Are you looking to delete a Ring camera from your account or remove it entirely from your home security system? Whether you’re upgrading to a new device, moving to a new location, or simply no longer need the camera, deleting a Ring camera can be a bit of a process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to delete a Ring camera, including how to remove it from your account, reset the device, and dispose of it properly.
Why Delete a Ring Camera?
Before we dive into the steps to delete a Ring camera, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to do so. Here are a few scenarios:
- You’re upgrading to a new Ring camera model and want to remove the old one from your account.
- You’re moving to a new location and won’t be taking the camera with you.
- You’re no longer using the camera and want to free up space in your account.
- You’re experiencing technical issues with the camera and want to start fresh.
Removing a Ring Camera from Your Account
The first step in deleting a Ring camera is to remove it from your account. Here’s how:
- Open the Ring app on your mobile device and log in to your account.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen to access the menu.
- Tap on “Devices” and select the camera you want to delete.
- Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen and select “Remove Device.”
- Confirm that you want to remove the device by tapping “Remove” on the pop-up screen.
What Happens When You Remove a Ring Camera from Your Account?
When you remove a Ring camera from your account, you’ll no longer receive notifications or be able to view live footage from that camera. Additionally, any recorded video footage from that camera will be deleted from your account.
Resetting a Ring Camera
If you’re planning to sell or give away your Ring camera, you’ll want to reset it to its factory settings. Here’s how:
- Press and hold the orange button on the back of the camera for 10 seconds.
- Release the button and wait for the camera to restart.
- Once the camera has restarted, it will be reset to its factory settings.
What Happens When You Reset a Ring Camera?
When you reset a Ring camera, all of its settings and configurations will be erased. This includes any Wi-Fi network connections, motion detection settings, and notification preferences.
Disposing of a Ring Camera
If you’re planning to dispose of your Ring camera, make sure to do so in an environmentally responsible manner. Here are a few options:
- Recycle it: Many electronics retailers offer recycling programs for old devices. Check with your local retailers to see if they accept Ring cameras for recycling.
- Donate it: If your Ring camera is still in good working condition, consider donating it to a local charity or non-profit organization.
- Properly dispose of it: If you’re unable to recycle or donate your Ring camera, make sure to dispose of it in accordance with your local waste management regulations.
What to Do with Your Ring Camera’s Accessories
If you’re disposing of your Ring camera, you may also want to consider what to do with its accessories, such as the mounting bracket and power cord. Here are a few options:
- Recycle them: Many of the materials used in Ring camera accessories, such as metal and plastic, can be recycled.
- Reuse them: If you’re upgrading to a new Ring camera, you may be able to reuse some of the accessories, such as the mounting bracket.
- Dispose of them properly: If you’re unable to recycle or reuse your Ring camera’s accessories, make sure to dispose of them in accordance with your local waste management regulations.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Here are a few additional tips and considerations to keep in mind when deleting a Ring camera:
- Make sure to remove any batteries: If your Ring camera uses batteries, make sure to remove them before disposing of the device.
- Wipe any personal data: If you’re selling or giving away your Ring camera, make sure to wipe any personal data from the device.
- Check with your local authorities: If you’re unsure about how to dispose of your Ring camera or its accessories, check with your local authorities for guidance.
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your Ring camera is deleted and disposed of in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.
What happens to my recorded videos when I delete a Ring camera?
When you delete a Ring camera, all the recorded videos associated with that device will be removed from your account. However, if you have a subscription to Ring Protect, your videos will be stored in the cloud for a certain period, depending on your plan. This means that even after you delete the camera, you’ll still be able to access your recorded videos until they are automatically deleted according to your plan’s retention period.
It’s essential to note that if you want to keep your recorded videos, you should download them before deleting the camera. You can do this by going to the Ring app, selecting the camera you want to delete, and downloading the videos you want to keep. Once you’ve downloaded your videos, you can safely delete the camera without worrying about losing your recordings.
Will deleting a Ring camera affect my other Ring devices?
Deleting a Ring camera will not affect your other Ring devices. Each device is connected to your account separately, so removing one camera will not impact the functionality of your other cameras or devices. You can continue to use your other Ring devices as usual, and they will still record videos, send notifications, and provide live streaming.
However, if you have set up custom modes or linked devices in the Ring app, deleting a camera might affect these settings. For example, if you have a custom mode that includes the camera you’re deleting, you’ll need to update the mode to exclude the deleted camera. Similarly, if you have linked devices, you might need to reconfigure the links after deleting the camera.
Can I reuse my Ring camera after deleting it from the app?
Yes, you can reuse your Ring camera after deleting it from the app. When you delete a camera, you’re only removing it from your account, not resetting the device itself. This means that you can set up the camera again with the same or a different account.
To reuse your Ring camera, you’ll need to reset the device to its factory settings. You can do this by pressing and holding the reset button on the camera for a few seconds. Once the camera is reset, you can set it up again using the Ring app. Make sure to follow the setup instructions carefully to ensure that the camera is connected to your account correctly.
How do I delete a Ring camera from the Ring app?
To delete a Ring camera from the Ring app, follow these steps: Open the Ring app, select the camera you want to delete, and tap on the three dots (⋯) next to the camera’s name. Tap on “Remove Device” and confirm that you want to delete the camera. You might be asked to enter your account password to complete the deletion process.
Once you’ve deleted the camera, it will be removed from your account, and you’ll no longer receive notifications or be able to access live streaming from that device. If you have a subscription to Ring Protect, your recorded videos will still be stored in the cloud for a certain period, depending on your plan.
What if I’m selling or giving away my Ring camera?
If you’re selling or giving away your Ring camera, it’s essential to delete the device from your account before transferring ownership. This will ensure that the new owner can set up the camera with their own account and won’t have access to your recorded videos or account information.
Before deleting the camera, make sure to download any recorded videos you want to keep. You should also reset the camera to its factory settings to ensure that the new owner can set it up correctly. To reset the camera, press and hold the reset button for a few seconds. This will erase all settings and data from the device.
Can I delete a Ring camera from the Ring website?
Yes, you can delete a Ring camera from the Ring website. To do this, log in to your Ring account on the website, click on the “Devices” tab, and select the camera you want to delete. Click on the three dots (⋯) next to the camera’s name and select “Remove Device.” Confirm that you want to delete the camera, and you might be asked to enter your account password to complete the deletion process.
Deleting a camera from the Ring website will have the same effect as deleting it from the app. The camera will be removed from your account, and you’ll no longer receive notifications or be able to access live streaming from that device. If you have a subscription to Ring Protect, your recorded videos will still be stored in the cloud for a certain period, depending on your plan.
Will deleting a Ring camera cancel my subscription?
Deleting a Ring camera will not cancel your subscription to Ring Protect. Your subscription is tied to your account, not to a specific device. This means that you can continue to use your subscription with other Ring devices or purchase a new device to replace the one you deleted.
However, if you’re deleting all your Ring devices and don’t plan to use the service anymore, you might want to consider canceling your subscription. You can do this by contacting Ring’s customer support or by canceling your subscription through the Ring app or website.