How to Add a User on Ring Doorbell

Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell lets family or trusted neighbors view live feeds and receive alerts. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Ring app, whether you’re sharing access temporarily or permanently.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Ring app: All user management happens within the official Ring mobile app—no web browser needed.
• Invite via email: You’ll need the new user’s email address to send an invitation link.
• Choose permission levels: Assign “Owner,” “Shared User,” or “Guest” roles based on how much access you want to grant.
• Acceptance required: The invited person must accept the invite and log in to their Ring account (or create one).
• Manage users anytime: You can remove or change permissions for added users directly from the app.
• Works across devices: Once added, users can access your Ring Doorbell from their phone, tablet, or Echo Show.
• Troubleshoot common issues: If invites fail, check email accuracy, internet connection, or app updates.

How to Add a User on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve got your Ring Doorbell set up and working perfectly—great job! But what if you want your partner, roommate, or even a trusted neighbor to see who’s at the door when you’re not home? That’s where adding a user comes in. Whether it’s for safety, convenience, or peace of mind, sharing access to your Ring Doorbell is quick, secure, and totally doable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add a user on Ring Doorbell using the Ring mobile app. We’ll cover everything from sending the invite to managing permissions and troubleshooting common hiccups. By the end, you’ll be a pro at sharing your smart doorbell without compromising security.

Let’s get started!

Why Add a User to Your Ring Doorbell?

Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to share access in the first place.

Maybe you’re going on vacation and want your neighbor to keep an eye on packages. Or perhaps your teenager is home alone after school and needs to see who’s ringing the bell. Some families even add elderly parents so they can check in visually during deliveries.

Adding a user doesn’t mean handing over full control—you decide exactly what they can and can’t do. And best of all? It’s free. Ring doesn’t charge extra for sharing access with other users.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

To add a user successfully, make sure you have:

– The **Ring mobile app** installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
– Your **Ring account logged in** with owner privileges
– The **email address** of the person you want to invite
– A **stable internet connection** (Wi-Fi or cellular data)
– The **latest version** of the Ring app (check your app store for updates)

Pro tip: If the person you’re inviting doesn’t have a Ring account yet, they’ll need to create one—but don’t worry, it’s free and takes less than two minutes.

Step 1: Open the Ring App and Navigate to Device Settings

First things first—open the Ring app on your phone. You should see your dashboard with all your connected devices (like your doorbell, cameras, or alarm).

Tap on the **three horizontal lines** (the menu icon) in the top-left corner. From the menu, select **“Devices.”**

Now, find your Ring Doorbell in the list and tap on it. This will take you to the device’s main control screen.

Locate the Settings Gear

In the top-right corner of the device screen, you’ll see a small **gear icon** (⚙️). Tap it to open the device settings.

Scroll down until you see the section labeled **“Shared Users”** or **“People”** (the exact wording may vary slightly depending on your app version).

Step 2: Send an Invitation to a New User

Once you’re in the Shared Users section, tap the **“Add Person”** button. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to invite.

Type in their email carefully—double-check for typos! If the email is wrong, the invite won’t go through, and they won’t receive it.

After entering the email, tap **“Send Invite.”**

That’s it! Ring will automatically send an email invitation to that address with a link to accept access.

Choosing Permission Levels (Optional but Important)

When you send the invite, you may also be asked to choose a permission level. Here’s what each one means:

– **Owner**: Full control—can change settings, add/remove users, delete recordings. Only one owner per device.
– **Shared User**: Can view live video, receive motion and ring alerts, and view past recordings. Cannot change device settings or remove other users.
– **Guest**: Limited access—typically used for temporary sharing (e.g., a house sitter). Can view live feed and receive alerts but has fewer features than a Shared User.

For most cases, **Shared User** is the best choice. It gives enough access for practical use without risking accidental changes to your setup.

Step 3: The Invited User Accepts the Invitation

Now it’s up to the other person to accept your invite.

They’ll receive an email from Ring with a subject like:
*“[Your Name] has invited you to share access to their Ring device.”*

Inside the email, there’s a button that says **“Accept Invite.”** When they tap it, they’ll be redirected to the Ring website or prompted to open the Ring app.

If They Don’t Have a Ring Account

No problem! The invite process will guide them to create a free Ring account using the same email address you provided. They’ll set up a password and verify their email—then boom, they’re in.

