The idea of a Ring camera is to provide a ring of security around your home or space that allows you full access. Ring cameras come in different types, each meant for different locations with wired and wireless options. Security is essential in the home, and installing a wireless surveillance system is the most convenient way to go, but how long does Ring camera battery last? How often should you check it? We’ll get to know more about these cameras in this article.
A Quick Guide To Ring Cameras
Home security systems are an essential for every home, no matter how basic the system may be. Whether it’s motion-detecting lights or simple surveillance systems, it’s always better to have full access to parts of your home you don’t check often. You can’t be too careful, they say. And there is no price tag on safety, which is why people invest in complex surveillance and alarm systems for peace of mind. But that complexity is long gone.
As manufacturers adapt to the evolving needs for security, the installation has become easier than ever, with wireless systems connected to applications that you can easily access while away on your phone—and that’s what the Ring security system is all about.
How To Choose A Ring Camera
Since Ring offers various products from doorbells, lighting, and cameras, it’s essential to know the factors to consider before purchasing one of their items. And to know how long does ring camera battery lasts, we need to know more about their cameras. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a Ring camera:
- Understand the layout and configuration of your home. Before deciding on a security camera, you have to know every inch and area of your home that you want to view. Do you have dark spaces in your home? Are there alleys in your house connected to your neighbor’s lawn? After mapping out your home, you can decide what cameras to use for each area.
- Decide where to put your cameras, and what angle you feel is best. Some users use this guide to decide on the location of their cameras:
- vulnerable and inviting areas
- main points of entry
- open spaces
- outer vicinity
- garage or parking
- Consider the modifications that can be made in your home. Are you renting? Can you easily make changes to your house? How do you plan to mount your security camera?
- Be clear about the purpose of the cameras. Some people may not be threatened by theft, but some still need security cameras to monitor dogs in the house or nannies and babies left behind. Your choice of cameras should also depend on the purpose of purchase.
- Consider the power source of your Ring cameras. Ring offers cameras with different power supplies like batteries, solar power, and even electricity. Power sources affect camera features and capabilities. It also affects where the cameras are allowed to be and how often it needs to be checked for maintenance.
- Understand your personal preferences. Some users prefer extra features like motion-detection or night vision. Note what you feel is important before making a purchase.
- Identify the WiFi speed and range in your home. For Ring cameras to be used effectively, there must at least be 2mbps upload and download speed. The range is also important, which is why you should ensure that cameras you plan to install outdoors should be located in areas with strong internet signals.
Types Of Ring Cameras: Battery vs. Wired
Now that you have an idea about choosing a ring camera for your home, it’s important to consider how they’re powered. Ring generally offers these models:
- Solar – This type has a solar panel, but still functions with a battery.
- Battery-powered – This type runs on battery life.
- Wired – This type plugs into a power outlet.
- Mount – This type connects to an electrical box.
NOTE: Solar-powered Ring camera models cannot run on battery power alone. Although the panel keeps the battery charged, it cannot power the camera with a dead battery.
Wired and mount models offer features like motion controls and an unabated spotlight control, but many homeowners opt for battery-powered or solar models because of easy installation and convenience. Which brings us to the question, how long does Ring camera battery last?
According to Ring, batteries can last up to six months with average use, but some users report that with actual average use, it operates for two months and barely a month with heavy use. Several factors affect how long does ring camera battery lasts, including resolution and motion sensitivity.
Tips To Increase A Ring Camera Battery Life
- Motion sensitivity and recording.
When your camera detects motion, it records a 20-second clip and notifies you on your device. These features use significant battery power. To save on battery life, you can switch to ‘Light’ in your motion settings for fewer alerts. You can also switch off certain zones if they detect too much motion, which is counter-intuitive but saves battery life. - Live streaming.
Similar to streaming on a phone or tablet, live streaming on your Ring camera drains your battery. Reduce the times you use your Live view features to save on battery life. - WiFi signal.
When you have a weak WiFi signal, your camera disconnects and reconnects, consuming significant battery life in the process.
TIP: Some solar-powered models can run on more than one battery, and adding another battery beside the one that comes with the kit will significantly extend battery life.
Conclusion
Battery-powered security systems are easier to install but require more maintenance. Now that you know how long does ring camera battery lasts, you can accomplish certain measures to prolong battery life and prepare for a power drain to keep your home secure 24/7. Find out more about ring cameras.