Adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell allows multiple users to receive alerts and view live footage. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Ring app, ensuring everyone stays connected and secure.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple users can access one Ring Doorbell: You can invite family members, roommates, or trusted neighbors to receive motion alerts and live video feeds.
- Use the Ring app to send invitations: The primary account holder must send an invite via the app, which the new user accepts to gain access.
- Each user needs their own Ring account: The second phone must have the Ring app installed and a registered account (free or Ring Protect plan).
- Permissions can be customized: Choose whether the new user can view live video, receive alerts, or manage device settings.
- No extra hardware required: Adding a second phone doesn’t require buying new equipment—just the existing Ring Doorbell and app.
- Instant notifications for all users: Once added, the second phone will receive real-time alerts when motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed.
- Easy to remove access later: If needed, you can revoke access at any time through the app’s sharing settings.
How to Add a Second Phone to My Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve got your Ring Doorbell set up and working perfectly—great job! But now you’re wondering: How can my spouse, roommate, or family member also get alerts and see who’s at the door? The good news is, Ring makes it incredibly easy to share access with a second (or even third or fourth) phone. Whether you’re setting up a shared home security system or just want your partner to know when the package arrives, adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell is simple, secure, and free.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every step of adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell. You’ll learn how to invite another user, customize their permissions, troubleshoot common issues, and manage shared access over time. By the end, you’ll have a fully shared smart doorbell system that keeps everyone in the loop—without compromising security.
Let’s get started!
Why Add a Second Phone to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add a Second Phone to My Ring Doorbell
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Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why you might want to share access. A Ring Doorbell isn’t just for one person—it’s a home security tool meant to protect your entire household. Here are a few common scenarios where adding a second phone makes sense:
- Family households: Parents, teens, or grandparents can all receive alerts when someone approaches the door.
- Roommates or shared living spaces: Everyone in the apartment or house can see who’s knocking without needing to be home.
- Remote caregivers: If you’re helping an elderly parent, you can monitor their front door from afar.
- Pet owners: Get alerts when the dog walker arrives or when someone approaches while you’re at work.
- Package protection: Multiple people can respond to delivery alerts, reducing the risk of stolen packages.
Sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. As the primary account holder, you decide who gets access and what they can do. It’s a smart, flexible way to enhance home security for everyone involved.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start the process, make sure you have the following:
- A working Ring Doorbell: Your device should be installed, connected to Wi-Fi, and functioning properly.
- The Ring app installed on your phone: This is where you’ll manage sharing. Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) if you haven’t already.
- The second user’s email address: You’ll need this to send the invitation.
- The second user’s smartphone: They’ll need a phone with the Ring app installed and a registered Ring account.
- A stable internet connection: Both phones should be connected to Wi-Fi or have strong cellular data.
Don’t worry—you don’t need to buy anything extra. The Ring Doorbell itself supports multiple users out of the box. All you need is the app and a few minutes of setup time.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Second Phone to Your Ring Doorbell
Now, let’s walk through the process of adding a second phone. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have shared access up and running in under 10 minutes.
Step 1: Open the Ring App on Your Phone
Start by launching the Ring app on the primary account holder’s phone—that’s you. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the Ring Doorbell. If you have multiple devices, ensure you’re viewing the correct one.
Once the app opens, you’ll see your dashboard with live feeds, recent events, and device status. Tap on the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines in the top-left corner) to access the main navigation.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell Device
From the menu, tap on Devices. You’ll see a list of all Ring devices linked to your account. Find your Ring Doorbell and tap on it to open its settings.
This will bring up the device dashboard, where you can view live video, check battery status, and adjust settings like motion zones and alerts.
Step 3: Go to Sharing Settings
On the device screen, look for the Sharing option. It’s usually located under the “Device Settings” or “More Settings” section. Tap on it to open the sharing menu.
Here, you’ll see a list of people who already have access (if any) and an option to Invite Someone.
Step 4: Send an Invitation
Tap Invite Someone. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to add. This should be the email they use for their Ring account.
After entering the email, tap Send Invitation. Ring will send an email to that address with a link to accept the invite.
Step 5: Set Permissions (Optional but Recommended)
Before sending the invite, you can customize what the new user can do. Ring offers several permission levels:
- Live View Only: The user can see live video but can’t receive alerts or change settings.
- Live View + Alerts: The user can view live video and receive motion and doorbell press notifications.
- Full Access: The user can view live video, receive alerts, and adjust device settings (like motion zones or chime settings).
For most households, Live View + Alerts is the best choice. It keeps everyone informed without giving full control. Only grant Full Access if you fully trust the person and want them to manage the device.
To set permissions, toggle the options before sending the invite. You can always change them later.
Step 6: The Second User Accepts the Invitation
Now, the second user needs to take action. They’ll receive an email from Ring with a subject like “You’ve been invited to share a Ring device.”
Here’s what they need to do:
- Open the email on their phone or computer.
- Tap the Accept Invitation button.
- If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll be prompted to create one (it’s free).
- If they already have an account, they’ll log in.
