Will A Ring Doorbell Work With A Hotspot?

Yes, a Ring Doorbell will work with a hotspot. Ring Doorbells require WiFi to see video, use two-way talk, receive notifications, alerts and updates on your smartphone or other device. You can’t use a Ring Doorbell without WiFi and a stable internet connection. Ring Video Doorbell model 1, 2, 3, and 4 are 100% wireless and powered by battery. They connect to your smart phone, tablet or computer via WiFi. Ring Doorbell Pro and Ring Doorbell Elite are hardwired and use an Ethernet cable for power and internet, but they still communicate with your wireless devices using WiFi. So even though internet is provided to them via the Ethernet cable, you still need WiFi to access and control them with a smartphone.

There’s a difference between internet and WiFi. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider), provides access to the internet by connecting a computer to a modem. But it’s not wireless. To make your internet signal wireless you need a router.

The internet signal broadcast by your router is called WiFi. This is how devices like smartphones, video game systems, TVs and video doorbells work wirelessly. They connect to the home’s internet service by using a WiFi signal.

Every Ring Doorbell requires an internet connection and a WiFi signal. But it doesn’t matter what device provides the WiFi. It could be a router or a hotpot.

A hotspot is simply a device, like a smartphone, which provides a short range local WiFi signal. In essence, a hotspot turns your smartphone into a mini router.

In this article we’ll take an in depth look at Ring Doorbells and how to use them with a hotspot.

What Is A Mobile Hotspot?

A mobile hotspot is a temporary wireless access point created by a dedicated hardware device or smartphone that shares the device’s cellular data. The internet signal created by a hotspot uses cellular data rather than your home’s internet service. A mobile hotspot is a great option if you’re somewhere that doesn’t have internet but does have a cell signal.

The WiFi signal created by the hotspot is the same as the signal created by a router.

A Ring Doorbell doesn’t know the difference between an internet signal created by a hotspot or a router. However, the signal strength and stability may vary. Generally a home internet signal and router WiFi is stronger and more stable than the signal created by a hotspot.

Most hotspots are used for short term and short range internet access.
A Ring Doorbell, and other Ring devices, will connect to and work with a mobile hotspot.
All nearby wireless devices that use WiFi can use a hotspot to connect to the internet.
Mobile hotspots are also known as portable hotspots.
By setting up a mobile hotspot, you let your other devices connect to the internet through your cellular network.
Cellular data rates may apply so be careful when setting up a hotspot.
A Ring Doorbell will work with a hotspot.

Once you set up the hotspot, your Ring devices will detect it. But they won’t connect automatically. You have to go into the device settings and connect them one by one. Once the device is connected to the hotspot it will work as if it had WiFi.

Ring devices upload and access information to and from the cloud when they communicate with your mobile device. This means they needs a strong connection and pass lots of data. So keep this in mind because your cell providers data rates will apply.

Use A Smartphone As A Mobile Hotspot

A Ring Doorbell will work with a hotspot. A smartphone is one of the easiest ways to set up a mobile hotspot to connect with a Ring device. Just about every modern smartphone can broadcast a cell signal as WiFi. The WiFi signal broadcast by your smartphone can then be used to connect with the Ring.

Almost all smartphones are equipped with mobile hotspot capability via your phone carrier. It’s simply a setting you select in your phone’s menu. How you navigate to the hotspot setting depends on the phone you’re using.

Once you enable your phone’s hotspot, make sure to set a password just like you do with a router. if you don’t set up a password, anyone with a device in range of your hotspot can use your internet signal.

How To Setup An Android Hotspot For Ring

Making your Android smartphone operate as a hotspot is a very simple process. Most Android smartphones come equipped with a hotspot option, so all you have to do is go into the settings and turn the feature on.

Go into “Settings”.
Then “Connections”.
Next, go into “Mobile Hotspot and Tethering”.
Hit the slider to activate the Mobile WiFi Hotspot. This page allows you to turn the mobile hotspot on and off. It will also allow you to change the hotspot password, network name, and security type.

If you press “Mobile Hotspot”, you can view and change the current settings.

The network name it broadcasts will generally be the model of your phone and the default password is usually your phone number. You can change these to personalize them and/or make them easier to remember.

You can also access your mobile hotspot by expanding the drop-down menu at the top of your phone screen. This is the same menu where you can find options like “Airplane Mode” and “Bluetooth”.

In the drop-down menu you’ll find a button that says “Mobile Hotspot”. Click it to access the settings.

How To Setup An IOS iPhone Hotspot For Ring

Making your iPhone operate as a hotspot is a very simple process. All new iPhones come equipped with a hotspot option, so all you have to do is go into the settings and turn the feature on.

