Fix Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 Not Recording Video

If the video feed on your Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 has gone silent or the footage is missing, you may be tempted to call a professional right away. In many cases, the issue can be resolved with a few simple checks and adjustments. This guide walks you through the most common reasons a Ring doorbell stops recording and provides a clear, step‑by‑step troubleshooting process. By the end, you should be able to identify the root cause and restore full recording functionality.

Understanding the Basics

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 relies on a combination of local hardware and cloud services to capture, store, and stream video. When the device stops recording, the problem could lie with the hardware itself, the local network, the Ring app, or even the firmware. Knowing where the fault is most likely to occur helps you target your efforts efficiently.

Key components involved:

• Hardware: camera lens, image sensor, microphone, Wi‑Fi radio, power supply (battery or wired)
• Software: Ring firmware, the Ring app, cloud storage
• Network: Wi‑Fi signal strength, bandwidth, interference, router settings
• Power: battery level (if wireless), power cord, voltage regulator

With this framework in mind, let’s look at the most common culprits.

Common Causes of Missing Video

Identifying which of these applies to your situation is the first step in restoring video.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting

1. Verify Power Supply

• Check the battery level (if your doorbell is battery powered). A low battery can disable recording while still allowing the status LED to flash.
• Inspect the power cord and connector if it’s wired. Look for frayed wires, loose connections, or signs of corrosion.
• Use a multimeter to confirm the voltage at the power input. The Ring Pro 2 requires 16‑24 V DC. A reading below 12 V indicates a problem.
• Replace the battery or power cable if any of these checks reveal a fault.

2. Inspect the Camera Lens

• Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth. Smudges or dirt can prevent the camera from focusing properly.
• Look for cracks or obstructions around the lens area. If debris has lodged inside the housing, carefully remove it with a soft brush.

3. Confirm Wi‑Fi Connectivity

• Open the Ring app and tap your device. You should see a green signal icon. If it shows a warning or red icon, the doorbell is not properly connected.
• Run a speed test on the Wi‑Fi network where the doorbell is located. Aim for at least 5 Mbps downstream for stable streaming.
• Move the router or add a repeater if the signal strength is weak where the doorbell is installed.
• Check for interference from devices like baby monitors or cordless phones operating on the same frequency.

4. Restart the Device

• Power cycle the doorbell by disconnecting it for 30 seconds and reconnecting. If it’s battery powered, remove the battery, wait, then reinsert.
• Reboot your router as well. Sometimes a fresh network start resolves packet loss.

5. Update Firmware and App

• Open the Ring app and check for device updates. Firmware updates often include bug fixes that address recording glitches.
• Clear the app cache (on Android) or reinstall the app (on iOS) to eliminate any corrupted settings.
• Do not skip any prompts during the firmware update; interrupting it can leave the device in an unstable state.

6. Verify Cloud Storage

• Check your Ring plan. The Pro 2 requires a subscription for unlimited cloud storage. If your plan has expired or is on a limited tier, new recordings may be discarded.
• Log into Ring.com and navigate to “My Account” → “Device Settings” → “Video” to ensure that the “Record” option is enabled.
• Test playback: If you can view old recordings but not new ones, storage capacity might be the issue.

7. Examine Motion and Privacy Settings

• Open the Ring app → “Device Settings” → “Motion Settings”.
• Ensure that motion detection is enabled. If it’s off, the doorbell will not record unless manually triggered.
• Check the privacy zones. If your front door area is excluded, the camera will ignore motion in that region.

8. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)

• Press and hold the reset button on the back of the doorbell for 15 seconds. The LED will blink blue, then orange, then return to blue.
• Re‑pair the device via the Ring app as if it were new.
• Note: This will erase all settings and requires a fresh setup.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the basic steps above do not resolve the issue, deeper diagnostics are necessary.

A. Inspect Network Traffic

• Use a packet sniffer (e.g., Wireshark) to monitor traffic between the doorbell and the Ring servers. Look for repeated failed handshakes or packet drops.
• Check for Quality of Service (QoS) rules on the router that may deprioritize the doorbell’s traffic.
• Configure a dedicated VLAN for smart devices if your router supports it. This reduces congestion with other household devices.

B. Examine Firmware Logs

• Enable debug logging in the Ring app by going to “Account Settings” → “Debug Settings”. Capture a log while the doorbell is supposed to record.
• Upload the log to Ring support or review it locally for error codes indicating sensor failures or network timeouts.

C. Test with a Different Power Source

• If you have a spare power supply that matches the voltage spec, connect it to rule out a faulty charger.
• Try a direct wired connection temporarily to rule out battery management issues.

D. Verify Clock Synchronization

• The Ring doorbell uses the device’s internal clock for timestamping recordings. If the clock is out of sync, it may incorrectly log times or fail to start recording.
• Sync the device by ensuring the doorbell’s firmware has network time protocol (NTP) enabled. The Ring app usually handles this automatically.

E. Check for Hardware Faults

• Open the housing (if you’re comfortable) and look for loose components. The camera’s image sensor or the Wi‑Fi module may have come loose.
• Replace the camera module if you notice a physical defect. Ring parts can be purchased through their official support channel.

Preventive Measures

Even after you get the Pro 2 recording again, take steps to keep it running smoothly.

• Keep firmware and app updated: Enable auto‑updates in the Ring app settings.
• Regularly clean the lens: Do this every few months or after heavy rainfall.
• Maintain battery health: If battery‑powered, change the battery every 12–18 months.
• Monitor storage usage: Upgrade to a higher‑tier plan if you frequently hit the limit.
• Avoid Wi‑Fi interference: Keep the doorbell away from microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other high‑frequency devices.
• Use a high‑quality power adapter: Low‑quality adapters can introduce voltage fluctuations that affect recording.

When to Contact Ring Support

If after exhaustive troubleshooting the doorbell still fails to record, it’s time to seek professional help.

Gather Information

• Device serial number (found on the back or in the app)
• Firmware version (displayed in the app under “Device Settings”)
• Logs (debug logs if enabled)
• A video or screenshot showing the “No video” message or the LED status

Reach Out

• Ring Support portal: Submit a ticket with the above information.
• Phone or chat support: Ring offers 24/7 assistance. Have your serial number handy.
• Return or replace: If the device is still under warranty, Ring may offer a repair or replacement.

Final Thoughts

A Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 that stops recording can be a frustrating hiccup, but most problems are solvable with systematic troubleshooting. By checking power, connectivity, firmware, storage, and settings in a structured order, you can usually pinpoint the issue and restore full functionality. If the problem persists, professional support will be the next step.

Remember, the key to a reliable smart doorbell is regular maintenance and staying current with updates. With these practices, your Ring Pro 2 will continue to provide secure, real‑time surveillance for years to come.