Accepting an invite to a Ring Doorbell allows you to monitor your home’s front door remotely. This guide walks you through the entire process—from receiving the invitation to accessing live video and motion alerts—so you can stay connected and secure.
Key Takeaways
- Check your email or app notifications: Invitations are sent via email or the Ring app, so always verify the sender to avoid scams.
- Use the correct Ring account: Make sure you’re logged into the Ring app with the email address that received the invite.
- Accept the invite within 7 days: Ring invitations expire after one week, so act quickly to avoid resending.
- Grant appropriate permissions: Choose between “Owner,” “Shared User,” or “Guest” access based on your needs.
- Test your access: Once accepted, verify you can view live video, receive alerts, and use two-way talk.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the invite doesn’t appear, check spam folders, app updates, or network connectivity.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove shared users from the Ring app if needed for security.
How to Accept Invite to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve been invited to access a Ring Doorbell—maybe a family member, roommate, or neighbor wants you to keep an eye on their front door. Great! Ring’s sharing feature lets multiple people monitor the same device, which is perfect for households, shared living spaces, or even trusted friends who help with package deliveries.
But how exactly do you accept that invite? Don’t worry—it’s simple, secure, and takes just a few minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of accepting an invite to a Ring Doorbell, from opening the notification to testing your access. We’ll also cover common pitfalls, troubleshooting tips, and best practices to keep your smart home secure.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to accept invite to Ring Doorbell like a pro—whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, or even a computer.
What Is a Ring Doorbell Invite?
Visual guide about How to Accept Invite to Ring Doorbell
Image source: ringdoorbellinstallationguy.com
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what a Ring Doorbell invite actually is.
When someone sets up a Ring Doorbell, they become the “Owner” of that device. As the owner, they can invite others to access the doorbell through the Ring app. These invites allow you to:
– View live video feeds
– Receive motion and doorbell alerts
– Use two-way audio to speak with visitors
– Review past events in the timeline
There are three types of access levels you can be granted:
– Owner: Full control, including device settings and user management (only one owner per device).
– Shared User: Can view live video, receive alerts, and use two-way talk, but cannot change device settings or invite others.
– Guest: Limited access—can only view live video during a call or when the doorbell is pressed.
Most invites are for “Shared User” access, which is ideal for family members or roommates.
How to Accept Invite to Ring Doorbell: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get into the actual process. Whether you received the invite via email or in the Ring app, here’s how to accept it.
Step 1: Check Your Email or Ring App Notifications
The first thing you’ll need to do is locate the invitation.
Option A: Email Invitation
If the Ring owner sent the invite via email, check your inbox (and spam/junk folder) for a message from [email protected]. The subject line will typically say something like:
> “You’ve been invited to share [Device Name]”
Open the email and look for a button that says “Accept Invitation” or “Join Now”.
Option B: In-App Notification
If you already have the Ring app installed and are logged in, the invite may appear as a notification within the app.
– Open the Ring app on your phone.
– Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-left corner.
– Look for a section called “Invitations” or “Pending Invites.”
– Tap on the pending invite to view details.
Pro Tip: Always verify the sender. Scammers sometimes fake Ring invites. If the email looks suspicious or comes from a strange address, don’t click any links. Instead, ask the person who invited you to confirm.
Step 2: Tap the Accept Button
Once you’ve found the invite—either in your email or the app—tap the “Accept Invitation” button.
If you clicked the link from your email, it will open in your web browser or redirect you to the Ring app (if installed). You may be asked to log in to your Ring account.
Important: Make sure you’re logged in with the same email address that received the invite. If you have multiple Ring accounts, this is a common mistake.
Step 3: Choose Your Access Level (If Prompted)
In some cases, the Ring owner may allow you to choose your access level. More commonly, they’ve already set it.
But if you’re given a choice, here’s what to consider:
– Shared User: Best for most people. You get full viewing and alert access without administrative powers.
– Guest: Only use this if you want minimal access—like checking the camera during a delivery.
Select the appropriate level and tap “Confirm” or “Accept.”
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
After accepting, you’ll usually see a confirmation message saying something like:
> “You’ve successfully joined [Device Name].”
The device should now appear in your Ring app under the “Devices” tab.
If it doesn’t show up right away, don’t panic—sometimes it takes a few minutes to sync.
Step 5: Test Your Access
Now that you’ve accepted the invite, it’s time to make sure everything works.
Here’s how to test your access:
– Open the Ring app.
– Tap on the doorbell device.
– Try viewing the live feed—you should see real-time video.
