This guide walks you through adding a second user to your Ring Doorbell so family members or trusted neighbors can receive alerts and view live feeds. No technical skills required—just follow our simple steps using the Ring app.
Key Takeaways
- Adding a second user is free and easy: You can invite up to 20 users to share access to your Ring Doorbell without any extra cost.
- Use the Ring app on your smartphone: All user management happens within the Ring mobile app—no need to touch the physical doorbell.
- Choose the right permission level: You can assign “Owner,” “Admin,” or “User” roles, each with different access rights.
- Guests receive instant notifications: Once added, the new user gets motion alerts, doorbell rings, and can answer the door from their own device.
- Revoke access anytime: If someone no longer needs access, you can remove them instantly from the app.
- Works with all Ring Doorbells: This process applies to Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Elite, and newer models.
- Troubleshooting is simple: Common issues like failed invitations or missing notifications usually have quick fixes.
Introduction: Why Share Your Ring Doorbell?
So you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell—great choice! It keeps your home secure, lets you see who’s at the door even when you’re miles away, and gives you peace of mind. But what if your partner, roommate, or elderly parent also wants to know when someone’s at the door? Or maybe you’re going on vacation and want a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things?
That’s where adding a second user to your Ring Doorbell comes in. It’s one of the most useful—and underused—features of the Ring ecosystem. And the best part? It’s completely free, takes less than five minutes, and doesn’t require any technical know-how.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of inviting a second user to your Ring Doorbell. Whether you’re sharing access with a spouse, teenager, or friend, you’ll learn how to do it safely, securely, and efficiently. We’ll also cover permission levels, troubleshooting tips, and best practices to keep your home security intact while giving others the access they need.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently manage multiple users on your Ring Doorbell and ensure everyone who needs to stay informed can do so—without compromising your control or privacy.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin adding a second user, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell installed and connected: Your device should already be set up and working with the Ring app.
- The Ring app downloaded on your smartphone: Available for both iOS (iPhone) and Android devices. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Your Ring account login details: You’ll need to be logged in as the owner or admin of the device.
- The email address of the person you want to invite: Ring sends the invitation via email, so double-check for typos.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Ring Doorbell should be connected to Wi-Fi.
Having these ready will make the process smooth and prevent delays. If your Ring Doorbell isn’t working properly, consider troubleshooting connectivity issues first—adding a user won’t help if the device itself isn’t online.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Log In
The first step to adding a second user is accessing your Ring account through the official Ring app. Here’s how:
Launch the Ring App
Find the Ring app on your smartphone—it has a blue icon with a white “R.” Tap to open it. If you haven’t used it in a while, it may ask you to log in.
Visual guide about How to Add a Second User to Ring Doorbell
Image source: lifewire.com
Log In to Your Account
Enter your email address and password. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication (which we highly recommend), you’ll also need to enter the verification code sent to your phone or email.
Ensure You’re on the Right Device
Once logged in, you’ll see your dashboard with all your Ring devices. Make sure your Ring Doorbell is listed and shows as “Online.” If it says “Offline,” check your Wi-Fi connection or power source before proceeding.
Tip: Use the Latest App Version
Older versions of the Ring app may not support all user management features. Go to your phone’s app store and check for updates. A quick update can prevent frustrating errors later.
Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings
Now that you’re in the app, it’s time to find the settings for your Ring Doorbell.
Select Your Doorbell from the Dashboard
On the home screen, tap on the image or name of your Ring Doorbell. This will open the live view or recent event feed.
Tap the Gear Icon (Settings)
In the top-right corner of the screen, you’ll see a small gear or settings icon. Tap it to open the device settings menu.
Look for “Shared Users” or “Users”
Scroll down until you find a section labeled “Shared Users,” “Users,” or “People with Access.” This is where you manage who can view and control your doorbell.
Note: Menu Names May Vary Slightly
Depending on your app version or Ring model, the exact wording might differ. Look for anything related to “users,” “sharing,” or “access.”
