How to Accept Shared Ring Doorbell

Accepting a shared Ring doorbell lets you monitor your home remotely, even if you didn’t install the device. This guide walks you through the entire process—from receiving the invite to managing notifications—so you can stay connected with ease.

Key Takeaways

• Check your email or Ring app for the invite: The person sharing the doorbell will send you an invitation via email or the Ring app. Make sure you’re logged into the correct account.
• Accept the invitation within 7 days: Shared access links expire after one week, so act quickly to avoid needing a new invite.
• Verify device compatibility: Ensure your smartphone or tablet supports the Ring app and has the latest version installed.
• Customize your notification settings: Once accepted, adjust alerts to avoid being overwhelmed by motion or ring notifications.
• Understand shared user permissions: Shared users can view live video and recordings but cannot delete devices or change core settings unless granted admin access.
• Troubleshoot common issues: If you can’t accept the invite, check your internet connection, app version, or ask the owner to resend the link.
• Revoke access if needed: The device owner can remove your access at any time through the Ring app’s sharing settings.

Introduction: What Is a Shared Ring Doorbell and Why Accept One?

If someone—like a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor—has invited you to access their Ring doorbell, you’re in the right place. A shared Ring doorbell allows multiple people to view live video, receive motion alerts, and review recorded footage from the same device. This is especially useful for households with multiple adults, rental properties, or shared living spaces where everyone needs to stay informed about who’s at the door.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to accept a shared Ring doorbell in a few simple steps. Whether you’re helping watch over a vacation home, keeping an eye on elderly parents, or just want to stay in the loop at your shared apartment, accepting a shared Ring doorbell gives you peace of mind without needing to buy your own device. We’ll cover everything from receiving the invite to customizing your experience and troubleshooting common problems.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently accept and use a shared Ring doorbell, manage your notifications, and understand your access level. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Receive the Shared Access Invitation

The first step in accepting a shared Ring doorbell is receiving the invitation from the device owner. This invite can come in two ways: through the Ring mobile app or via email. Here’s how to recognize and respond to each method.

Via the Ring App

If the person sharing the doorbell uses the Ring app, they can send you an invite directly. You’ll see a notification inside the app under the “Devices” or “Shared Users” section. To check:

• Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
• Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner.
• Select “Devices” and look for a pending invitation.
• Tap the notification to view details and accept.

Pro tip: Make sure you’re logged into the Ring account you want to use for sharing. If you have multiple accounts, double-check you’re in the right one.

Via Email

More commonly, the owner will send you an email invitation. This email will come from [email protected] and include a subject line like “You’ve been invited to share a Ring device.” Inside the email, you’ll find a button or link labeled “Accept Invitation” or “Join Now.”

• Open the email on your phone, tablet, or computer.
• Tap or click the “Accept Invitation” button.
• This will redirect you to the Ring website or open the Ring app automatically.

Important: The link in the email expires after 7 days. If you don’t accept it within that time, the owner will need to send a new invite.

What If You Don’t See the Invitation?

If you haven’t received the invite, check the following:

• Spam or junk folder: Sometimes Ring emails get filtered. Search your email for “Ring” or “[email protected].”
• Correct email address: Confirm the owner used the right email linked to your Ring account.
• App notifications: Ensure push notifications are enabled in the Ring app so you don’t miss in-app invites.

If all else fails, ask the device owner to resend the invitation. They can do this easily from their Ring app under “Device Sharing.”

Step 2: Accept the Invitation

Once you’ve located the invitation—whether in the app or email—it’s time to accept it. This process is quick and straightforward, but there are a few key details to keep in mind.

Accepting Through the Ring App

If the invite appears in the app:

• Tap the notification or go to “Devices” > “Shared Devices.”
• Find the pending invitation and tap “Accept.”
• You may be asked to confirm your identity or agree to Ring’s terms of service.
• Once accepted, the doorbell will appear in your “Devices” list.

Note: You must have the Ring app installed and be logged in to complete this step. If you don’t have the app, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

Accepting Through Email

If you clicked the link in the email:

• The link will open in your browser or launch the Ring app.
• If prompted, log in to your Ring account.
• Review the device details (name, location, type).
• Tap “Accept” or “Join” to confirm.

After accepting, the doorbell will be added to your account. You’ll now receive motion and ring alerts based on the settings chosen by the owner.

What Happens After Accepting?

Once you accept the invitation, you gain access to:

• Live video feed from the doorbell.
• Motion and doorbell ring notifications.
• Recorded video clips (if the owner has Ring Protect).
• The ability to speak through the doorbell (if it has a two-way talk feature).

However, your permissions depend on what the owner has set. Most shared users are “Standard Users,” meaning you can view and interact with the device but can’t delete it, change Wi-Fi settings, or remove other users.

Step 3: Set Up and Customize Your Experience

After accepting the shared doorbell, take a few minutes to personalize your settings. This ensures you get the alerts you want without being overwhelmed.

Adjust Notification Settings

By default, you may receive every motion alert and doorbell ring. To avoid notification fatigue:

• Open the Ring app and go to the shared doorbell.
• Tap the gear icon (⚙️) to access “Device Settings.”
• Select “Motion Settings” or “Alert Settings.”
• Choose “Custom” to set specific times or zones for alerts.
• Toggle off “Motion Alerts” or “Ring Alerts” if you only want one type.

Example: If you only want to be notified when someone rings the doorbell (not every time a car drives by), turn off motion alerts and keep ring alerts on.

Enable Two-Way Talk (If Available)

If the doorbell supports two-way audio, you can speak to visitors remotely:

• Open the live view of the doorbell.
• Tap the microphone icon to speak.
• Hold the button while talking, then release to listen.

This is great for greeting delivery drivers or telling someone you’ll be right there.

