Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) with the Keypad

Setting Up Your Ring Alarm Base Station

Stay in control of your home from anywhere with the central hub of your alarm system — the Ring Alarm Base Station. Connect all of your Ring devices to Alarm using the Ring app.

You can only have one Base Station per location, but you can have multiple locations (up to 10) on one Ring account.

Base Station Features:

  • SIREN:
    The Ring Alarm Base Station has a 104 dB siren.
  • BATTERY BACKUP:
    The Base Station has a 24-hour backup battery that will switch on when your power goes out.
  • CELLULAR BACKUP:
    If you subscribe to
    , your Base Station will also have cellular backup to protect your home even if the internet goes down.
  • Z-WAVE & WORKS WITH RING:
    You can connect Works with Ring smart devices that use Z-Wave
    1
    to your Ring Alarm Base Station.
  • INTERNET ACCESS:
    You can connect your Base Station to the internet using wifi or an Ethernet cable. (Note: You can't use both wifi and Ethernet at the same time, but you can change the connection at any time.)

How to setup and install your Base Station

Before you begin, download the Ring app and set up an account. Also make sure you have your wifi network name and password, or an ethernet cable. Finally, make sure your phone or tablet has Bluetooth enabled.

  1. Open the Ring app.
  2. Tap the
    menu
    (≡)
    , then tap
    Set Up a Device
    .
  3. Next, tap
    Security
    .
  4. Tap
    Ring Alarm
    and select your Base Station.
  5. Select a location, or add a new one.
  6. Follow the in-app instructions to complete setup. When prompted, press the PAIRING button on the rear of your Base Station.

The first time your Base Station connects to the internet, it will automatically begin a software update, which may take a few minutes. During the update, the light ring on your Base Station glows blue with a spinning yellow indicator. Once the ring is solid blue, the update is complete.

How to check if your Base Station has a firmware update

  1. Open the Ring app.
  2. Tap the
    Menu (≡),
    then
    Devices.
  3. Tap
    Alarm
    .
  4. Tap
    Base Station
    .
  5. Tap
    Firmware Update
    .
  6. Tap on the device you want to update.
  7. Follow the in-app instructions to complete the update.

Note: Ring Alarm firmware updates can only take place when your Ring Alarm is disarmed.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I install my Base Station?

You can install your Base Station almost anywhere.

  • Place it on a flat surface or mount it on a wall (screws and anchors not included).
  • Make sure it’s in a spot that gets great wifi reception or near your router if you want to use an Ethernet connection.
  • Install in an area where the siren is best heard throughout the location.
  • Choose a centralized location to improve Z-Wave network coverage in all directions.
  • Make sure the spot you choose has cellular service, in case you want to subscribe to Ring Protect Pro and take advantage of cellular backup.*

Is there anywhere I should avoid using a Base Station?

  • Don’t use it outdoors or in an environment with extreme temperatures or humidity.
  • Don’t use near corrosive chemicals.
  • Don’t use it with additional Base Stations. Only one Base Station can be used at each address.
  • Avoid hiding it in a location where the siren won’t be heard if triggered, such as an attic or basement.

How does battery backup work?

When your Ring Alarm loses power, the internal rechargeable battery will keep your Ring Alarm Base Station online for up to 24 hours. You may have some limited functionality while on battery backup, but you can still arm and disarm your Ring Alarm using the Keypad, and if there is a break-in, your siren will still sound. (Ring app access is only available with a Ring Protect subscription.)

How does Alarm Cellular Backup work?

Ring Protect Pro and enrollment in professional monitoring is required to have cellular backup.

When your internet goes down, your Ring Alarm will automatically switch over to cellular backup. You may have limited app functionality while your Base Station is on cellular backup, but you can still arm and disarm your Ring Alarm. If you have Professional Monitoring, cellular backup will ensure the signal gets out.

Learn more about what happens when your Ring Alarm goes offline.

What if my Base Station won’t connect?

If you’re having difficulty setting up your Ring Alarm Base Station within the app, you can use these Base Station troubleshooting tips to help you resolve any issues.

1Ring 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.
Last updated 1 month ago