Is Ring owned by Amazon? All you need to know for UK smart doorbell shoppers
Discover if Ring is owned by Amazon, how the ownership impacts UK users, privacy concerns, and whether the Ring doorbell fits your smart home.
Amazon Smart Doorbell: What You Need to Know
When working with Amazon smart doorbell, a video‑enabled doorbell that connects to your Wi‑Fi and sends alerts to your phone. Also known as Amazon Ring, it lets you see, speak to visitors and record footage even when you’re away.
A smart doorbell is the broader category that includes any doorbell with internet connectivity, motion detection and two‑way audio. The Amazon smart doorbell is a type of video doorbell because it streams live video to your mobile device. These devices require a stable Wi‑Fi signal, a compatible transformer, and a power source, whether wired or battery‑run. In short, the Amazon model encompasses video streaming, motion alerts, and cloud storage, while requiring a home network to function.
Setup, Wiring, and Power Choices
One of the first questions users ask is whether a smart doorbell needs wiring. The short answer: you can go wired or battery‑powered. A wired install taps into the existing doorbell transformer (usually 16‑24 V AC) and feeds continuous power, which eliminates the need to change batteries every few months. If you lack a transformer, a battery‑run unit can still work, but you’ll need to monitor charge levels and recharge every 6‑12 months depending on motion‑detect frequency. The Amazon model supports both, and the choice often hinges on your home’s age and your willingness to run low‑voltage cable.
Power consumption matters for your electricity bill. A typical Amazon doorbell draws about 0.5 W in idle mode and spikes to 2‑3 W when recording motion. Over a year that translates to under £5 in the UK. To keep data usage low, set the motion detection zones tightly around the entryway; the device will then only upload video when something actually moves, saving both bandwidth and cloud storage fees.
Wi‑Fi reliability is another practical factor. When the internet goes down, the doorbell still records locally to its built‑in buffer, but you’ll lose live alerts until the connection restores. Pairing the device with a dedicated 2.4 GHz network, or using a mesh extender, can dramatically improve uptime. In our experience, a strong signal within 10 m of the door dramatically reduces missed events.
Installation is a weekend project for most homeowners. You’ll need a drill, a screwdriver, and a voltage tester to verify the existing transformer. The Amazon kit includes a mounting bracket, screws, and a quick‑start guide. Follow the step‑by‑step instructions: turn off power, attach the bracket, connect the wires (red to live, white to neutral), secure the doorbell, restore power, and finish the app pairing. If you’re uncomfortable with wiring, a battery version avoids the need for any electrical work.
Once installed, the doorbell integrates seamlessly with a home security system. You can link alerts to your alarm panel, trigger exterior lights, or send a notification to a professional monitoring service. This layered approach—doorbell video plus alarm sensors—creates a stronger deterrent for burglars, as thieves often avoid homes where multiple security layers are visible.
Privacy and legal considerations are a hot topic. In the UK, police can request footage only with a warrant or specific statutory power, such as under the Investigatory Powers Act. The Amazon device stores video in the cloud by default, but you can switch to local storage on a microSD card to keep data in your control. Regularly reviewing your privacy settings, disabling unnecessary audio recordings, and setting a retention period (e.g., 30 days) can help you stay compliant and protect neighbours’ privacy.
Beyond the basics, advanced users can fine‑tune motion zones, adjust sensitivity, and set up custom routines via Alexa. For example, you can create a “When motion detected at front door, turn on porch light” routine that not only records video but also lights up the entryway, adding another layer of deterrence. These automations show how the Amazon smart doorbell is more than a simple intercom—it’s a hub for smart‑home security.
Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive deeper into each of these topics. From Wi‑Fi data usage and wiring guides to legal FAQs and cost breakdowns, the posts give you actionable insights to get the most out of your Amazon smart doorbell and integrate it with your broader security strategy.
