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(1) What Are Ring Modes? How To Use Them? [Updated 2023]

Ring Modes

In November 2019, Ring modes became available for all Ring devices. 

And if you’re talking about modes….

They have a nice ring to them…

Like they’re great ways to improve your Ring security system.

But, what exactly are they? 

And how do you enter these modes? 

Continue reading to find out: 

  • The eye-opening definition of Ring modes.
  • Top secret mode to gain maximum protection inside your home.
  • A step-by-step guide to using Ring modes on all your Ring devices.
  • And this is just the beginning…

What are Ring modes? Ring doorbell modes explained


Ring modes are designed to give more control over Ring devices. So you can safeguard your home in ways that fit your needs. 

But before I introduce each available mode… 

Let me tell you how Ring devices used to work before:

As I’ve mentioned, these modes only became available in November 2019. 

And so, before that, you could only set Ring devices as either armed or disarmed

Now, when you compare that to Ring modes, you’d see a clear-cut difference in functionality. 

Why? 

See, when you simply arm your Ring devices, such as: 

They’ll become active so they can protect you and your home. 

For example, motion sensors inside the doorbell start scanning for movements. 

And security cameras start recording security footage. 

Plus, ring alarms are activated. 

But here’s the thing: 

Those security features become less inefficient when you’re inside your home. 

And that’s because if you aren’t outside…

You don’t need full-blown protection from them. 

Moreover, Ring devices can be more prone to false alarms when armed.

How? 

See, when you’re inside your home, and their motion sensors detect you… 

Alerts will be sent to your Ring app, even if it’s only you walking around your house. 

And that could be pretty annoying. 

Moreover, if built-in cameras record everything even if you aren’t away…

That could lead to a lot of unnecessary footage. 

Imagine if an unfortunate event happens… 

You’d have to examine every recording available. So that’s a lot of hassle from your end. 

But even with all these unneeded functionalities… 

You can’t simply disarm your Ring devices even when you’re at home. Because doing so leaves you pretty much unprotected.   

So, all things considered, Ring devices needed some sort of balance. 

With that in mind…  

Ring introduced Ring modes with flexibility that arm/disarm couldn’t offer

Now, it’s time I talk about Ring modes

There are 3 modes that you could set your Ring devices into:

  • Away.
  • Home.
  • Disarmed. 

Now, each of them has its own default settings. This makes them perfect for 3 different scenarios. 

With that said, I’ll elaborate on every mode. Starting with: 

Away mode

Ring Doorbell Away Mode

Note: When you set up your Ring system, the default mode is Away.

The Away mode is your guardian whenever you leave your house.

And that’s because it fully arms all your Ring devices. 

So in hindsight, it’s like the armed feature.

But what makes this mode better is:

You can select which of your Ring doorbells and cameras detect motion. And which of them would record security footage.

Pro tip: With that, you can personalize based on your preference. So you won’t encounter issues like redundant alerts and videos.

However, things are slightly different for Ring alarms.

You see, turning on the Away mode arms all of them. 

So each Ring alarm will alert you when it detects something unusual. Which includes:

  • Fire.
  • Glass break. 
  • Window or door movement.
  • Unsafe carbon monoxide levels.

But, even if the Away mode turns on all Ring alarms.

It’s still an excellent initiative to make sure you’re protected.

Note: Although every Ring alarm’s on, you can customize what they detect.

Pro tip: For example, you can designate a Ring alarm solely for window and door movement.

To sum it all up, the Away mode ensures your home and belongings are safe when you’re out. 

Home mode

If the Away mode is suitable when you’re away…

Then the Home mode shines best if you’re inside your house.

And that’s because if you activate the Home mode… 

Only your outside cameras and doorbells will work.  

As a result, you can move freely inside your place without falsely setting off alarms. 

But, although I’ve said that the Home mode activates only the Ring devices outside … 

That’s just the default setting. 

With that said, you can add or remove cameras (even outside) to the Home mode. 

Simply put, you can select which cameras detect motion and alert you. And this provides you with more options. 

Pro tip: For instance, you have a restricted area inside your home. You can activate Ring devices there to provide extra measures. 

Moreover, unlike in Away mode, you have a choice to arm specific Ring alarms in Home mode.  

With that said, the Home mode is arguably the most flexible one.  

Disarmed mode 

Now, this one’s quite similar to the Home mode

How? 

They’re both appropriate when you’re staying inside your home. 

However, the Disarmed mode disables all your Ring doorbells and security cameras. 

Note: Again, that’s only the default setting. 

With that said, you can still choose which devices you’ll add to the Disarmed mode. 

Now, this mode can be a logical choice, depending on your situation. 

Pro tip: For example, you’re in the living room. So, you can disarm security devices there to avoid false alarms and save energy. 

And now for Ring alarms…

They’re not rendered useless even if they’re in Disarmed mode. Since fire and carbon monoxide (CO) sensors would still work. 

And so, to wrap it up: 

The default Away mode arms all your Ring devices. Meanwhile, Home mode activates outside security measures. And lastly, the Disarmed mode disables the devices. 

But, you still have the option to customize them based on your needs. 

And now that you know what you can do with Ring modes…

It’s time I tell you:


How to use Ring modes


To use Ring modes, install and open the Ring app first. Then, enable Ring modes in the app’s settings. Afterward, configure each mode and set how every Ring device acts in that specific mode. 

And to help you further, I’ll give more details on how to use Ring modes… 

#1: Download the Ring app 

You can download the Ring app on a mobile device, either a phone or a tablet. 

With that, the said device can either be Android or iOS. 

So, you can download it on the Google Play Store or App Store

Just follow the on-screen instructions. Then wait for the download to finish. 

And if you wanna know more about what the Ring App can do… 

Watch this helpful video down below:

#2: Enable Ring modes

You must enable Ring modes before you can use them. 

And to do so, follow these simple steps: 

  1. Open the Ring app. 
  2. Press the 3 lines on the top-right corner of your screen. 
  3. Head to Settings. 
  4. Tap Enable Modes.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions. 

At the end of the instructions…

You’ll have 2 choices: 

  • Customize mode settings. 
  • Use default mode settings. 

If it’s the former, then you’re already good to go. 

But if you want to personalize at least 1 mode… 

Proceed to the following step. 

Editor’s pick: Ring App Not Working: XX Quick & Easy Fixes (Updated)

#3: Select the mode you want to configure 

Now, for a quick refresh, there are 3 Ring modes, namely: 

  • Away. 
  • Home. 
  • Disarmed. 

Now, you need to choose which one of them you want to configure

And what I mean by that is: 

Select the mode in which you want to add or remove Ring devices. 

Then, simply include or exclude a specific Ring security gadget.  

Afterward, the latter will behave accordingly in that mode. 

I don’t want to use Ring mode now.”

I got you… 

Here’s how to disable Ring mode:

  1. Access the Ring app on your mobile device. 
  2. Click the 3 lines on the top-right corner. 
  3. Head to Settings
  4. Navigate through Modes until you find the Mode settings section. 
  5. Press the Disable Modes

Pro tip: You can find The Disable Modes function below Shared User Access. And you may need to scroll up to do it. 

  1. Click the red Disable Modes button. 

After you do these steps…

The Ring mode should be disabled on the Ring app. 

Remember: Once you do that, you must manually control each Ring device you own.