Ring doorbells are a popular home security device that allows homeowners to see and speak with visitors at their doorstep through a smartphone app.
One of the key features of Ring Doorbells is their ability to provide clear video footage day and night. But do Ring doorbells have night vision capabilities? The short answer is yes; most Ring doorbell models have night vision.
How Ring Doorbell’s Night Vision Works
Ring doorbells are equipped with infrared LEDs that allow the camera to see in low-light conditions and at night. The infrared LEDs on the Ring doorbell emit infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. But the camera sensor can detect this infrared light and use it to illuminate the area and provide black and white video when there isn’t enough visible light available.
The night vision on Ring doorbells works automatically. The camera sensor automatically switches to night vision mode whenever the ambient light levels drop below a certain threshold. The infrared LEDs will turn on as soon as it becomes dark enough outside, and the camera will provide night vision video. The transition from day to night vision is seamless and happens automatically without any input needed from the user.
The night vision capabilities work at distances up to around 30 feet from the camera, depending on the Ring doorbell model. So the camera can effectively illuminate and provide video of the immediate doorstep and surrounding area at night. The night vision video quality is fairly clear and detailed, especially compared to traditional security cameras without infrared night vision.
Which Ring Models Have Night Vision?
The majority of Ring doorbell models come equipped with infrared night vision, including:
- Ring Video Doorbell
- Ring Video Doorbell 2
- Ring Video Doorbell 3
- Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus
- Ring Video Doorbell 4
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite
- Ring Peephole Cam
Some older first-generation Ring doorbells, such as the original Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell 2, only have black-and-white night vision rather than full-color night vision. But most newer models, such as the Ring 3, 4, and Pro, have full-color night vision capability.
The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is the only Ring doorbell model currently without any form of night vision. This budget model was introduced in 2021 and leaves out night vision capabilities to reach a lower price point.
So when choosing a Ring doorbell, select a model other than the Ring Wired if you require night vision functionality. All of Ring’s battery-powered doorbells include night vision, so they are a good option if night vision is a must-have feature for you.
Advantages of Ring’s Night Vision
There are several key benefits that Ring’s night vision provides:
- See visitors clearly at night – The infrared night vision lets you see who is at your door, even in pitch-dark conditions. Without it, the video would be completely black at night.
- Deter theft and vandalism – Criminals typically prefer darkness to avoid detection. But Ring’s night vision foils this by providing visibility at all hours.
- Identify visitors – Ring’s night vision is clear enough in most cases to make out faces, clothing, and other identifying features after dark.
- Peace of mind – A 24/7 view of your door area provides added security and awareness of activity around your home overnight.
- Customizable motion alerts – Ring allows you to set motion zones and customize alerts, so you’re only notified when needed at night.
- Live view on demand – You can open the Ring app and get a live view of your doorstep anytime to see what’s happening outside your home after dark.
Overall, Ring’s night vision capabilities are a key feature that improves homeowners’ awareness, security, and convenience. It provides added protection and peace of mind at an affordable price point.
Tips for Getting the Most from Ring’s Night Vision
Here are some tips to help maximize the effectiveness of your Ring doorbell’s night vision:
- Keep the camera lens clean – Dust, dirt, and spiderwebs can degrade night vision quality. Clean the lens regularly with a soft cloth.
- Position the doorbell optimally – Installing your Ring doorbell 6-8 feet off the ground, pointed slightly downward, gives the best night visibility.
- Adjust the motion sensor range – Customize the motion settings so you’re only alerted to activity in key areas you want to monitor at night.
- Use weatherproof housing – The weatherproof housing protects the doorbell but can also impact the night vision range for battery-powered Rings—test positioning to maximize night visibility.
- Add supplemental lighting – Consider installing a porch light near your Ring doorbell to augment its night vision capabilities on extra nights.
- Update to the latest firmware – Ensure your Ring doorbell software is up-to-date for optimal performance. New updates sometimes improve night vision functionality.
These simple steps can help your Ring doorbell deliver the best possible video footage and awareness around your home after dark.
The Bottom Line
Ring’s night vision technology provides a valuable extra layer of security and awareness around your home after dark. The infrared LEDs allow Ring doorbells to see in total darkness where traditional cameras would falter. This allows homeowners to monitor their property, identify visitors, and deter crime even late at night when other security systems fall short.Having clear video footage from a Ring doorbell 24 hours a day allows you to stay connected and aware of activity at your front door no matter the time. The night vision capabilities take Ring doorbells beyond a daytime convenience gadget, making them a true around-the-clock home security device.
When purchasing a video doorbell, select a Ring model with the night vision feature to get these innovative devices’ full flexibility and functionality. Night vision greatly expands the usefulness and security benefits of adding one of Ring’s smart doorbells to your home. So take full advantage of Ring’s excellent low light capabilities and stay better protected overnight.With Ring’s night vision providing constant visibility of your doorstep even after the sun goes down, you can sleep a little easier knowing your home’s entrance is still being monitored. The infrared LEDs give you the power to shed light where there is darkness and keep your home entrance illuminated all night long.
