When it comes to protecting your home, every second counts. Devices like the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener and Ring Flood & Freeze Sensor offer an extra layer of safety, ensuring you’re alerted immediately when danger is detected — even if you’re miles away.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up these two powerful Ring accessories quickly and correctly.
If you’re ready to grab yours, click here to get the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener on Amazon.
Why Use the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener and Flood & Freeze Sensor?
Home safety isn’t just about alarms and locks — it’s also about environmental hazards. The Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener doesn’t replace your existing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors but “listens” for their alarms and sends real-time notifications to your phone via the Ring app.
Meanwhile, the Ring Flood & Freeze Sensor monitors for water leaks or freezing temperatures — helping you avoid thousands of dollars in damage from burst pipes or floods.
Both devices work seamlessly with your Ring Alarm Base Station to offer whole-home protection.
Want to learn more about the Listener itself? Visit our dedicated Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener page for full details.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Make sure you have:
- A Ring Alarm Base Station (2nd Gen recommended)
- A smartphone with the Ring app installed
- Strong Wi-Fi connection
- Existing smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors (for Listener setup)
Important: These devices are add-ons to the Ring Alarm System and won’t work standalone.
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener
Setting up the Listener is a simple process, but doing it carefully ensures the device works exactly when you need it most.
Step 1: Prepare the Device
Unbox your Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener. Insert the batteries provided (or check they are installed properly). You should see a small LED light blink when the batteries are in place.
Step 2: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone:
- Tap the menu (three lines in the upper left).
- Select “Set Up a Device.”
- Tap “Security Devices.”
- Select “Sensors” and then choose “Smoke & CO Listener.”
The app will guide you through the remaining steps.
Step 3: Scan the QR Code
Locate the QR code on the back of the Listener or inside the battery compartment.
Scan it using your phone’s camera when prompted by the app.
This connects the Listener to your Ring account and prepares it for setup.
Step 4: Connect to Ring Alarm Base Station
The app will automatically search for the Listener. Ensure you’re within a few feet of your Ring Alarm Base Station to speed up the process.
Once found, the app will walk you through naming the device (e.g., “Hallway Smoke Listener”) and assigning it to a location (like “Upstairs” or “Basement”).
Step 5: Placement and Testing
Mount the Listener within 6 inches of your existing smoke or CO detector. You can use adhesive strips or screws depending on your preference.
Important tips for placement:
- Place on the ceiling or wall near your smoke or CO detector.
- Make sure it’s unobstructed and not inside an enclosed space.
Finally, test your smoke or CO detector manually to ensure the Listener picks up the alarm and triggers a notification in the Ring app.
Pro Tip: Use the built-in Test mode in the Ring app for a guided test session!
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up the Ring Flood & Freeze Sensor
Flood and freezing risks can cause major home damage. Luckily, setting up the Ring Flood & Freeze Sensor is just as easy.
Step 1: Prepare the Sensor
Remove the sensor from the box and install the batteries.
When powered, the sensor’s LED indicator will blink, signaling it’s ready for setup.
Step 2: Start Setup in the Ring App
Open the Ring app again:
- Tap “Set Up a Device.”
- Choose “Security Devices.”
- Select “Sensors” and then “Flood & Freeze Sensor.”
Scan the QR code on the back of the device when prompted.
Step 3: Connect and Configure
Allow the app to connect the Flood & Freeze Sensor to your Ring Alarm Base Station.
- Assign the sensor a name (e.g., “Basement Water Sensor”).
- Choose the room or zone where it’s being installed.
Step 4: Placement Best Practices
Proper placement maximizes effectiveness:
- Flood Detection: Put the sensor flat on the floor in vulnerable areas like basements, under sinks, near water heaters, or behind washing machines.
- Freeze Detection: Place near pipes that are at risk of freezing — like crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls.
The device is small and discreet, so it won’t be in the way.
Step 5: Testing Your Flood & Freeze Sensor
You can test the flood sensor by slightly wetting a paper towel and touching it to the sensor contacts on the underside — you’ll get a real-time alert in the Ring app.
Testing the freeze sensor involves exposing it to temperatures below 40°F — but you usually won’t need to simulate this unless troubleshooting.
Tips for a Successful Setup
- Update Your App: Always use the latest version of the Ring app.
- Label Devices Clearly: Especially important if you plan to install multiple listeners and sensors around your home.
- Regular Testing: Set a calendar reminder to test smoke detectors, listeners, and flood sensors every 6 months.
Remember: Batteries in both devices can last up to 3 years, but low-battery notifications will come through the app when needed.
How to Create Smart Alerts and Automations
You can create customized alerts inside the Ring app:
- Receive Mobile Notifications: Instantly when the Listener or Flood & Freeze Sensor is triggered.
- Professional Monitoring: If you’re subscribed to Ring Protect Pro, first responders can be dispatched automatically based on alarms.
- Smart Home Integration: Use Alexa Routines to trigger lights, sirens, or voice announcements when water is detected or when a smoke alarm goes off.
For example, you can set an Alexa routine to turn your smart lights red if a smoke alarm is detected!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you hit a snag, here’s what to try:
Listener Not Picking Up Smoke/CO Alarms?
- Check distance: should be within 6 inches.
- Confirm your smoke/CO alarm uses an audible T3 or T4 alert pattern (common in modern devices).
Flood Sensor Not Detecting Water?
- Make sure sensor contacts touch the wet surface properly.
- Reset the device by removing and reinserting batteries.
Device Won’t Connect?
- Make sure you’re near the Ring Alarm Base Station.
- Reset the sensor and try scanning the QR code again.
Final Thoughts: Why These Ring Devices Are Essential
Adding the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener and the Ring Flood & Freeze Sensor to your home security system is an inexpensive way to significantly boost your protection.
They deliver peace of mind against fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, and freezing temperatures — all without needing to replace your existing detectors or install complicated plumbing sensors.
Ready to protect your home smarter?
👉 Click here to get the Ring Alarm Smoke and CO Listener on Amazon today and start building a safer, smarter home environment.