Getting started with your Ring Alarm system

Download the Ring Alarm (1st Generation) setup guide.

Download the Ring Alarm (2nd Generation) setup guide.

Your Ring Alarm Kit

Your five or seven piece Ring Alarm Kit includes: Base Station, Keypad, Contact Sensor(s), Motion Detector(s) and a Range Extender.

Do not pull out all of the tabs at once.

Set up one device at a time, and only pull its tab when the app prompts you.

• Base Station:

  The Base Station is the heart of the system and is actively connected to and commands all of the Ring Alarm devices connected to the system. Its functions are:
  • Assisted Monitoring:

    Keeps an eye on all of the sensors in the home. If any of the sensors are tripped, the Base Station will set off the alarm siren and begin automatically calling you or your emergency contacts. 
    • Assisted Monitoring requires a

      Ring Protect plan

      .
  • Self Monitoring:

    If any of the sensors are tripped, the Base Station will send you and your shared contacts push notifications and email alerts* (if opted in).
  • System Communication:

    The Base Station provides visual and audio feedback regarding system status changes and events by speaking directly to you or through "chirps."
    • Chirps are user configurable sounds that can be set for each device. They will sound when a device is tripped.
  • System Backup:

    Your Base Station is equipped with battery backup and cellular backup to make sure the system is up and running even if the power goes out or broadband is unavailable. 
    • Cellular backup requires a

      Ring Protect plan

      .
• Keypad:

  The Keypad (powered by both rechargeable battery or AC) is an alternate method of controlling the alarm state of the Ring Alarm system. By typing on the Keypad, users can arm and disarm the system, bypass certain sensors, or trigger the alarm. Extra Keypads can be purchased separately. 
• Contact Sensor:

  Contact Sensors are magnetic sensors that are placed at doors and windows that can tell when they’re opened and (assuming the device is active in your current mode) trigger the alarm and inform the monitoring centre. Extra contact sensors can be purchased separately.
• Motion Detector:

  Motion Detectors use passive infrared scanning (PIR) to detect motion in a given area. Once motion is detected they will send a notification and (depending on system settings) trigger an alarm. At least one Motion Detector comes in the box. Extra Motion Detectors can be purchased separately. 
• Range Extender

  : The base unit and Ring Alarm sensors communicate with each other using a secure mesh network called Z-Wave Plus. This is not Wi-Fi and will not interfere with Wi-Fi signals. A Range Extender lengthens the mesh network with which Ring Alarm components communicate with each other as well as the distance the Base Station can communicate with a device.

Setting up your Ring Alarm in the Ring app

If Ring Alarm is your first Ring device, you'll need to download and install the Ring app. The following link: ring.com/app will automatically begin downloading the correct version for your operating system.

Note: The Ring app is free, but you may need your username and password for your device's store page to download the app.

Before setting up your Ring Alarm, download or update the Ring - Always Home app on your smartphone or tablet.

• Android
• iOS

If you’re new to Ring, tap Create Account. The app will ask you to enter your home or property address, your name, and email address, then ask you to create a password.

If you already have a Ring account used for other Ring devices or Ring.com, use it to log in to the Ring app.

To set up your Ring Alarm in the app:

1. Open the

   menu (≡).
2. Tap

   Set Up a Device
3. Tap

   Security
4. Tap

   Ring Alarm
   • The Ring app will walk you through the setup process, step by step.
5. Set up your Ring Alarm Base Station
   • Visit

     Setting up your Base Station in the Ring app

     to learn more.
6. Once your Base Station is set up and your devices are connected to the Base Station, you can start placing your Contact Sensors and Motion Detectors around your home
   • The correct placement of these sensors is critical in protecting your home. Check out the following articles to get advice on the correct placement of Contact Sensors and Motion Detectors:
     • Set up and manage your Alarm devices in the Ring app
     • Placing Contact Sensors and Motion Detectors

The Ring app can do more than arm and disarm your Ring Alarm.

Get to know more about the functions of the app by reading our Introduction to the Ring app.

Manage Alarm Alerts

Get email and push notifications during an emergency event, when a Ring device’s battery is low, for temperature issues and more by managing Alarm alerts.

Learn more about managing Alarm Alerts in the Ring app or from Ring.com.

Adding Shared Users and Alarm Guest Users

Decide who has access to your Ring Alarm system by adding Shared Users and Alarm Guest Users.

• Shared Users can arm and disarm a Ring Alarm system and unlock any lock they have been given access to by the owner.
• Alarm Guest Users do not have app access, but they can arm and disarm using the Keypad using an access code.

Learn how to add Shared Users and Alarm Guest Users.