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Troubleshooting Smoke and CO Listener During Setup

If you are setting up your Ring Smoke & CO Listener³ and you have a problem with your setup, you may be directed to restart the entire setup process. While you should follow the directions as instructed, there are be a few differences in what needs to be done the second time around. This article will help you with instructions and troubleshooting tips if you have trouble with your Smoke & CO Listener setup.

Instructions for Replacing Your Smoke & CO Listener Battery

* Always insert replacement batteries correctly, matching the + (positive) and - (negative) symbols on the battery with the symbols on your Smoke and CO Listener.¹

  1. Disarm  your Ring Alarm.
  2. Turn the lid counter-clockwise and lift to remove the cover.
  3. Remove the old battery from the base and insert a new CR123A battery,
    taking care to match + and - symbols with the markings on your sensor. Confirm that the + and - symbols show on top when inserted.
  4. Place the lid back on the device, making sure to line up the semi-circle on the lid with the “open” semi-circle on the base. Lock the lid by turning it clockwise.
  5. Check your Smoke & CO Listener¹ by pressing the test button on your smoke or CO2 detector. If working, you’ll receive a notification* from your Ring app.

*Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for digital notifications, in-app features, digital arming/disarming, and integration with other Ring, Echo, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View ring.com/protect-plans for pricing and details.

The app is telling me to "pull the tab" on my Listener. I've already done that, so what do I do now?

If the app is prompting you to pull the tab but you've already done so, the following procedure will do the same thing:

  1. Pop open the case.
  2. Remove the battery.
  3. Reinstall the battery.

The device should start looking for your Base Station.

I'm having a problem scanning the QR code into my system.

Fortunately, there is an alternative method of proceeding through the setup process even if you can’t scan the QR code. Simply follow these instructions:

  1. At the bottom of the scanning screen, select
    Not working? Enter number instead.
  2. You will then be prompted for a 5-digit PIN code.
  • You can find this 5-digit number under the QR code for your device.
  • The 5-digit code can also be found on the box your Listener¹ came in labeled as the “DSK”. The 5 digits of the number you need are underlined.
  • Enter the 5-digit PIN code and continue following the in-app instructions.
  • Pop open the case.
  • Remove the battery.
  • Reinstall the battery.
  • Press the button on the side of the Smoke & CO Listener.¹

Continue to follow the in-app instructions to complete your setup.

¹ A compatible Ring Protect subscription is required to enroll in the Ring Alarm professional monitoring service. Professional monitoring service is available only within the U.S. (all 50 states, but not U.S. territories) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its own professional monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for commercial properties. See Ring Alarm licenses at: https://www.ring.com/licenses.
² Requires the Ring Alarm Security Kit.
³ This device does not detect fire, smoke or carbon monoxide. For best performance, use with detectors that are 10 years old or less and comply with all applicable standards
⁴ Improper installation may interfere with the performance of this device and or the Smoke/CO detector. Refer to the user manual for this device and the detector. Only use the Listener in a manner that is consistent with the detector manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure to do so may negatively affect the detector’s functionality, including delayed detection or failure to detect smoke or CO.
Last updated 3 months ago