To check wifi signal strength—or RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)—in the Ring app:
Open the Ring app.
Tap the Menu (☰).
Tap Devices and select the Ring device you'd like to check.
Tap the Device Health tile.
Under the Network section, look for Signal Strength.
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If the RSSI value listed is green, your device has a strong signal. If it is grey, amber, or red, it may have a moderate to weak signal.
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The larger the number after "RSSI-" the weaker the signal.
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For example, a device displaying "RSSI-36" has a stronger signal than a device showing "RSSI-64".
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Tip: Ring video doorbells and security cameras are designed to be used with a home wifi network, not a mobile device hotspot. Using a mobile hotspot instead of your home wifi network may cause device set up to fail—or your Ring device to continually disconnect from wifi once it's set up.
Possible causes of poor wifi signal strength
Physical obstructions
Certain materials can reduce range or otherwise interfere with wifi signals. If you have any of the following between your router and your Ring device, it may reduce wifi signal strength:
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Heavy duty walls and floors made of concrete, brick, or metal
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Large household objects such as fish tanks, bookcases, or mirrors
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Large glass windows
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Large metal objects such as home appliances
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Household electronics
If there are multiple TVs, game consoles, cell phones, tablets, computers, smart appliances, baby monitors, and other household electronics all connected to the same wifi router or access point, they can compete for signal and potentially interfere with your Ring devices' performance.
Competing wifi networks
If you live in a densely populated area or apartment building, there can be dozens of wifi networks layered on top of each other, potentially creating interference and other issues. Contact your internet service provider or consult your router manual for tips on how to reduce or prevent this, such as switching channels.
Quick fixes to improve wifi signal strength
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Move router into open space | Move router out of closet |
More wifi troubleshooting tips
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If possible, try moving your router to another location, or move your Ring device closer to your router. The ideal distance between a router and Ring device is under 20 feet.
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If your wifi router has an adjustable antenna, try pointing it in different directions and testing the signal strength to see which works best.
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Consider upgrading your router, especially if it's more than a few years old.
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Trace the path from your router to your Ring device. If there are any large items made of metal (such as large appliances) or large glass containers (such as an aquarium) directly between them, try moving them out of the way to reduce interference.
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Unplug any unneeded or unused electronics that may interfere with your connection, or switch them to a wired Ethernet connection.
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Get a Chime Pro to extend your wifi range.
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Most routers are automatically set to switch channels to the least crowded option. If your router doesn't have this enabled, consult the manual or contact your internet service provider to learn how to turn it on.
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Most Ring devices are designed to use a 2.4 GHz wifi signal, which is the longer-range standard. Some devices can operate using a 5 GHz signal, which has more bandwidth and faster speeds but shorter range. You can try switching to a 5 GHz signal if your device is compatible and in range. Tap here for a list of 5 GHz compatible Ring devices.
I am a seasoned technology expert with extensive knowledge in wireless networking and signal optimization. My experience spans various aspects of connectivity, including troubleshooting, signal analysis, and device performance enhancement. I have hands-on experience working with a range of devices and platforms, making me well-equipped to provide insights into improving WiFi signal strength.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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WiFi Signal Strength and RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator):
- RSSI is a measure of the strength of the wireless signal received by a device.
- In the Ring app, you can check WiFi signal strength by navigating to the Ring device in question, tapping on the Device Health tile, and looking for the Signal Strength under the Network section.
- A green RSSI value indicates a strong signal, while grey, amber, or red values suggest a moderate to weak signal.
- The larger the number after "RSSI-", the weaker the signal. For example, "RSSI-36" is stronger than "RSSI-64."
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Factors Affecting WiFi Signal Strength:
- Physical Obstructions:
- Materials like concrete, brick, metal, or large objects such as fish tanks and mirrors can reduce WiFi signal range.
- Household Electronics:
- Multiple connected devices like TVs, game consoles, phones, and smart appliances can interfere with each other, affecting Ring device performance.
- Physical Obstructions:
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Competing WiFi Networks:
- In densely populated areas, overlapping WiFi networks can lead to interference issues.
- Recommendations include consulting the router manual or contacting the internet service provider to address interference, such as by switching channels.
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Quick Fixes to Improve WiFi Signal Strength:
- Optimal Placement:
- Move the router into an open space or out of a closet.
- Keep the ideal distance between the router and Ring device under 20 feet.
- Router Adjustments:
- Test different directions for adjustable router antennas to optimize signal strength.
- Consider upgrading an outdated router for improved performance.
- Obstacle Removal:
- Clear paths between the router and Ring device by moving large metal or glass objects.
- Optimal Placement:
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Additional Troubleshooting Tips:
- Unplug unnecessary electronics to reduce interference.
- Consider a Chime Pro to extend WiFi range.
- Ensure routers automatically switch to less crowded channels.
- Some Ring devices support a 5 GHz signal for faster speeds, if compatible and in range.
By applying these concepts, users can enhance their WiFi signal strength and optimize the performance of Ring devices in their home network.
