Accepting a Ring Doorbell invite is simple once you know the right steps. Whether you’re sharing access with family or a neighbor, this guide walks you through the process on mobile and desktop. You’ll be viewing live feeds and managing alerts in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Check your email or app notifications: Ring sends invites via email or in-app alerts—always verify the sender to avoid scams.
- Use the Ring app to accept: The invite must be accepted through the official Ring app on iOS or Android, not just by clicking a link in your email.
- Ensure your app is updated: Outdated versions may not display or process invites correctly—update via the App Store or Google Play.
- Verify account and device compatibility: You need a Ring account, and the doorbell must be compatible with shared user access.
- Set custom permissions: Once accepted, you can choose what actions you’re allowed to perform, like viewing live video or adjusting settings.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the invite doesn’t appear, check spam folders, resend the invite, or confirm the device is online.
- Remove access anytime: Shared users can be removed by the device owner through the Ring app’s user management settings.
How to Accept a Ring Doorbell Invite: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve received an invitation to access someone’s Ring Doorbell—maybe it’s a family member, roommate, or friendly neighbor who wants you to keep an eye on things while they’re away. Great! Sharing access can boost home security and make life more convenient. But how exactly do you accept that invite? Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of accepting a Ring Doorbell invite, whether you’re using an iPhone, Android phone, or even a computer. We’ll cover everything from checking your notifications to customizing your access level. Plus, we’ll share troubleshooting tips for when things don’t go as planned.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to accept a Ring Doorbell invite, understand your permissions, and even manage shared access like a pro. Let’s get started!
What Is a Ring Doorbell Invite?
Visual guide about How to Accept a Ring Doorbell Invite
Image source: images.ctfassets.net
Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify what a Ring Doorbell invite actually is. When someone owns a Ring Doorbell (like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell 4, or Ring Video Doorbell Wired), they can grant access to other people. This is called “sharing” the device.
The invite is essentially a digital permission slip. It allows another person—like you—to view live video, receive motion alerts, talk through the doorbell, and sometimes even adjust settings. This is especially useful for families, roommates, or trusted neighbors who want to help monitor a property.
The invite can be sent in two main ways:
– Via email: You’ll get a message from Ring (sent from [email protected]) with a link.
– Through the Ring app: If the person is already in your Ring network, they might send the invite directly through the app.
Either way, the invite must be accepted through the official Ring app—not just by clicking a link in your email. That’s a key point we’ll come back to.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Accepting the Invite
Before you can accept a Ring Doorbell invite, make sure you have the following:
A Valid Ring Account
You must have your own Ring account. If you don’t already have one, download the Ring app and sign up using your email address and a secure password. You’ll also need to verify your email.
The Latest Version of the Ring App
Using an outdated app can cause issues. Make sure you’ve updated the Ring app on your phone:
– On iPhone: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll down to see pending updates.
– On Android: Open Google Play Store, tap the menu, go to “My apps & games,” and update Ring if needed.
A Compatible Device
Most modern smartphones and tablets work with Ring. Your device should run:
– iOS 13 or later (iPhone 6s or newer recommended)
– Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later
Stable Internet Connection
You’ll need Wi-Fi or mobile data to download the app, log in, and accept the invite.
Access to the Email or App Notification
Keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder!) for the invite email. If it was sent through the app, check the notifications tab inside Ring.
Once you’ve confirmed these basics, you’re ready to accept the invite.
Step 1: Locate the Invite
The first step is finding the invite. It can arrive in two ways:
Via Email
If the person shared the doorbell via email, you’ll receive a message from Ring. Here’s what to look for:
– Sender: [email protected]
– Subject line: “You’ve been invited to view a Ring device”
– Body: Includes the device name (e.g., “Front Door”) and the name of the person who invited you.
Pro Tip: If you don’t see the email, check your spam or junk folder. Sometimes email filters mistakenly flag Ring invites as spam.
Via the Ring App
If the invite was sent through the app, you’ll see a notification:
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the Notifications tab (bell icon at the bottom).
3. Look for a message like “[Name] invited you to view [Device Name].”
If you don’t see it, ask the person who sent the invite to double-check that it was sent successfully.
Step 2: Open the Ring App
Regardless of how you received the invite, you must accept it through the Ring app. Here’s how:
On iPhone or iPad
1. Tap the Ring app icon on your home screen.
2. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password.
3. Wait for the app to load your dashboard.
On Android
1. Find and tap the Ring app (usually a blue icon with a white bell).
2. Log in if prompted.
3. Allow any requested permissions (like camera or microphone access).
On a Computer (Web Browser)
While the Ring app is mobile-only, you can manage some features via the web:
1. Go to ring.com.
2. Click “Log In” in the top-right corner.
3. Enter your credentials.
Note: You can view live video and manage settings on the web, but you cannot accept invites through the website. You must use the mobile app.
Step 3: Accept the Invite in the App
Now for the main event—accepting the invite.