- Once logged in, the Ring app will automatically add the shared doorbell to their device list.
After accepting, the second phone will appear in your Sharing settings with the permissions you selected.
Step 7: Test the Setup
To make sure everything works, have the second user open the Ring app and check if the doorbell appears in their device list. They should be able to:
- View live video (tap the camera icon).
- Receive notifications (test by pressing the doorbell or walking in front of it).
- Access event history (if permissions allow).
If everything works, congratulations—you’ve successfully added a second phone to your Ring Doorbell!
Tips for a Smooth Sharing Experience
Adding a second phone is easy, but a few best practices can make the experience even better:
Use Real Email Addresses
Always use the second user’s actual email address—not a shared or temporary one. This ensures they receive the invite and can manage their account securely.
Communicate Before Inviting
Let the person know you’re about to send an invite. That way, they’re expecting the email and won’t mistake it for spam.
Check Notification Settings
Even after sharing, the second user should check their notification settings in the Ring app. Go to Account > Alerts & Notifications and make sure doorbell alerts are turned on.
Update the App Regularly
Both phones should keep the Ring app updated. New versions often include bug fixes and security improvements that affect sharing.
Use Strong Passwords
Encourage the second user to use a strong, unique password for their Ring account. This protects both their access and your device.
Managing Shared Access Over Time
Once a second phone is added, you might want to adjust permissions or remove access later. Here’s how to manage shared users:
View Current Shared Users
Go back to Devices > Your Doorbell > Sharing. You’ll see a list of everyone with access, along with their permission levels.
Change Permissions
Tap on a user’s name to edit their permissions. You can upgrade or downgrade their access at any time.
Remove a User
If someone no longer needs access (like a former roommate), tap their name and select Remove Access. They’ll lose all ability to view or receive alerts from your doorbell.
Re-invite if Needed
If a user accidentally deletes the app or loses access, simply send a new invitation using the same email.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
The Invitation Email Isn’t Received
- Check the spam or junk folder.
- Make sure the email address was entered correctly.
- Ask the user to check if they have a Ring account with a different email.
- Resend the invitation from the Sharing menu.
The Second Phone Can’t See the Doorbell
- Ensure the user accepted the invitation and logged into the correct Ring account.
- Restart the Ring app on both phones.
- Check that the doorbell is online (green status light in the app).
- Make sure the user’s app is updated to the latest version.
No Notifications on the Second Phone
- Go to the user’s phone settings and ensure Ring has permission to send notifications.
- In the Ring app, check Alerts & Notifications and enable doorbell alerts.
- Test by pressing the doorbell or triggering motion.
“Device Not Found” Error
- This usually means the invitation wasn’t accepted properly.
- Remove the user from Sharing and send a new invite.
- Ensure both phones are connected to the internet.
Permission Changes Not Saving
- Close and reopen the Ring app.
- Log out and back into your account.
- Try changing permissions again.
If problems persist, contact Ring Support through the app or visit support.ring.com.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Sharing your Ring Doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to think about security and privacy:
- Only share with trusted individuals: Anyone with access can see who comes to your door—so choose wisely.
- Review access regularly: Periodically check who has access and remove people who no longer need it.
- Use two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA on your Ring account to prevent unauthorized access.
- Be mindful of live viewing: Avoid sharing with people who might misuse live video (e.g., for surveillance without consent).
- Understand data policies: Ring stores video clips in the cloud (if you have a Ring Protect plan). Shared users can view these clips based on their permissions.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of shared access while keeping your home and data secure.
Can You Add More Than One Phone?
Absolutely! Ring allows you to share your doorbell with up to 20 users. That means your whole family, roommates, or even trusted neighbors can have access.
Each user receives their own invitation and manages their own notifications. You can customize permissions for each person individually—so your teenager might only get alerts, while your spouse has full access.
To add more phones, simply repeat the invitation process for each new user. There’s no extra cost, and it works the same way every time.
What If the Second User Has a Different Phone Type?
No problem! The Ring app works on both iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices. Whether the second phone is an iPhone 14 or a Samsung Galaxy, the process is identical.
Just make sure the app is downloaded from the official App Store or Google Play. Avoid third-party app stores, as they may contain outdated or modified versions.
Does Adding a Second Phone Affect Performance?
Not at all. Adding a second phone doesn’t slow down your doorbell or reduce video quality. The Ring Doorbell streams video directly to the cloud, and each user accesses it independently.
However, if multiple people are viewing live video at the same time, it may use slightly more data. But for most households, this isn’t a concern.
Conclusion
Adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell is a smart, simple way to keep everyone in your household informed and secure. Whether it’s your partner, a roommate, or a family member, shared access means no one misses a delivery, visitor, or potential security issue.
By following the steps in this guide—sending an invitation, setting permissions, and testing the setup—you can have a second phone connected in minutes. And with ongoing management features, you can adjust access as your needs change.
Remember: sharing is caring, but security comes first. Only invite people you trust, keep your app updated, and review access regularly.
Now that you know how to add a second phone to your Ring Doorbell, you’re ready to enjoy smarter, safer home monitoring—together.