Ring Video Doorbell app and iPhone 5s.

[GasEngineer]

I've just bought a ring video doorbell and am about to set up the app on my iphone.

When I go to download the app it tells me that I need ios 14 or greater. If I try to update my phone to comply; the phone tells me that my software is already up to date at ios 12.5.6.

I'm quite happy with my iphone 5s. I only have a couple of apps - NHS and whatsapp on it and only use it other than that for calls and SMS messages, so don't need a newer phone.

My neighbour has the same phone and the Ring app works on his phone. Is there a way of downloading an earlier version of the app that will work with ios 12.5.6?

Without the app the doorbell is not much use as it doesn't actually "Ring". Again I don't really want to buy the add-on "Chime".

Any advice welcomed - thanks.

[Durzel]

iPhone 5S is ancient, nearly 10 years old.

Sorry to say but If you've never used the Ring app before, i.e. you never had access to an older version that supported iOS 12, then you aren't going to be able to download it if the minimum supported version is 14.

[DoctorX]

I suspect not. I think a newer phone will be required.

[SteveKTMer]

The 5S was released in 2013 and it's supported by iOS 12.x, but it won't get an upgrade beyond what you've already got. Your neighbour probably has a 6S which can still run the latest release iOS 15.x.

You need a new phone to use the ring app if it needs iOS 14 or later.

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iphe3...

[GuyW]

I'd suggest to future proof yourself, if you were to change phones, go for something that's not just 'slightly' newer as you'll get stuck in this trap again shortly with long obsolete hardware.

Something like a current generation (3rd gen) or maybe 2nd gen iPhone SE? Similar form factor to your current 5S.

[GasEngineer]

Thanks for all the info. So as I understand it - if I already had an older version of the Ring app installed on the 5s it would continue to work?.

So no way of downloading an older version?


(Neighbours phone is definitely a 5s and Ring is working on that - don't know which version though).

[GasEngineer]

Just had a look at replacing the phone and noticed that O2 are offering a trade-in deal.

Entered the details of the 5s - and as long as it is in good condition, with no water damage and fully working, they will give me £3 for it !

[Man-At-Arms]

GasEngineer said:

(Neighbours phone is definitely a 5s and Ring is working on that - don't know which version though).

maybe jailbroke ?

[itlab]

Man-At-Arms said:

maybe jailbroke ?

or its a first gen SE (some times incorrectly described as a 5SE) rather than a 5S

the first Gen SE is identical from the outside to a 5S, but with the processor of a 6S as so would be able to support 15 (which up till yesterday was the most recent IOS)