How to Fix Ring Video Doorbell 3 Spinning White Light and Not Charging

Quick Diagnosis

A spinning white light or failure to charge despite being hardwired indicates the doorbell is not receiving sufficient voltage from the transformer or the internal battery is too cold to charge. In some cases, overtightened mounting screws flex the bracket and prevent the device from making contact with the terminals.

Technical diagnostic blueprint diagram for the Ring Video Doorbell 3 showing symptoms of Spinning White Light and Not Charging.

Step-by-Step Resolution

  1. 1

    Unscrew the security screw at the bottom of the doorbell, remove the faceplate, and press the release tab to remove the rechargeable battery pack.

  2. 2

    Plug the battery into a micro-USB cable indoors and let it charge until the green light on the battery remains solid, then reinsert it.

  3. 3

    Slightly loosen the mounting screws holding the doorbell bracket to the wall to prevent the mounting plate from flexing, which breaks contact with the terminal pins.

  4. 4

    Unscrew the two terminal screws on the back of the doorbell, inspect the wires for corrosion, clean them with a dry cloth, and tighten them back down onto the copper leads.

  5. 5

    Turn off the main breaker, locate the doorbell transformer (often in the basement or garage), and verify the physical wire connections are tight and the transformer is rated for 16-24 VAC.

Alternative Causes & Edge Cases

  • Ring Video Doorbell 4 (utilizes a different battery latch mechanism that must click audibly to establish contact)
  • Ring Video Doorbell Wired (lacks a removable battery and will completely black out if the bypass cable is not physically installed in the chime box)