Step 3: Invite a New User
This is the core step—sending an invitation to the person you want to add.
Tap “Add User” or “Invite User”
Inside the “Shared Users” section, look for a button that says “Add User,” “Invite User,” or “Share Access.” Tap it to start the invitation process.
Enter the User’s Email Address
A form will appear asking for the email address of the person you want to invite. Type it carefully—Ring sends the invitation to this email. If the email is wrong, the user won’t receive the invite.
Choose the User’s Permission Level
Ring offers three permission levels:
- Owner: Full control, including adding/removing users and changing settings. Only one owner per device.
- Admin: Can view live feeds, answer the door, and manage some settings—but can’t remove the owner or change billing.
- User: Can view live feeds and answer the door, but can’t change settings or invite others.
For most second users—like a spouse or roommate—Admin is a good choice. For kids or neighbors, User is safer.
Send the Invitation
After entering the email and selecting the role, tap “Send Invitation.” Ring will send an email to the recipient with a link to accept the invite.
Example: Adding Your Partner
Let’s say you’re adding your wife, Sarah. You enter her email ([email protected]), choose “Admin,” and hit send. She’ll get an email that says, “You’ve been invited to share access to a Ring Doorbell.”
Step 4: The User Accepts the Invitation
Now it’s up to the invited person to complete the process.
Check Their Email
The invited user should receive an email from Ring ([email protected]) with the subject line: “You’ve been invited to share access to a Ring device.”
Click the Accept Link
Inside the email, there’s a button or link that says “Accept Invitation.” They should tap it—this will redirect them to the Ring website or app.
Create or Log In to a Ring Account
If they already have a Ring account, they’ll log in. If not, they’ll need to create one using the same email address. This is important—the account must match the invite email.
Confirm Access
Once logged in, they’ll see a confirmation screen showing the device they’ve been invited to. They can then open the Ring app on their phone and see the shared doorbell in their device list.
Tip: Resend the Invitation If Needed
If the user doesn’t receive the email, check the spam folder. You can also go back to the “Shared Users” section in your app and tap “Resend Invitation.”
Step 5: Verify the User Has Access
After the invitation is accepted, it’s important to confirm everything is working.
Ask the User to Open the Ring App
Have them launch the Ring app on their phone. The shared doorbell should now appear on their dashboard.
Test a Live View
They can tap on the doorbell to open a live feed. If they can see the camera view, access is working.
Test a Doorbell Ring or Motion Alert
You can press the doorbell button or walk in front of the camera to trigger motion. The new user should receive a notification on their phone.
Check Notification Settings
If they’re not getting alerts, they may need to enable notifications in the Ring app and on their phone. Go to Settings > Notifications and make sure “Motion Alerts” and “Doorbell Rings” are turned on.
Example: Your Teenager Gets Access
You add your 16-year-old son as a “User.” He accepts the invite, opens the app, and now gets alerts when the doorbell rings. He can’t change settings, but he can see who’s at the door after school.
Understanding User Permission Levels
Not all users need the same level of access. Ring’s permission system lets you customize who can do what.
Owner (You)
The person who originally set up the doorbell. Only one owner per device. Can:
- Add or remove users
- Change device settings
- View and delete recordings
- Manage subscriptions
You can’t remove yourself as owner, but you can transfer ownership if needed.
Admin
Great for partners, roommates, or trusted family members. Can:
- View live feeds and recordings
- Answer the doorbell
- Adjust motion zones and sensitivity
- Receive all notifications
Cannot remove the owner or change billing info.
User
Best for kids, guests, or neighbors. Can:
- View live feeds
- Answer the doorbell
- Receive notifications
Cannot change settings, view recordings (unless shared), or invite others.
Choosing the Right Role
Ask yourself: How much control should this person have? A spouse might be an Admin. A babysitter might be a User. Always start with the lowest level of access and upgrade if needed.
Managing Existing Users
Once you’ve added users, you may need to manage them over time.
