This guide walks you through how to add a shared user on Ring Doorbell using the Ring app. Whether it’s family, roommates, or trusted neighbors, you’ll learn how to grant access safely and manage permissions with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Shared users get real-time alerts: They receive motion and doorbell press notifications just like the primary account holder.
- No extra hardware needed: Adding a shared user is free and only requires the Ring app and an email address.
- Control permissions easily: You can customize what each shared user can see and do, like viewing live video or reviewing recordings.
- Works across devices: Shared users can access the doorbell from their own smartphones, tablets, or computers.
- Instant setup: The process takes less than 5 minutes and doesn’t require technical skills.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove a shared user instantly if needed, keeping your home secure.
- Great for families and rentals: Ideal for households with multiple adults or landlords managing properties.
How to Add Shared User on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell and love getting instant alerts when someone’s at your door. But what if your partner, roommate, or family member wants to see who’s knocking too? That’s where shared users come in. Adding a shared user on your Ring Doorbell is simple, secure, and completely free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step—from opening the app to confirming access—so everyone you trust can stay in the loop.
Whether you’re setting this up for your spouse, a teen who’s home alone, or a trusted neighbor watching your house while you’re away, this process ensures they get the same real-time alerts and video access you do. No need to share your login—just invite them as a shared user, and they’ll have their own secure access.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to add a shared user on Ring Doorbell, how to customize their permissions, and what to do if something goes wrong. Let’s get started!
What Is a Shared User on Ring Doorbell?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what a “shared user” actually means. A shared user is someone you invite to access your Ring devices through their own Ring account. They don’t log in with your credentials—instead, they use their own email and password. This keeps your account secure while giving them the ability to:
Visual guide about How to Add Shared User on Ring Doorbell
Image source: robots.net
- Receive motion and doorbell press notifications
- View live video feeds
- Review past recordings (if you have a Ring Protect plan)
- Answer the door remotely using two-way talk
- Adjust motion settings (depending on permissions)
Think of it like giving someone a key to your front gate—but not your front door. They can see what’s happening and respond, but they can’t change your account settings or delete devices unless you allow it.
This feature is especially useful for families, roommates, or even landlords managing multiple properties. It’s also great for elderly parents who want to stay connected or caregivers who need to monitor activity at home.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Adding a Shared User
Before you start the process, make sure you have the following:
1. The Ring App Installed
Both you (the primary account holder) and the person you’re inviting must have the Ring app installed on their smartphone or tablet. The app is available for free on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).
2. A Valid Email Address for the Shared User
The person you’re inviting must have a valid email address. This is how Ring sends the invitation and how they’ll log in to their account.
3. Your Ring Account Login
You’ll need to be logged into your Ring account on the app. If you’re not already logged in, open the app and enter your email and password.
4. Internet Connection
Both your device and the shared user’s device should be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. The invitation and setup process requires an active internet connection.
5. Ring Protect Plan (Optional but Recommended)
While you can add shared users without a Ring Protect plan, having one unlocks full features like video recording history. If you want the shared user to view past events, make sure you’re subscribed to Ring Protect.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Shared User on Ring Doorbell
Now that you’re prepared, let’s go through the process of adding a shared user. It’s quick, easy, and takes just a few taps.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into your primary account—the one linked to your doorbell.
Step 2: Go to the Devices Tab
At the bottom of the screen, tap the Devices tab (it looks like a house icon). This will show all your Ring devices, including your doorbell, cameras, and alarms.
Step 3: Select Your Doorbell
Tap on the Ring Doorbell you want to share. This will open the device’s control panel, where you can view live video, check settings, and manage access.
Step 4: Tap the Settings Icon
In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open the device settings menu.
Step 5: Scroll to “Shared Users”
Scroll down until you see the Shared Users option. Tap on it to open the shared user management screen.
Step 6: Tap “Add Shared User”
You’ll see a list of current shared users (if any). At the top, tap the Add Shared User button. This will open a new screen where you can enter the person’s details.
Step 7: Enter the Shared User’s Email
Type in the email address of the person you want to invite. Make sure it’s correct—this is where Ring will send the invitation.
Step 8: Choose Permissions (Optional)
Ring allows you to customize what the shared user can do. You can choose from the following options:
- View Live Video: Allows them to see real-time footage.
- Receive Alerts: Sends them motion and doorbell press notifications.
- View Recordings: Lets them watch past events (requires Ring Protect).
- Answer the Door: Enables two-way talk when someone presses the doorbell.
- Adjust Motion Settings: Allows them to change motion zones and sensitivity.
