Ring Video Doorbell F86 Fix (Error Code Guide)

by

What This Error Means

F86 on a Ring Video Doorbell means the doorbell failed its boot/self‑test (firmware/power fault).

Translation: the doorbell starts to power up, chokes before the software fully loads, and never gets to normal operation.

Official Fix

Ring doesn’t publish F86 in the user manual, but support handles it like a power/firmware boot error. Their scripted path is basically this:

  • Make sure the doorbell is actually getting power (ring light comes on at all).
  • Reboot from the app if it still shows up there; if not, power‑cycle at the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power.
  • Do a factory reset:
    • Hold the setup button on the doorbell for ~20 seconds (orange/white light starts spinning or flashing).
    • Release and wait 1–2 minutes for it to restart.
  • Open the Ring app > Menu > Devices > your doorbell > Remove Device.
  • Re‑add it like new:
    • Tap “Set Up a Device” in the app, scan the QR code on the back, follow the prompts.
  • Check your Wi‑Fi:
    • Router on and close enough.
    • 2.4 GHz network available (most Ring models need it).
    • Try another phone or tablet for setup in case your primary device is glitching.
  • Confirm power specs:
    • Transformer label should read 16–24 VAC, 30 VA recommended for Pro models, at least 10 VA for battery-backed models.
    • If the transformer is undersized or unknown, Ring will tell you to have an electrician upgrade it.
  • If F86 keeps coming back after a clean reset and correct power, Ring support’s final step is: process an RMA (replacement) if you’re in warranty.

The Technician’s Trick

What techs actually do is split this into two quick questions: “Is it power or is it the doorbell’s brain?” Here’s how to sort that in real life.

  • 1. Yank it off the wall and isolate it.
    • Kill power at the breaker.
    • Remove the doorbell from the mounting plate and disconnect the two low‑voltage wires.
    • Inspect the back: no burned spots, corrosion, or water inside the housing? If it’s cooked, stop here and replace.
  • 2. Bench‑charge the doorbell (battery models).
    • Plug it into a USB charger using the port on the back or bottom (varies by model).
    • Let it sit on a decent 5 V / 1–2 A USB brick for at least 30–60 minutes.
    • While on USB only, hold the setup button 20 seconds to hard‑reset, then let it boot.
    • If F86 disappears and it behaves normally on USB, your transformer/wiring is the problem, not the doorbell.
  • 3. Test with a known‑good transformer (all hardwired models).
    • Use a plug‑in 16–24 VAC doorbell transformer (or a spare you know is good).
    • Connect the two terminals directly to the back of the Ring doorbell (do this indoors or somewhere dry).
    • Power it up. If it boots fine like this, your house transformer or wiring run is weak or failing.
  • 4. Actually measure voltage, don’t guess.
    • With power on, put a multimeter on the two doorbell wires at the mounting plate.
    • You want somewhere between ~16–24 VAC under load for a Pro; if it’s dropping below ~15 VAC when the device is connected, that’s how you get F86 and boot loops.
    • Low reading = upgrade transformer and/or wiring. Normal reading and still F86 on bench power = bad doorbell.
  • 5. If it still throws F86 on clean power after a hard reset – it’s toast.
    • At that point a main board or flash chip is failing. No field repair. Replace the unit.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: F86 only shows up occasionally, doorbell is under 3–4 years old, and you can solve it with a new transformer or wiring (usually under $50–$80).
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Doorbell is older (4–6+ years), out of warranty, and you need both a stronger transformer and maybe a pro to run new wire – compare that total to just buying a newer Ring model.
  • ❌ Replace: F86 stays even on a known‑good transformer/USB power after a hard reset – that’s a cooked board; don’t sink time into it, just replace the doorbell.

Parts You Might Need

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.