How to Set Up Your Ring Alarm Motion Detector (2nd Gen)

What You Will Need

• Ring Alarm Motion Detector (2nd Gen)
• Ring Alarm Base Station (already set up and online)
• Ring app (iOS or Android) with an active account
• Mounting screws or adhesive strip (both included)

Step 1: Prepare the Motion Detector

1. Remove the motion detector from its packaging.
2. Pull the plastic battery tab to activate the pre-installed CR123A battery.
3. The LED on the front will flash briefly, confirming the device has power.

Step 2: Add the Motion Detector in the Ring App

1. Open the Ring app and tap Set Up a Device.
2. Select Security Devices, then choose Motion Detector.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, press the pairing button on the back of the motion detector.
4. The Ring Alarm Base Station will discover the device via Z-Wave. This may take up to 60 seconds.
5. Once paired, name the motion detector and assign it to a room (e.g., "Living Room," "Hallway," or "Basement").

Step 3: Choose a Placement Location

Proper placement is critical for reliable motion detection and minimizing false alarms. The 2nd Gen motion detector uses a passive infrared (PIR) sensor that detects body heat movement.

• Mount the sensor at approximately seven feet above the floor in a corner of the room for the widest coverage.
• Position it so that people entering the room would walk across the sensor's field of view, not directly toward it. PIR sensors detect motion best when it crosses the sensor's detection zones rather than approaching head-on.
• Avoid placing the sensor near heat sources such as radiators, heating vents, fireplaces, or windows that receive direct sunlight, as these can cause false triggers.

Step 4: Mount the Motion Detector

You have two mounting options:

• Adhesive mount — Peel the backing off the included adhesive strip and press the mounting bracket firmly against the wall or corner. Hold for 30 seconds. This option is best for renters or temporary placement.
• Screw mount — Use the included screws to attach the mounting bracket to the wall. This provides a more permanent and secure installation.

After mounting the bracket, snap the motion detector onto it. The device should sit securely with the sensor lens facing outward into the room.

Step 5: Configure Detection Settings

1. In the Ring app, go to Devices and select your motion detector.
2. Choose which alarm modes trigger the sensor. Typically, motion detectors are active in Away mode but disabled in Home mode to avoid false alarms when you are inside.
3. Set the entry delay if the sensor covers an entryway. This gives you time to disarm the system when you arrive home.
4. Adjust motion sensitivity if you experience false alerts.

Step 6: Test the Sensor

1. In the Ring app, put the system in Away mode (or whichever mode activates the motion detector).
2. Walk through the detection zone and verify the app registers a motion event.
3. Check the device status to confirm signal strength to the Base Station is adequate.

Tips for Best Performance

• The battery typically lasts up to three years. Replace it when the Ring app notifies you of a low battery.
• If you have pets, mount the sensor higher or use a pet-friendly placement angle. The 2nd Gen detector has improved pet immunity for animals under approximately 50 pounds.
• The sensor has a detection range of about 30 feet and a 120-degree field of view.
• Use a Ring Alarm Range Extender if the sensor is far from your Base Station and shows weak signal.