If They Already Have a Ring Account

Great! They just need to log in with their existing credentials. Once logged in, they’ll see your doorbell appear in their device list under “Shared With Me.”

Step 4: Confirm Access and Test the Connection

Back in your Ring app, go back to the **Shared Users** section. You should now see the new user listed with their name or email and their permission level.

To make sure everything’s working:

– Ask the new user to open their Ring app.
– Have them tap on your doorbell device.
– Try triggering a live view—press the doorbell button or walk in front of the motion sensor.

If they can see the live feed and hear audio (if your model supports two-way talk), congratulations—you’ve successfully added a user!

Managing Existing Users: Editing or Removing Access

What if you want to change someone’s permissions or remove them entirely? Easy!

Go back to **Device Settings > Shared Users**. Tap on the user’s name. You’ll see options to:

– **Change Permission Level**: Switch between Shared User and Guest.
– **Remove User**: Tap “Remove” to revoke all access immediately.

Note: Only the **Owner** can remove users or change permission levels. Shared Users can’t manage other people.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Adding a User

Even with the best setup, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

“I Sent the Invite, But They Never Got the Email”

First, ask them to check their **spam or junk folder**. Ring emails sometimes get flagged as promotional.

If it’s not there, double-check that you entered the correct email address. A single typo (like “gmaill.com” instead of “gmail.com”) will prevent delivery.

Still no luck? Try resending the invite from the Shared Users screen. Tap the three dots next to the pending invite and select “Resend.”

“They Accepted the Invite, But the Device Isn’t Showing Up”

This usually happens if they’re logged into the wrong Ring account. Make sure they’re using the **same email** you invited.

Also, have them force-close the Ring app and reopen it. Sometimes the device list needs a refresh.

If that doesn’t work, try logging out and back in. Or restart their phone—it sounds simple, but it often fixes sync issues.

“I Can’t See the ‘Add Person’ Option”

Only the **device Owner** can add users. If you’re a Shared User yourself, you won’t see this option.

Also, ensure your Ring app is updated. Older versions may have slightly different menus.

“The Invite Link Expired”

Ring invites expire after **7 days**. If too much time has passed, you’ll need to send a new one.

Just go back to Shared Users, delete the expired invite, and send a fresh one.

“They Can See the Device But Can’t View Live Video”

Check their permission level. Guests may have restricted access depending on your settings.

Also, verify that your Ring Protect Plan (if you have one) allows shared viewing. Basic plans support sharing, but some advanced features may require a subscription.

Best Practices for Sharing Your Ring Doorbell

Sharing access is convenient, but it’s smart to follow a few best practices to keep your home secure.

Only Share With People You Trust

Remember: anyone with access can see who comes to your door, when deliveries arrive, and even when you’re home or away. Be selective.

Use Temporary Access for Short-Term Needs

If you’re adding a house sitter, dog walker, or Airbnb guest, consider setting them as a **Guest** user. You can easily remove them later.

Review Shared Users Regularly

Every few months, check your Shared Users list. Remove anyone who no longer needs access—like an old roommate or seasonal helper.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Protect your own account by turning on 2FA in the Ring app under **Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication**. This adds an extra layer of security so even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in without your phone.

Can You Add Multiple Users?

Absolutely! There’s no hard limit on how many people you can share your Ring Doorbell with. Many families add spouses, kids, parents, and even close friends.

Just keep in mind that too many users might clutter your notification feed—especially if everyone gets alerts for every motion event. You can customize alert settings per user if needed.

Does Adding a User Affect My Ring Protect Plan?

Nope! Your Ring Protect subscription (whether Basic or Plus) covers all users on your account. Shared users can view saved recordings, download videos, and use cloud features just like you—as long as your plan is active.

However, only the account owner pays for the subscription. Shared users don’t need their own plan to access your devices.

What If I Move or Sell My Home?

If you’re moving, remember to **remove all shared users** before transferring ownership. You can do this in the Shared Users section.

When selling your home, include instructions for the new owner to reset the device and set it up under their own account. This ensures privacy and security for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Sharing Made Simple

Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell is one of the smartest things you can do to enhance home security and convenience. Whether it’s keeping an eye on kids, coordinating with roommates, or helping out neighbors, shared access turns your doorbell into a true community tool.

And the best part? It takes less than five minutes to set up. No technical skills required—just the Ring app, an email address, and a few taps.

So go ahead—share the view. Your doorbell is ready.