ring indoor cam 2nd gen making a constant high pitched buzzing sound, it's driving me nuts

Diagnosis

The high-pitched buzzing or "whining" sound coming from your Ring Indoor Cam Gen 2 is almost certainly caused by electromagnetic coil whine. This occurs when the internal inductors—small components that manage power delivery to the camera's processor and Wi-Fi chip—vibrate at a frequency audible to humans. This is not a software glitch or a speaker issue; it is a physical vibration of the copper coils within the power circuitry. This phenomenon is often exacerbated by "dirty" power coming from the wall outlet or an incompatible power adapter. If the adapter cannot provide a steady, ripple-free DC current, the capacitors and inductors inside the camera work harder to stabilize the voltage, leading to the audible high-frequency oscillation. You can confirm this is coil whine by placing your ear directly against the camera housing; if the sound is loudest near the base or the power input port rather than the speaker grille, it is a hardware-level electrical vibration. While some users are more sensitive to these frequencies than others, a constant, loud buzz usually indicates that the power delivery circuit is struggling or that the unit has a manufacturing defect in the shielding of its internal components.

How to Fix It

Since this is an electrical issue, the goal is to stabilize the current entering the device. Follow these exact steps to isolate and resolve the noise:

1. Disconnect the Ring Indoor Cam Gen 2 from its current power source and let it sit powered down for 60 seconds to discharge any residual capacitance.
2. Discard the generic or old USB-A to Micro-USB cable if it shows any signs of fraying or tight bends. Use a high-gauge, shielded USB cable to minimize electromagnetic interference.
3. Replace the power adapter. If you are using an old 5V/1A "cube" charger, switch to a high-quality 5V/2A (10W) power adapter. Avoid using USB ports on computers, smart hubs, or "fast chargers" (USB-C PD) that may fluctuate voltage, as these can trigger the coil whine.
4. Plug the adapter directly into a wall outlet rather than a power strip or surge protector. Power strips with multiple devices can introduce electrical noise (EMI) that causes the camera's internal components to vibrate.
5. Reboot the camera through the Ring App by going to Device Settings > Device Health > Reboot to ensure the firmware is operating the power management system efficiently.

If That Didn't Work

If the buzzing persists after changing the power supply, the issue is internal to the camera's PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Try these alternatives:

• Change the Power Cycle: Try plugging the camera into a different circuit in your home. Some older homes have "noisy" electrical wiring that causes interference in sensitive electronics; moving the camera to a different room can confirm if the house wiring is the culprit.
• Adjust Placement: If the camera is mounted on a hollow wall or a plastic shelf, the surface may be acting as a resonator, amplifying the high-pitched sound. Place the camera on a dense, rubberized mat or a piece of foam to dampen the vibrations.
• Firmware Force-Update: Ensure the device is on the latest firmware. While coil whine is physical, Ring occasionally releases updates that adjust the power-saving states of the Wi-Fi chip, which can sometimes reduce the frequency of the whine.
• RMA Replacement: If the sound is audible from three feet away, the internal shielding is defective. Since this is a hardware failure, the only permanent fix is a replacement unit. Provide Ring support with the specific detail that you have already tested multiple 5V/2A power adapters to expedite the warranty process.

Heads Up

• Never attempt to open the camera housing to "silence" the coils with glue or dampening material; this will void your warranty and likely break the plastic clips.
• Avoid using "Ultra Fast" chargers (60W+) from laptop brands, as these can sometimes provide unstable voltage to simple 5V devices, increasing the likelihood of electronic noise.
• Keep the camera away from other high-EMI devices like microwave ovens or large routers, as these can interfere with the internal circuitry and potentially worsen the buzzing.
• Always ensure the Micro-USB plug is seated firmly; a loose connection can cause intermittent power arcs that create a buzzing or crackling sound.