Ring Alarm Outdoor Contact Sensor - Protect Your Outdoor Gates

Today, I'll be checking out and installing an outdoor rated contact sensor for the Ring Alarm. I'll be installing this in my side wooden gate so that I will be notified when somebody opens or closes the gate. We will be able to monitor who comes in to our side and backyard. I'll also be making an Alexa Routine so that there will be an announcement every time the gate opens. I'll show you a quick unboxing, setup, install and routine setup in this video.
Shop: (Paid Link)
Ring Alarm Outdoor Contact Sensor - amzn.to/3pmgd51
00:00 Introduction
01:01 Features
01:30 Unboxing
02:34 Setup
03:44 Installation
04:26 Testing
04:44 Settings in the App
05:20 Amazon Alexa Routine
06:35 Alexa Routine Demo
#lifehackster #ringoutdoorsensor #ringalarmoutdoor
Shop WiFi Security Cameras - www.amazon.com/shop/lifehackster
My Camera/Studio Gear - kit.co/lifehackster/video-cre...
Don't forget to sign up for Sale notifications @ lifehackster.com
- enter your email on the right upper corner - Join Notification List
Lifehackster is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

[@paulmiyagishima7655]

Perfect ending to a video. That sound is the universal greeting for time to leave. Thanks again sir!

[@LifeHackster]

You are welcome.

[@thetaydenrock]

7:05 probably the one sound that can scare away any intruder! Hahaha! 🇺🇸

[@tritime1236]

Imagine the intruder heard the CHIC CHIC from outside

[@albertopena3618]

The ending was a sweet and reassuring sound.

[@nix4644]

Lol...that slide racking sound was hilarious and a very effective deterrent if heard by the "bad guy".

[@myHomeKithome]

Great video as always! I really do wish more manufacturers would make outdoor contact sensors

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks

[@KTan1023]

Hands down the best and most thorough Ring reviewer around. Thank you as always, Lifehackster!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it.

[@AmariBowsershorts]

I got the ring outdoor sensor too and it works really well

[@cloakofanonymity]

I've watched your videos for awhile now, love what you do. As far as the tampered notification, I found out that if you overtighten the mounting screws, the mounting plate "warps" and throws the sensor off. I had to back my screws off slightly and the tampered icon instantly cleared. I went through all of Rings trouble shooting lists before figuring this out.

[@wreckdiver61]

This is exactly what I was looking for thanks 👍🏻

[@A_Son_Of_Yahuah]

That shotgun sound at the end was epic 👏🏽 👌🏽 💥🎯

[@TikiShootah]

That looks really nifty. You're the only one I hear about these new devices from. 👍

[@vincenguyen8011]

Side note. Before ring released a outdoor rated one, I used one of their indoor contact sensors and it’s been working good for about a year so far. I live in Colorado and the contact sensor has been exposed to the elements and still working great.

[@MrsLyds]

I was wondering the exact same thing! I have so many indoor ones I would like to use because buying an “outdoor”

[@mitube4u]

Thanks for this video. I just bought this sensor and you instructions on setting up the custom announcement via Alexa worked perfectly. And LOL at end of this funny, too funny.

[@LifeHackster]

You are welcome.

[@stephengrant6969]

I have one of these too, love it. Regarding the tamper, if you loosen the screws a little bit, the device should no longer be tampered. Overtirghteing flexes the bracket and prevents the tamper button from being properly engaged. Had the same issue and called Ring support

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for the tip. I did loosen up the screw and it disappeared.

[@Rockaland2]

I was just going to message you to do a review on this and bam !! here it is ..This is perfect for sheds cause around my way they break into your shed before your home

[@btan4209]

Nice job, as always. Smooth delivery and right on tech knowledge .

[@LifeHackster]

Much appreciated!

