Adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell lets multiple users receive alerts and view live video. 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 and doorbell alerts on their phones.
- Use the Ring app to send invitations: The primary account holder must send an invite via email or phone number through the app’s “Shared Users” feature.
- Guest users need a Ring account: Anyone receiving access must have their own Ring account (free or Ring Protect plan) to accept the invitation.
- Control permissions for shared users: You can choose whether guests can view live video, receive alerts, or access recorded footage.
- Works across devices and platforms: Shared access works on iOS, Android, tablets, and even Alexa-enabled devices.
- Revoke access anytime: If someone no longer needs access, the owner can remove them instantly from the app.
- Troubleshooting tips included: Common issues like invitation failures or login problems are covered with easy fixes.
How to Add a Second Phone to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Guide
So you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell and love how it keeps your home secure—but now your partner, roommate, or family member wants to get alerts too. No problem! Adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell is quick, easy, and completely free. Whether you’re sharing access with your spouse, teen, or even a trusted neighbor, this guide will walk you through every step.
In this comprehensive tutorial, you’ll learn how to invite another person to your Ring Doorbell using the official Ring app. We’ll cover everything from setting up shared users to managing permissions and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll be able to let multiple people receive motion alerts, answer the door remotely, and view live video—all from their own phones.
Let’s get started!
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why sharing access makes sense. Your Ring Doorbell isn’t just a camera—it’s a communication tool. When someone rings the bell or triggers motion detection, you want the right people to know immediately.
Visual guide about How to Add a Second Phone to Ring Doorbell
Image source: storables.com
Here are a few real-life scenarios where adding a second phone is useful:
- Family households: Parents can monitor deliveries while kids are at school.
- Roommates: Everyone gets notified when someone arrives, so no one misses a package or visitor.
- Elderly relatives: Adult children can keep an eye on aging parents without being intrusive.
- Remote workers: You can answer the door even if you’re in another room or working from home.
- Vacation coverage: A neighbor or friend can check on your home while you’re away.
Sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. As the primary account holder, you decide who gets in—and what they can do.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
To add a second phone to your Ring Doorbell, make sure you have the following ready:
- A working Ring Doorbell: Already installed and connected to Wi-Fi.
- The primary Ring account: You must be logged in as the owner (not a shared user).
- The Ring mobile app: Downloaded on your phone (iOS or Android).
- The email or phone number of the person you’re inviting: They’ll need this to accept the invitation.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Doorbell should be online.
Note: The person you’re inviting doesn’t need a Ring device—just a smartphone and a free Ring account.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Second Phone to Ring Doorbell
Now for the main event! Follow these simple steps to grant access to another user.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the Doorbell. If you have multiple Ring devices, ensure you’re viewing the correct one.
Tip: If you’re not sure which account you’re using, tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner and check the profile name at the top.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
From the home screen, tap on your Ring Doorbell. This will open the live view or last recorded clip. Now, tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to access Device Settings.
You’ll see options like Motion Settings, Video Settings, and Linked Chimes. We’re looking for something else—keep scrolling.
Step 3: Select “Shared Users”
Scroll down until you find the Shared Users section. Tap on it. This is where you manage who else can access your Doorbell.
If this is your first time adding someone, you’ll see a message like “No shared users yet” or “Invite someone to share access.”
Step 4: Send an Invitation
Tap the “Add Shared User” button. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address or phone number of the person you want to invite.
Important: Use the same contact info they used to create their Ring account. If they signed up with Gmail, use that email—not a work or alternate address.
After entering the info, tap Send Invitation. The person will receive a notification via email or SMS with a link to accept.
Step 5: Set Permissions (Optional but Recommended)
Before sending, you can customize what the shared user can do. Ring offers three permission levels:
- View Only: Can see live video and recordings but can’t change settings or receive alerts.
- Standard: Can view live video, receive motion and doorbell alerts, and access recordings (most common choice).
- Admin: Can do everything the owner can, including removing other users or changing Wi-Fi settings (use with caution).
For most people, Standard is the best option. It gives full access without risking accidental changes.
Select the appropriate level, then confirm the invitation.
Step 6: Wait for Acceptance
The invited person will receive a message like:
“[Your Name] has invited you to share access to their Ring Doorbell. Tap here to accept.”
They must tap the link and log into their Ring account (or create one if they don’t have one). Once accepted, their phone will sync with your Doorbell.
Tip: If they don’t see the message, ask them to check spam folders or resend the invite.
Step 7: Confirm Access on Your End
Back in your Ring app, go to Shared Users again. You should now see the new user listed with their name and permission level.
You can edit or remove them at any time by tapping on their name.
That’s it! The second phone is now connected to your Ring Doorbell.
