How to Add a Second Iphone to Ring Doorbell

Adding a second iPhone to your Ring Doorbell allows multiple users to receive alerts, view live video, and manage settings. This guide walks you through the process using the Ring app, ensuring seamless setup and troubleshooting common issues.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Ring App: The official Ring app is required to add a second iPhone to your doorbell. Both devices must have the app installed and updated.
• Invite via Email: The primary account holder must send an invitation to the second user’s email address linked to their Ring account.
• Accept Invitation on Second iPhone: The second user must open the Ring app, accept the invite, and log in to gain access.
• Manage User Permissions: You can control what the second user can do—like viewing live video or changing settings—through permission settings.
• Ensure Strong Wi-Fi: A stable internet connection on both iPhones and the doorbell ensures smooth performance and real-time alerts.
• Troubleshoot Login Issues: If the second iPhone can’t connect, check account credentials, app updates, and network settings.
• Security First: Only invite trusted individuals and regularly review shared access for safety.

How to Add a Second iPhone to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

So you’ve got your Ring Doorbell set up and working perfectly on your iPhone. Great! But now, maybe your partner, roommate, or family member wants to get motion alerts and see who’s at the door too. No problem—Ring makes it easy to share access with a second iPhone. Whether you’re setting this up for the first time or adding another user, this guide will walk you through the entire process, from sending the invite to troubleshooting common hiccups.

In this comprehensive how-to, you’ll learn exactly how to add a second iPhone to your Ring Doorbell. We’ll cover everything from the basics of Ring sharing to advanced tips for managing multiple users. By the end, both you and the second iPhone user will be able to receive notifications, view live video feeds, and even speak to visitors—all from your own devices.

Let’s get started.

Why Add a Second iPhone to Your Ring Doorbell?

Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why sharing access is useful. Ring Doorbells are designed for home security and convenience, but one person can’t always be available to answer the door or check alerts. By adding a second iPhone, you ensure that someone else—like a spouse, parent, or trusted neighbor—can monitor your front door when you’re busy, traveling, or simply in another room.

For example, imagine you’re in the backyard grilling dinner, and the doorbell rings. Your phone is inside charging. But your partner, who’s nearby with their iPhone, gets the alert and can see the visitor on the Ring app. They can even talk to the delivery person and let them leave the package safely. That’s the power of shared access.

Plus, having multiple users means better coverage. If one person misses a notification, the other might catch it. It’s especially helpful for families, roommates, or anyone who shares a living space.

What You’ll Need Before Starting

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• A Ring Doorbell already installed and working – It should be connected to Wi-Fi and functioning on your primary iPhone.
• The Ring app installed on both iPhones – Download it for free from the App Store if it’s not already there.
• Both iPhones updated to the latest iOS version – This ensures compatibility with the Ring app.
• A stable Wi-Fi connection – Both the doorbell and the iPhones should be on a strong network.
• The email address of the second user – They’ll need a Ring account (or create one) using this email.
• Admin access to the Ring account – Only the primary account holder can send invitations.

Once you’ve confirmed these, you’re ready to proceed.

Step 1: Open the Ring App on Your Primary iPhone

Start by unlocking your iPhone and opening the Ring app. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the doorbell. This is the account that was used during the initial setup.

Once the app opens, you’ll see the dashboard with your device(s) listed. Tap on the doorbell you want to share access to. This will bring up the device’s live view and settings.

Navigate to Device Settings

In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️). This opens the device settings menu. Scroll down until you find the option labeled “Shared Users” or “People”, depending on your app version.

Tap on it. This is where you’ll manage who has access to your doorbell.

Step 2: Send an Invitation to the Second iPhone User

Inside the Shared Users section, you’ll see a button that says “Add Person” or “Invite User”. Tap it.

A new screen will appear asking for the email address of the person you want to invite. Enter the email address that the second iPhone user will use for their Ring account. This must be the same email they’ll log in with on their device.

Choose Permission Level

Ring allows you to set different permission levels for shared users. You’ll be prompted to choose one of the following:

• Viewer: Can view live video and recorded clips, receive alerts, and talk to visitors. Cannot change settings or delete videos.
• Admin: Has full access, including the ability to change settings, add or remove users, and manage subscriptions.

For most second users—like a spouse or family member—Viewer is sufficient. Only choose Admin if you fully trust the person and want them to have control over the device.

After selecting the permission level, tap “Send Invitation”.

Confirm the Invitation Was Sent

You should see a confirmation message saying the invite was sent successfully. The second user will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation.

Step 3: Second iPhone User Sets Up Their Ring Account

Now it’s time for the second iPhone user to get involved. They’ll need to follow these steps on their device.

Open the Ring App

If they don’t already have the Ring app, they should download it from the App Store. Once installed, open it.

Create or Log In to a Ring Account

If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll need to create one using the same email address you just invited. Tap “Sign Up” and follow the prompts to enter their name, email, password, and phone number.

If they already have a Ring account, they should log in with their existing credentials.

Accept the Invitation

Once logged in, they should see a notification or banner in the app saying they’ve been invited to access a device. Tap on it.

