The short answer is no – the Ring Floodlight Cam bulbs are not designed to be user-replaceable. However, with some DIY skills, it is possible to replace the LED bulbs yourself.
The Ring Floodlight Cam is one of the most popular outdoor security cameras. It combines two powerful LED floodlights with a 1080p HD security camera that has motion sensors and alerts.
But what happens when those bright LED floodlight bulbs start to fail or flicker? Can you replace them yourself or are you stuck buying a whole new $200+ Floodlight Cam?
Let’s take a closer look at your options:
How Long Do the Ring Floodlight LEDs Last?
The LED bulbs in the Ring Floodlight Cam are rated to last for around 10 years. However, some users have reported issues in just 1-2 years. The one we used also started flickering after just 1.5 years!
This is likely due to manufacturing defects or environmental factors rather than normal LED lifespan. Extreme weather, moisture ingress, power surges, etc can all impact the Floodlight Cam over time.
Why Are the Ring Floodlight Bulbs Not User Replaceable?
The Ring Floodlight Cam is designed to be a completely sealed, weatherproof unit. Opening it up breaks that seal and can let in moisture, reducing reliability.
Ring also doesn’t want users accidentally damaging components inside when trying to replace the LEDs. And making the lights replaceable would increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
So for reliability, cost saving, and simplicity reasons, Ring has made the Floodlight Cam an all-in-one, non-serviceable unit.
What Should You Do if Your Ring Floodlight Bulbs Fail?
You have a few options if the LEDs in your Ring Floodlight Cam start to die:
1. Claim on the 1-Year Warranty
The Ring Floodlight Cam comes with a 1-year warranty. So if your LEDs fail within the first 12 months, Ring will send you a replacement unit free of charge. Just contact their support team.
2. Pay for Ring Protect Plus (Extended Warranty)
You can pay $100 per year for Ring’s “Protect Plus” enhanced warranty program. This will extend your warranty for as long as you keep paying for the plan. So it will cover you if the LEDs fail after the initial 1-year warranty.
3. Install Separate Floodlights and a Security Camera
Rather than an all-in-one floodlight camera, you could install separate security floodlights and a security camera like the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro or Plus. That way if the floodlight LEDs fail in the future, you only need to replace the cheap floodlight rather than the whole camera unit.
4. Attempt a DIY LED Replacement
If you’re handy with basic electrics and soldering, it is possible to replace the Ring Floodlight Cam LED bulbs yourself. There are a few online tutorials showing how to take apart the housing and install new LED strips or bulbs.
However, this will void your warranty.
Step-By-Step Guide to Replacing Ring Floodlight LED Bulbs
If you want to attempt replacing the LEDs in your Ring Floodlight yourself, here is a quick step-by-step overview:
- Turn off the power and remove the Floodlight Cam from its wall mount.
- Carefully open the housing, likely having to break the warranty seals.
- Remove the faulty LED component and disconnect it from the power cables.
- Obtain a replacement LED strip or bulb, making sure its specification matches (e.g. 12V DC).
- Connect the new LED component to the Floodlight Cam’s internal power cables.
- Reseal the housing as best as possible to maintain weatherproofing.
- Remount the Ring Floodlight Cam and restore power.
- Test the new LEDs response to motion events. You may need to re-configure motion zones.
As mentioned above, this DIY repair will void your warranty. And you must take care not to damage any internal components or compromise the weather seals.
But if you are out of warranty, replacing the LEDs yourself can save you money instead of buying a whole new floodlight camera.
Can You Extend the Lifespan of Ring Floodlight LEDs?
To maximize the lifespan of the LED bulbs in your Ring Floodlight Cam, here are some handy tips:
- Install the Floodlight Cam under an eave or overhang to protect it from direct sun/rain.
- Adjust motion sensors to reduce triggering during daylight when lights aren’t needed.
- Consider smart schedules to restrict light activation times.
- Update firmware for the latest optimizations.
- Use a surge protector to avoid electrical spikes damaging LED driver electronics.
- Check exterior seals regularly for any cracks or gaps that could let in moisture.
Comparison to Other Floodlight Camera Brands
The non-replaceable LED bulb “issue” is not unique to Ring. Almost all integrated outdoor floodlight security cameras like Nest and Arlo are designed as sealed units with no user-replaceable parts.
So if the LEDs in your Ring Floodlight fail prematurely and you want an option to replace lights in the future, you’ll need to look at standalone security cameras and floodlights as covered earlier.
Or if you do want an all-in-one floodlight camera with replaceable bulbs, the Nest Cam Floodlight is one good option to consider as an alternative.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that the Ring Floodlight Cam LED bulbs are not designed to be replaced by the user. Your options are to claim the 1-year warranty, pay for extended warranty coverage, attempt a DIY fix, or install separate floodlights and a security camera.
Hopefully, some design improvements in future models will make the lights in Ring’s floodlight cameras more reliable and easier to maintain for customers. But for now, protecting your unit from moisture ingress and environmental extremes is key to maximizing LED lifespan.
