
Nothing is more frustrating than having a Ring security camera that flashes on and off. If you notice your camera behaving erratically, you may wonder if it is broken. However, flashing actually indicates several important things.
There are many reasons why a Ring light might flash continuously. If the blue light blinks on and off and stays on for two seconds, it means a firmware update is ongoing. Meanwhile, a bright flash indicates movement near the camera.
Below, we’ll answer your question, “Why is my ring light flashing?” We’ll also teach you what to do when this happens. Plus, we will cover other topics related to Ring security cameras.
Why Is My Ring Light Flashing Blue or Red?

Your Ring camera may flash on and off for several reasons. We’ll look at each one of them below to help you understand what they indicate.
Low Battery or Power Supply Problem
One of the reasons why your Ring light flashes is poor battery status. If the battery level is too low, the camera doesn’t have enough power to operate properly or enter setup mode. To alert users, the Ring camera prompts the front light to flash.
Alternatively, the flashing light indicates something is wrong with the power supply. It may be something small, such as a power outage or recent storm, that could have interrupted the performance. Or it can be something serious, like connecting the camera to a higher or lower voltage than the recommended current.
Power or Connectivity Issue
A Ring camera might also flash on and off because of a power connection issue. For example, if you don’t properly connect a plug-in Ring Spotlight camera to the electrical outlet, it can result in a flashing blue light. Damaged cables can also lead to constant light flashing. If it’s a battery-powered unit, you likely didn’t charge or insert the battery correctly.
Another potential cause of the Ring camera flashing is a connectivity problem. Weak or intermittent WiFi signals prevent the security cam from recording surveillance video. That leads to constant flashing light in either red or blue.
Motion Sensitivity
Ring security cameras come with built-in motion sensors that detect movement. Once they notice suspicious activity within their field of view, they alert homeowners by flashing light.
The Ring floodlights can deter potential intruders or unwanted visitors. At the same time, the camera sends the live video feed to your connected device, so you can be aware of potential threats.
However, if the light flashes too frequently at unsuspecting subjects (e.g., animals), your camera probably has a high motion sensitivity. It can trigger the flashing light even at the slightest movement. Fortunately, motion sensitivity is adjustable (we’ll teach you how to change it below).
Ongoing Firmware Update
If the blue light flashes on and off and stays on for two seconds, it means the Ring camera is going through a firmware update. This type of flashing light is normal and doesn’t signify that something is wrong with your device.
Firmware updates are important because they ensure Ring products operate smoothly and efficiently. These often involve security enhancements, bug fixes, and added new features for optimal performance.
Hardware Damage
Although extremely rare, flashing lights can mean that your Ring camera is damaged.
Security cameras are designed to withstand outdoor everyday use. However, excessive exposure to water and sunlight can harm the device. Dropping it on the ground can also cause cracks and loose parts.
How to Troubleshoot a Ring Camera That Is Flashing On and Off?
After learning the reasons behind a Ring camera light flashing, it is now easier to solve the problem. Below are some methods to fix a device that flashes on and off.
Charge the Battery

Flashing lights could mean a power supply problem.
Make sure to check the battery level of the Ring camera. If it has a low battery level, charge the battery to resolve the problem of flashing lights. To do this, follow these steps:
- Remove the camera from its mounting position.
- Press the white button and lift the cover off to access the battery compartment.
- Push the release tab to remove the battery.
- Connect the dedicated micro-USB charger to the charging port of the battery.
- Plug it into a wall outlet.
- Wait for the battery to charge fully. A solid green light will illuminate to tell you the charge is complete.
But if the battery refuses to charge properly, use another electric outlet with the proper voltage rating. Avoid connecting to a socket that supplies lower or higher voltage than the recommended level. Besides causing lights to flash, it could also be very dangerous.
Still cannot charge the battery? It might be time to replace the old unit with a new one. Always purchase genuine batteries from reputable manufacturers. Counterfeit products may not work properly on the security camera or, worse, cause permanent damage.
Check Your Power or Internet Connection

If the battery isn’t the cause of the flashing light, consider the power or internet connection.
Make sure the camera connects to the power source using the recommended cable. Check if there are any loose connections or damaged wires because they may cause the Ring status light to flash.
You must also look into the WiFi network. If the device struggles to get a good connection, it can trigger the flashlight. Try moving the camera closer to the WiFi router. Or purchase a WiFi extender to improve the signal strength.
Adjust Your Motion Controls
The erratic light flashes might simply mean that the camera detects suspicious movement. But if you notice the floodlights are happening too frequently or being activated by harmless subjects, you can adjust the motion sensitivity of the device.
Here is how you can program the camera to your preferred sensitivity setting.
- Download the Ring app on Google Play or Apple store, depending on the operating system of your device.
- Launch the Ring app and select the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen.
- Choose the “Devices” option and find your Ring camera model.
- Select “Motion Settings.”
- Press “Motion Sensitivity.”
- Move the slider to the left to decrease motion sensitivity. Avoid reducing this setting too much because your camera might not detect movement anymore.
Besides the sensitivity of the camera, you can also control the areas where you want to detect motion. This setting is handy if you have heavy car traffic in the street. That is because you can exclude roads and sidewalks from your motion zones.

