Are you looking to delete a Ring camera from your account or remove it entirely from your home security system? Whether you’re upgrading to a new device, moving to a new location, or simply no longer need the camera, deleting a Ring camera can be a bit of a process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to delete a Ring camera, including how to remove it from your account, reset the device, and dispose of it properly.
Why Delete a Ring Camera?
Before we dive into the steps to delete a Ring camera, let’s talk about why you might want to do so. There are several reasons why you might want to delete a Ring camera, including:
- Upgrading to a new device: If you’ve purchased a new Ring camera or are upgrading to a different model, you may want to delete the old device from your account to avoid confusion and ensure that you’re only receiving notifications from the new camera.
- Moving to a new location: If you’re moving to a new home or apartment, you may want to delete the Ring camera from your account to avoid receiving notifications from the old location.
- No longer need the camera: If you no longer need the Ring camera, deleting it from your account can help declutter your device list and ensure that you’re not receiving unnecessary notifications.
How to Delete a Ring Camera from Your Account
Deleting a Ring camera from your account is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open the Ring App
To delete a Ring camera from your account, you’ll need to open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don’t have the app installed, you can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2: Navigate to the Device List
Once you’ve opened the Ring app, navigate to the device list by tapping on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen. This will open a menu with a list of all the devices connected to your account.
Step 3: Select the Camera You Want to Delete
Scroll through the device list and select the Ring camera you want to delete. You can identify the camera by its name, which should be listed next to a small icon of a camera.
Step 4: Tap on the Three Vertical Dots
Once you’ve selected the camera you want to delete, tap on the three vertical dots next to the camera’s name. This will open a menu with several options, including “Remove Device.”
Step 5: Tap on Remove Device
Tap on “Remove Device” to delete the Ring camera from your account. You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to remove the device, so make sure you’re certain before proceeding.
How to Reset a Ring Camera
If you’re planning to sell or give away your Ring camera, you’ll want to reset it to its factory settings before doing so. This will ensure that the new owner can set up the camera with their own account and receive notifications. Here’s how to reset a Ring camera:
Step 1: Locate the Reset Button
The reset button is usually located on the back or bottom of the Ring camera. It’s a small button that you’ll need to press and hold for a few seconds to reset the device.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Reset Button
Use a paper clip or small pin to press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds. You’ll know the camera is resetting when the lights on the device begin to flash.
Step 3: Release the Reset Button
Once the lights on the camera have stopped flashing, release the reset button. The camera will now be reset to its factory settings.
How to Dispose of a Ring Camera
If you’re planning to dispose of your Ring camera, make sure to do so in an environmentally responsible manner. Here are some tips for disposing of a Ring camera:
Step 1: Remove the Battery
If your Ring camera has a removable battery, make sure to remove it before disposing of the device. You can recycle the battery at a local recycling center or by participating in a battery recycling program.
Step 2: Check with Local Recycling Centers
Contact your local recycling center to see if they accept electronic waste, including Ring cameras. Many recycling centers have special programs for recycling electronic devices.
Step 3: Participate in a Manufacturer Take-Back Program
Some manufacturers, including Ring, offer take-back programs for their devices. Check the Ring website to see if they have a take-back program in place for their cameras.
Additional Tips for Deleting a Ring Camera
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when deleting a Ring camera:
- Make sure to delete the camera from your account before resetting or disposing of it. This will ensure that you’re no longer receiving notifications from the device.
- If you’re selling or giving away your Ring camera, make sure to reset it to its factory settings before doing so. This will ensure that the new owner can set up the camera with their own account and receive notifications.
- If you’re disposing of a Ring camera, make sure to do so in an environmentally responsible manner. Remove the battery and check with local recycling centers to see if they accept electronic waste.
| Device | Reset Button Location |
|---|---|
| Ring Stick Up Cam | Bottom of the device |
| Ring Spotlight Cam | Back of the device |
| Ring Doorbell Cam | Bottom of the device |
By following these steps and tips, you can easily delete a Ring camera from your account, reset the device, and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for resetting and disposing of electronic devices.
What happens to my recorded videos when I delete a Ring camera?
When you delete a Ring camera, all the recorded videos associated with that device will be removed from your account. However, if you have a subscription to Ring Protect, your videos will be stored in the cloud for a certain period, depending on your plan. This means that even after deleting the camera, you can still access your recorded videos until they are automatically deleted according to your plan’s retention period.
It’s essential to note that if you want to keep your recorded videos, you should download them before deleting the camera. You can do this by going to the Ring app, selecting the camera you want to delete, and downloading the videos you want to keep. This way, you can ensure that you have a copy of your recorded videos even after the camera is deleted.
Will deleting a Ring camera affect my other Ring devices?
Deleting a Ring camera will not affect your other Ring devices. Each device is connected to your account separately, so removing one camera will not impact the functionality of your other cameras or devices. You can continue to use your other Ring devices as usual, and they will still record videos and send notifications according to your settings.
However, if you have set up custom modes or linked devices in the Ring app, deleting a camera might affect these settings. For example, if you have set up a custom mode that includes the camera you’re deleting, you might need to update the mode to exclude the deleted camera. You can do this by going to the Ring app, selecting the custom mode, and updating the settings as needed.
Can I reuse my Ring camera after deleting it from the app?
Yes, you can reuse your Ring camera after deleting it from the app. When you delete a camera, you’re essentially removing it from your account, but the camera itself is still functional. You can set it up again with the same or a different account, and it will work as usual.
To reuse your Ring camera, you’ll need to reset it to its factory settings. You can do this by pressing and holding the reset button on the camera for a few seconds. Once the camera is reset, you can set it up again with the Ring app, and it will be treated as a new device.
How do I delete a Ring camera from the Ring app?
To delete a Ring camera from the Ring app, go to the app’s home screen and select the camera you want to delete. Tap the three dots on the top-right corner of the screen and select “Device Settings.” Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap “Remove Device.” Confirm that you want to remove the device, and the camera will be deleted from your account.
Make sure you’re signed in to the correct account and that you have the necessary permissions to delete the camera. If you’re using a shared account, you might need to ask the account owner to delete the camera for you.
Will deleting a Ring camera cancel my subscription?
Deleting a Ring camera will not automatically cancel your subscription. Your subscription is tied to your account, not to a specific device. As long as you have at least one device connected to your account, your subscription will remain active.
However, if you’re deleting all your Ring devices and don’t plan to use the service anymore, you might want to consider canceling your subscription. You can do this by going to the Ring website, signing in to your account, and following the instructions to cancel your subscription.
Can I delete a Ring camera if it’s offline or not connected to the internet?
Yes, you can delete a Ring camera even if it’s offline or not connected to the internet. The deletion process is done through the Ring app, which communicates with the Ring servers, not directly with the camera. As long as you have access to the Ring app and are signed in to your account, you can delete the camera regardless of its connection status.
However, keep in mind that if the camera is offline, you might not be able to download any recorded videos or access the camera’s settings. You’ll need to wait until the camera is back online to access these features.
How long does it take to delete a Ring camera?
Deleting a Ring camera is a relatively quick process that usually takes a few seconds to a minute. Once you confirm that you want to remove the device, the Ring app will communicate with the Ring servers, and the camera will be deleted from your account.
However, if you have a large number of recorded videos associated with the camera, it might take a few minutes for the videos to be removed from your account. You can check the status of the deletion process by going to the Ring app and looking for a confirmation message.