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

What You Will Need

• Ring Alarm Contact Sensor (2nd Gen)
• Ring Alarm Base Station (already set up and online)
• Ring app (iOS or Android) with an active account
• Adhesive strips (included) or small screws (included)

Step 1: Prepare the Contact Sensor

1. Remove the contact sensor from its packaging. You will find two pieces: the larger sensor body and the smaller magnet.
2. Pull the plastic battery tab on the sensor body to activate the pre-installed CR2032 battery.
3. The LED on the sensor will flash briefly, confirming it is powered on.

Step 2: Add the Sensor in the Ring App

1. Open the Ring app and tap Set Up a Device.
2. Select Security Devices, then choose Contact Sensor.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, press the small pairing button on the side of the sensor body.
4. The Base Station will discover the sensor via Z-Wave. This typically takes 30 to 60 seconds.
5. Once paired, name the sensor (e.g., "Front Door," "Kitchen Window," "Garage Door") and assign it to a room.

Step 3: Understand Placement

The contact sensor works by detecting when the sensor body and magnet separate. The sensor body is mounted on the fixed frame (door frame or window frame), and the magnet is mounted on the moving part (the door or window itself). When the door or window opens, the magnet moves away from the sensor body, triggering an alert.

The two pieces must be installed within one inch of each other when the door or window is closed. The alignment marks on both pieces should line up.

Step 4: Mount the Contact Sensor

1. Clean the mounting surfaces with a dry cloth to ensure good adhesion.
2. Decide whether to use adhesive strips (easiest, no tools required) or screws (more permanent).
3. For adhesive mounting:
   • Peel the backing from an adhesive strip and attach it to the back of the sensor body.
   • Press the sensor body firmly against the door or window frame (the part that does not move). Hold for 30 seconds.
   • Repeat with the magnet, attaching it to the door or window (the part that moves) so the alignment marks line up with the sensor body when closed.
4. For screw mounting, use the included screws to secure each piece to their respective surfaces.

Step 5: Configure Settings

1. In the Ring app, go to Devices and select your contact sensor.
2. Set the placement type — choose whether it is on a door or window. This affects how the system categorizes and responds to the sensor.
3. Choose which alarm modes activate the sensor. Typically, contact sensors on entry doors are active in both Home and Away modes, while window sensors may only be active in Away mode.
4. For entry doors, set an appropriate entry delay to give yourself time to disarm the system when arriving home.

Step 6: Test the Sensor

1. Close the door or window and check the Ring app to confirm the sensor shows as Closed.
2. Open the door or window and verify the sensor status changes to Open and you receive a notification.
3. Check the signal strength in the device settings to ensure reliable communication with the Base Station.

Tips for Best Performance

• The CR2032 battery typically lasts up to three years. Replace it when the Ring app alerts you to low battery.
• Ensure the sensor and magnet align properly and are within one inch of each other when the door or window is closed. Misalignment causes false open/close readings.
• The 2nd Gen contact sensor has a smaller, more discreet design than the first generation, making it less noticeable on windows and doors.
• You can use contact sensors on cabinets, safes, or medicine cabinets for additional monitoring beyond standard doors and windows.