What Happened With the Ring Doorbell Recall
What Happened With the Ring Doorbell Recall
In late 2024, Ring issued a voluntary recall of around 350,000 second-generation Ring Video Doorbells sold in the United States. The problem was specific but serious: when installed using the wrong type of screw, the doorbell’s battery could overheat, swell, and in some cases catch fire. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of at least 23 incidents where doorbells overheated, including some that caused minor burns and property damage.
The root cause came down to screw length. The correct mounting screws are short enough to avoid puncturing the lithium-ion battery inside the device. But some third-party screw kits and even a few installation guides recommended longer screws that could pierce the battery casing. When that happened, the battery would short-circuit internally, generate heat, and sometimes ignite.
Ring initially responded to early customer reports in 2023 but did not issue a formal recall until the CPSC stepped in and made it official. The delay drew some criticism from consumer safety advocates, but once the recall was announced, Ring moved quickly to get replacement parts out to affected owners.
Which Models Were Affected
Only the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) was included in the recall. This is the budget-friendly model Ring launched in 2021, not the original Ring Video Doorbell or the more expensive Ring Video Doorbell Pro or Pro 2. You can identify the affected model by checking the label on the back of the device. It should read model number 5AT3T5. If you’re unsure, open the Ring app, tap your doorbell device, and go to Device Health. The model number is listed there.
Ring Video Doorbell 3, Ring Video Doorbell 4, and the wired-only models were not part of this recall. If you own a Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Pro 2, or the battery-powered Ring Video Doorbell Plus, those models use different internal layouts and mounting hardware that are not affected by this particular screw issue.
How to Check If Yours Is Affected
Start by looking at the screws holding your doorbell to the wall. If you used the screws that came in the Ring box, you’re almost certainly fine. Those screws were the right length. The issue mainly affects people who used aftermarket mounting kits, third-party screw packs, or screws from a hardware store that were longer than the ones Ring provided.
If you can see any bulging on the back of the doorbell, feel unusual heat when the device is mounted, or notice the faceplate sitting unevenly, stop using the device and contact Ring immediately. Do not try to remove a swollen battery yourself. A punctured lithium-ion battery can release toxic fumes and should be handled with care.
Ring set up a dedicated recall page where you can enter your serial number to check whether your specific unit is part of the recall batch. You can find the serial number in the Ring app under Device Health, or on the original packaging. If you bought the doorbell secondhand and do not have the original box, the serial number is also printed on a sticker on the back of the device itself.
What Ring Offered Customers
Ring’s response was to send affected customers a free replacement faceplate along with the correct mounting hardware. They also updated their installation instructions to be more explicit about screw sizes. If your doorbell had already been damaged, Ring offered a full replacement unit at no charge.
The fix is straightforward. You remove the existing faceplate, swap in the new one, and reinstall with the correct screws. Ring included step-by-step instructions with the replacement kit, and the entire process takes about 10 minutes. You do not need any special tools beyond a standard Phillips-head screwdriver.
Customers who experienced property damage from overheating were directed to Ring’s claims department for additional support. Ring did not publicly disclose how many damage claims were filed, but the CPSC noted that no serious injuries were reported.
For more about Ring products, check out our Ring security cameras FAQ.
Where Things Stand in 2026
As of August 2026, the recall is still technically active, meaning Ring will still send you the replacement parts if you have not claimed them yet. The second-gen Ring Video Doorbell remains on sale with updated packaging that includes clearer screw guidelines and a printed warning about using only the included hardware.
Ring also rolled out a firmware update in early 2025 that added a battery temperature monitoring feature. If the battery reaches an abnormal temperature, the doorbell sends a push notification to your phone and temporarily shuts down. This does not prevent physical damage from a punctured battery, but it does give you an early warning if something is going wrong.
Amazon, which owns Ring, also updated the product listing pages on its website to include prominent installation warnings. Third-party sellers on Amazon are now required to include the updated screw kit with every unit they ship.
How to Install a Ring Doorbell Safely
Whether you have the recalled model or a newer one, safe installation comes down to a few basics. Always use the screws that come in the box. If you lose them, order replacements directly from Ring rather than grabbing something from a hardware store. Ring’s included screws are specifically sized so they do not reach the battery compartment.
When drilling into brick or stucco, use the wall anchors Ring provides. Do not substitute larger anchors that require longer screws. If you are mounting on wood siding or a door frame, the included screws go directly into the surface without anchors.
Make sure the doorbell sits flush against the mounting bracket before tightening. If there is a gap, something is misaligned, and forcing screws through could push hardware into the wrong spot. Ring sells angle mounts and corner kits for surfaces that are not flat.
A Quick Installation Checklist
1. Verify you have the correct screws from the Ring box (they should be about 25mm long).
2. Mark your drill holes using the included mounting template.
3. If mounting on masonry, drill pilot holes and insert the provided wall anchors.
4. Attach the mounting bracket with the included screws only.
5. Snap the doorbell onto the bracket and confirm it sits flat with no gaps.
6. Tighten the security screw on the bottom using the included star-shaped tool.
7. Open the Ring app, complete setup, and verify the video feed.
Smart Home Product Recalls: A Bigger Picture
Ring is not the only smart home company that has dealt with recall issues. Over the past few years, several brands have issued recalls for products ranging from smart plugs to security cameras. Wyze recalled a batch of outdoor cameras in 2023 due to a wiring defect, and Google pulled certain Nest Protect smoke detectors after discovering the alarm could be silenced too easily.
The common thread in most of these recalls is lithium-ion batteries and installation hardware. Smart home devices are getting smaller and more tightly packed, which leaves less room for error during manufacturing or installation. As a general rule, always register your products with the manufacturer so you receive recall notices automatically. You can also check the CPSC website at cpsc.gov for the latest recall listings on any connected home device.
Another good habit is to check for firmware updates on your smart home devices every few months. Manufacturers often push updates that address safety issues, improve battery management, or fix bugs that could lead to overheating. Most Ring, Nest, and Blink devices update automatically when connected to Wi-Fi, but it is worth confirming in the app that your firmware is current.
If you are ever unsure about a product you own, searching the CPSC database by brand or model number takes less than a minute and could save you from a dangerous situation.
