isn’t detecting motion, it might be a sign of permanent hardware failure, especially if the device is over 3-5 years old or has endured harsh weather conditions. Motion sensors can degrade over time, and Ring devices aren’t designed for easy internal repairs—replacement parts aren’t widely available, and professional repair costs (often $50-$100+) can approach the price of a new unit. Check your warranty status in the Ring app or on their website; if it’s expired, you’re likely on the hook for costs.

Consider the cost-benefit ratio: a new Ring Doorbell or alternative starts at around $60-$100 for budget models and offers updated features like improved motion detection or better video quality. If your device frequently malfunctions, fails to hold a battery charge, or shows physical damage (cracks, water ingress), it’s a red flag that it’s time to upgrade rather than sink more money into fixes. Safety is also a concern—relying on a faulty security device could leave your home vulnerable.

Upgrading makes sense if you want reliability and peace of mind. Below, we’ve recommended options across different price points to suit your needs, all with strong motion detection capabilities based on user reviews and expert feedback.

Upgrade Now

🛒 Buy Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) on Amazon

🛒 Buy Ring Video Doorbell 3 on Amazon

🛒 Buy Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 on Amazon

🛒 Buy Blink Video Doorbell on Amazon

Prevention Tips

• Regularly check and adjust motion zones in the Ring app to match your environment.
• Ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal by placing your router or an extender near the Doorbell.
• Keep the device and its surroundings clean to avoid sensor blockages.
• Monitor battery levels monthly and recharge before they drop below 20%.
• Protect the Doorbell from extreme weather with a cover if exposed to harsh conditions.