How to Set Up Your Ring Alarm Contact Sensor (2nd Gen)

Beginner 10-15 minutes

What You'll Need

Ring Alarm Contact Sensor (2nd Gen)
Ring Alarm Base Station (required)
Ring app (iOS/Android)
Ring account

Step-by-Step Setup

Base station required: Ensure Ring Alarm is set up and online
Open Ring app: Devices → Add Device → Security Devices
Select Contact Sensor: Choose "Contact Sensor"
Activate sensor: Pull battery tab
Pairing: Wait for base station to discover sensor
Configure: Name it and set placement type (door, window, etc.)
Mount: Attach sensor to frame, magnet to door/window
Test: Open and close to confirm operation

Key Features

Open/close detection: Monitors doors and windows
Ring Alarm integration: Full security system integration
Placement modes: Door, window, or secondary entrance
Entry delay support: Configurable entry/exit delays
Tamper detection: Alerts if sensor is removed
Long battery: 3-year battery life

Troubleshooting

Shows open when closed: Check magnet alignment and gap distance
Sensor offline: May be too far from base station. Add Range Extender
Tamper alerts: Ensure sensor is firmly mounted
Battery replacement: Slide cover off to access battery
Reset: Remove battery, wait 10 seconds, reinsert