How Shared Users Experience the Doorbell
Once added, the second phone works just like yours—with a few limitations based on permissions.
Here’s what they can expect:
- Receive real-time alerts: When someone rings the bell or motion is detected, they’ll get a push notification.
- Answer the door remotely: They can open the app, see who’s there, and talk through the Doorbell’s speaker.
- View live video: Tap “Live View” to see what’s happening in real time.
- Access recordings: If you have a Ring Protect plan, they can watch past events.
- Adjust motion zones (if allowed): Admin users can tweak settings, but Standard users cannot.
They’ll also see your Doorbell listed under “Shared Devices” in their app—not under “My Devices.” This helps distinguish between their own Ring products and yours.
Managing Shared Users: Tips and Best Practices
Adding someone is easy, but managing access wisely keeps your home secure. Here are some pro tips:
Only Invite People You Trust
Even with limited permissions, shared users can see who comes and goes. Avoid adding casual acquaintances or temporary helpers unless absolutely necessary.
Use Descriptive Names
When sending invites, include a note like “Ring Doorbell – Front Door” so the recipient knows which device it is—especially if you have multiple Ring products.
Review Access Regularly
Check your Shared Users list every few months. Remove anyone who no longer needs access (e.g., a former roommate or seasonal helper).
Educate New Users
Show new users how to use the app, mute alerts, or disable motion zones during parties. A quick 5-minute walkthrough prevents confusion.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Enable 2FA on your Ring account to prevent unauthorized access. This adds an extra layer of security for both you and your shared users.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when adding a second phone.
Invitation Not Received
Symptom: The invited person says they never got the email or text.
Fix:
First, double-check the email or phone number you entered. Typos are common.
Ask them to search their inbox for “Ring” or check spam/junk folders.
If still missing, resend the invitation from the Shared Users menu.
As a last resort, have them create a new Ring account with a different email and try again.
“User Already Has Access” Error
Symptom: You get a message saying the person is already linked to the device.
Fix:
They might have been added before and removed, or they’re using a different account.
Ask them to log out and back into the Ring app.
If the issue persists, remove them completely (if listed) and re-invite.
Can’t See Live Video on Second Phone
Symptom: The shared user gets alerts but can’t view live footage.
Fix:
Ensure they have “Standard” or “Admin” permissions (not “View Only”).
Check their internet connection—poor Wi-Fi can block video streams.
Have them force-close and reopen the Ring app.
Update the app to the latest version.
Alerts Not Coming Through
Symptom: The second phone isn’t receiving doorbell or motion alerts.
Fix:
Verify that notifications are enabled in the Ring app (Settings > Notifications).
Check phone-level settings: On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > Ring. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Notifications.
Make sure Do Not Disturb or Focus mode isn’t blocking alerts.
Test by ringing the doorbell yourself.
Permission Changes Not Saving
Symptom: You change a user’s permission level, but it reverts back.
Fix:
Close and reopen the Ring app.
Log out and back into your account.
Ensure you’re the primary owner—shared users can’t modify permissions.
Advanced Tips for Power Users
If you’re managing a smart home or multiple properties, these tips will save you time.
Use Alexa for Hands-Free Access
Link your Ring account to Alexa. Then, shared users can say, “Alexa, show me the front door,” on an Echo Show or Fire TV. Great for kitchens or living rooms.
Create a Family Group
If you have multiple Ring devices (Doorbell, Floodlight Cam, etc.), consider setting up a “Group” in the app. This lets you manage all shared users in one place.
Use Ring Protect for Enhanced Sharing
With a Ring Protect plan ($3.99/month per device), shared users can access 180 days of video history. Without it, they only see live views and 60-second clips.
Enable Smart Alerts
Reduce false alarms by setting motion zones and person detection. Shared users will only get alerts for relevant activity—not every passing car or squirrel.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Sharing access doesn’t mean compromising security. Ring takes privacy seriously, but you should too.
- Data is encrypted: All video streams and recordings are encrypted end-to-end.
- No third-party sharing: Ring doesn’t sell your footage to advertisers.
- Local storage option: Some newer Ring models support local USB recording (no cloud needed).
- Audit logs: You can see when shared users viewed footage or changed settings.
Still, always use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Avoid sharing your login—always use the invite system instead.
Conclusion
Adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell is a smart, simple way to keep your household connected and secure. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can invite family, roommates, or trusted friends to receive alerts, answer the door, and monitor your home—no extra hardware required.
Remember: only share access with people you trust, set appropriate permissions, and review your Shared Users list regularly. If you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips above will help you resolve most problems quickly.
Now that you know how to add a second phone to Ring Doorbell, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that help is always just a notification away. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just in another room, your Ring Doorbell keeps you—and your loved ones—in the loop.
Stay safe, stay connected!