[@jfunk79]

Nice! I luv the way you ask what he needed! Lol

[@victorhinderman2479]

This video sure was on time! I was just thinking about an outdoor sensor for a gate I'll be building in my back yard. Too bad I don't have a Ring system tho . I'll need to try and figure something else out.

[@deanmcgowan3462]

Love this! RING need POE cameras for my system to be complete

[@bragi1]

I'm looking forward to getting one of these for my side gate. I have an older outdoor sensor from another company and the ring outdoor sensor looks much better and easier to use. Good presentation!

[@rodrobinson6111]

Great video as always. Thanks for the info.

[@LifeHackster]

You are welcome.

[@metube9541]

Great idea, will certainly be buying the eufy version when it's available.

[@PatrickC139]

I enjoyed the shotgun humor 😆

[@LifeHackster]

:) thank you

[@ChibuikeUlasi]

Nicely done. Thank you for sharing.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks.

[@antoniobridgeforth2362]

Definitely getting. I will place in on the inside of my shed.

[@LifeHackster]

If your shed is covered, you can get by using Ring regular contact sensor...much cheaper. That is the one I placed inside my shed.

[@nodd85]

lol, the ending was hilarious. Keep up the great work!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@LOL_why_U_maD]

thanks for all the great smart home product reviews ! heres a 👍 & a sub !

[@davestube]

Great review, thanks and I placed an order for one from your link! :)

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@thonchaiyangywjpheej7573]

Excellent video! Love it!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you

[@papijaddy2963]

Great video as per usual! When you do the glass break sensor please compare it with the Alexa guard glass break sensor! Thank you for all these informative videos!

[@LifeHackster]

You are welcome.

[@nasaspacemanwho6711]

That shot gun at the end 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 love you bro!

[@ronm6585]

Nice, thank you.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks.

[@Kianwebb28]

7:00 LOL LOVE THE ACTING 😭😂

[@Hector-my7de]

I noticed that the sensor doesn't have the feature to linked devices. That will be great to have that feature to link any cameras when the sensor is trigger. Maybe ring will update that later on.

[@LifeHackster]

Hopefully, they will.

[@rodsickasx._5418]

You should do a review on vivint doorbell pro

[@supernova8962]

I used a Gen 1 Sensor and made it water resistant. 3m tape instead of drilling ... works perfect. Been working for months now. I also open the device and its dry as a whistle.

[@cast6736]

I loved the end “to see what he wants”

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks

[@owadasaoluwafemi8819]

Wow love the ending part........ Is dat shockvave, M shortgun??? Lol

[@ourhome2b659]

The rack always works

[@ketansurti5697]

Hopefully they bring out an outdoor motion sensor soon too

[@DJDynamik]

Guess I’ll have to wait till eufy makes one of these since I’m already set in their ecosystem.

[@billr8564]

Hi Lifehackster. Great review as usual, and thanks so much for the detailed guide to setting up an Alexa routine. I appreciate it! If possible, in your reviews on Ring Alarm add-ons, can you specifically mention that the item will work on both gen1 and gen2 systems? I have the gen1 system, which has been very good for 2.5 years so far. Thank you!

[@LifeHackster]

As to the Ring Alarm..all of the gen2s are backwards compatible with gen 1 devices. Thank you.

[@billr8564]

@@LifeHackster Thanks Lifehackster!

[@BreakTime10101]

Great video, I love the lock and load sound. Thanks for showing us how to set up a routine and getting it to announce on all devices. Question, do you think this would work on a garage door as well? Thanks

[@LifeHackster]

It should work but if your garage has a roof or protected from the elements, just get the regular Ring contact sensors.

[@Gbuilder298]

Get MyQ for a garage

[@BreakTime10101]

@@LifeHackster but won’t the alarm go off every time when armed? Thanks

[@BreakTime10101]

@@Gbuilder298 do you have one, how well does it work? Thanks

[@LifeHackster]

@@BreakTime10101 . In the settings, you can do the same thing as to the modes..you can set it just to send you notifications.