Method 1: Accepting from the Notifications Tab
1. In the Ring app, tap the Notifications tab (bottom right).
2. Find the invite notification.
3. Tap on it to open.
4. You’ll see a screen with the device name, location, and the inviter’s name.
5. Tap Accept Invite.
6. Confirm by tapping Accept again if prompted.
Method 2: Accepting from the Email Link
If you clicked the link in the email:
1. The link will open in your browser or the Ring app (if installed).
2. If it opens in a browser, tap “Open in Ring App” or similar.
3. The app will launch and show the invite screen.
4. Tap Accept Invite and confirm.
Important: If the link opens in a browser and doesn’t redirect to the app, manually open the Ring app and check the Notifications tab. Sometimes the invite appears there even if the link doesn’t work.
Method 3: Accepting from the Devices Tab
In some cases, the invite may appear under your devices:
1. Tap the Devices tab (bottom center).
2. Look for a grayed-out device labeled “Pending Invite” or similar.
3. Tap on it.
4. Tap Accept Invite.
Step 4: Set Your Permissions (Optional)
Once you accept the invite, the device owner can choose what you’re allowed to do. These are called “permissions.” You’ll see them when you first access the device.
Common permission levels include:
– View Only: You can see live video and recorded clips but can’t change settings.
– Standard User: You can view video, receive alerts, and talk through the doorbell.
– Admin: Full access—can change settings, add/remove users, and manage alerts.
The owner sets these permissions, but you’ll be notified of your level when you accept. If you think your access is too limited, politely ask the owner to adjust it.
Step 5: Start Using the Shared Doorbell
Congratulations—you’ve accepted the invite! Now you can:
– View live video by tapping the device in the Devices tab.
– Receive motion and doorbell alerts (if enabled).
– Talk to visitors using the two-way audio feature.
– Review past events in the History tab.
To access the shared doorbell:
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the Devices tab.
3. Find the shared doorbell (it will appear alongside your own devices).
4. Tap it to open the live view.
Pro Tip: You can customize your alert settings for the shared doorbell. Go to the device settings, tap “Motion Settings” or “Alert Settings,” and choose when and how you want to be notified.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, accepting a Ring Doorbell invite doesn’t go smoothly. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Issue 1: The Invite Email Didn’t Arrive
– Check your spam or junk folder.
– Ask the sender to resend the invite.
– Confirm the email address used is correct.
Issue 2: The Invite Link Doesn’t Work
– Make sure the Ring app is installed and updated.
– Try opening the link on a different device.
– Manually check the Notifications tab in the app.
Issue 3: The Invite Doesn’t Appear in the App
– Log out and log back into the Ring app.
– Restart your phone.
– Ask the sender to check if the invite was sent successfully.
Issue 4: You Can’t Accept the Invite
– Ensure you’re logged into the correct Ring account.
– Confirm the device is online (ask the owner to check).
– Try accepting from a different network (e.g., switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data).
Issue 5: You Don’t See the Shared Device After Accepting
– Pull down to refresh the Devices tab.
– Close and reopen the app.
– Wait a few minutes—sometimes it takes time to sync.
Issue 6: You’re Getting Too Many Alerts
– Go to the device settings.
– Adjust motion zones or sensitivity.
– Turn off alerts during certain hours.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
To make the most of your shared Ring Doorbell access, keep these tips in mind:
Communicate with the Device Owner
Let them know when you accept the invite and ask about their expectations. Are you supposed to answer the doorbell? Just monitor for suspicious activity? Clear communication prevents misunderstandings.
Respect Privacy
Only use the doorbell for its intended purpose. Avoid recording or sharing footage without permission.
Keep the App Updated
Regular updates fix bugs and improve performance. Enable automatic updates if possible.
Use Strong Passwords
Protect your Ring account with a unique, strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
Test the Features
Try viewing live video, talking through the doorbell, and checking alerts to make sure everything works as expected.
How to Remove Access (If Needed)
If you no longer want access to the shared doorbell, you can’t remove yourself directly—only the device owner can do that. However, you can:
– Turn off notifications for that device.
– Hide it from your Devices tab (tap the device, go to Settings, and toggle “Show in Devices”).
To fully remove access, ask the owner to:
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Go to the shared device.
3. Tap the gear icon (Settings).
4. Select “Users.”
5. Find your name and tap “Remove User.”
Security and Privacy Considerations
Sharing a Ring Doorbell is convenient, but it comes with responsibilities.
Only Share with Trusted People
Anyone with access can see your home’s activity. Only invite people you trust.
Monitor Shared Users
The device owner can see who accessed the doorbell and when. Regularly review the user list.
Beware of Scams
Never accept invites from unknown senders. Ring will never ask for your password via email.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Enable 2FA in your Ring account settings to prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
Accepting a Ring Doorbell invite is a straightforward process—once you know where to look and what steps to follow. Whether you received the invite by email or through the app, the key is to use the official Ring app to accept it. From there, you can view live video, receive alerts, and even communicate with visitors, all while helping keep a home secure.
Remember to keep your app updated, check your notifications, and communicate clearly with the device owner. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips above should help you get back on track.
Sharing access to a Ring Doorbell is a great way to strengthen community safety and support. Now that you know how to accept a Ring Doorbell invite, you’re ready to stay connected and protected—no matter where you are.