Go to “Settings”.
Click “Cellular.
Then “Personal HotSpot”.
Tap the slider that says “Allow Others To Join”.

Depending on your model iPhone and version of iOS, you may have to go to “Settings” again after hitting “Cellular”, before you come across the “Personal Hotspot” option.

While in the hotspot settings, you’ll have the option to change your password to something easier to remember.

Android Vs iPhone As A Mobile Hotspot

Android devices are much better as a hotspot than iPhone. They offer more options, are easier to use and configure, and drop less often with a more stable signal. This is a huge benefit when using the hotspot to connect with a Ring device because you won’t lose connection with the device as much.

I’ve set up hotspots several times with my Android phone when traveling and never had any loss of signal or drops. I should mention that I use Verizon which has a great signal wherever I go. If your cell provider doesn’t have as string a signal you could experience drops not matter which device you use.

Android devices tend to have better batteries vs iPhone and a much better interface when setting up and configuring a hotspot.
On an Android, you can view all the active connections, set the hotspot to never disconnect, and allocate a specific bandwidth to all outbound connections.

To enable a Personal Hotspot on your Android device, swipe down the “Quick Settings” menu from the home screen and click on the “Personal Hotspot” icon.

If you hold the hotspot icon for a few seconds, you’ll be taken to the hotspot settings page. From here you can set your connection to never turn off on its own, monitor how much data you’re using, and much more.

Apple iPhones are not as reliable a hotspot as Android. The signal is less stable and harder to set up and configure. iPhones don’t have a dedicated page for adjusting hotspot settings like Android does, you can’t see which devices are connected to the hotspot or monitor real time data usage.And to make things even worse, iPhone generally loses battery life faster than Android when using the hotspot.

To enable a personal hotspot on your iPhone, navigate to “Settings”, choosing “Personal Hotspot,” and turning it on.

Things To Know Before Using A Smartphone Hotspot For A Ring

Before you use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot to connect with a Ring device, there are a few things you should know.

A smartphone uses cellular data to create an internet WiFi signal. Cell signals are usually not as strong as actual home internet connections so there’s a limit to how many devices you can connect to a hotspot. This limit will vary based on your device, carrier, operating system, cellular plan and the requirements of the device you’re connecting.
Smartphone hotspots have less range than a typical WiFi router or mini hotspot device. Place the phone close to the Ring for best results.
When you connect too many devices to the hotspot, the signal can weaken or drop.
5-10 Devices can typically be on a hotspot before the signal diminishes or drops. But it varies based on what the device requires.
Ring doorbells use more data if you’re using video compared to two way talk.
Using your smartphone’s mobile hotspot drains the battery faster than usual.
Most cell providers have a data cap for a mobile hotspot. Check with your provider to find out how much data you have and what the penalties are if you go over.

Most carriers offer ways to increase your data limit for a small fee as well as offering plans for overseas usage. Contact your carrier if you plan on using your Ring with a mobile hotspot for an extended period of time. it’s generally better o adjust the plan rather than pay high data or roaming charges.

Dedicated Mobile Hotspot Devices

A dedicated mobile hotspot device is better than both an Android or Apple smartphone for setting up a hotspot. They’re essentially portable mini routers which turn a cell signal into a WiFi signal. The signal strength and stability is better, the range is further and they’re very easy to setup, use and configure.

Most cell phone providers make their own mini hotspot router. I recommend using one that’s made by the cell provider you use.

Most providers charge a monthly fee for using this service. The fee is typically based on how much data you use or plan on using. Consult your cell provider for exact pricing.

Mobile hotspot devices provide a fast and stable internet connection with less drops than a smartphone.
They plug into a standard outlet when in use which spares you from draining your smartphone battery.
The best option if you plan on using a cell signal for internet long term.
Range in price from $25 to several hundred.
The WiFi signal strength and stability provided by a mobile hotspot device depends on strength and stability of the cell signal.

If you plan on using your cell signal for internet access long term, a mobile hotspot device is a better option than a smartphone.

How To Set Up A Mobile Hotspot Device For Ring

A mobile hotspot device is essentially a small portable router that’s designed to work off a cell signal. It’s turns the cell signal into a WiFi signal which connects to devices like a smartphone, video game system, TV, tablet or Ring Doorbell.

Mobile hotspot devices are better that smartphones for turning a cell signal into WiFi. They’re more reliable, send a signal further with less drops and have better battery life than a phone.

Here’s a breakdown of how to set up a mobile hotspot device:

First, you need to activate the device via the carrier’s website (i.e. Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T).
If your mobile router has a screen, the network name and password for the mobile hotspot will display on the screen.
If your mobile hotspot does not have a screen, the information should be written on a small card included in the box.
The information written on the card or screen is what you’ll need to connect your Ring device to the mobile hotspot.

