Are Ring Video Doorbells Waterproof? Can They Get Wet?

  AUTHOR: Carlos Paras
 UPDATED: January 8, 2024

Doorbell cameras are the latest trend in smart home security and automation. You’ve probably seen some of the doorbell camera footage that has recently been on the news. From catching porch pirates red-handed, to close encounters with wild animals, to the reactions of delivery drivers when refreshments are left out for them.

A doorbell camera is an essential component to any smart home security system. It’s important that they work all the time, even when the weather is not so perfect.

If you’ve recently installed a Ring Video Doorbell or if you’re currently planning on it, you’re probably wondering how it will stand up to different weather conditions, in particular, the rain.

In this article, I’ll answer the question, “Are Ring Video Doorbells waterproof?”. I’ll explain the difference between waterproof, water-resistant, water-repellent, and weatherproof. Plus, I’ll recommend some ways that you can protect your Ring Video Doorbell from the rain.

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Is Ring Video Doorbell Waterproof?

Well, not exactly. Not it the strictest definition of the word. Let’s get the answer straight from Ring themselves.

Here is the answer that Ring tweeted to a customer asking if their Ring Video Doorbell could withstand heavy storms and hurricanes: “All of our Ring devices are water resistant, so they're able to withstand strong winds or rain storms. We suggest that as long as it is not submerged directly into the water, your Ring Video Doorbell will be fully operational. :)”

All of our Ring devices are water resistant, so they're able to withstand strong winds or rain storms. We suggest that as long as it is not submerged directly into the water, your Ring Video Doorbell will be fully operational. 🙂

— Ring (@ring) March 25, 2018

Can Ring Doorbell Withstand the Elements: Extreme Heat, Cold, Rain And Snow?

Can Ring Video Doorbells withstand extreme weather conditions? Ring addresses this question on the FAQ page on their website.

Here is their answer: “Yes, Ring Doorbell will work in freezing temperatures and is resistant to rain water, however we do not recommend that you submerge your Ring Doorbell in water. Operating temperatures for Ring Doorbell are -5 - 120°F (-20 – 50°C).”

So, according to Ring, their video doorbells are water-resistant and can withstand rain and extreme heat and cold.

But what is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof? There’s a common misconception that they mean the same thing. And what does it mean if something is water-repellent? Or weatherproof?

Water-resistant vs. Water-repellent vs. Waterproof vs. Weatherproof

There is a huge difference between these labels and when you’re shopping for doorbell cameras (or anything else for that matter) you want to be sure the product you are buying can handle being subjected to water.

What is Water-resistant?

By definition, water-resistant means, “able to resist the penetration of water to some degree, but not entirely.”

Water-resistant is the lowest level of water protection. Clothing that is labeled as water-resistant may be lightly coated with a substance that can help in keeping water out. Likewise, a device that is labeled as water-resistant may have gaskets or seals that can help to keep water from getting to more sensitive parts.

In either case, water-resistant products are designed to survive very light and sporadic encounters with water. A water-resistant device works great as long as you’re not planning on submersing it underwater or using it in the heavy rain. Typical devices that are water-resistant are thing like cell phones, watches, and most cameras.

What is Water-repellent?

Water-repellent is a step above water-resistant. It’s a term that is used to describe material, products, or surfaces that are hydrophobic or that can’t easily be penetrated by water.

Water-repellent products are usually chemically coated to make them hydrophobic or able to repel water. Durable water repellent or DWR is used to treat clothing or fabrics to repel rain and snow and decrease the time they take to dry.

As with all coatings, this will wear over time, making a product less and less water-repellent the older it gets.

Pro-tip: You can buy Scotchguard (link to Amazon) and give your clothing or outdoor gear a water-repelling layer yourself.

What is Waterproof?

Technically, nothing is really waterproof. There are only certain levels to which an object can resist water. Of course, this doesn’t stop manufacturers and marketers from claiming their products are “waterproof”.

It’s true, devices that are labeled waterproof are the most impervious to water. However, there is no industry standard for what defines a “waterproof” product. There is, however, a functional scale in replacement of a standardization.

The scale is called the Ingress Protection Rating Scale, or IP Code. This scale does not apply to fabrics. It is applicable to electrical enclosures and mechanical casings.

The IP code is represented by the letters “IP” followed by two digits. The first digit represents the ability of the object to withstand solid objects. The second digit represents the ability of the object withstand liquids.

For this article, we will focus on the IP Code’s second digit, the grading method for the ingress (the action of going in or entering) of liquids. The scale rates products from 0-9 with 9 meaning that liquids will have the hardest time entering. Most products should have their IP rating in the product description on their website or right on the product’s packaging.

Listed below is the scale for the second digit of the IP Code (the first digit is represented by an X):

IPX0: No protection

IPX1: Protected against vertically falling drops of water or condensation.

IPX2: Protected against falling drops of water, if the case is disposed up to 15 degrees from vertical.

IPX3: Protected against sprays of water from any direction, even if the case is disposed up to 60 degrees from vertical.

IPX4: Protected against a splash of water from any direction.

IPX5: Protected against low pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted.

IPX6: Protected against high pressure water jets from any direction. Limited ingress permitted.

IPX7: Protected against ingress of water when object submerged up to a 1-meter depth.

IPX8: Object suitable for continuous immersion in water at a depth of more than 1 meter.

IPX9k: Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs.

What is Weatherproof?

If a product is labeled “weatherproof,” it means that it should be able to withstand the outside elements and still remain in “like new” condition.

Weatherproof products will be the best at withstanding the test of time, water, wind, and almost anything else you can throw at it.

Still, just as with “waterproof,” “weatherproof” has its own scale. Some products are made to withstand typical weather conditions, while others are made to withstand natural disasters, extreme temperatures, or oceanic depths.

How to Protect Your Ring Video Doorbell From the Elements

The best (and most obvious) way to protect your Ring Video Doorbell from the rain and other harsh weather conditions is to install it under an awning or a roof. Luckily, most front porches already have a protective structure built over or around the front doorway.

If your home doesn't have a front porch and you're not willing or able to build one, you still have other options.

There are products available that you can install directly above or around your doorbell camera to protect it from the weather. These devices are typically made from hard plastic or silicone and can protect your device from the sun, wind, rain, and snow.

See our list of recommended products below for some of the options that are currently available.

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