They’ll be taken to a screen showing the doorbell and the permission level (Viewer or Admin). Tap “Accept” to confirm.

Verify Access

After accepting, the doorbell should appear in their device list within the Ring app. They can now tap on it to view live video, check motion history, and receive alerts—just like you.

Step 4: Test the Connection on Both iPhones

It’s important to make sure everything is working correctly. Here’s how to test it:

Trigger a Motion Alert

Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger a motion detection. Both iPhones should receive a push notification within seconds.

Open the Live View

On both devices, open the Ring app and tap the doorbell. You should see the live video feed. Try speaking through the app—both users should be able to hear and talk to each other (or to a visitor).

Check Settings Access

If the second user has Viewer permissions, they shouldn’t be able to change settings like motion zones or recording schedules. Try tapping the gear icon—if it’s grayed out or missing, permissions are working correctly.

Managing Shared Users: Tips and Best Practices

Once the second iPhone is connected, you may want to manage access over time. Here are some tips:

Review Permissions Regularly

Go back to the Shared Users section in your Ring app periodically. Make sure only trusted people have access. If someone moves out or you no longer want them to see your doorbell, remove them.

Remove a User

To remove access, go to Shared Users, tap on the person’s name, and select “Remove Access”. They’ll immediately lose the ability to view the doorbell or receive alerts.

Change Permission Levels

If you initially set someone as a Viewer but now want them to have Admin rights (or vice versa), you can change it. Tap their name in the Shared Users list and select a new permission level.

Use Nicknames for Clarity

If you have multiple shared users, consider giving them nicknames (like “Sarah – Viewer” or “Dad – Admin”) so you can easily identify who’s who.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, adding a second iPhone doesn’t go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

Invitation Not Received

If the second user doesn’t see the invitation email:

• Check the spam or junk folder.
• Make sure the correct email was entered.
• Ask the user to log into their Ring account and check the app for pending invites.
• Resend the invitation from your primary account.

Can’t Accept the Invitation

If the second iPhone user taps “Accept” but nothing happens:

• Ensure they’re logged into the correct Ring account (the one matching the invited email).
• Update the Ring app to the latest version.
• Restart the iPhone and try again.
• Log out and log back into the Ring app.

No Live Video or Alerts on Second iPhone

If the second user can see the doorbell in the app but can’t view live video or get alerts:

• Check their internet connection—Wi-Fi or cellular data must be active.
• Make sure motion alerts are enabled in the app settings.
• Verify that the doorbell is online (green status light in the app).
• Restart the Ring app and the iPhone.

Permission Issues

If the second user can change settings despite being set as a Viewer:

• Double-check the permission level in your Shared Users list.
• Remove and re-invite the user with the correct permissions.
• Ensure they’re not logged into an Admin account by mistake.

App Crashes or Freezes

If the Ring app crashes when the second user tries to access the doorbell:

• Update the app from the App Store.
• Clear the app cache (go to iPhone Settings > Ring > Clear Cache).
• Reinstall the app if necessary.

Security Tips When Sharing Access

While sharing your Ring Doorbell is convenient, it’s important to keep your home secure.

Only Invite Trusted People

Only send invitations to people you trust—family, close friends, or roommates. Avoid sharing access with strangers or temporary guests.

Use Strong Passwords

Both you and the second user should use strong, unique passwords for your Ring accounts. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

Monitor Activity

Ring logs when users view live video or access recordings. You can check this in the app under “Device History” or “User Activity”.

Revoke Access When Needed

If someone moves out or you no longer want them to have access, remove them immediately. Don’t wait.

Advanced Tips for Multiple Users

If you have more than two people who need access (like a family of four), Ring supports multiple shared users. Here’s how to manage it effectively:

Assign Roles Clearly

Designate one person as Admin (usually the homeowner) and others as Viewers. This prevents accidental changes to settings.

Use Family Sharing Wisely

If multiple family members use iPhones, consider creating a shared family email for Ring, but be cautious—this gives everyone the same access level.

Set Up Custom Motion Zones

If different users care about different areas (e.g., driveway vs. front porch), you can create custom motion zones. Only the Admin can do this, so communicate your needs.

Enable Smart Alerts

Use Ring’s Smart Alerts feature to filter notifications by person, package, or vehicle. This reduces false alerts and helps both users focus on what matters.

Conclusion

Adding a second iPhone to your Ring Doorbell is a simple process that greatly enhances your home’s security and convenience. By following the steps in this guide—sending an invitation, accepting it on the second device, and managing permissions—you can ensure that both you and your trusted contacts stay connected to your front door.

Remember to keep your app updated, maintain strong Wi-Fi, and only share access with people you trust. With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell becomes a shared tool for safety, not just a personal gadget.

Whether you’re helping a family member stay informed or making sure your roommate can accept packages, this feature makes life easier. And if you run into any issues, the troubleshooting tips above will help you get back on track quickly.

Now that you know how to add a second iPhone to Ring Doorbell, you’re all set to enjoy smarter, safer home monitoring—together.