[@shinobu2394]

is it possible to have the ring base station have custom announcements as well or does it just work with alexa devices?

[@HughD]

Another timely and useful video. Thank you. How about a test of Ring's new glass break sensor? I bought one and have it mounted, but didn't really want to break glass in my sunroom (where the sensor is) to check it out, so maybe you could do that for us!!! I don't find the Alexa glass breaking feature very reliable. I know you mentioned you'd be doing the glass sensor, but am looking forward to your review.

[@LifeHackster]

Will be working on that. Thanks.

[@reggie2803]

I was done when I heard the rack. That all the notification someone who is up to no good needs to hear. 😅😂. Nice video.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks.

[@TechWithTony]

Great video. While I’m trying to phase out my ring products since they don’t support homekit - can I add this contact sensor to hoobs like other ring items to get it into homekit - and set alerts. Hope to not require the ring alarm obviously.

[@LifeHackster]

I’m not really sure.

[@Vonteufel1]

I had a question, I'm thinking of getting the ring alarm just to use these outdoor sensors. My question is, can I use it just for the sensors or do I need to use the key pad as well.

[@fragil7251]

That bigger screen how do you get the set up this way is that a ring set up.

[@SentoukiEX]

Do you think this sensor could be used for a mailbox? (versus Yolink or something like that)

[@peggypredhomme8008]

I don’t think ring has an alert if a gate is left open for a set number of minutes. Is there a way to use Alexa routines to help with this shortcoming?

[@sharpster_]

This guy's got to have one of the most secured house lol.

[@skullandcrossbones65]

G'day You need the sound effect of the shotgun over the 2 way speaker camera, just after you tell them to leave.

[@DadBodBeGone34]

Asking what he wants LMAO

[@cmtv357]

Naw I’m going to ask first what he wants lol. Took me out 😂😂😂

[@donvuong28]

Does this work like the indoor sensors? I am looking for a sensor for my bathroom window above the shower but the indoor ones aren't rated for humidity and moisture. I wonder if I could use this one instead

[@ladymiss9466]

does it make an oudoor alarm when it is opened?

[@mele2259]

Will that work in a mail box that’s 50 feet+ away from home ? Thanks

[@roba168]

When will you do a video of the nest WIRED VS ring WIRED so we can get an apple to apples comparison last time I believe you did wired ring vs battery nest which is slower and a long cool off time.

[@LifeHackster]

I did a while back Ring vs Nest Hello doorbell. Nest will always have a long cool off, even when wired. They never gave their users an option.

[@anonymoushuman8962]

How dar can this be from my ring base station?

[@scottohms2799]

Do you have any info on a release date for the eufy smart video lock ?

[@LifeHackster]

In a day or 2, it will go live in kickstarter.

[@Dabz2084]

I think it should be "ALEXA" and not Alex-A. Nice vids! Keep up the great work!

[@LifeHackster]

I guess you don't know why I do that. Well, I mispronounce it intentionally so that my viewers including you, if you have Alexa device at your home will not get activated when I say that word. I'm just being polite to my viewers.

[@ufchistorian13]

I really want you to review Ubiquiti's Unifi Protect system!

[@LifeHackster]

I reviewed them a while back but that was before they have AI…I might have to check them out again.

[@trw7530]

Lock and load.

[@thetaydenrock]

🇺🇸

[@garymccoy3584]

Could this be used on a garage door?

[@LifeHackster]

Definitely, but as long a your garage door is protected from the elements, just get the regular ring contact sensors which are way cheaper.

[@faj3251]

Does this only work if you have a home alarm system with ring? All I have is the ring door bell, would I still be able to add the outdoor contact sensor to my standard ring acc which only has the ring door bell??

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, it needs the Ring Alarm as its hub.

