Changing the owner of your Ring doorbell is easy when you follow the right steps. This guide walks you through the process of transferring ownership from one account to another, whether you’re selling your home or gifting the device.
Key Takeaways
- Only the current owner can initiate a transfer: The person listed as the owner in the Ring app must start the process to ensure security and prevent unauthorized changes.
- Both parties need Ring accounts: The new owner must have an active Ring account before the transfer can be completed.
- Factory reset is required after transfer: Once ownership is changed, the device must be reset and set up again under the new owner’s account.
- Subscription plans don’t transfer automatically: Any active Ring Protect plans must be canceled or transferred separately by contacting Ring support.
- Wi-Fi and device settings are wiped during reset: The new owner will need to reconnect the doorbell to Wi-Fi and reconfigure motion zones and alerts.
- Use the Ring app for all steps: The entire process happens within the Ring mobile app—no need to access a web browser or call customer service.
- Keep your device nearby: You’ll need physical access to the doorbell during setup, especially for scanning QR codes and reconnecting to power.
How to Change Ring Doorbell Owner: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve decided to pass on your Ring doorbell to someone else—maybe you’re moving, gifting it to a family member, or selling your home. Whatever the reason, transferring ownership of your Ring doorbell is a smart and secure way to ensure the new user gets full access without any lingering ties to your account.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of changing the owner of your Ring doorbell. Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell Pro, or any other model, the steps are nearly identical. We’ll cover everything from preparing for the transfer to troubleshooting common issues, so you can hand over your device with confidence.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to safely and correctly change the owner of your Ring doorbell, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and the new user. Let’s get started!
Why Change the Ring Doorbell Owner?
Visual guide about How to Change Ring Doorbell Owner
Image source: i0.wp.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why changing ownership matters. Ring doorbells are tied to individual accounts for security and privacy reasons. When you set up your device, it’s registered under your name and linked to your email, phone number, and payment methods (if you have a Ring Protect plan).
If you simply unplug the doorbell and give it away without transferring ownership, the new user won’t be able to access live video, receive motion alerts, or review recordings. Worse, your personal data could still be linked to the device.
Changing the owner ensures:
– The new user gets full control over the doorbell.
– Your personal information is removed from the device.
– The doorbell functions properly under the new account.
– Any subscription services are properly managed.
It’s a simple process, but skipping it can lead to frustration and security risks. So, let’s make sure you do it right.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before you begin the transfer process, make sure you have the following:
- Your Ring app installed: Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Ring app on your smartphone (iOS or Android).
- Access to your Ring account: You must be logged in as the current owner.
- The new owner’s Ring account details: They need to have a Ring account set up with a valid email and password.
- Physical access to the doorbell: You’ll need to be near the device to complete the setup after the transfer.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection: Both you and the new owner will need Wi-Fi to complete the setup.
- The doorbell’s QR code: This is usually found on the back of the device or in the original packaging.
Having these items ready will make the process much smoother.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Log In
Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password to access your account.
Once you’re in, you’ll see the dashboard with all your Ring devices. Locate the doorbell you want to transfer and tap on it to open its settings.
Navigate to Device Settings
In the device view, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the device settings menu. This is where you’ll find options for motion settings, alerts, and—most importantly—ownership transfer.
Step 2: Initiate the Ownership Transfer
Inside the device settings, scroll down until you see the option labeled “Transfer Device” or “Change Owner”. Tap on it to begin the process.
You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to transfer ownership. Ring will warn you that this action cannot be undone and that all data associated with the device will be removed from your account.
Enter the New Owner’s Email
Next, you’ll need to enter the email address associated with the new owner’s Ring account. Make sure you type it correctly—this is how Ring identifies the recipient.
If the email is valid and linked to an active Ring account, you’ll see a confirmation message. If not, you’ll get an error, and you’ll need to double-check the email or ask the new owner to create an account first.
Confirm the Transfer
After entering the email, tap “Send Transfer Request”. The new owner will receive an email notification with a link to accept the transfer.
At this point, the doorbell is still under your control, but the transfer is pending. The new owner has 7 days to accept the request. If they don’t, the transfer will expire, and you’ll need to start over.
Step 3: New Owner Accepts the Transfer
The new owner should check their email for a message from Ring with the subject line “You’ve been invited to take ownership of a Ring device.”
They need to open the email and click the “Accept Transfer” button. This will redirect them to the Ring app (or prompt them to download it if they haven’t already).
