Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) FAQ

The following article lists the most frequent questions users have about Ring Alarm (2nd Generation).

What is the Ring Alarm Security Kit?

The Ring Alarm Security Kit is a DIY home security system that works on any house or apartment. It comes with the following:

• Base Station, the brains of the system containing a 104 dB siren

  ¹
• Contact Sensor, perfect for securing individual doors and windows
• Motion Detector designed to protect larger rooms and areas
• Keypad, for arming and disarming when you’re at your home or business
• Range Extender, to expand the connectivity of your Ring Alarm 

Ring Alarm is simple enough to install without any tools or professional installation. Contact Sensors and Motion Detectors can notify you when movement is detected, and when your Ring Alarm is armed, they can sound the siren when triggered.

If you add Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras for a whole home security experience and link these devices to Ring Alarm, they will begin recording when your Ring Alarm is triggered.²

What’s the difference between 1st and 2nd Generation security devices? 

Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) devices have been designed with an improved look and feel based on feedback from customers. Both first and second generation Ring Alarm security devices provide the same level of security and protection. 

• Keypad (2nd Generation)

  has one-touch emergency buttons. If you have Assisted Monitoring, a signal will be sent to the monitoring service, which will call your emergency contacts at the same time.
• Contact Sensor (2nd Generation)

  is smaller and contains two coin cell batteries.
• Motion Detector (2nd Generation)

  has a smaller profile and is easier to mount on the wall. It also uses patented motion detection technology to detect intruders and ignore pets.
• Range Extender (2nd Generation)

  is designed to be easier to use with a new button and indicator light on the front.  

Are the new Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) devices smaller than Ring Alarm (1st Generation) devices?

Yes! The new Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) devices are smaller, providing you with more options for mounting and securing them within your home.

	Keypad (2nd Generation) is 38% smaller. Dimensions: 11.2 x 10.8 x 1.9 cm
	Contact Sensor (2nd Generation) is 38% smaller and thinner. Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.8 x 1.4 cm
	Motion Detector (2nd Generation) is 36% smaller. Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.6 x 4.1 cm
	Range Extender (2nd Generation) is 29% smaller. Dimensions: 4.7 x 8.1 x 2.4 cm

Are Ring Alarm (1st Generation) and Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) devices compatible with each other?

Yes, all Ring Alarm security devices are compatible with every Base Station. You can mix and match 1st and 2nd Generation Ring Alarm Contact Sensors, Motion Detectors, Range Extenders, Keypads and third-party devices with any Ring Alarm Base Station. These devices are designed to work together.

If you've started with a 1st Generation Ring Alarm kit, you can add 2nd Generation devices to your Alarm Base Station. If you buy a new 2nd Generation Alarm Kit, you can add both 1st Generation and 2nd Generation devices to your Alarm Base Station.

Do I have to purchase the kit? Or can I buy it piece-by-piece?

The Ring Alarm Security Kit comes with everything you need to protect your home. The Base Station controls your entire Ring Alarm system and is only available with the purchase of a Ring Alarm Kit.

You can purchase extra Contact Sensors, Motion Detectors, Keypads, Range Extenders, Smoke/CO Listener and more to expand the coverage of your system. These will connect with the Base Station at your home to provide a whole home security experience.

What is Assisted Monitoring and how do I sign up?

Assisted Monitoring³ is an optional feature of Ring Alarm that notifies your emergency contacts via an automated call when a security issue is detected.

After subscribing to a compatible Ring plan, you can set up Assisted Monitoring by agreeing to the service’s terms and conditions, and adding emergency contacts via the Ring app. 

Find out more about Assisted Monitoring.

How do I control Ring Alarm? 

You can easily control all aspects of your Ring Alarm using your phone, tablet or computer. You can arm and disarm your system with the free Ring app (available on iOS and Android) or the website by logging in to your account on Ring.com. You can use the Keypad if you’re indoors and not near your phone or tablet. Ring Alarm provides three Security Modes to control your system:

• Home Mode arms your door and window Contact Sensors by default, keeping you safe when you’re at home.
• Away Mode arms all of your select sensors, ideal for when no one is home.
• Disarmed Mode allows you to go in and out of your home without setting off the Alarm. 

You can also link your cameras to your Modes to automatically enable and disable video recording to protect your privacy.

What happens to my Ring Alarm if the power or internet goes out?

The Ring Alarm Base Station comes with a 24-hour backup battery that kicks in whenever the power at home goes out. Cellular backup⁴ helps your Ring Alarm stay online and helps you stay connected to our monitoring centre during an outage.