Updating the firmware on your Ring Alarm devices

Occasionally, we need to make firmware updates to the devices on your Ring Alarm system. 

Firmware is software that runs on devices, and these updates help us improve the performance and stability of your Alarm system. Updating your firmware is simple and your home will remain safe and secure throughout the process.

You can schedule updates anytime, and still use your Ring Alarm, as usual, arming and disarming your system when needed. Updates will take place one at a time when your system is disarmed. If you have a lot of sensors and devices in your home, it may take a few days or a few weeks for the update process to complete.

Why do my devices only update when Ring Alarm is disarmed?

In order to keep your home secure at all times, firmware updates will only work when your Ring Alarm is disarmed. Devices cannot be armed and monitored during the firmware update process. You can arm your Ring Alarm as needed, and bypass any device that is mid-update.

Before you start

Full power: Before you begin any updates, make sure that each device has plenty of power. Your Keypad and Range Extenders will need to be plugged in, and none of the sensors should have a “low battery” warning.

Owners only: Only Ring Alarm system owners can manage firmware updates. If you’re a Shared User, please ask the owner to make any required updates.

Add and remove first: If you need to add or remove any devices to your Ring Alarm, make sure you complete this before starting any updates.  

Keypad updates: If updating a Keypad, you will need to unplug it and plug it back in before you begin.

Updating firmware on your Ring Alarm System

• When you have any firmware updates available for your Ring Alarm devices, you’ll see a red dot on the menu icon.
• When you tap the menu, you’ll see a red circle icon with a number next to “Devices.”
• Tap “Devices” to go to the device list where you’ll see “Device Updates Available” blue status text below your Base Station.
• When you tap your Base Station to go to the Alarm device list, you’ll see a blue status bar explaining where to manage firmware updates. 
• Tap the blue bar and you’ll be taken to a screen where you can view and manage all of your Alarm device firmware updates.
• To begin scheduling updates for your devices, tap each device name where you’ll be provided with more information about the update process, like how long it should take, and a button to schedule the update.
• When you’ve scheduled a device to update, the update will be queued to occur when your system is disarmed and no other device is updating. You can schedule multiple device updates, but again, only one device update can happen at a time.
• Once you’ve scheduled all of your devices to update, you can now just let it run. You’ll receive notifications when updates are complete.

Other important factors

Arming during scheduled updates: If you need to arm your Ring Alarm while updates are scheduled, go right ahead. If your Alarm is armed during the time when the device is scheduled to begin, it will simply wait until the next time you disarm to begin updating.

Arming while updating: If you need to update your Ring Alarm while a device is in the middle of an update, you may be prompted to bypass this device. Updating devices cannot be monitored, so you’ll need to keep this in mind when securing your home.

Arming while Keypad is updating: While the Keypad is updating, you will need to use your Ring app to arm and disarm.¹ Since Guest Users can only use the Keypad and do not have app access, they will not be able to arm and disarm while the Keypad is updating.

Troubleshooting

For some customers, all devices will update as scheduled, but sometimes your device may require your action to kick off the update. Don’t worry, we’ll help you with this. All of the tips needed to troubleshoot your Ring Alarm firmware updates can be found in the app. Simply tap a device with an error message to learn how to resolve it.

Other things you should know

Do you have a Range Extender? Devices that rely on the Range Extender to communicate with the Base Station may temporarily disconnect during the update process. 

Unusual device status: While a device is in the middle of an update, it may appear to be offline, or “tampered”. This is nothing to worry about, and should resolve itself after the update completes. It’s still reporting “tampered” after the update completes, check that the sensor’s back cover is fully closed or simply re-tamper the sensor.

Cancel anytime: If you need to cancel a firmware update before it begins, you can do so by tapping X next to and devices with “Updates Scheduled” or in “Updating” in progress. Once canceled, you will need to reschedule an update at a later time.