– Tap the talk button to test two-way audio (say “Hello” to see if the owner hears you).
– Walk past the doorbell to trigger a motion alert—check if you get a notification.
If everything works, congratulations! You’ve successfully accepted the invite to Ring Doorbell.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If You Can’t Accept the Invite
Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.
Issue 1: The Invite Link Doesn’t Work
If clicking the “Accept Invitation” button does nothing or gives an error, try these fixes:
– Check the expiration: Ring invites expire after 7 days. If it’s been longer, ask the owner to resend.
– Update the Ring app: Go to your app store and make sure you have the latest version.
– Use a different browser: If the link opens in a browser, try Chrome, Safari, or Firefox instead.
– Clear cache: On mobile, clear your browser or app cache and try again.
Issue 2: The Device Doesn’t Appear in Your App
Even after accepting, the doorbell might not show up. Here’s what to do:
– Force close and reopen the Ring app.
– Log out and log back in.
– Check your internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal can delay syncing.
– Ask the owner to confirm the invite was sent to the correct email.
Issue 3: You’re Logged Into the Wrong Account
This is a big one. If you have multiple email addresses or Ring accounts, you might be logged in with the wrong one.
– Go to the Ring app > Menu > Settings > Account Settings.
– Check the email address at the top.
– If it’s not the one that received the invite, log out and log in with the correct email.
Issue 4: You Didn’t Receive the Invite
If you were told you’d get an invite but never did:
– Ask the owner to check if the invite was sent successfully.
– Confirm the email address they used.
– Check your spam/junk folder.
– Make sure your email provider isn’t blocking Ring emails.
Issue 5: You’re Getting “Access Denied” Errors
If you can see the device but can’t view live video or get alerts:
– The owner may have changed your access level.
– The device might be offline.
– Your app permissions could be restricted.
Ask the owner to double-check your access in the Ring app under Device Settings > Shared Users.
Best Practices for Accepting Ring Doorbell Invites
To ensure a smooth and secure experience, follow these best practices:
1. Only Accept Invites from Trusted Sources
Just because an email says it’s from Ring doesn’t mean it is. Always verify with the person who claims to have sent the invite. Scammers sometimes send fake links to steal login info.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
When you accept an invite, you’re linking your Ring account to someone else’s device. Protect your account with a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in the Ring app under Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication.
3. Limit Access When Possible
If you’re the one sending invites, only grant “Shared User” or “Guest” access—never give Owner rights unless absolutely necessary.
4. Monitor Shared Users
Regularly check who has access to your devices. Go to Device Settings > Shared Users to see a list and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
5. Keep Your App Updated
Ring frequently releases updates with security patches and new features. Enable automatic updates in your app store to stay protected.
How to Resend or Cancel an Invite (For Owners)
If you’re the one who sent the invite and the person hasn’t accepted it yet, here’s what you can do:
Resend the Invite
– Open the Ring app.
– Go to the device > Device Settings > Shared Users.
– Find the pending invite and tap “Resend Invitation.”
Cancel the Invite
– In the same Shared Users section, tap the pending invite.
– Select “Remove Invitation.”
This is useful if you invited the wrong person or changed your mind.
Can You Accept a Ring Invite on a Computer?
Yes! While the Ring app is primarily mobile, you can accept invites and manage devices on a computer.
Here’s how:
– Open a web browser and go to ring.com.
– Log in with your Ring account.
– Click on “Devices” in the top menu.
– If you have a pending invite, it will appear under “Pending Invitations.”
– Click “Accept” and follow the prompts.
Note: Live viewing and two-way talk work best on mobile, but you can still manage settings and view event history on desktop.
Privacy and Security Tips
Sharing a Ring Doorbell means sharing access to your home’s front door. Keep these privacy tips in mind:
– Don’t share your login: Always use the invite system instead of giving out your password.
– Review recordings: Shared users can see event history, so be mindful of sensitive moments.
– Disable audio recording: If privacy is a concern, ask the owner to turn off audio in the device settings.
– Use Guest mode for deliveries: If a delivery person needs temporary access, use Guest mode instead of full sharing.
Conclusion
Accepting an invite to Ring Doorbell is a simple process that connects you to your home’s security system—no matter where you are. Whether you’re a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor, following the steps in this guide ensures you can view live video, receive alerts, and communicate with visitors safely and securely.
Remember to always verify the invite source, use the correct account, and test your access after accepting. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips above will help you get back on track quickly.
With Ring’s sharing feature, staying connected has never been easier. So go ahead—accept that invite, test your access, and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re always in the loop.