Overview
The Ring Alarm Contact Sensor is the door and window sensor for Ring Alarm. A sensor goes on the frame and a magnet on the door or window; opening it separates the two. The 2nd-generation sensor is the current one. It connects to the Ring Alarm Base Station over Z-Wave.
Specifications (2nd gen)
| Batteries | 2 × CR2032 coin cells; up to 3 years depending on use (cold shortens it) |
|---|---|
| Connection | Z-Wave to the base station |
| Range | Up to 250 ft to the base station, open air and line of sight |
| Requires | Ring Alarm or Ring Alarm Pro base station |
From Ring's product and support pages.
Error Codes
What the light means
| Light | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Slow green flash (3 blinks) | Pairing mode, looking for the base station |
| Quick green flashing | Connecting to the base station |
| Green for 3 seconds | Paired successfully |
| Red for 3 seconds | Pairing failed, or the sensor has been removed from the network |
| Three quick red flashes | Tampered (case open or off its bracket) |
A short press of the button on the front makes the sensor blink its status.
Troubleshooting
Sensor offline or slow to respond
- Replace both CR2032 batteries. Disarm first, slide the sensor off its bracket, swap the cells, and slide it back until it clicks.
- Move it closer to the base station, or add a Ring Alarm Range Extender between them.
- If it's still unresponsive, factory reset it:
- slide it off its base
- hold the pinhole reset button on the back until the light goes off
- release it
- add the sensor again in the Ring app
Tamper alert
Three quick red flashes mean the sensor thinks it's been opened or removed. Make sure it's fully clicked onto its bracket and the cover is closed.
Shows open when closed
The magnet has moved or the gap is too wide. Realign the magnet with the sensor's marked edge and close the gap.
See also Ring Alarm Base Station for base-station problems.
Compatible Peripherals
- Base stations: Ring Alarm Base Station, Ring Alarm Pro.
- Range: Range Extender.
- Other sensors: Motion Detector, Glass Break Sensor.
Installation Notes
- Pair it near the base station in the Ring app, then mount it.
- Put the sensor on the frame and the magnet on the moving part, lined up and close together when shut.
- Cold spots such as unheated garages drain coin cells faster.
FAQs
What batteries does the Ring Alarm Contact Sensor use?
The 2nd-gen sensor uses two CR2032 coin cells, rated for up to 3 years depending on use.
How far can a Ring contact sensor be from the base station?
Ring rates it at up to 250 ft in open air with line of sight. Walls and floors reduce that; a range extender helps.