[@ppen62]

That sucks I been waiting for the glass break sensor to come. But didn’t think you have to invest in the alarm. Glues I’ll just stick with my Alexa guard I have a echo device in every room. I have tested the glass break sounds off KZbin. And I have to say it works and I always get a notification on my phone. You should do a test on glass breaking with the ring and a echo devices

[@LifeHackster]

I’m pretty sure, Alexa guard is sufficient enough.

[@ppen62]

@@LifeHackster I like the fact you did this video letting people aware that ring had a device like that which I didn't know neither but like others and myself not too many people just leave that back gate unlocked I have a key lock on my back gate so that would be not useful for me I just have a camera facing the entrance gate so if someone enter it or jumps over gate. I'll get a alert especially at night time with a ring connected to my echo show 5 next to my bed which let me know somebody has entered or in my case jumps over the gate. Especially in this type of environment that we live in now it wouldn't be a good idea just to have your gate and easy access mode for somebody just to open it ring could have took that and made the window sensors to be able to to connect with existing echo devices just my opinion.

[@LifeHackster]

@@ppen62 True. In where we live though, most houses, including mine have easements that utility workers needs and by law have to have access to and this is why most people will have their backyards unlocked.

[@ppen62]

@@LifeHackster oh ok wasn’t understanding what your reasoning behind that. But then again didn’t know your situation I get it now. But anyway it’s always a pleasure watching your videos and your channel. Keeping us in form on the newish tech in home security devices thank again . Have a great day

[@LifeHackster]

@@ppen62 thank you.

[@Runny12456]

My brother what Wi-Fi system are you using and max speed??

[@LifeHackster]

I have an eero mesh network. My internet is 1 gig.

[@nyb141]

I wonder how battery life will be impacted in cold weather.

[@PlayRuna]

Bro the end 💀💀💀

[@CraigMullins1]

Does this sensor work on it's own without the ring alarm? 0:54 - I guess so. No other way to get it to work since it's z wave? Heard it may be possible? I have been looking for a sensor I can put in or under my car that detects the noise form getting the catalytic converter cut off. Any ideas? $21,000 in exhaust system damages in just the past year! Anything we can custom program? Record a saw-jaw cutting into a piece of metal and matching the sound somehow? Z-Wave (250-foot range to Base Station open air, line of sight) (76 meter range to Base Station open air, line of sight) Will this work in very cold, wet or snowy conditions? Yes, it will. The temp range is -4°F to 120°F (-20°C to 49°C) And it is IP66 weather-resistant, which means it is able to protect against powerful water jets.

[@LifeHackster]

This needs the Ring Alarm. As to the car, the simplest way is to get a car alarm that has a g-sensor trigger..like when your car is bumped or shaked, the alarm will go off.

[@iainkitchen]

Will the gate sensor activate ring cameras?

[@LifeHackster]

It will but it needs to be included on the “away” mode on the Ring Alarm.

[@Thejakegee]

Does this work with Hubitat?

[@LifeHackster]

I'm not sure but most likely not.

[@Auroramystic]

My motion detection is not working for my wyze cam v3 but does work on my wyze cam outdoor normally it shows me motion detection on the v3 along with 14 secounds of motion recording and since the free trail of wyze cam plus ended for it motion detection stopped working for me how do I fix it

[@LifeHackster]

I’m not sure if you have a micro SD card on it..check the settings again and make sure motion notifications are on. There is also a 5 minute cool down on the notifications and cloud recordings.

[@MrsLyds]

The regular contact sensor won’t work outside? I thought it’s water resistant

[@dustinrobinson2409]

lock and load! Lol

[@Quadrille763]

Can you use lithium batteries

[@LifeHackster]

I’m not sure but I think it is ok.

[@michaeln.8401]

7:00 Are you crazy?!

[@jeff-bt3rq]

I agree! An AR for home defense is much better.

[@thetaydenrock]

“-the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” 🇺🇸

[@LifeHackster]

:)

[@tartanarab9666]

Will ring change this so you don’t need the alarm and you just get notifications to your phone when opened and shut?

