Adding a user to your Ring doorbell is simple and secure, allowing multiple people to receive alerts and view live video. This guide walks you through the process using the Ring app, whether you’re sharing access with family, roommates, or a trusted neighbor.
Key Takeaways
- Only the owner can add users: You must be the primary account holder to invite others to your Ring doorbell.
- Use the Ring app: All user management happens within the Ring mobile app—no web portal required.
- Choose user permissions: Decide whether the new user can view live video, receive alerts, or manage device settings.
- Email invitation required: The person you’re adding must have a valid email address and a Ring account.
- Instant access after acceptance: Once the invite is accepted, the new user can immediately use the doorbell features you’ve granted.
- Remove users anytime: You can revoke access at any time from the device settings in the app.
- Works with all Ring doorbells: This process applies to Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, 3, 4, Pro, and Pro 2 models.
How to Add a User to My Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring doorbell and everything’s working perfectly—motion alerts, live view, two-way talk. But now, you want to share access with your spouse, roommate, or maybe a trusted neighbor who watches your home while you’re away. No problem! Ring makes it easy to add users so multiple people can stay connected to your doorbell.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add a user to your Ring doorbell in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, 3, 4, Pro, or Pro 2, the process is the same. We’ll cover everything from opening the app to setting permissions and troubleshooting common issues.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to securely share access, manage user roles, and even remove users if needed. Let’s get started!
Why Add a User to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add a User to My Ring Doorbell
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to add someone to your Ring doorbell. Sharing access isn’t just convenient—it can also improve your home security.
For example:
– Your partner can see who’s at the door when you’re not home.
– A roommate can respond to delivery alerts.
– A trusted neighbor can keep an eye on your house while you’re on vacation.
– A caregiver or family member can monitor activity for elderly relatives.
When multiple people have access, you reduce the chance of missed alerts. Plus, Ring’s user management system lets you control exactly what each person can do—so you’re always in charge.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before adding a user, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring doorbell installed and connected: Your device should be online and functioning properly.
- The Ring mobile app: Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) if you haven’t already.
- Your login credentials: You’ll need to be logged in as the primary account owner.
- The email address of the person you’re adding: They must have a valid email and a Ring account (or be willing to create one).
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the doorbell should be connected to Wi-Fi.
Once you’ve confirmed these, you’re ready to begin.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Log In
The first step is simple: open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
How to Access the App
– Tap the Ring app icon on your home screen.
– If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password.
– Make sure you’re logged in as the primary account owner. Only the owner can add or remove users.
Verify Your Device Is Online
Once logged in, you should see your dashboard with all your Ring devices. Look for your doorbell—it should show a green dot or say “Online.” If it’s offline, troubleshoot the connection first (we’ll cover that later).
Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings
Now that you’re in the app, it’s time to find your doorbell’s settings.
Find Your Doorbell on the Dashboard
– Scroll through your device list until you see your Ring doorbell.
– Tap on the device name or image to open its live view.
Access the Settings Menu
– In the top-right corner of the live view screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️). This opens the device settings.
– You’ll now see a list of options like Motion Settings, Chime Settings, and Device Health.
Step 3: Select “Shared Users”
This is where the magic happens.
Locate the Shared Users Option
– Scroll down in the settings menu until you find “Shared Users”.
– Tap on it to open the user management screen.
Here, you’ll see a list of anyone who already has access to your doorbell (if any). If it’s your first time adding someone, this list will be empty.
Step 4: Invite a New User
Now it’s time to send an invitation.
Tap “Add User”
– On the Shared Users screen, tap the “Add User” button (usually at the top or bottom).
– A new screen will appear asking for the person’s email address.
Enter the User’s Email
– Type in the email address of the person you want to add.
– Make sure it’s correct—this is where the invitation will be sent.
– If the person already has a Ring account, they’ll receive the invite instantly. If not, they’ll be prompted to create one.
Choose User Permissions
Ring gives you control over what the new user can do. You’ll see options like:
– View Live Video: Allows them to see who’s at the door in real time.
– Receive Motion Alerts: Sends notifications when motion is detected.
– Receive Ring Alerts: Notifies them when someone rings the doorbell.
– Manage Device Settings: Lets them change settings like motion zones or chime volume (use with caution).
For most users, we recommend enabling View Live Video and Receive Alerts, but leave Manage Device Settings off unless you fully trust the person.
Send the Invitation
– Once you’ve entered the email and selected permissions, tap “Send Invite”.
– The app will confirm that the invitation has been sent.
Step 5: The User Accepts the Invitation
Now it’s up to the other person to accept the invite.
