Adding a user on your Ring Doorbell 2 allows trusted individuals to view live video, receive motion alerts, and answer the door remotely. This guide walks you through the entire process using the Ring app, ensuring secure and seamless access sharing.
Key Takeaways
- Access Sharing Made Easy: You can grant access to family members, roommates, or trusted neighbors without sharing your main account password.
- Use the Ring App: All user management happens within the Ring mobile app—no need to log into a website or use physical buttons on the device.
- Two Types of Users: Choose between “Shared User” (view-only access) and “Admin User” (full control, including device settings and billing).
- Email Invitation Required: New users must accept an email invitation and create their own Ring account to gain access.
- Instant Notifications: Once added, users immediately receive motion and doorbell alerts based on your notification settings.
- Revoke Access Anytime: You can remove users at any time from the same menu where you added them.
- Works Across Devices: Added users can access your Ring Doorbell 2 from their smartphone, tablet, or web browser.
Introduction: Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell 2?
Your Ring Doorbell 2 isn’t just a security device—it’s a smart home hub that keeps your household connected and safe. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply relaxing in the backyard, your Ring Doorbell gives you real-time awareness of who’s at your door. But what if your partner, roommate, or trusted neighbor also needs to see when someone arrives? That’s where adding a user comes in.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to add a user on Ring Doorbell 2 using the official Ring app. We’ll walk you through every step—from opening the app to confirming the new user’s access—and explain the differences between shared and admin users. You’ll also get practical tips for managing multiple users, troubleshooting common issues, and keeping your account secure.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently share access with anyone you trust, ensuring that your home stays protected—even when you’re not there to answer the door yourself.
Prerequisites: What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before you begin adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 2, make sure you have the following:
Visual guide about How to Add a User on Ring Doorbell 2
Image source: i.ytimg.com
- A registered Ring account: You must be the primary (admin) account holder.
- The Ring mobile app installed: Available for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices. Ensure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Your Ring Doorbell 2 set up and connected: The device should be online and functioning properly.
- The email address of the person you want to add: They’ll need this to accept the invitation and create their own Ring account.
- Stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Ring device should have reliable Wi-Fi.
Pro Tip: If your guest doesn’t have a smartphone, they can still access your Ring Doorbell 2 via the Ring website after accepting the invitation—but a mobile device makes the experience smoother.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add a User on Ring Doorbell 2
Adding a user is a straightforward process that takes less than five minutes. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth setup.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password to access your account.
Once inside, you’ll see the dashboard showing all your Ring devices. Make sure your Ring Doorbell 2 appears online (indicated by a green dot or “Online” status).
Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings
Tap on your Ring Doorbell 2 from the device list. This will open the live view screen.
In the top-right corner, tap the gear icon (⚙️) to access the device settings menu.
Step 3: Select “Users”
Scroll down in the settings menu until you find the “Users” option. Tap on it to open the user management section.
Here, you’ll see a list of current users (if any) who have access to this device. At the bottom, you’ll find a button labeled “Add User”—tap it to proceed.
Step 4: Choose User Type
Ring offers two types of user access:
- Shared User: Can view live video, receive motion and doorbell alerts, and speak through the doorbell (if two-way audio is enabled). Cannot change device settings, view event history beyond 30 days, or manage other users.
- Admin User: Has full control over the device, including changing settings, viewing full event history, managing subscriptions, and adding/removing other users. Only recommended for trusted individuals like spouses or co-owners.
For most cases—like adding a family member or roommate—select “Shared User.” Tap the option that fits your needs.
Step 5: Enter the User’s Email Address
Type in the email address of the person you want to invite. Double-check for typos—this is critical, as the invitation will only be sent to the exact email entered.
If the person already has a Ring account, they’ll be linked immediately. If not, they’ll receive an email prompting them to create one.
Step 6: Send the Invitation
After entering the email, tap “Send Invitation.” The app will confirm that the invitation has been sent successfully.
The new user will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation. They must click this link and either log in to their existing Ring account or sign up for a new one.
Step 7: Confirm Access (User Side)
Once the invited user accepts the invitation and logs in, they’ll see your Ring Doorbell 2 appear in their device list within the Ring app.
They can now view live video, receive notifications, and interact with visitors—just like you can.
Note: If the user doesn’t see the device right away, ask them to pull down to refresh the app or restart it.
