This guide walks you through how to access Ring Doorbell as a shared user, including setup, permissions, and common issues. Whether you’re a family member, roommate, or property manager, you’ll learn to view live feeds, receive alerts, and manage recordings securely.
Key Takeaways
- Shared users can view live video and receive motion alerts but cannot change device settings or delete recordings without owner approval.
- The Ring app is required for access—both the owner and shared user must have the app installed on a compatible smartphone or tablet.
- Only the device owner can send invites through the Ring app by entering the shared user’s email address linked to their Ring account.
- Shared users must accept the invitation via email and log in to their Ring account to gain access to the doorbell.
- Permissions can be customized—owners can limit access to live view only or allow two-way audio and recording playback.
- Multiple shared users can be added to a single Ring device, making it ideal for families, roommates, or rental properties.
- Troubleshooting tips include checking internet connection, updating the app, and ensuring the shared user’s account is active.
How to Access Ring Doorbell as Shared User: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve ever wanted to check who’s at the door when you’re not home—or if you share a home with family, roommates, or tenants—knowing how to access Ring Doorbell as a shared user is essential. Ring Doorbells are popular smart home devices that offer real-time video, motion detection, and two-way audio. But what if you’re not the primary owner? Can you still see who’s ringing the bell?
The good news is yes—Ring allows multiple users to access a single doorbell through its “Shared User” feature. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a shared user, from receiving an invitation to viewing live video and managing alerts. Whether you’re a parent wanting to monitor your front door, a property manager overseeing multiple units, or just a roommate who wants to know when packages arrive, this guide has you covered.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand how shared access works, how to set it up, what permissions you’ll have, and how to troubleshoot common issues. Let’s get started.
What Is a Shared User on Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Access Ring Doorbell as Shared User
Image source: lifewire.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand what a “shared user” actually means in the Ring ecosystem.
A shared user is someone who has been granted access to a Ring device—like a doorbell or security camera—by the device’s owner. This person can view live video, receive motion and doorbell alerts, and in some cases, use two-way audio to speak through the device. However, shared users do not have full control over the device. They cannot change settings, delete recordings, or remove other users.
Think of it like this: the owner is the “admin,” and shared users are “guests” with limited but useful access. This setup is perfect for families, roommates, Airbnb hosts, or anyone who wants others to stay informed without giving them full control.
Who Can Be a Shared User?
Anyone with a valid email address and a Ring account can become a shared user—as long as the device owner invites them. You don’t need to own a Ring device yourself. In fact, many people use shared access to monitor their parents’ homes, rental properties, or vacation homes.
For example:
– A grandparent might invite their adult child to monitor their front door for safety.
– A landlord might give tenants access to a Ring doorbell at their rental unit.
– Roommates can share access so everyone knows when someone’s at the door.
As long as the owner sends the invite and the recipient accepts it, access is granted.
Prerequisites for Shared Access
Before you can access a Ring Doorbell as a shared user, a few things must be in place:
1. The Device Must Be Set Up and Online
The Ring doorbell must already be installed, connected to Wi-Fi, and functioning properly. If the device is offline or not set up, shared access won’t work.
2. The Owner Must Have a Ring Account
Only the device owner can send invites. They must have a verified Ring account linked to the doorbell.
3. You Need a Ring Account
Even as a shared user, you must have your own Ring account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it using your email address.
4. A Compatible Device
You’ll need a smartphone or tablet with the Ring app installed. The app is available for:
– iOS (iPhone/iPad) – Requires iOS 13.0 or later
– Android – Requires Android 7.0 or later
5. Internet Connection
Both the doorbell and your device need a stable internet connection to stream video and receive alerts.
Step-by-Step: How to Access Ring Doorbell as a Shared User
Now that you know the basics, let’s walk through the process of becoming a shared user.
Step 1: Receive an Invitation from the Owner
The first step is receiving an invite from the device owner. Here’s how it works:
The owner opens the Ring app on their phone and goes to the device they want to share (e.g., their Ring Video Doorbell). They tap on the device, then select “Shared Users” or “People” (depending on the app version). From there, they tap “Add Person” and enter your email address.
You’ll receive an email invitation with a link to accept access. Make sure to check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see it.
Step 2: Create or Log In to Your Ring Account
If you already have a Ring account, simply log in when you click the invitation link. If not, you’ll be prompted to create one.
To create a Ring account:
– Go to the Ring website or open the Ring app.
– Tap “Sign Up” and enter your name, email, and password.
– Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to you.
Once your account is active, return to the invitation email and click the link.
Step 3: Accept the Invitation
After logging in, you’ll see a prompt asking if you want to accept access to the Ring device. Tap “Accept.”
You’ll then be redirected to the Ring app (or prompted to open it). The doorbell will now appear in your device list.
Step 4: Access the Doorbell
Open the Ring app on your phone. You should now see the shared doorbell under “Devices.” Tap on it to view the live feed.
From here, you can:
– Watch live video
– Receive motion and doorbell alerts
– Use two-way audio (if enabled by the owner)
– View past recordings (if allowed)
Customizing Shared User Permissions
One of the best features of Ring’s shared access is that owners can customize what shared users can do. This helps maintain security while still providing useful access.
Types of Permissions
When the owner sends an invite, they can choose from several permission levels:
- Live View Only: The shared user can only see the live video feed. They cannot hear audio, speak through the doorbell, or view recordings.
- Live View + Two-Way Audio: The user can see and hear what’s happening and speak through the doorbell.
- Live View + Recordings: The user can view live video and playback past recordings stored in the Ring cloud.
- Full Access (Rare): In some cases, owners may grant full access, but this is not recommended for security reasons.