View Current Users
Go to your doorbell’s settings > Shared Users. You’ll see a list of everyone with access, their email, and their role.
Change a User’s Permission Level
Tap on a user’s name. You’ll see an option to change their role from User to Admin or vice versa. This is useful if someone needs more access later.
Remove a User
If someone no longer needs access—like a former roommate—tap their name and select “Remove Access.” They’ll lose all permissions immediately.
Resend an Invitation
If a user didn’t receive the email, you can resend it from this screen. Useful if they deleted the email or it went to spam.
Tip: Regularly Review Access
Every few months, check who has access to your doorbell. Remove anyone who no longer needs it to keep your home secure.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear steps, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Issue: Invitation Email Not Received
Solution: Check the spam or junk folder. Make sure the email was entered correctly. Resend the invitation from the app. If it still doesn’t arrive, try using a different email address.
Issue: User Can’t See the Doorbell in the App
Solution: Ensure they accepted the invitation using the correct email. Have them log out and back into the Ring app. Restart the app or phone if needed.
Issue: No Notifications for the New User
Solution: Check their notification settings in the Ring app and on their phone. Make sure “Allow Notifications” is enabled in their phone’s settings for the Ring app.
Issue: “User Already Has Access” Error
Solution: The email may already be linked to another Ring device. Ask the user to log in and check their device list. If they’re already added, no action is needed.
Issue: Can’t Add More Users
Solution: Ring allows up to 20 shared users per device. If you’ve hit the limit, remove inactive users before adding new ones.
Issue: Device Shows as Offline for New User
Solution: This usually means the doorbell isn’t connected to Wi-Fi. Check your router, restart the doorbell, and ensure it’s within range of your network.
Best Practices for Sharing Your Ring Doorbell
Sharing access is convenient, but it’s important to do it safely.
Only Invite Trusted People
Anyone with access can see your front door activity. Only share with family, roommates, or close friends you trust.
Use Strong Passwords
Make sure both you and your users have strong, unique passwords for your Ring accounts. Enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
Limit Admin Access
Only give Admin rights to people who truly need to manage settings. Most users only need “User” access.
Monitor Activity
Check the “Event History” in the Ring app to see who viewed the camera and when. This helps you spot unusual access.
Revoke Access When Needed
If someone moves out or you no longer trust them, remove their access immediately. Don’t wait.
Educate Your Users
Teach family members how to use the app, answer the door, and recognize suspicious activity. The more they know, the safer your home is.
Advanced Tips for Power Users
If you’re managing multiple Ring devices or a smart home, these tips will help.
Use Shared Users Across Multiple Devices
You can invite the same person to multiple Ring devices (like a doorbell and a spotlight cam). Just repeat the process for each device.
Set Up Motion Zones for Privacy
If you have a shared driveway or yard, adjust motion zones so alerts only trigger for your front door—not your neighbor’s.
Use Alexa or Google Assistant
Once a user has access, they can link their Ring account to Alexa or Google Home to receive voice alerts or view feeds on smart displays.
Enable Smart Alerts
In the Ring app, go to Settings > Smart Alerts. You can set up alerts for people, packages, or vehicles—helpful for shared households.
Consider a Ring Protect Plan
If you want cloud recordings shared with users, a Ring Protect subscription lets you save and share videos. All users can view recordings if you enable sharing.
Conclusion: Share Smart, Stay Secure
Adding a second user to your Ring Doorbell is one of the simplest ways to enhance your home security. Whether it’s your partner, child, or neighbor, sharing access means more eyes on your front door—and more peace of mind for you.
The process is straightforward: open the Ring app, invite via email, choose a permission level, and let the user accept. With up to 20 users allowed, you can build a small network of trusted people who stay informed and help protect your home.
Remember to manage access carefully, use strong passwords, and remove users when necessary. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips in this guide will help you get back on track quickly.
Your Ring Doorbell is more than just a camera—it’s a tool for connection and security. By sharing it wisely, you’re not just adding users. You’re building a safer, smarter home for everyone.