Despite several testing phases, along with Alpha and Beta releases, new firmware often comes with minor bugs or glitches. Ring is constantly working to improve its Ring Doorbell, but nothing is ever perfect, especially when it comes to new software. Occasionally, a new firmware update can nearly brick your device, and it may seem as if there is no solution but to try to roll it back.

The Ring app nor any third-party method—outside of hacking your device or hard resetting it—will allow you to roll back the firmware for the Ring Doorbell. It is possible to contact customer support and have a professional do it for you, but Ring doesn’t advertise this option, and no source confirms they can do this.

Ring devices update automatically, so long as they are consistently connected to the internet. When Ring releases new firmware, your Ring Doorbell will update automatically. And, if the new update is buggy, you have a few options.

Using a Hard Reset to Undo Firmware Installs

No one wants to do a hard reset on their devices. It’s essentially starting over from the beginning and you lose everything in the process unless you properly back it up. If you don’t have a Ring subscription, you’ll likely lose any recorded video.

However, it does roll back your firmware. That is, it rolls it back to what came out of the box. All of the Ring doorbells have a similar method for doing a hard reset. For example:

  • Ring Video Doorbell (2020): Press and hold the orange button on the back for 20 seconds. When you release it, the front light will pulse for a few seconds as it restarts.Ring Video Doorbell 2: Press and hold the black button on the front for fifteen seconds. After releasing, the front light will pulse for a few seconds as it restarts.Ring Video Doorbell 3: The same instructions as the Ring Video Doorbell (2020), except you will only hold the orange button down for fifteen seconds.

That’s just three examples, but the process is similar across all of the devices. Unfortunately, after a hard reset, you will have to reconnect your Ring Doorbell to your network and run through the setup process again.

Keep in mind that once you reconnect your Ring Video Doorbell to the internet, it will simply download and install the newest available software all over again.

Force Updating Your Firmware

Sometimes, it’s the exact opposite of a glitchy, new firmware update that’s the source of the problem. If your Ring Video Doorbell hasn’t been updated post-release, you can access the app and manually complete the process.

Start by checking to see if your firmware is up to date. In the Ring app, select the small symbol with three horizontal lines in the top left corner. Select Ring Device > Device Health > Device Details > Firmware.

If your firmware is current, it will say, “up to date.” If not, it’ll show the current version number. Ring devices are designed to update automatically. This will usually happen after an event is triggered, such as motion detection or live view. Ring Doorbells will typically pulse with a white light/ring where the button is pressed during an update.

If it hasn’t updated, try to view live footage, or trigger the motion detection to activate the device. If it still doesn’t update, you’ll have to call customer service, and from there, they will reboot your doorbell.

On a Final Note

Firmware updates have their positives and negatives. Most of the time, if there are any bugs or glitches, they will be so minor that you don’t even notice them. Ring is always improving its software while trying to boost customer service and overall experience. Occasionally, a hiccup will affect your device and potentially reduce its capability.

While Ring doesn’t currently offer an option to roll back your firmware update, you still have the option to hard reset your Ring Doorbell and potentially eliminate the issue. Ultimately, you may have to contact customer service to either roll back the firmware from their end—if possible—or work with you to get your Ring Doorbell back in good working order.