Log In to the Ring App
Once in the app, the new owner must log in with their Ring account credentials. If they don’t have an account, they’ll need to create one first.
After logging in, they’ll see a notification about the pending transfer. They should tap “Accept” to confirm.
At this point, the device will appear in their app, but it’s not yet active. The next step is crucial: a factory reset.
Step 4: Factory Reset the Doorbell
This is a critical step. Even though ownership has been transferred, the doorbell is still configured under your old settings. To ensure a clean start, the device must be reset to factory defaults.
Locate the Reset Button
On most Ring doorbells, the reset button is a small, recessed button on the back or side of the device. You’ll need a paperclip or SIM tool to press it.
For example:
– On the Ring Video Doorbell (1st and 2nd gen), the reset button is on the back, near the bottom.
– On the Ring Doorbell Pro, it’s on the right side.
– On the Ring Doorbell 3 and 4, it’s on the back, below the QR code.
Press and Hold the Reset Button
Press and hold the reset button for about 10–15 seconds. You’ll see the LED light on the front of the doorbell flash white, then turn solid white. This indicates the reset is in progress.
Wait until the light turns off completely—this means the reset is complete. The doorbell is now wiped clean and ready for setup under the new owner’s account.
Step 5: Set Up the Doorbell Under the New Owner’s Account
Now it’s time for the new owner to set up the doorbell as if it were brand new.
Open the Ring App and Add a Device
The new owner should open the Ring app and tap the “+” icon in the top-left corner to add a new device.
Select “Doorbells” from the list, then choose the correct model (e.g., “Ring Video Doorbell”).
Scan the QR Code
The app will prompt them to scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell. They should use their phone’s camera to scan it.
If the QR code is damaged or missing, they can manually enter the device serial number, which is usually printed near the QR code.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Next, the app will ask them to connect the doorbell to their Wi-Fi network. They’ll need to select their network and enter the password.
Make sure the Wi-Fi signal is strong where the doorbell is installed. Weak signals can cause connection issues.
Complete the Setup
The app will guide them through the rest of the setup, including:
– Naming the device (e.g., “Front Door”)
– Setting up motion zones
– Enabling alerts and notifications
– Testing the doorbell and camera
Once everything is configured, the doorbell will be fully operational under the new owner’s account.
What Happens to Your Data?
After the transfer and reset, all your personal data is removed from the device. This includes:
– Recorded videos
– Motion alerts
– Device settings
– Wi-Fi credentials
Your Ring account will no longer show the device, and you won’t receive any notifications from it.
However, if you had a Ring Protect subscription, it’s important to note that the plan does not automatically transfer. You’ll need to cancel it or contact Ring support to transfer it to the new owner.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful steps, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Transfer Request Not Received
If the new owner doesn’t get the email, check the following:
– Did you enter the correct email address?
– Is the email inbox full or filtering the message as spam?
– Does the new owner have a Ring account?
Ask them to check their spam folder or try resending the request.
Doorbell Won’t Reset
If the LED light doesn’t flash or the reset doesn’t work:
– Make sure the doorbell is receiving power (check wiring or battery).
– Try pressing the reset button again, holding it longer (up to 20 seconds).
– If it’s a wired model, turn off the power at the breaker, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
Can’t Connect to Wi-Fi
If the new owner can’t connect the doorbell to Wi-Fi:
– Ensure the Wi-Fi network is 2.4 GHz (Ring doorbells don’t support 5 GHz).
– Move the router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
– Restart the router and try again.
Device Not Showing Up in App
If the doorbell doesn’t appear after setup:
– Make sure the QR code was scanned correctly.
– Try removing the device from the app and adding it again.
– Ensure the new owner is logged into the correct Ring account.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
To make the process as easy as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Communicate clearly with the new owner: Let them know what to expect and when they’ll receive the email.
- Do the transfer when both parties are available: It’s easier to troubleshoot in real time.
- Keep the original packaging: The QR code and serial number are often printed on the box.
- Cancel your subscription beforehand: Avoid being charged for a plan you’re no longer using.
- Test the doorbell after transfer: Make sure everything works before considering the job done.
Final Thoughts
Changing the owner of your Ring doorbell is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure a secure and seamless transfer that protects your privacy and gives the new owner full control.
Remember: only the current owner can initiate the transfer, both parties need Ring accounts, and a factory reset is essential. Once everything is set up, the new owner can enjoy all the features of their Ring doorbell—just like it was brand new.
Whether you’re moving, upgrading, or sharing the gift of home security, transferring ownership the right way makes all the difference.