In order to maximize the security of your home, you want to do everything you can to ensure that you’re protected.
While Ring cameras have been some of the most popular to monitor and record events, most people only focus on the video side of things.
But can Ring cameras also record sound in addition to video – and is there any way to turn this feature on and off?
In this article, we’ll cover everything that you need to know!
Do Ring Cameras Record Sound?
Yes, Ring cameras record audio in addition to video. However, this feature can be disabled if you decide that you don’t want it.
If audio recorded is enabled, this will be done whenever video recording begins – for example, when motion is detected or your turn on live view for your camera. You can also use most Ring cameras do handle two-way audio. For example, you can hear what the person at the door is saying, but you can also speak back to them as well.
The list of Ring cameras that support audio recording include:
- Ring Video Doorbell
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite
- Ring Indoor Cam
- Ring Stick Up Cam
- Ring Floodlight Cam
Note that on some Ring cameras (like the Spotlight cam), audio recording is turned on by default.
On others however (such as certain Doorbell cams), the audio recording has to be specifically turned on within the camera’s settings.
So, it’s worth checking the settings anyway to make sure it’s enabled, if you want audio recording turned on for your Ring camera.
The Pros Of Recording Sound
Recording audio in addition to video is a great idea, if you want to maximize the security of your home.
Audio recording can give you peace of mind as you’re able to not only see what’s going on, but hear what’s going on as well.
In fact, some criminals have been caught because they discussed among themselves where they’d be going next, and the audio was caught on camera.
In other instances, recorded audio footage was able to poke holes in a defendant’s case after audio recordings contradicted the testimony that was shared with the court.
Unfortunately, you never know whether the audio recordings can actually make an impact until something happens. However, the more evidence and footage you can collect, the more you’ll have to work with later if the legal system ever gets involved.
The Cons Of Recording Sound
Although there are many benefits you gain from recording audio alongside video, there are also some drawbacks as well.
The primary drawback is that many people consider sound to be a tad too invasive, especially for a place that’s as private and personal as their home.
Although Amazon takes security very seriously, it is understandable that you’d be uncomfortable with the Ring camera capturing any of your conversations – even while doing as simple as walking into your home after a trip to the store.
If you do not feel comfortable with the Ring doorbell recording your conversations, we recommend turning it off. The right to privacy is important, especially in our own homes. And in the modern age, too many people are becoming too lenient with their privacy simply for a bit of convenience.
Note:Â Speaking of privacy, landlords may need to check local laws before installing ring cameras on their units, especially if the camera is also set up to record sound.
Do Ring Doorbells Record Sound All The Time?
No. Like video, Ring doorbells do not record sound all the time.
Instead, they only start recording when motion is detected. If the camera does not detect any motion, it will not start recording neither sound nor video.
This is because most people consider it to be unnecessary, and it also costs Amazon significantly more to store all of this extra footage.
If you view their page for Ring Protect Plans, it may appear like some options allow for 24/7 recording. However, this does not seem to be the case.
While the Ring Protect Pro plan allows for 24/7 monitoring, this just means that emergency services will be dispatched if required, any time of the day. It doesn’t actually mean that the Ring camera offers continuous recording. If you want a camera that can record 24/7, we recommend the Nest Hello Doorbell camera instead.
Of course, if you want your Ring camera operating around the clock whenever motion is detected, the Ring Protect Pro plan does offer some pretty neat features. For example, it can offer backup recording in case your internet happens to go out without you realizing it.
Live View: An Exception
One exception to this is live view.
If you turn on live view to view the camera live, audio will automatically turn on in addition to video. This is because Amazon assumes you want to see the full picture of what is happening live in front of your camera at this very moment.
While live view is used, both audio and video will be recorded if you have the audio setting turned on. However, it will immediately stop once you exit live view.
So although Ring cameras do not record all the time, you can still turn on live view to record everything whenever you’d like – even if the device normally wouldn’t be recording.
Conclusion
By default, all Ring cameras record audio in addition to video. However, this feature can be disabled should you wish to do so.
While there are plenty of good reasons why you may want to also record audio in addition to video, some people consider this to be too invasive – so it’s nice that Amazon allows us to turn it off.
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any other questions about Ring cameras, please ask them using the comment form below.
Wishing you the best,
– James McAllister