Ring Revises Video Doorbell Manual to Prevent Fire Hazard

Using incorrect screws during installation can cause the doorbell’s battery to overheat

By Daniel Wroclawski
Senior Home & Appliances Writer

Updated November 25, 2020

Ring, Amazon’s home security unit, revised installation instructions for roughly 350,000 video doorbells, as well as 8,700 units sold in Canada, because of a potential fire hazard, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The update affects certain units of the $99 Ring Video Doorbell (second generation), released earlier this year. When these doorbells are installed using incorrect screws (any screws other than the short security screws included in the packaging), the doorbell’s battery can overheat and catch fire.

Although the CPSC called the issue a recall, it does not mean the video doorbells themselves have to be returned or fixed.

According to the CPSC, there are 85 reports of doorbells installed using incorrect screws, with 23 incidents resulting in doorbells that ignited and caused minor property damage and eight incidents of minor burns.

Update Details

Product affected: Ring Video Doorbell (second generation) with model number 5UM5E5. The doorbells were sold in satin nickel and venetian bronze colors. The update affects only units of this doorbell with specific serial numbers. You can enter your doorbell’s serial number on Ring’s recall support page to see whether it’s affected.

Sold at: Amazon.com and Ring.com, as well as electronics and home goods retailers across the country, from June 2020 to October 2020 for $100.

The problem: When installed with incorrect screws, the batteries of the affected doorbells can overheat and create a fire hazard.

The fix: Download the new installation instructions and make sure your doorbell is properly installed with the two short security screws provided by Ring.

How to contact the manufacturer: Call Ring at 800-656-1918.

To report a dangerous product or product-related injury, go to SaferProducts.gov.

Editors' Note: This story has been updated to clarify which screws caused the problem. It was originally published on November 10, 2020.

Daniel Wroclawski

Dan Wroclawski is a home and appliances writer at Consumer Reports, covering products ranging from refrigerators and coffee makers to cutting-edge smart home devices. Before joining CR in 2017, he was an editor at USA Today’s Reviewed, and launched the site’s smart home section. In his spare time, you can find him tinkering with one of the over 70 connected devices in his house. Follow Dan on Facebook and X: @danwroc.