Below are the steps to managing the motion zones of the security camera.
- Open the Ring app on your phone.
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner of the screen to open the menu.
- Select the camera unit under the “Devices” tab.
- Press “Motion Settings.”
- Select “Edit Motion Zones.”
- Tap “Default Zone.”
- Drag the blue box to the areas where you want to detect movement.
- Choose “Add Zone” if you want to add a new motion zone.
Update the Firmware
As previously mentioned, your Ring surveillance camera may flash to indicate ongoing firmware updates. To be specific, it shows blue flashing lights, which will eventually stay on for two seconds. These should not be a cause of concern.
Wait for the firmware update to be complete. Do not interrupt it or force shut down the camera. Once the device successfully installed the updates, it will automatically stop the flashing lights. You can now enjoy a less buggy and a more secure camera.
If you’re curious to check which firmware version your Ring Cam is currently using, follow the steps below.
- Launch the Ring app and select the three horizontal lines to open the menu.
- Select “Devices” and tap on your camera.
- Press “Device Health.”
- Scroll down until you see “Firmware.” If it displays “Up to Date,” your device is running the current version. If it says something different, open the Live View of your camera to start the new update.
Inspect the Ring Camera for Damage
If your Ring light is still flashing on and off, check the physical exterior of the camera for damages. Any cracks or loose parts can trigger constant light flashes. Consider visiting a repair shop to fix the device.
You must also inspect the device for signs of water or sun damage. If it has been exposed to rain, dismount the camera immediately. Put it inside a rice container to remove excess moisture.
Still can’t stop the random light flashes? Your best bet is to try the next step.
Reset the Ring Camera
A simple factory reset can usually solve most problems with your Ring camera, including constant flashing light.
To reset a Ring camera, you must first locate its setup button, which also serves as the reset switch. The location of this button varies based on the exact camera model you own.
Older units have it hidden underneath the back cover. Meanwhile, in recent models, the reset button is located near the battery slot. Other products, such as the Ring Spotlight Cam, have the setup button at the top of the unit.
After locating the correct switch, press and hold it for 10 seconds or more. The light on the camera will flash for several minutes, indicating the ongoing resetting process. Once the light turns off, your reset is complete. You can now use the security cam without the annoying flashlights.
Contact Ring Camera Support
If you’re still having issues and have tried all the steps above, it might be time to contact Ring customer support for expert assistance. They can provide useful troubleshooting steps that suit your device. They can also help identify the exact reason why the Ring floodlight is acting up.
How to Turn Off the Blue Light on Your Ring Camera?

The blue flashing light on your Ring camera can be distracting and annoying. Fortunately, there is a way to turn off this light.
First, download the Ring app on your mobile phone. You can find it on Google Play or Apple store.
After downloading, launch the app and pair it with your Ring device.
Next, open the main menu and find the “Device” option in the upper left corner. Find and select the model you want to adjust.
Finally, look for the “Nightlight Toggle” button on the screen. Slide it to switch the blue blinking light off.
That said, we don’t recommend disabling the blue light unless absolutely necessary. That is because it shows the current status of your camera. It can help you learn whether your device is working properly or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the blue light mean the Ring camera is recording?
A steady blue light on your Ring cam can mean two things. First, the device is starting up. Second, it is recording video.
How long does the blue light stay on?
The floodlight on a Ring camera remains on for 30 seconds after it detects motion. However, the duration it stays on can be adjusted through the mobile app.
Why is my Ring camera not recording?
Your camera may refuse to record video for several reasons. These include low battery, weak WiFi signal, or connection problems with the Ring app. Try fixing the issue on your own or contact Ring support for assistance.
Conclusion
Ring cameras can help homeowners monitor their property. However, they can quickly become a nuisance when the light flashes on and off.
There are several reasons behind the random light flashing of your Ring camera. Sometimes, the device is simply telling you to charge the battery or update the firmware. But it can also indicate that something is wrong with the camera, such as a weak WiFi network connection or hardware damage.
Do you have other questions about Ring security cameras? Drop by our contact page, and we’ll get back to you soon!