[@LifeHackster]

Probably not. This will always needs a hub.

[@southwest7977]

Install a lock while you are at it. Fortunately I did, not long before some scumbag tried to open it at 3:30AM. Had him n camera but he got away before the police arrived.

[@HappyHauntings]

Love the video and all of your videos. We just moved into our 1st townhouse last year and have several ring products. May I ask you how did you get all of your cameras on the tv screen? I would like to have a screen upstairs in the master bedroom that I can look at in real time instead of my cel . Any suggestions? Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!!

[@Maclinpurification]

Try not to call 911

[@enriquelithgow1748]

This unit DOES NOT need the Ring alarm system. It pairs fine with both Hubitat and Smartthings/aeotec

[@deeznutsliam5213]

7:07 😂😂😂😂😂

[@campervanchris4171]

Have you heard that ring are going to let you out a selection of non ring cameras on the ring app ?

[@LifeHackster]

I haven't but that will be great if they do.

[@toronadoxp]

Nah. I'm gonna ask first what he wants......hahahaha

[@LifeHackster]

:)

[@Ortiz1602]

This looks like a great sensor but if they dont have one yet they need to offer one that does not require to have the ring alarm.

[@EVILAKUMA]

I live in a corner house on a street with a main road across it. Looks like someone came inside my car last night on the driveway and didn't steal anything but puked on driveway and I found 3 ciggerett butts also went to back yard I saw few ciggerettes of the same brand and lot of them full ciggerettes not sure wth Is going on but maybe some drunk fool who doesn't know where I'd was....I have a 5 year old kid ..waiting for him to come back on property and then we will see what's up . Thanks and nice ending haha

[@fragil7251]

Lol 😂 😂 didn’t know you were a bad boy 😂 click clack let’s go check it out

[@morejelloplease]

if ring were smart, they would make a smaller contact sensor, have it connect to a bridge instead of an alarm kit, and then we could put them in our mailboxes so we know when the mail is here :)

[@monas.6839]

They do sell one…don’t know how good it is, but it’s about $30.

[@tritime1236]

7:05 To Be Continued

[@LifeHackster]

:)

[@chrisalaska]

For windy days, I wonder if there will be a few false alerts.

[@LifeHackster]

No false alerts for contact sensors as long as your gate doesn’t open and the sensors don’t get separated, you will not get any notifications.

[@zuhairhlayel]

🌹💐🌷👍👏

[@maxinef6654]

Set it to an alarm, then have it start shooting. Lol 😂. I’m sick of these damn thieves.

[@garyhenderson9303]

I dont like that the covers just slide off without a securing screw. Anyone can slide off the magnetic cover and take it. As nothing else happens you might not notice. Then they come back later and your alarm warning will not happen.

[@LifeHackster]

Just like Rings other sensors, it has a tamper alert notification. If the main unit false off or somebody takes it, you will get a “tamper alert” aside from an “open” alert when the 2 sensors are separated.

[@garyhenderson9303]

@@LifeHackster Thanks. My concern is with the small magnetic unit. If this is taken you get only one alert the gate opened. Maybe a routine in Alexa to report every hour that the gate is still open would help?

[@ron3586]

I do not think he wants anything anymore! I think he just wants to go home.

[@LifeHackster]

:)

[@kapikoyli]

🍗🍗🍗

[@philhowells7715]

It's ridiculous of Ring, another £40 just to make a contact sensor waterproof. I've been using a motion sensor outdoors for almost 18 months covered in waterproof duct tape, without an issue.

[@yankeesusa1]

This sensor looks great. But my goodness, they are overpriced for sure.

[@vjbhatia77]

What everyone here recommend leaving your gate unlocked so potential in shooters. Would have to use the gate? My fear is if they see the gate is locked they’ll jump right over it and bypass the sensor.

[@user-yz1zi5no4y]

賴志偉 ghtghg