What Happens on Their End
– The user will receive an email from Ring with the subject line: “You’ve been invited to share a Ring device.”
– They’ll need to open the email and tap the “Accept Invitation” button.
– If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll be prompted to create one (it’s free and takes less than a minute).
– Once they sign up and log in, they’ll see your doorbell in their app.
Instant Access
After accepting, the new user can immediately:
– View live video from your doorbell.
– Receive motion and ring alerts (based on your settings).
– Use two-way talk if enabled.
They won’t be able to change device settings unless you granted that permission.
Step 6: Confirm the User Was Added
Back in your Ring app, you can verify that the user was successfully added.
Check the Shared Users List
– Go back to the Shared Users section in your doorbell settings.
– You should now see the new user’s name and email listed.
– Their permissions will be displayed next to their name.
If you don’t see them, ask them to check their email and make sure they accepted the invite. Sometimes emails go to spam.
Managing Existing Users
Once users are added, you might want to change their permissions or remove them later. Here’s how.
Edit User Permissions
– In the Shared Users list, tap on the user’s name.
– You’ll see their current permissions. Toggle features on or off as needed.
– Tap “Save” to apply changes.
Remove a User
– Tap the user’s name in the Shared Users list.
– Scroll down and tap “Remove User”.
– Confirm the action when prompted.
– They will immediately lose access to your doorbell.
This is useful if someone moves out, you no longer trust them, or you just want to clean up your user list.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
“I Can’t Find the Shared Users Option”
– Make sure you’re logged in as the primary account owner. Shared users can’t add others.
– Check that your app is updated to the latest version.
– Restart the app and try again.
“The User Didn’t Receive the Invitation”
– Ask them to check their spam or junk folder.
– Confirm the email address was entered correctly.
– Resend the invitation from the Shared Users screen.
“The User Can’t See My Doorbell”
– Ensure they’ve accepted the invitation and logged into the Ring app.
– Ask them to restart the app or log out and back in.
– Check that your doorbell is online (green status in your app).
“I Accidentally Gave Someone Too Much Access”
– Go to Shared Users, tap their name, and disable “Manage Device Settings.”
– You can also remove them entirely and re-invite with correct permissions.
“My Doorbell Is Offline”
– Check your Wi-Fi connection.
– Make sure the doorbell has power (battery or wired).
– Reconnect it via the app under Device Health > Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Best Practices for Sharing Your Ring Doorbell
To keep your home secure and avoid confusion, follow these tips:
- Only add people you trust: Remember, they can see who comes to your door and when.
- Use descriptive names: When adding users, consider labeling them (e.g., “Sarah – Spouse” or “Mike – Neighbor”) for easy identification.
- Review users regularly: Every few months, check your Shared Users list and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
- Limit admin permissions: Avoid giving “Manage Device Settings” unless absolutely necessary.
- Educate new users: Let them know how to use the app, respond to alerts, and respect privacy.
Can You Add Multiple Users?
Yes! Ring allows you to add up to 20 shared users per device. This is great for large families, roommates, or rental properties. Just repeat the invitation process for each person.
Keep in mind that too many users can lead to notification overload—so only add those who truly need access.
Does Adding a User Affect My Subscription?
No. Adding users does not require a Ring Protect Plan or affect your existing subscription. All users can view live video and receive alerts for free.
However, if you want to share recorded videos or access advanced features like person detection, you’ll need a Ring Protect Plan. But that’s optional and separate from user management.
Can Shared Users Delete Videos or Change Settings?
It depends on the permissions you grant:
– If you allow “Manage Device Settings,” they can change motion zones, chime settings, and more.
– They cannot delete videos from your account unless they have full admin access (which isn’t typical for shared users).
– Only the primary owner can cancel subscriptions or remove the device entirely.
So, be cautious with permissions—especially with less trusted individuals.
What If the User Loses Their Phone?
If a shared user loses their phone or gets a new one, they can simply:
– Download the Ring app on their new device.
– Log in with their existing account.
– Their access to your doorbell will automatically sync.
No need to re-invite them—just make sure they remember their login details.
Conclusion
Adding a user to your Ring doorbell is a quick and secure way to share access with family, roommates, or trusted neighbors. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can grant live view, alerts, and even two-way talk—all while maintaining control over permissions.
Remember:
– Only the primary owner can add users.
– Use the Shared Users section in device settings.
– Choose permissions wisely.
– Remove access when no longer needed.
By following this guide, you’ll ensure your Ring doorbell works for your whole household—not just you. Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with shared security.