Most owners choose “Live View + Two-Way Audio” for family members or trusted individuals.
How to Check Your Permissions
As a shared user, you can check what you’re allowed to do:
– Open the Ring app.
– Tap on the shared doorbell.
– Look for options like “Talk” (for two-way audio) or “History” (for recordings).
– If these options are grayed out or missing, your permissions may be limited.
If you need more access, contact the device owner and ask them to update your permissions.
Using the Ring App as a Shared User
Once you’ve accepted the invite, the Ring app becomes your control center for the shared doorbell. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Viewing Live Video
Tap the doorbell icon in the app to open the live feed. You’ll see a real-time video stream from the doorbell’s camera. The quality depends on your internet speed and the doorbell model (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell Pro offers HD video).
Tip: Pinch to zoom in on the video for a closer look.
Receiving Alerts
When motion is detected or someone rings the doorbell, you’ll receive a push notification on your phone (if enabled). Tap the notification to open the live feed instantly.
To manage alerts:
– Go to the device in the app.
– Tap the gear icon (settings).
– Select “Motion Settings” or “Alert Settings.”
– Choose when and how you want to be notified (e.g., only during certain hours).
Note: You can only adjust alert settings if the owner has granted you permission.
Using Two-Way Audio
If the owner has enabled two-way audio, you’ll see a microphone icon on the live feed. Tap it to speak through the doorbell.
This is useful for:
– Greeting delivery drivers
– Talking to visitors when you’re not home
– Checking on kids or pets
Tip: Hold the microphone button while speaking, then release to listen.
Viewing Recordings
If the owner allows access to recordings, you can view past events:
– Open the doorbell in the app.
– Tap “History” or “Timeline.”
– Scroll through the list of events (motion or doorbell rings).
– Tap any event to watch the recording.
Recordings are stored in the cloud and may require a Ring Protect subscription (see below).
Ring Protect: Do You Need It?
Ring Protect is a subscription service that enables video recording and cloud storage. Without it, your doorbell will still send live alerts and allow two-way audio, but it won’t save recordings.
How It Affects Shared Users
– If the owner has Ring Protect, shared users can view past recordings (if permitted).
– If there’s no subscription, only live video is available—no playback.
As a shared user, you don’t need to pay for Ring Protect. The owner covers the subscription, and you benefit from the features they’ve enabled.
Tip: Ask the owner if they have Ring Protect if you want to review past events.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper setup, you might run into problems accessing the Ring doorbell as a shared user. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Issue 1: I Didn’t Receive the Invitation Email
– Check your spam or junk folder.
– Ask the owner to resend the invite.
– Make sure the owner entered the correct email address.
Issue 2: The Doorbell Doesn’t Appear in My App
– Ensure you’ve accepted the invitation.
– Log out and back into the Ring app.
– Restart the app or your phone.
– Confirm the device is online (ask the owner to check).
Issue 3: Live Video Won’t Load
– Check your internet connection.
– Move closer to your Wi-Fi router.
– Ask the owner if the doorbell is online (they can check in their app).
– Update the Ring app to the latest version.
Issue 4: I Can’t Use Two-Way Audio
– The owner may have disabled this feature for your account.
– Your phone’s microphone or speaker may be muted.
– Check app permissions: go to your phone’s settings > Ring > allow microphone access.
Issue 5: Alerts Aren’t Coming Through
– Make sure push notifications are enabled for the Ring app.
– Check your phone’s Do Not Disturb settings.
– In the app, verify that motion and doorbell alerts are turned on.
Issue 6: The App Crashes or Freezes
– Close and reopen the app.
– Update the app from the App Store or Google Play.
– Restart your phone.
– Reinstall the app if problems persist.
Security and Privacy Tips for Shared Users
While shared access is convenient, it’s important to use it responsibly.
Respect Privacy
Only use the doorbell for its intended purpose—monitoring your home or shared space. Avoid spying on neighbors or recording private areas.
Keep Your Account Secure
Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Ring account. This prevents unauthorized access.
Log Out on Shared Devices
If you’re using a family tablet or public device, always log out of the Ring app when you’re done.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you notice something unusual—like someone tampering with the doorbell—notify the owner immediately.
Can Shared Users Remove Themselves?
Yes. If you no longer want access to a shared doorbell, you can remove yourself:
– Open the Ring app.
– Go to the shared device.
– Tap the gear icon (settings).
– Scroll down and select “Remove Access” or “Leave Device.”
This will immediately revoke your access. The owner will be notified.
Can the Owner Remove a Shared User?
Absolutely. The owner can remove shared users at any time:
– Open the Ring app.
– Go to the device.
– Tap “Shared Users” or “People.”
– Find the user and tap “Remove.”
The shared user will lose access instantly and receive a notification.
Best Practices for Shared Access
To ensure smooth and secure shared access, follow these tips:
- Communicate with the owner: Let them know how you plan to use the doorbell.
- Limit access to trusted individuals: Only share with people you trust.
- Review permissions regularly: Ask the owner to update your access if your needs change.
- Keep the app updated: New features and security fixes are released regularly.
- Use strong passwords: Protect your Ring account from hackers.
Conclusion
Accessing a Ring Doorbell as a shared user is a simple and powerful way to stay connected to your home, even when you’re not there. Whether you’re checking on a delivery, greeting a visitor, or monitoring your property, shared access gives you peace of mind without compromising security.
By following the steps in this guide, you can easily accept an invitation, customize your experience, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Remember, your access depends on the owner’s settings, so always communicate openly and use the feature responsibly.
With the right setup, shared access to a Ring Doorbell can make life easier for families, roommates, and property managers alike. So go ahead—accept that invite, open the app, and start seeing who’s at the door.