Here’s how to connect your Ring devices to the mobile hotspot:

Go into your Ring app
Select the device you want to connect.
Next, select “Device Health”.
Click “Change WiFi Network”.
From here can choose the WiFi network you want to connect the Ring device to.
Once you select the WiFi hotspot your Ring will fully function as normal.

Most cell providers manufacture their own mobile hotspot devices. I recommend using a device that’s made by your carrier for the best results.

How To Connect Ring To A Mobile Hotspot

Setting up a mobile hotspot is very easy to do and usually take about a minute. All you need is have a smartphone with a data sim card and hotspot capabilities which are features just about every modern smartphone has built in. Or you could buy a WiFi mini hotspot which is a small router that works off a cell signal similar to a smartphone.

Before you connect the hotspot, check the data plan with your cell carrier. Many unlimited data plans aren’t actually unlimited and may throttle the signal (become too slow to work properly) or start charging you extra after exceeding a preset amount of data.

Each Ring device, including Ring Doorbell, can only connect to one WiFi network at a time. If it’s currently connected to your home’s WiFi, you have to go into the Ring settings and switch to the hotspot. Then, if you want to eventually switch back to the old WiFi, you have to do it manually. The Ring won’t switch back and forth between WiFi signals automatically. This is important to remember if you’re using a hotspot because the internet is temporarily down.

Here’s a step by step guide on how to set up a mobile hotspot for Ring:

Launch the Ring app.
Select your device and go to “Device Health”.
Select the option “Change Wi-Fi Network” or “Reconnect to Wi-Fi”.
Choose your new hotspot network and then enter its WiFi password.
After a few seconds the Ring will connect to the hotspot.

If you’re switching the Ring to a hotspot because the internet is down remember, you have to manually switch the Ring back to the old WiFi once the internet comes back online. It will not connect from the hotspot to the home’s WiFi automatically.

Do Cell Providers Offer Mobile Hotspot Plans?

Yes, major cell providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, Boost Mobile and AT&T all offer mobile hotspot plans. The best way to use them is with a mini hotspot router instead of a smartphone. the router is specifically deigned to broadcast a WiFi signal and will generally give you more range and stability than a smartphone.

Verizon: They provide the most reliable mobile hotspot plans and a great network but they’re a little expensive.
AT&T: Offers a variety of packages, a good network and competitive pricing.
T-Mobile: Great plans and network and an OK price.
Boost Mobile: An affordable alternative to the three major carriers.

Check with your service provider to see if they have a plan for hotspot internet. In many cases, it’s cheaper to get a hotspot plan than to use your existing plan as a hotspot.

A Ring Doorbell will work with a hotspot, and you can create that hotspot with your smartphone, but it can get expensive when you go over your data limit. It’s generally better to buy a plan specifically to use as a hotspot rather than going over your data limits. Of course this varies based on your plan and carrier so check with them to find out exact pricing.

Can You Set Up A Hotspot To Work With Ring Doorbell Internationally?

Yes, you can set up a mobile hotspot internationally, however you should always check your cell plan first. Most cell providers have special rules and rates when you’re traveling and they’re generally more expensive.

Most cell phone data plans are for the United States only. If you travel overseas you may need a separate plan or a travel pass.

Even if your current cell plan works overseas without a special plan, you may be considered roaming while using it. Check with your provider before setting up a hotspot because roaming rates are generally more expensive than standard rates.

Verizon has a plan for overseas use called Travel Pass. For $10 a day or $5 in Mexico and Canada, you can use your data around the world And you’re only charged on days when you send or receive a call, send texts or use data on your device while abroad.
T-Mobile offer several plans, called magenta plans, which work internationally. The Magenta Max plan is $85 per month.
AT&T’s overseas plan is called International Day pass. For $10/day, use your phone like you do at home with unlimited high-speed data, talk, and text, in over 210 destinations.

You can set up a mobile hotspot for your Ring device with just about every modern smartphone or a dedicated hotspot device. Hotspot devices are essentially a mini router that’s designed to be used as a hotspot.

Most international mobile plans provide a set number of Gigabytes worth of high-speed mobile hotspot data that comes with your plan. Going over the preset amount may trigger additional fees.

Why Your Ring May Need A Mobile Hotspot

There are a variety of reasons why you may have to connect your Ring Doorbell to a mobile hotspot. If for some reason you don’t have an internet connection, you won’t be able to use any of the Ring’s features like two way talk or the camera. Essentially, without a WiFi connection a Ring Doorbell is virtually useless.