Managing Multiple Users: Best Practices
As your household grows or changes, you may need to add or remove users regularly. Here are some best practices to keep your Ring Doorbell 2 secure and organized:
Limit Admin Access
Only grant Admin User status to people you fully trust—like your spouse or a co-homeowner. Admins can change critical settings, cancel your Ring Protect Plan, or even remove you as the primary user in rare cases.
Use Descriptive Names
When adding users, consider labeling them clearly (e.g., “Sarah – Spouse” or “Mike – Neighbor”) so you can easily identify who has access later.
Review Users Periodically
Every few months, check your user list under Device Settings > Users. Remove access for anyone who no longer needs it—such as former roommates or temporary helpers.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Protect your own account (and by extension, your shared users) by enabling 2FA in the Ring app under Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication. This adds an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, things don’t always go smoothly. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 2.
Issue 1: Invitation Email Not Received
Symptom: The invited user says they never got the email.
Solution: First, confirm the email address was entered correctly. Then, ask the user to check their spam/junk folder. If it’s still missing, resend the invitation from the Users menu. Sometimes emails get delayed—wait 10–15 minutes before trying again.
Issue 2: User Can’t See the Device After Accepting
Symptom: The user accepted the invite but doesn’t see your Ring Doorbell 2 in their app.
Solution: Have them force-close and reopen the Ring app. If that doesn’t work, ask them to log out and back in. In rare cases, restarting their phone resolves syncing issues.
Issue 3: “User Already Added” Error
Symptom: You try to add someone, but the app says they’re already a user.
Solution: Go to Device Settings > Users and look for their name or email. They may already have access—either as a shared or admin user. If you want to change their permissions, tap their name and select a new user type.
Issue 4: Device Offline During Setup
Symptom: Your Ring Doorbell 2 shows as offline when trying to add a user.
Solution: You can still send invitations while the device is offline, but the new user won’t be able to view live video until it reconnects. Check your Wi-Fi signal, power source (battery or wired), and restart the device if needed.
Issue 5: User Wants to Remove Themselves
Symptom: A shared user wants to stop receiving notifications from your doorbell.
Solution: Only the admin (you) can remove users. Go to Device Settings > Users, tap their name, and select “Remove User.” They’ll lose access immediately.
Security Tips for Shared Access
Sharing access to your Ring Doorbell 2 is convenient—but it also introduces potential security risks if not managed properly. Follow these tips to keep your home and data safe:
- Never share your main account password: Always use the built-in user invitation system instead. This way, you maintain control and can revoke access anytime.
- Monitor activity logs: While Ring doesn’t show detailed logs of who viewed what, you can see recent events in the app. Unusual activity (e.g., frequent live views at odd hours) may warrant a conversation.
- Disable access during vacations or moves: If you’re going away for an extended period or moving out, remove temporary users to prevent unnecessary exposure.
- Educate your users: Remind shared users not to share their own login credentials or leave their phones unlocked.
- Update app and firmware regularly: Keep both your Ring app and Doorbell 2 firmware up to date to benefit from the latest security patches.
Advanced Features for Added Users
Once a user is added, they can take advantage of several Ring Doorbell 2 features—depending on their access level:
Live View and Two-Way Talk
Shared users can open the Ring app at any time to see a live feed from your doorbell. If someone is at the door, they can speak through the built-in microphone and speaker using the two-way talk feature.
Motion and Ring Alerts
By default, added users receive the same motion and doorbell alerts you do (unless you’ve customized notification settings). They’ll get push notifications on their phone whenever activity is detected.
Quick Replies
If enabled, shared users can send pre-recorded messages like “We’ll be right there!” or “Leave the package at the door” directly from the app—no need to speak live.
Event History (Limited)
Shared users can view the last 30 days of motion and ring events. Admin users see the full history, especially if you have a Ring Protect Plan subscription.
Conclusion: Share Smart, Stay Secure
Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 2 is a simple yet powerful way to extend the benefits of smart home security to those you trust. Whether it’s your partner watching for deliveries while you’re at work or a neighbor keeping an eye on your home while you’re on vacation, shared access enhances convenience without compromising control.
By following the steps in this guide—using the Ring app to send secure invitations, choosing the right user type, and managing access responsibly—you ensure that your Ring Doorbell 2 remains a reliable tool for protecting your home. Remember to review user permissions regularly, keep your software updated, and never share your main login details.
With these practices in place, you’ll get the most out of your Ring Doorbell 2 while keeping your household safe, connected, and informed—no matter who’s answering the door.