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What You Will Need

  • Ring Alarm Smoke & CO Listener
  • Ring Alarm Base Station (already set up and online)
  • Ring app (iOS or Android) with an active account
  • Existing smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide detector (already installed in your home)
  • Adhesive strip (included) or mounting screw (included)

Understanding the Smoke & CO Listener

The Ring Alarm Smoke & CO Listener is not a smoke or carbon monoxide detector itself. Instead, it listens for the alarm sound from your existing smoke and CO detectors. When it hears the alarm, it sends a notification to your phone through the Ring app and can trigger a professional monitoring response if you have a Ring Protect Pro subscription.

Step 1: Prepare the Listener

  1. Remove the Smoke & CO Listener from its packaging.
  2. Pull the plastic battery tab to activate the pre-installed CR123A battery.
  3. The LED will flash briefly, confirming the device is powered on.

Step 2: Add the Listener in the Ring App

  1. Open the Ring app and tap Set Up a Device.
  2. Select Security Devices, then choose Smoke & CO Listener.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts. Press the pairing button on the listener when instructed.
  4. The Base Station will discover the listener via Z-Wave.
  5. Once paired, name the listener and assign it to a room.

Step 3: Place the Listener

The listener must be installed close enough to your existing smoke or CO detector to clearly hear its alarm sound. Follow these placement guidelines:

  • Mount the listener within six inches to three feet of your existing smoke or CO detector.
  • The listener can be placed on the ceiling or on a wall near the ceiling.
  • Do not place it inside a cabinet or closet where the sound from your existing detector would be muffled.
  • If you have multiple smoke detectors in your home, you will need one listener per detector or per group of interconnected detectors that alarm simultaneously.

Step 4: Mount the Listener

  1. Use the included adhesive strip for tool-free installation. Peel the backing, press the mounting bracket firmly against the ceiling or wall, and hold for 30 seconds.
  2. Alternatively, use the included mounting screw for a more permanent installation.
  3. Snap the listener onto the bracket.

Step 5: Test the Listener

  1. In the Ring app, navigate to Devices and select your Smoke & CO Listener.
  2. Press the test button on your existing smoke detector to trigger its alarm tone.
  3. The listener should detect the alarm and send a notification to your Ring app within a few seconds. The listener's LED will flash red.
  4. If the listener does not detect the alarm, move it closer to your smoke detector and test again.

Step 6: Configure Professional Monitoring

If you have a Ring Protect Pro subscription with professional monitoring, the Smoke & CO Listener can automatically dispatch fire or emergency services when it detects an alarm. In the Ring app:

  • Navigate to your alarm system settings.
  • Ensure Fire and CO monitoring is enabled.
  • Verify your home address and emergency contact information are correct.

Tips for Best Performance

  • The listener is designed to recognize the T3 alarm pattern (three beeps) for smoke and the T4 pattern (four beeps) for carbon monoxide, which are standard across UL-listed detectors.
  • The battery typically lasts up to three years. Replace it when the Ring app notifies you.
  • Test the listener at least once a month by pressing the test button on your smoke detector.
  • The listener does not replace your existing smoke or CO detectors. It adds smart connectivity and remote notification to your current safety devices.

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