A mobile hotspot is a portable device, like a smartphone, that uses cellular data to create a WiFi signal. If your regular internet goes out but you still have a cell signal, you can connect the Ring to the internet using your smartphone.

Here are the main reasons why you may need to connect your Ring devices to a mobile hotspot.

Use A Hotspot If Your Home Internet Goes Down

It’s very common for a home internet service to go down or become unstable. An outage can be caused by a storm, car accident, a broken router or simply not paying the bill. Once the internet goes down you won’t be able to access the Ring Doorbell or use any of its primary features.

However, setting up a mobile hotspot will restore your internet temporarily by using the phones cell signal.

Once the hot spot is setup, you’ll be able to access the Ring’s settings via the hotspots WiFi signal. As long as the hotspot is on you’ll have full access to the Ring and all it’s functions.

Hotspots Are Great When Traveling

If you’re traveling and want to use a Ring device but don’t have internet, a hotspot can help. As long as you have a smartphone and a cell connection, the phone can provide WiFi to the Ring.But be careful because your cellphone provider may charge extra for data which can quickly add up.

A Hotpot Provides Internet When You’re Off The Grid

When you’re traveling off the grid, the only way to get internet is by cell signal. Off grid means no hard wires, broadband, telephone, internet or cable. When all you have is a cell signal, your cell phone can become a hotspot which provides WiFi and internet access to your Ring.

Connecting a motion sensing camera can be very beneficial when camping or traveling somewhere remote. Turn your smartphone into a hotspot to provide WiFi internet for your Ring devices.

The Downsides Of Using A Mobile Hotspot For Ring

A mobile hotspot can be a big help if your somewhere that doesn’t have internet, but there are some downsides and some potential issues too.

The Downside Of Using A Smartphone Hotspot For Ring

Most modern smartphones offer a hotspot feature which works pretty well. Androids work better than iPhone in my experience. But they have all have the same issues. Smartphones are not designed to be routers, so the function drain battery life, has a weak signal and occasionally drops.

Using a smartphone as a hotspot for Ring turns your cell signal into an internet WiFi signal. This means your connection is solely based on the strength of the cell signal. I use Verizon which has a great signal just about everywhere I go. But in some rural places the signal strength can get weaker. In these cases my phone doesn’t work as well as a hotspot.

If you’re in a remote location with little to no cell towers, your phone will probably have less than full bars. A weak cell signal means a weak WiFi signal which will likely cause connectivity issues and potential drops.

Another big issue is the data cap on your cellular plan. Most plans have a limit on how much data you can use for a hotspot. Once you’ve reached your data limit, your connection may slow down or become very expensive. Most providers charge extra for every GB (gigabyte) of data you use over your limit.

Most providers have a separate plan which is specifically for mobile hotspots. If you plan on using a hotspot for an extended amount of time, call your carrier and set up a plan for the data you’ll need. It’s usually cheaper to buy a plan than going over your limit.

Using a smartphone as a hotspot drains the battery much faster than normal.

The Downside Of Using A Mobile Hotspot Device For Ring

The only drawback of using a mobile hotspot device for a Ring is connectivity. A mobile hotspot device turns your cell signal into internet WiFi which is used to connect with a Ring. A Ring Doorbell will work with a hotspot, but if your cell signal is weak, the internet WiFi signal will be weak too.

Mobile hotspot devices are specifically designed to turn a cell signal into internet WiFi. They output a stronger and more consistent signal than smartphones and have a battery battery, but they’re still only as good as your cell signal. If you’re somewhere rural without a strong cell signal, a mobile hotspot device won’t work very well.

Data costs associated with your cell plan are also an issue. Most cell plans have a limit on how much data you can use for a hotspot. Once you’ve reached your data limit, your connection may slow down or become very expensive. Most providers charge extra for every GB (gigabyte) of data you use over your limit.

Most providers have a plan which is specifically for mobile hotspots. If you plan on using a hotspot for an extended amount of time, call your carrier and set up a plan for the data you’ll need. It’s usually cheaper to buy a plan than going over your limit.

If your using a mobile hotspot device to connect with a Ring, you need a strong cell signal. A weak cell signal can lead to connection problems and drops.

Summary: Will A Ring Doorbell Work With A Hotspot?

Every Ring Doorbell requires an internet connection and a WiFi signal. But it doesn’t matter what device provides the WiFi. It could be a router or a hotpot.

A hotspot is simply a device, like a smartphone, which provides a short range local WiFi signal. In essence, a hotspot turns your smartphone into a mini router.

In this article we’ll take an in depth look at Ring Doorbells and how to use them with a hotspot.

If you have any questions about whether or not a Ring Doorbell will work with a hotspot, email any time.