Why Does My Ring Camera Keep Going Offline? Learn How to Fix It Now!

One of the most frustrating things that can happen when you have a Ring camera installed is for it to suddenly stop working. You may notice that your camera keeps going offline without any warning, leaving you wondering why this is happening.

If you’re dealing with this issue, don’t worry – you’re not alone. A lot of Ring camera users encounter problems like these from time to time, and they all want to know how to fix them.The good news is that there are several potential causes and fixes for this problem, so you can get your camera back up and running in no time.

“The world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow.” – Rupert Murdoch

In this article, we’ll go over some of the possible reasons why your Ring camera might keep going offline, as well as the best ways to troubleshoot and solve this problem. Whether the issue is related to connectivity, power sources, or other factors, we’ve got you covered.

We understand how important it is to feel safe and secure in your home, and that’s why we’re committed to helping you resolve any issues with your Ring camera as quickly as possible. So let’s dive in and learn how to fix your camera now!

Power Source Issues

If your Ring camera keeps going offline, the problem could be related to power source issues. Below are some of the most common power-related problems that can cause your camera to go offline:

Power Surge

A power surge is a sudden increase in voltage that travels through electrical wiring and can damage electronic devices like your Ring camera. Power surges can happen when lightning strikes or when there is an interruption in the power grid.

“Lightning strikes can produce large amounts of energy that will easily jump across small gaps and cause damage to electronics.” -ConsumerReports.org

To protect your device from power surges, you should connect it to a surge protector. A surge protector absorbs any excess voltage before it reaches your device, preventing damage.

Power Outage

If your Ring camera constantly goes offline during power outages, the issue might not lie with the camera itself, but rather, with the source of the power. This is particularly true if you’re using Wi-Fi for connectivity since the router typically requires power or backup power to work.

“When the power blinks off, lights go out, air conditioners shut down and…internet connections could disappear before you finish reading this sentence.”-TampaBay.com

To mitigate the risks caused by power outages, try setting up a UPS (uninterruptable power supply). By installing one between the camera and the outlet, you can keep the internet connection steady even in the event of a blackout.

Power Adapter Malfunction

The adapter converts high-voltage AC power into low-voltage DC power which the device can use. Over time, adapters may malfunction, misbehave, overheat, and fail to charge the device adequately.

“Power adapters don’t tend to fail outright like other electronic gadgets.” -CNet.

If you think your Ring’s adapter isn’t working correctly, try using another charger or contact customer support for help. You may also need a new battery if it fails prematurely after prolonged exposure to voltage fluctuations caused by a malfunctioning power adapter.

Battery Drain

Ring devices offer several ways to power them up. Some rely entirely on wired connections that provide continuous electricity; others can operate wirelessly when paired with a rechargeable battery pack in place of an AC outlet. If your camera uses batteries and goes offline, it may mean the battery needs replacement. Alternatively, it could also indicate a software glitch, which may require manual rebooting or software reinstallation.

“As scenes are recorded constantly, having a quick-draining battery is expected, especially if numerous recordings take place each day and night”.-IPVM.com

You might want to tweak the settings to decrease how often the cameras record or invest in solar panels or spare batteries to keep your device powered non-stop.

Weak Wi-Fi Signal

If your Ring Camera keeps going offline, one of the reasons could be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal. A weak signal can cause interference with other wireless devices and disconnect your camera from your network. There are several factors that contribute to a weak Wi-Fi signal, such as distance, obstructions, and interference.

Distance from Router

The proximity of your Ring Camera to your Wi-Fi router affects its connection strength. If the camera is too far away from the router, it may experience interruptions in the internet signal or not connect at all. Wireless signals generally travel up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors without any barriers. However, this range is influenced by various factors like walls, floors, ceilings, mirrors, appliances, and more. Therefore, if you want to improve the connectivity of your Ring camera, move it closer to the router or consider installing a Wi-Fi extender. An extender boosts your Wi-Fi signal across large areas and eliminates dead zones, ensuring seamless connectivity between your camera and network.

Obstructions

Interference from walls, furniture, metals, and environments surrounding the Ring Camera can also affect its Wi-Fi signal. Objects made out of materials that block radio waves such as brick, concrete, steel, wood, water, and glass weaken or block Wi-Fi signals before they reach your device. For example, if your Ring Camera is placed behind thick concrete walls or metal bars, it loses some signal strength which results in poor performance or complete disconnection from the network. Hence, for optimal functioning, ensure there are no obstacles close to the camera and position it where it has a clear line of sight to the router.

Interference

Another common reason your Ring Camera keeps going offline is due to interference caused by other wireless devices. Wi-Fi connections operate via radio waves and share the same frequency as numerous electronic gadgets like microwaves, baby monitors, Bluetooth speakers, cordless phones, and more. When these items are turned on while your Ring Camera is running, they can cause channel overlap or congestion that leads to network disruption. One way to mitigate this problem is by changing the Wi-Fi router’s location to a less crowded area in your house or switching it to a different channel. Additionally, you could make sure that all other nearby electronics are using alternate frequencies or turn them off when not in use.

