Ring is a home security company owned by Amazon that produces internet-connected doorbell cameras, indoor cameras, and security systems for homes. Their most popular product is the video doorbell, which allows users to see and speak with visitors at their doorstep from anywhere using an app.
In recent years, there have been growing concerns about just how much data Ring devices use. Many users have found the devices consuming massive amounts of their home broadband data allowance each month. With some reporting usage over 200GB per month just for Ring devices, far more than expected for internet-connected cameras.
How Ring Devices Work
Ring devices connect to the internet via WiFi to transmit video and data to the Ring app (How Ring Ecosystem Devices Work to Protect Your Home). When motion is detected, Ring doorbells and cameras will record a video clip and send an alert to the user’s phone via the app. The Ring app allows users to view live streams from their cameras, control their devices, customize settings, and share videos.
The main data that Ring devices collect and transmit includes motion detection data, video recordings, and audio captured by the device microphone when activated. Video is streamed to the cloud when motion events occur or on-demand video streaming is activated. Other device data like WiFi signal strength, battery level, and device errors may also be transmitted (Video Doorbell). The video clips and data are stored in the cloud and accessible through the mobile app.
Ring’s Data Practices
Ring collects a significant amount of data from users through its video doorbell and security camera devices and services. According to Ring’s Privacy Notice, the company collects information such as your name, email address, phone number, payment information, device information like WiFi network name and password, and video recordings from Ring devices. Ring also collects technical usage data like device identifiers, IP addresses, and sensor data.
This data helps Ring provide and improve its services. For example, collecting WiFi network information allows Ring devices to connect to your home network and enabling motion alerts. According to the Wired article, Ring uses collected data for developing new features and functionality as well. However, privacy advocates have raised concerns about the large volume of user data collected and how transparently it is being used.
Factors Contributing to High Data Usage
There are a few key factors that contribute to Ring devices using a high amount of data:
Video Streaming and Upload
Ring devices like video doorbells and security cameras stream video continuously when motion is detected. This video is then uploaded to the cloud and accessed by users via the Ring app. Streaming and uploading high-definition video requires significant data usage, especially if motion triggers are frequent 1.
Constant Connectivity
Ring devices stay connected 24/7 to Ring servers via WiFi. This constant connectivity facilitates features like real-time notifications, but also consumes data even when the devices are not actively streaming video. The devices periodically send pings and usage data back to Ring servers 2.
Feature Syncing
Ring devices sync data like user settings, motion events, and video recordings across devices. This allows seamless access across mobile and desktop apps, but also uses additional data to transmit information between Ring servers and devices 3.
User Concerns
Many Ring users have expressed concerns about the high data usage of the Ring app and devices. On Reddit and Ring’s community forums, users have complained of the Ring app using upwards of 40GB of mobile data in a short period of time, even while connected to Wi-Fi.
One Reddit user complained that “Ring has used almost 40gb of mobile data in the last two weeks in the background.”[1] On Ring’s community forum, a user reported their Ring app using 4.8GB of data in just two hours while at home on Wi-Fi.[2]
The excessive data usage has led some users to voice concerns over privacy and data collection practices. They worry about what data Ring may be collecting and transmitting without user knowledge. However, Ring has stated the high data usage is due to a bug and not intentional data gathering.
Ring’s Response
Ring has acknowledged concerns from users about high data usage from their devices and apps. In response, Ring has made efforts to address these concerns and be more transparent about data practices.
On their support site, Ring provides tips for reducing data usage and states they are working to optimize their app to use less data in the background. Ring also clarified that Live View is the primary data-intensive feature, and they recommend limiting its use if concerned about data caps.
In a Reddit post, a Ring spokesperson acknowledged the app “periodically requires data connectivity” for background services but said they are working to reduce this. They also advised users to disable background app refresh and turn off cellular data access for the app.
While some feel Ring could do more to optimize their app and services, Ring has taken steps to be more transparent and provide users control over data usage.
Tips to Reduce Data Usage
There are a few ways Ring users can reduce the amount of data their devices use:
Adjust motion detection sensitivity – Ring allows you to adjust the motion sensitivity settings on your devices. Lowering the sensitivity means the camera will only start recording when it detects larger movements, reducing the number of videos captured and uploaded.
Disable pre-roll buffer – Ring devices store video in a buffer prior to motion being detected. This “pre-roll” captures the moments right before motion triggers recording. Disabling it prevents this extra footage from being uploaded.
Compress video quality – In the app settings, you can choose a lower video resolution quality to save data. Setting video to 720p or 480p instead of 1080p will significantly reduce the size of each video upload.
By tweaking these settings, Ring users can optimize their devices to use less mobile data while still capturing necessary security footage when motion events occur.
Data Usage Estimates
Ring devices can use a significant amount of data per month depending on video quality settings and user activity. According to user reports, a single Ring camera streaming video at standard quality may use around 50-60 GB of data per month (Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ring/comments/u613cc/how_much_bandwidth_does_a_ring_camera_use_in_a/). At high definition quality, usage may be closer to 100 GB per camera.
For comparison, this is a similar data usage as streaming high definition video from Netflix or other streaming services. Netflix estimates high definition video uses about 3 GB per hour, while standard definition uses about 1 GB per hour (Source: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/87). So a single Ring camera operating 24/7 could use a comparable amount of data as streaming 8-24 hours of high definition Netflix content every day.
Those with multiple Ring cameras may see data usage of 200 GB or more per month from their Ring system alone. This can represent a significant portion of a home’s total monthly data usage.
Alternatives
There are several alternatives to Ring doorbells worth considering, especially for those concerned about high data usage. Other popular smart doorbell brands like Nest, Arlo, and August tend to be more efficient with mobile data.
For example, the Google Nest Doorbell only uses between 200MB to 600MB per month according to user reports. The Nest doorbell streams video at a lower resolution which helps reduce data demands. August doorbells also maximize local storage and processing to minimize cloud dependence. Reviews suggest the August Doorbell Cam Pro uses less than 1GB monthly in many cases.
In comparison, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro can use 1GB to 2GB per month according to Ring. So alternatives like Nest and August tend to consume anywhere from 50% to 75% less data than Ring for most users.
Those concerned about Ring’s data practices may want to closely compare these options. However, Ring remains a top choice for video doorbells overall thanks to its affordability, accessibility through Amazon, and robust feature set. Those happy with Ring may simply want to optimize settings to reduce data usage.
Conclusion
In summary, Ring doorbells and security cameras can use high amounts of data due to their constant video streaming, cloud storage, and software updates. While concerning for some users with data caps, there are ways to monitor and reduce data usage, such as adjusting motion sensitivity settings, video quality, and enabling offline mode when away. Going forward, being mindful of these factors can help you optimize your Ring device’s data consumption.
The most effective approach is checking your Ring device’s data usage regularly and making adjustments as needed based on your data plan and needs. While Ring does not offer offline storage options, some users may prefer locally storing video and limiting cloud uploads to key events. Overall, home security technology continues to advance, providing more options and controls to manage data usage.