Setting up and Using Your Ring Alarm Motion Detector

Detect when there is heat or movement in your home with the Ring Alarm Motion Detector. When armed, the Motion Detector will trigger your Ring Alarm letting you know that an event has occurred.

Motion Detector features

• Customizable, pet friendly settings: You can customize motion detection settings to help you avoid false alarms. This is important, especially if you have pets.
• Armed modes: By default your Ring Alarm Motion Detectors are only armed when using Away mode.
• Installation: Motion Detectors should be installed on a wall or corner inside your home, 7’ (1st Generation) or 7’6” (2nd Generation) from the floor.
• Entry Delay: If your Motion Detector Placement is set to Entryway, you can customize an Entry Delay that gives you time to disarm* your Ring Alarm.
• Bypass Sensors: If a Motion Detector is offline at the time of arming, you can bypass the Motion Detector to leave it unarmed.
• Alexa Routines: Use your Motion Detectors to trigger Alexa routines.
• Alerts and history: Get alerts* when motion is detected, and review motion detection history in the Ring app.

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

Additional Motion Detector specifications

Motion Detector (1st Generation)

Uses one CR123a 3V battery. Mounts in a corner or flat on the wall. 90 degree horizontal field of view. Uses Z-Wave to communicate with the Base Station. Requires the Ring Alarm or Alarm Pro Base Station. Should be mounted 7' above the floor.

Motion Detector (2nd Generation)

Smaller design. Easier to mount in a corner or on a wall and change batteries. LED light to verify connectivity. Button on the front for easier troubleshooting (if needed). Green LED is less bright at night (1st Generation LEDs are blue). Patented motion detection technology for more responsive detection. Uses two AA batteries. Should be mounted 7’ 6” above the floor.

Motion Detector placement settings

• Room - For use in rooms that do not have or face entry doors. With this setting, when Ring Alarm is armed it will sound immediately when motion is detected. (No entry delay is available with this setting).
• Entryway - For use in rooms, hallways, and other areas where your Main Doors are within the range of view. When Arming in Away mode, you have a customizable Exit Delay that allows you to exit as well as an entry delay that gives you time to enter and disarm Ring Alarm.

The image below shows how the room placement setting can be used to detect motion and trigger the alarm immediately when armed in Away Mode.

Where should you install your Motion Detectors?

• Front and back entryways.
• Basements with outside access.
• Hallways.
• Rooms with multiple access points.

Where should you avoid using a Motion Detector?

• Don’t use it outdoors or in environments with extreme hot or cold temperatures.
• Don’t aim at heaters, furnaces, and air vents.
• Don't position the Motion Detector facing a staircase.
• Don’t aim Motion Detectors towards windows.
• Don’t use around very large pets (learn more about pets and sensitivity).
• Don’t use inside detached garages, warehouses or sheds. Sensors should always be used in the same building as the Ring Alarm or Alarm Pro Base Station.

The image below shows the coverage area for Motion Detectors when placed on the wall versus the corner of the room. As you can see, the corner provides more complete coverage of the area.

We recommend that you test your Motion Detector after installation to ensure that you've selected the best location and the correct settings to accommodate any pets, obstacles or environmental factors.

Testing your Motion Detector can also help make sure that it's in the right spot to detect people and avoid false alarms.

How to set up your Motion Detector

1. Make sure your Ring Alarm is disarmed.
2. In the Ring app, tap Menu, then tap Set Up a Device, then tap Security Devices, then tap Sensors, and tap Motion Detector.
3. Follow the in-app instructions to complete setup.
4. Install the device in your home.
   -- (1st Generation) Install the included mounting bracket onto the back of the Motion Detector.
   -- (2nd Generation) Motion Detector does not have a mounting bracket. Mounting tape can be found on the back of Detector.
5. Ensure the mounting surface is clean and dry before peeling the backing off of the adhesive strip.
6. The Motion Detector should be installed at the correct height to provide the best coverage.
   -- Motion Detector (1st Generation) should be installed at 7' high.
   -- Motion Detector (2nd Generation) should be installed at 7'6" high.
7. Firmly press and hold the Motion Detector into place to ensure it is securely mounted.

Note: We recommend that you test your Motion Detector after installation to ensure that you've selected the best location and the correct settings to accommodate any pets.

How do I replace my Motion Detector battery?

Motion Detector (1st Generation)

* Always insert replacement batteries correctly, matching the + (positive) and - (negative) symbols on the battery with the symbols on your Motion Detector.

Motion Detector (2nd Generation)

What if my Motion Detector won't work?

• Troubleshooting your Motion Detector (1st Generation)
• Troubleshooting your Motion Detector (2nd Generation)
• Understanding Ring Alarm Motion Detector Settings

Additional Resources

• Pets and your Motion Detector - Avoiding False Alarms
• Test Mode for your Ring Alarm Motion Detector
• Download the Motion Detector Manual