Router Malfunction

If none of the above solutions works for fixing the issue, there might be an underlying problem with your Wi-Fi router or internet service provider (ISP). A malfunctioning router can result from hardware or software issues such as outdated firmware, overheating, too many connected devices, low battery levels, inadequate power supply, or damaged internal components. On the other hand, ISP problems may include temporary outages, slow speed, or connectivity errors which disrupt the connection between the Ring camera and the internet. To fix these types of problems, try resetting your equipment, checking device settings, contacting customer support, or upgrading to higher packages if necessary.

“Wireless signals don’t travel very far through water, but they can go through walls made of drywall or wood.” -Hannah Morgan

Interference from Other Devices

Ring cameras are designed to provide non-stop video streaming, but sometimes the connection may fail. One common reason for this is interference from other devices. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common culprits:

Microwave Ovens

Did you know that microwave ovens can interfere with your Ring camera? That’s right! Microwave ovens emit electromagnetic waves in the same frequency range as many Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. As a result, they can cause interference that disrupts the signal between your router and your security camera.

To minimize this type of interference, try moving your Ring camera away from any sources of ambient radiofrequency (RF) noise, including microwaves or cordless phones. If you’re not sure whether this is the problem, consider turning off the microwave temporarily to see if it improves your camera’s performance.

Bluetooth Devices

Another source of potential interference is Bluetooth-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. These devices use the 2.4 GHz wireless band, which is also used by many Ring cameras. Therefore, when Bluetooth devices are active, they could cause interference, leading to slower network speeds or even causing your camera to disconnect.

If you suspect that your Bluetooth device is interfering with your Ring camera, try turning off all nearby Bluetooth devices and retesting your camera. Alternatively, move further away from other Bluetooth-enabled devices, which should reduce the likelihood of interference occurring.

Cordless Phones

Similar to Bluetooth devices, cordless phones also operate on the 2.4GHz frequency band, which means they could potentially conflict with your Ring camera’s wireless signal. If one of your neighbors has a high-frequency phone near your camera, it could affect the video streaming performance.

Although you can’t control what your neighbors do, you can move your Ring camera away from other wireless devices that are not yours. Also, since cordless phones use digital processing to generate signals, they might interfere differently than microwaves and Bluetooth. So, if you suspect phone interference is making your camera go offline, try moving it further to see if the situation improves.

Radio Frequency Interference

Finally, radio frequency interference (RFI) is another potential cause of Ring camera disconnections. RFI refers to any type of electromagnetic energy that interferes with wireless signals transferring between devices. While most common sources of RFI have been discussed in earlier headings, there are a variety of electronics that produce some form of radiation or interference. These include garage door openers, solar panels, baby monitors, treadmills, and even faulty wiring within your house.

If you’re experiencing interference issues due to an unknown source, one way to identify possible culprits is by turning off all electronics in the vicinity of your Ring camera. Gradually turn them back on to determine which device(s) negatively impacting your connection. If isolated devices too far away aren’t interfering with the signal, then it’s like the problem isn’t because of RF noise but some technical issue with your device or broadband supplier.

“Interferences with WiFi signals happen often. Common offenders are microwave ovens, cordless phones and other electronic devices because they emit radio waves in much the same frequency ranges.” -Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai

If your Ring camera continues to go offline unexpectedly, interference from other devices may be the root cause. As we’ve seen here today, this type of disruption can occur for many reasons, including the presence of microwaves, Bluetooth devices, cordless phones and other sources of radio frequency interference. However, by following the troubleshooting tips discussed above, you can identify potential culprits of your ring camera disconnection issues.

Outdated Firmware

If you own a Ring camera, you have likely experienced issues with your device going offline. One possible cause of this problem is outdated firmware. What exactly is firmware? It is software that is embedded into the hardware of your device and controls how it operates. When Ring releases updates for their firmware, they usually include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.

Not keeping up with these important updates can lead to connectivity problems, security vulnerabilities, and other issues. If your Ring camera keeps going offline, you should first check if your firmware needs updating. To do this, open the Ring app on your mobile device and go to “Device Settings” in your camera’s options. Once there, look for the “Firmware” section and make sure that you are running the latest version available.

“Every piece of connected technology has a potential security risk. But key to mitigating the risks is maintaining secure, updated software.” -Tony K. Campolo Jr., Senior Product Manager at Ixia

Security Vulnerabilities

One of the most critical reasons why you should update your Ring camera’s firmware is because of the security vulnerabilities that may arise from not doing so. In recent years, Ring cameras have faced major security threats, including hacking incidents, unauthorized access to video footage, and compromised personal information.

