NOTE: This article is relevant for our customers in the US and Canada. If you are outside of the US and Canada, click here for setup and use information for Ring Alarm Contact Sensor.
The Ring Alarm Contact Sensor is designed to monitor your doors and windows. The Contact Sensor is made up of two parts: the sensor and the magnet. When installed on your door or window, the sensor can tell if the door or window is open or closed.
By default, your Ring Alarm Contact Sensors are armed when using both Away and Home Mode*.
*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.
Ring Alarm Contact Sensor - Setup and Use
- Armed Modes: When armed, the Contact Sensor will trigger your Ring Alarm if a door or window is opened. You can customize your Sensor mode settings.
- Entry and Exit Delay: If your Contact Sensor Placement is set to Main Door, you can customize your entry and exit delays to have enough time to leave after arming, or enter and disarm*.
- Bypass Sensors: If a Contact Sensor is open or offline at the time of arming, or if you want to leave a window open, you can bypass the Contact Sensor to leave it unarmed.
- Alexa Routines: Use your Contact Sensors to trigger Alexa routines*.
- Alerts and History: Get alerts* when a Sensor is opened, and review Sensor activity history* in the app.
Additional Contact Sensor Specifications:
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Contact Sensor (1st Generation)
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Contact Sensor (2nd Generation)
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Contact Sensor Placement Settings
- Main Door - For use on doors you enter and exit from most often. When Arming Ring Alarm in Away mode, you’ll have a customizable Exit Delay* that allows you to exit from that door. When armed, opening the door with this contact sensor will trigger the Entry Delay so you can disarm before the alarm sounds.
- Secondary Door - For use on doors you don’t use to enter and exit when armed. When armed, Ring Alarm will sound immediately when opened.
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Window - For use on windows only. When armed, Ring Alarm will sound immediately when opened.
This video will show you how placement settings work.
Where should I install Contact Sensors?
There are many entry points where Contact Sensors can be used to secure your home, including:
- Front door
- Back / side door
- French doors and sliding glass doors
- Door leading to an attached garage or storage area
- Windows, especially those that can be easily accessed
You can also check out these tips for installing your Contact Sensor (2nd generation).
Is there anywhere I should avoid using a Contact Sensor?
- Don’t use it outdoors or in environments with extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Don’t use near corrosive chemicals.
- Not designed for use on garage doors.
- Avoid detached garages, warehouses or sheds. Sensors should always be used in the same building as the Base Station.
- Metal doors can sometimes create interference.
Contact Sensor Setup
How to setup and install a Contact Sensor:
Make sure your Ring Alarm is disarmed before beginning set up.
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap Menu (≡).
- Tap Set Up a Device.
- Tap Security Devices.
- Tap Sensors.
- Tap Contact Sensor.
Follow the in-app instructions to complete setup.
- Install your Contact Sensor:
- (1st generation) Attach the included mounting bracket onto the back of the sensor.
- (2nd generation) You'll attach the sensor directly using the instructions below. - Ensure the mounting surface is clean and dry before peeling the backing off the adhesive strip.
- Install the sensor and magnet on a door or window and frame:
- (1st Generation) Make sure there is no more than ½” between the sensor and magnet when the door or window is closed.
- (2nd Generation) Make sure there is no more than 1" between the sensor and magnet when the door or window is closed.
NOTE: If you’re using the Contact Sensor on a door you use often, choose Main Door as the placement option. Main doors have Entry and Exit Delays* to prevent you from accidentally triggering the alarm.
How do I replace my Contact Sensor battery?
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Contact Sensor (1st Generation) * Always insert replacement batteries correctly, matching the + (positive) and - (negative) symbols on the battery with the symbols on your Contact Sensor.
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Contact Sensor (2nd Generation) * If you get a low battery warning, make sure to replace both batteries.
NOTE: The process of removing your coin cell batteries may differ depending on the type of Contact Sensor (2nd Generation) you’re using. You may need to use a small tool, such as a micro screwdriver, to remove the batteries from their casing. |
What if my Contact Sensor doesn't work?
Troubleshooting your Contact Sensor (1st Generation)
Troubleshooting your Contact Sensor (2nd Generation)
Tips for installing your Contact Sensor (2nd Generation)
Additional Resources:
- Arming and disarming your Ring Alarm with Amazon Alexa
- Understanding professional monitoring
- Getting Professional Monitoring by subscribing to a Ring Protect plan
- Need more Contact Sensors? Click here to purchase.
*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.
