How to Connect Your Ring Doorbell to a Smart TV
Smart home technology has made it easier than ever before to keep an eye on our front doors, whether we’re at home or not. One of the most popular devices for home security is the Ring doorbell, which lets users both see and speak to visitors from mobile devices.
However, modern smart TVs, including Panasonic’s Fire TV models, now allow you to connect your Ring doorbell directly to the unit. This provides even greater coverage, with access to alerts, live video, and two-way speech while watching your favourite shows.
Why Ring Doorbell Works on Panasonic Fire TVs
Panasonic’s latest TV models are built with Fire TV OS fully integrated, which means they provide the same Alexa and Ring connectivity as standalone Fire TV devices.
The following step-by-step guide will teach you how to get Ring doorbell on TV and how to view your feed through voice and app control.
Step 1: Ensure You Have Compatible Hardware
To get Ring doorbell on smart TV, you’ll need:
- A Ring Video Doorbell device that can be connected to Wi-Fi.
- A Panasonic smart TV running Fire TV OS or an alternative brand.
Step 2: Set Up Your Panasonic Fire TV
- Turn your Panasonic Fire TV on and connect it to your Wi-Fi and Amazon account.
- Install any required updates if prompted.
- Ensure Alexa voice control is enabled and the TV is linked to your Amazon account.
Step 3: Link Ring Doorbell with Alexa
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Go to More > Skills & Games, search for “Ring”, and then tap Enable Skill.
- Sign in to your Ring account.
- Once linked, tap Discover Devices in the Alexa app so your smart TV and Ring devices appear in the list.
Step 4: Enable Ring Doorbell Notifications on Your TV
Once your device has been discovered:
- Open the Alexa app and go to Devices > Cameras & Doorbells > ‘Your Ring Device’.
- Turn on Doorbell Press Notifications and Motion Announcements.
- Subsequent alerts will then display as Picture-in-Picture overlays on your Panasonic Fire TV when motion is detected by your Ring doorbell or when someone rings.
Step 5: View the Ring Doorbell Feed on Your TV
Voice Commands (Alexa)
- To open a full-screen live view of your Ring doorbell, say “Alexa, show the front door”.
- If picture-in-picture launches while watching TV, you can say, “Alexa, talk to front door” to speak to whoever is at the door via the Ring two-way audio system.
Smart Home Dashboard
- Press the Alexa button or open the Smart Home Dashboard from the home screen.
- You will be presented with a list of connected cameras and can select the one you want to view live in full screen.
Manual Viewing
- To view your Ring feed manually, simply open the Smart Home Dashboard at any time, or use a voice command, such as “Show my Smart Home Dashboard”, and then select your Ring camera.
Step 6: Optional Customisation
- Routines can be customised in the Alexa app. For example, you can choose to show live view automatically when someone presses the doorbell.
- You can also customise how long picture-in-picture remains on screen, or whether you should be notified by motion or only when the doorbell is pressed.
Why This Works Well on Panasonic Fire TVs
Panasonic’s newer OLED TVs, such as the Z95A, benefit from integrated Fire TV OS, which provides simple but seamless access to Alexa, smart home routines, and picture-in-picture overlays. One of the best things about this is that it means you don’t require an extra Fire TV Stick, with everything native to applicable Panasonic TV models.
Key Command Examples
- Open full-screen live video: “Alexa, show the front door”.
- Enable two-way speech: “Alexa, talk to front door”.
- View live Ring feed and other features: “Alexa, show Smart Home Dashboard”.
- Play most recent recorded event: “Alexa, play the last event at front door”.
- Close live video feed and return to TV: “Alexa, hide front door”.
- Arm or disarm compatible Ring Alarm: “Alexa, arm/disarm Ring”.
Troubleshooting Tips
Although connecting your Ring doorbell to a smart TV is a simple process, here are a few troubleshooting tips to consider if you discover an issue:
- No Ring Skill or Device in Alexa: Ensure Ring skill is enabled, and you are signed in.
- Voice Commands Not Responding: Check that Alexa is enabled on your TV and that microphone access is allowed.
- Ring Feed Disconnects or Freezes: Restart router, Ring, and/or TV.
- TV Not Displaying Picture-in-Picture Alerts: Confirm your TV supports Fire TV features.
- Ring Feed Displays Black Screen: Alexa cannot show video if Live View is disabled, so ensure it is enabled in the Ring app.
- Multiple Cameras Not Switching: Rename cameras in Alexa with simple options, such as Front Door, Back Door, and Driveway.