While Ring has taken measures to address these security concerns by adding two-factor authentication and improving encryption protocols, using outdated firmware undermines these efforts. Older versions of firmware typically contain more vulnerabilities than newer batches, making them more vulnerable to attacks. This means that if your Ring camera is not running the latest firmware, it could be at greater risk of being hacked or intercepted by unauthorized parties.

“The only truly secure system is one that is powered off, cast in a block of concrete, and sealed in a lead-lined room with armed guards.” -Gene Spafford, Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at Purdue University

Performance Issues

In addition to security risks, outdated firmware can also cause performance problems for your Ring camera. If you have ever experienced lag or delays when accessing live video streams from your device, this may be due to outdated firmware. Firmware updates often include optimizations and improvements that make devices run smoother and more efficiently.

Some other examples of performance issues caused by outdated firmware include frequent disconnections, slow loading times, and poor video quality. If you notice any of these problems in your Ring device, it is highly recommended to check if a firmware update is available and install it as soon as possible.

“Technology should improve your life…not become it!” -Jared Hauser, Quality Assurance Manager at Techtonic Group Inc.

Compatibility Problems

Another potential culprit behind Ring cameras going offline is compatibility problems with your home network hardware. These issues usually arise when the router or modem is incompatible with the firmware installed on your Ring device.

To avoid compatibility problems, you should first ensure that all your network hardware meets the requirements set forth by Ring. For instance, some older routers may not support the latest security protocols used by Ring cameras, making them unstable and prone to connectivity drops. Similarly, outdated modems may not offer enough bandwidth to sustain high-quality video streaming through your Ring device.

If you suspect that compatibility problems are causing your Ring camera to go offline, you should contact Ring customer support for assistance. They may recommend troubleshooting steps such as resetting your router or upgrading your network infrastructure to better support your Ring device.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” -Voltaire (as quoted in Spider-Man)

Location and Placement

The placement of your ring camera can greatly impact its performance. One reason why your ring camera might keep going offline could be due to the location of the device.

If your camera is placed too far away from your router, it may not be able to connect to your Wi-Fi network consistently. Additionally, if there are obstacles such as walls or furniture obstructing the signal path between your camera and your router, this could lead to connectivity issues.

Furthermore, if your camera is exposed to direct sunlight or other extreme weather conditions, it could also cause your device to malfunction. To prevent these problems from happening, you should ensure that your camera is installed in a suitable location where the signal strength is strong and consistent.

“When setting up any connected device in your home, be sure to choose a central location in relation to your wireless access point or router for maximum coverage.” – Ring Blog

Building Materials

The building materials used in your house could affect your camera’s ability to connect to Wi-Fi. If your home has thick concrete walls, metal surfaces, or heavy insulation, this could weaken the Wi-Fi signals and make it difficult for your camera to maintain a stable connection.

To improve your camera’s performance, you should position it closer to the router or consider investing in a Wi-Fi extender, which will boost the signal strength over longer distances and through obstacles like walls and doors.

“Concrete, brick, plaster, metal and glass all cut down on Wi-Fi quality.” – The New York Times

Signal Reflection

Your ring camera’s signal reflection can potentially interfere with its connectivity. This phenomenon happens when the camera’s Wi-Fi waves bounce off walls, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces around the home. These bounced waves can overlap with and interfere with other signals and cause connectivity issues.

To minimize signal reflection, you should avoid placing your camera in a position that is too close to walls or reflective surfaces. This may mean readjusting your camera’s orientation, so it faces directly towards open spaces within the room where there are few obstructions.

“Obstacles such as furniture, appliances, mirrors, and surfaces made of metal or concrete can all impede Wi-Fi coverage.” – Popular Mechanics

Humidity and Temperature

Your ring camera might go offline if it’s exposed to high humidity or subjected to extreme temperatures. If your device gets wet, as can happen when air moisture condenses on the interior electronics of the camera, then its circuitry short circuits and turns off automatically.

Similarly, the heat generated by direct sunlight exposure or improperly placed indoor temperature-controlled devices could also impact the ring camera’s performance. To avoid these problems, ensure that the location you install the camera in is well ventilated and away from sources of moisture and heat.

“Use cameras according to manufacturer instructions regarding temperature range and keep them dry.” – U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Signal Interference

If there are numerous Wi-Fi networks broadcasting nearby, their signals may interfere with your own network’s activation, making it difficult for your ring camera to establish a stable connection.

Electronic gadgets like cordless phones, baby monitors, microwave ovens, Bluetooth speakers, wireless printers, and other similar wireless devices often emit signals that compete with each other for broad wavelengths. They end up clogging any additional bandwidth space that newly connected devices require—causing internet connection issues and weak signals.

To resolve interference-related problems, try changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router or removing any nearby wireless electronic devices that have similar radio frequencies to those of your camera and internet connection. This ensures reliable video transmission.

“Cordless phones, baby monitors, microwave ovens, Bluetooth speakers, wireless printers often communicate on the same wireless channels,” – Wirecutter

Frequently Asked Questions