Review Recorded Videos

If the owner has a Ring Protect plan, you can view past recordings:

• Go to the doorbell in the app.
• Tap “Event History” or “Timeline.”
• Scroll through motion and ring events.
• Tap any event to watch the video clip.

You can’t delete recordings—only the owner or admin can do that—but you can save clips to your phone by tapping the download icon.

Set Up Motion Zones (If Allowed)

Some shared users can adjust motion zones, which define where the doorbell detects activity:

• In “Device Settings,” go to “Motion Settings.”
• Tap “Motion Zones.”
• Draw zones on the camera view to focus on areas like the front walkway.
• Exclude areas like busy streets to reduce false alerts.

This helps you avoid being notified every time a squirrel runs across the lawn.

Step 4: Understand Your Access Level and Permissions

Not all shared users have the same level of access. Ring offers two main types of sharing: Standard User and Admin. Here’s what each can do.

Standard User Permissions

Most people accepting a shared doorbell are Standard Users. You can:

• View live video and recorded clips.
• Receive motion and ring alerts.
• Use two-way talk (if available).
• Adjust your personal notification settings.
• View device health and battery status (for battery-powered models).

But you cannot:

• Delete the device from the account.
• Change Wi-Fi or network settings.
• Remove other users or change sharing settings.
• Upgrade or cancel Ring Protect plans.

Admin User Permissions

Admins have full control over the device. Only the original owner or someone they promote can be an admin. Admins can:

• Do everything a Standard User can do.
• Add or remove shared users.
• Change device name, location, and settings.
• Manage Ring Protect subscriptions.
• Factory reset the device.

If you need more access—like adjusting motion sensitivity or changing the device name—ask the owner to make you an admin or make the changes for you.

Can the Owner Revoke Your Access?

Yes. The device owner can remove your access at any time:

• They go to the Ring app > Device Settings > Shared Users.
• Find your name and tap “Remove.”
• You’ll lose access immediately and stop receiving alerts.

If you’re no longer receiving notifications or can’t view the doorbell, this may be why. Politely ask the owner if they removed your access.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, accepting a shared Ring doorbell doesn’t go smoothly. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.

“I Can’t Find the Invitation”

If you can’t locate the invite:

• Check your email spam/junk folder.
• Confirm the owner used the correct email.
• Ask them to resend the invite from the Ring app.
• Ensure you’re logged into the right Ring account.

Tip: The owner can resend the invite by going to Device Settings > Shared Users > Add User.

“The Link Expired”

Shared access links expire after 7 days. If you see an expiration message:

• Contact the device owner.
• Ask them to send a new invitation.
• Accept the new link within 7 days.

There’s no way to extend the link, so prompt action is key.

“I Accepted, But the Doorbell Isn’t Showing Up”

If you accepted but don’t see the device:

• Close and reopen the Ring app.
• Pull down to refresh the device list.
• Check your internet connection.
• Log out and back into your Ring account.
• Update the Ring app to the latest version.

If it still doesn’t appear, the owner may need to re-invite you.

“I’m Not Getting Notifications”

If you’re not receiving alerts:

• Check your phone’s notification settings for the Ring app.
• Ensure “Allow Notifications” is turned on.
• In the Ring app, go to Device Settings > Alert Settings and confirm alerts are enabled.
• Make sure Do Not Disturb or Focus mode isn’t blocking alerts.

You can also test notifications by asking someone to ring the doorbell.

“The Video Is Laggy or Won’t Load”

Poor video quality or loading issues are usually due to:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal at the doorbell location.
• Slow internet speed on your phone.
• High network traffic.

Try:

• Moving closer to your Wi-Fi router.
• Closing other apps using data.
• Asking the owner to check the doorbell’s signal strength in the app.

If the problem persists, the owner may need to reposition the doorbell or upgrade their internet plan.

“I Can’t Use Two-Way Talk”

If the microphone isn’t working:

• Ensure the doorbell model supports two-way audio (most Ring doorbells do).
• Check that your phone’s microphone isn’t muted.
• Allow microphone access in your phone’s app permissions.
• Update the Ring app.

If it still doesn’t work, the issue may be with the doorbell’s hardware or the owner’s settings.

Best Practices for Using a Shared Ring Doorbell

To make the most of your shared access and maintain good relationships with the device owner, follow these best practices.

Respect Privacy

Remember, you’re accessing someone else’s device. Avoid watching live video unnecessarily, especially at odd hours. Only use the doorbell for its intended purpose—monitoring your home or shared space.

Communicate with the Owner

If you notice a problem—like a low battery, poor signal, or false alerts—let the owner know. They’ll appreciate the heads-up and can take action.

Don’t Share Your Access

You cannot re-share the doorbell with others. Only the owner can add new users. If someone else needs access, ask the owner to invite them directly.

Keep the App Updated

Regularly update the Ring app to ensure you have the latest features and security fixes. Outdated apps can cause compatibility issues.

Use Strong Wi-Fi

If you’re the one using the doorbell frequently, ensure your home network is stable. A strong Wi-Fi signal improves video quality and reduces lag.

Conclusion: Stay Connected with Shared Ring Access

Accepting a shared Ring doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to stay informed about activity at your home or shared property. Whether you’re watching over a family member’s house, managing a rental, or just want to keep an eye on things while you’re away, shared access gives you real-time visibility without the cost of a new device.

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to receive, accept, and customize your shared Ring doorbell experience. You now know how to manage notifications, understand your permissions, and troubleshoot common issues. With these tools, you can confidently use shared access to enhance your home security and peace of mind.

Remember, communication with the device owner is key. Respect their settings, report any issues, and enjoy the convenience of remote monitoring. Now that you know how to accept a shared Ring doorbell, you’re ready to stay connected—no matter where you are.