Why Your Ring Camera Gets Blocked and How to Get It Back
If your Ring doorbell suddenly stops showing video, you’re not alone. A lot of users report a "blocked" status, and it can feel like the device just gave up. The good news is that most block problems have a clear fix. Below we break down the usual reasons and give you a step‑by‑step plan to get your camera working again.
Common Reasons a Ring Camera Shows as Blocked
First, understand what "blocked" actually means. Ring marks a camera blocked when it can’t reach its cloud storage or when the video stream is interrupted for a technical reason. The most common culprits are:
- Wi‑Fi issues. A weak signal or frequent drop‑outs will make the device think it’s offline.
- Battery low. When the battery dips below 20 %, Ring conserves power and may pause recording.
- Outdated firmware. Ring releases updates that fix bugs; an old version can cause connectivity glitches.
- Neighbour complaints or privacy settings. In some UK boroughs, neighbours can flag a camera if it points at their property, leading to a temporary block.
- Subscription lapse. Without an active Ring Protect plan, video storage stops, and the app may label the camera blocked.
Knowing which of these applies to you will shape the fix you need.
Step‑by‑Step Fixes You Can Try Right Now
1. Check Wi‑Fi strength. Open the Ring app, go to Device Settings → Wi‑Fi Signal. If the bar is low, move your router closer or add a mesh extender. A simple reboot of the router often clears hidden hiccups.
2. Recharge or replace the battery. For battery‑powered models, remove the cover, press the release tab, and swap in a fresh battery. Plug‑in models just need a firm power connection; check that the outlet isn’t tripped.
3. Update firmware. In Device Settings, tap “Check for Updates.” Ring will download the latest version automatically. Keep the doorbell close to your Wi‑Fi during this process.
4. Review privacy angles. Make sure the camera’s field of view stays on your property. If a neighbour has complained, rotate the lens or add a privacy shield. In the UK, you can also contact your local council to confirm you’re not breaching the CCTV Code of Practice.
5. Verify your subscription. Log into your Ring account, go to “Protect Plan,” and ensure the plan is active. If you let it lapse, you’ll lose cloud storage but the camera should still stream live video – just not save it.
After you’ve run through these steps, give the device a few minutes to reconnect. Then open the Ring app and look for the green “Live View” button. If it loads, the block is gone.
If you still see the blocked message, contact Ring support. Provide them with the device ID (found under Advanced Settings) and a short description of what you’ve tried. They can push a remote reset that often clears stubborn issues.
Finally, keep an eye on the battery level and Wi‑Fi health. A quick weekly check in the app can prevent new blocks before they happen. With these habits, your Ring camera will stay online and keep an eye on what matters most.