By default, most permissions are enabled. You can toggle them on or off based on your preference. For example, you might not want a teen to adjust motion settings, but you’re okay with them answering the door.
Step 9: Send the Invitation
Once you’ve entered the email and set permissions, tap Send Invitation. Ring will send an email to the shared user with a link to accept the invite.
Step 10: Shared User Accepts the Invitation
The person you invited will receive an email from Ring with a link. They need to:
- Open the email on their phone or computer.
- Tap the “Accept Invitation” button.
- Log in to their Ring account (or create one if they don’t have one).
- Confirm the device access.
Once they complete these steps, they’ll have full access to your doorbell based on the permissions you set.
Managing Shared Users: Editing or Removing Access
Need to change permissions or remove someone? No problem. You can manage shared users at any time.
How to Edit Permissions
Go back to the Shared Users section in your doorbell settings. Tap on the user’s name, then toggle the permissions you want to change. For example, you can disable “Answer the Door” if they no longer need that access.
How to Remove a Shared User
If someone no longer needs access—like a former roommate or a guest who’s left—you can remove them instantly:
- Go to Shared Users in your doorbell settings.
- Tap the user’s name.
- Scroll down and tap Remove User.
- Confirm the action.
Once removed, they’ll lose all access immediately. They won’t receive alerts or be able to view the camera.
Practical Tips for Using Shared Users
Here are some real-world tips to make the most of shared users on your Ring Doorbell:
1. Use It for Family Members
If you have kids who are home alone after school, adding them as a shared user lets them see who’s at the door and talk to visitors safely. Just make sure to disable “Adjust Motion Settings” to prevent accidental changes.
2. Share with Roommates
In shared housing, everyone should know when someone’s at the door. Add each roommate as a shared user so no one misses a delivery or visitor.
3. Temporary Access for Guests
Going on vacation? Invite a trusted neighbor or friend to monitor your doorbell while you’re away. You can remove them when you return.
4. Landlords and Property Managers
If you manage rental properties, you can add tenants as shared users so they can answer the door. Just be clear about what they can and can’t do.
5. Use Nicknames for Clarity
When you add a shared user, Ring uses their email. But you can tap their name and add a nickname (like “Mom” or “Jake”) to make it easier to identify them in the app.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when adding a shared user.
Issue 1: The Invitation Email Isn’t Received
Solution: Check the spam or junk folder. If it’s not there, resend the invitation from the Ring app. Make sure the email address was entered correctly.
Issue 2: The Shared User Can’t Log In
Solution: They may not have a Ring account. Have them download the app and create one using the same email you invited. If they already have an account, make sure they’re logging in with the correct email and password.
Issue 3: Shared User Doesn’t See the Doorbell
Solution: Ask them to close and reopen the Ring app. Sometimes the device doesn’t appear immediately. If it still doesn’t show up, try removing and re-adding them as a shared user.
Issue 4: Permissions Aren’t Working
Solution: Double-check the permissions you set. If you disabled “View Recordings” but they still can’t see past events, make sure you have an active Ring Protect plan. Also, ensure their app is updated to the latest version.
Issue 5: Can’t Remove a Shared User
Solution: Make sure you’re the primary account holder. Only the person who owns the device can remove shared users. If you’re still having trouble, contact Ring Support.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Adding a shared user is convenient, but it’s important to think about security and privacy.
Only Invite People You Trust
Shared users can see who comes to your door and when. Only invite people you fully trust—like family, close friends, or reliable roommates.
Review Access Regularly
Check your shared users list every few months. Remove anyone who no longer needs access, like a former partner or a guest who’s moved out.
Use Strong Passwords
Encourage shared users to use strong, unique passwords for their Ring accounts. This prevents unauthorized access if their email is compromised.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Both you and your shared users should enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in the Ring app. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone when logging in.
Conclusion: Share Access, Stay Connected
Adding a shared user on your Ring Doorbell is a smart way to keep everyone in your household informed and secure. Whether it’s your partner, a teen, or a trusted neighbor, this feature ensures no one misses a visitor, delivery, or suspicious activity.
The process is simple: open the Ring app, go to your doorbell settings, invite the person by email, set their permissions, and let them accept. In under five minutes, they’ll have full access to live video, alerts, and two-way talk—all without needing your login.
Remember to manage permissions wisely, remove access when needed, and prioritize security. With shared users, your Ring Doorbell becomes more than just a camera—it becomes a connected, collaborative tool for home safety.
So go ahead—add that shared user today. Your doorbell is ready to welcome them.