Ring Camera Not Recording? 10 Easy Fixes

Quick Fix

Ring camera not recording? Check your Ring Protect subscription – video recording requires a paid plan (Basic or Plus). No subscription = no saved videos. Also verify Motion Detection is enabled in device settings. Go to Ring app > Device Settings > Motion Settings and ensure motion zones are properly configured.

Why Won’t Ring Camera Record?

Ring cameras don’t record without a Ring Protect subscription. Even with a subscription, recordings may fail due to disabled motion detection, poor WiFi signal, motion zone configuration, or incorrect privacy settings.

Method 1: Verify Ring Protect Plan

Subscription required for recording.

1. Open Ring app
2. Tap menu (☰) > Account
3. Check Subscriptions
4. Verify Ring Protect is active
5. Without subscription, only live view works

Method 2: Enable Motion Detection

Motion triggers recording.

1. Ring app > Select your camera
2. Tap Device Settings
3. Select Motion Settings
4. Ensure Motion Detection is On
5. Check Motion Sensitivity slider

Method 3: Configure Motion Zones

Zones determine what triggers recording.

1. Device Settings > Motion Settings
2. Tap Motion Zones
3. Ensure zones cover desired areas
4. Don’t exclude important areas
5. Test by walking through zones

Method 4: Check Privacy Zones

Privacy zones block recording.

1. Device Settings > Privacy Settings
2. Check if privacy zones are blocking view
3. Privacy zones appear as black areas
4. Adjust or remove if blocking important areas

Method 5: Check WiFi Signal

Weak signal prevents recording.

1. Device Settings > Device Health
2. Check Signal Strength
3. Should be Good or better
4. Poor signal = move router closer or add extender
5. Consider Ring Chime Pro for better signal

Method 6: Verify Recording Mode

Mode affects what gets recorded.

1. Check current Mode in Ring app
2. Different modes have different settings
3. Home mode may disable some cameras
4. Away mode typically enables all recording

Method 7: Check Motion Schedule

Schedule may pause recording.

1. Device Settings > Motion Settings
2. Check Motion Schedule
3. Verify camera isn’t scheduled off
4. Adjust schedule if needed

Method 8: Power Cycle Camera

Restart clears glitches.

1. For wired cameras: turn off at breaker for 30 seconds
2. For battery cameras: remove battery, wait 30 seconds
3. Reconnect power
4. Wait for camera to reconnect
5. Test recording

Method 9: Reinstall Ring App

App issues affect recordings.

1. Delete Ring app from phone
2. Restart phone
3. Download Ring app from app store
4. Sign in to your account
5. Check if recordings appear

Method 10: Contact Ring Support

Account or hardware issues.

• Visit ring.com/support
• Check if account issues affect recording
• Hardware failure may require replacement
• Ring offers device replacement within warranty

FAQ

Does Ring record without subscription?

No, Ring cameras only save video with a Ring Protect subscription. Without it, you get live view and real-time alerts, but no video recording or history. Basic plan starts at $4/month per device.

Why does Ring only record part of events?

Ring records when motion is detected, not continuously. If someone moves quickly through frame, only partial capture may occur. Increase motion sensitivity and ensure motion zones cover entry points.

How long does Ring keep recordings?

Ring Protect Basic stores 180 days of video history in the US (60 days elsewhere). Videos older than this are automatically deleted. Download important recordings to save them permanently.