How to Add a User to Ring Doorbell 3

This guide walks you through adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 3 so family or trusted neighbors can receive alerts and view live video. You’ll learn the exact steps, avoid common mistakes, and keep your device secure.

Key Takeaways

Only the owner can add users: You must be the primary account holder to invite others to your Ring Doorbell 3.
Users need the Ring app: Anyone you add must download the free Ring app and create their own account.
Shared access includes live view and motion alerts: Added users can see live video, get notifications, and review past events.
You control permissions: As the owner, you can remove users or adjust their access anytime.
Two-factor authentication is recommended: Protect your account and shared access with extra security.
Works across devices: Users can access your doorbell from phones, tablets, or Echo Show devices.
Troubleshooting is simple: Most issues are resolved by checking Wi-Fi, app updates, or re-inviting the user.

So, you’ve got your Ring Doorbell 3 installed and working perfectly—great job! But now you want to share access with your spouse, roommate, or maybe a trusted neighbor who watches your house while you’re away. No problem. Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 3 is quick, easy, and gives you peace of mind knowing more eyes are on your front door.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 3. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started with smart home devices, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn how to invite someone, what they’ll be able to do, how to manage their access, and what to do if something goes wrong. Plus, we’ll share tips to keep your device secure and your data private.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently share your Ring Doorbell 3 with others—without giving up control. Let’s get started.

Why Add a User to Your Ring Doorbell 3?

Visual guide about How to Add a User to Ring Doorbell 3

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Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to add a user in the first place. Your Ring Doorbell 3 is more than just a camera—it’s a security tool, a communication hub, and a way to stay connected to your home even when you’re not there.

Here are a few common reasons people add users:

Family members: Let your partner or older kids see who’s at the door, especially if you’re not home.
Roommates or housemates: Share access so everyone knows when packages arrive or visitors stop by.
Neighbors or caretakers: Give a trusted neighbor access while you’re on vacation so they can check for suspicious activity.
Property managers: If you rent out a space, you might want to let your manager monitor the doorbell.

Adding a user doesn’t mean giving up ownership. You’re still in control. You decide who gets access, what they can see, and when to remove them. It’s a smart way to enhance security and convenience without compromising privacy.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you begin the process of adding a user, make sure you have the following:

Your Ring account login: You must be logged into the Ring app as the primary owner.
The Ring mobile app: Available for free on iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
The email address of the person you want to add: They’ll need this to receive the invitation.
A stable internet connection: Both your phone and your Ring Doorbell 3 should be connected to Wi-Fi.
Two-factor authentication (optional but recommended): Adds an extra layer of security to your account.

If you’re missing any of these, take a moment to set them up. For example, if the person you want to add doesn’t have the Ring app, have them download it and create a free account using their email.

Step-by-Step: How to Add a User to Ring Doorbell 3

Now that you’re prepared, let’s go through the process step by step. It’s simpler than you might think—just a few taps in the app.

Step 1: Open the Ring App

Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged in with the account that owns the Ring Doorbell 3. If you have multiple Ring devices, ensure you’re viewing the correct one.

Once the app loads, you’ll see your dashboard with live views, recent events, and device status. Look for the menu icon—usually three horizontal lines in the top-left corner—and tap it.

Step 2: Go to Device Settings

From the menu, scroll down and tap on Devices. This will show you a list of all your Ring devices, including your Doorbell 3.

Find your Ring Doorbell 3 in the list and tap on it. This opens the device’s main settings page, where you can adjust motion zones, video quality, and more.

Step 3: Select “Shared Users”

On the device settings page, scroll down until you see the Shared Users section. Tap on it. This is where you manage who has access to your doorbell.

If this is your first time adding a user, the list will be empty. That’s normal. Tap the + Add User button to start the invitation process.

Step 4: Enter the User’s Email Address

Now, you’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to add. Type it in carefully—double-check for typos. The invitation will be sent to this email, so it must be correct.

Once you’ve entered the email, tap Send Invitation. The app will confirm that the invitation has been sent.

Step 5: The User Accepts the Invitation

The person you invited will receive an email from Ring with a link to accept the invitation. They’ll need to:

Open the email on their phone or computer.
Tap the link to open it in the Ring app (or download the app if they don’t have it).
Log in to their Ring account or create one if they’re new.
Accept the invitation.

Once they accept, they’ll be added as a shared user. They can now open the Ring app, go to Devices, and see your Ring Doorbell 3 listed.

Step 6: Confirm Access

Back in your Ring app, go to the Shared Users section again. You should now see the new user listed. You can tap on their name to see their access level and make changes if needed.

That’s it! You’ve successfully added a user to your Ring Doorbell 3.

What Can Shared Users Do?

It’s important to understand what shared users can and cannot do. This helps set expectations and keeps your device secure.

Shared users can:

View live video: See what’s happening at your door in real time.
Receive motion and ring alerts: Get notifications when someone approaches or presses the button.
Review event history: Watch past recordings (if you have a Ring Protect plan).
Talk through the doorbell: Use two-way audio to speak with visitors.
Adjust motion settings (in some cases): Depending on permissions, they may be able to tweak motion zones.

However, shared users cannot:

Remove the device from your account.
Change the device name or location.
Delete recordings (unless they have a Ring Protect plan and are granted permission).
Add or remove other users.
Access billing or subscription details.

As the owner, you retain full control. You can revoke access at any time by removing the user from the Shared Users list.

Managing Shared Users

Adding a user is just the beginning. You’ll also want to know how to manage them—whether that’s adjusting permissions, removing access, or troubleshooting issues.

How to Remove a User

If you no longer want someone to have access, it’s easy to remove them:

Open the Ring app and go to Devices.
Select your Ring Doorbell 3.
Tap on Shared Users.
Find the user you want to remove and tap on their name.
Tap Remove User and confirm.

Once removed, they’ll no longer receive alerts or be able to view the doorbell in their app.

How to Change User Permissions

Ring allows you to set different permission levels for shared users. For example, you can allow someone to view live video but not adjust settings.

To change permissions:

Go to Shared Users in the device settings.
Tap on the user’s name.
Toggle permissions on or off, such as “Allow Live View” or “Allow Motion Settings.”
Save your changes.

This is useful if you want to give limited access—like letting a neighbor see the camera but not change anything.

How to Resend an Invitation

Sometimes, the invitation email gets lost or the user misses it. If they haven’t accepted after a few days, you can resend it:

Go to Shared Users.
Tap on the pending invitation.
Select Resend Invitation.

The user will get a new email with a fresh link.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Adding a user is usually straightforward, but a few tips can help avoid common pitfalls.

1. Use a Strong Password

Make sure both you and the person you’re adding use strong, unique passwords for your Ring accounts. This prevents unauthorized access.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Go to your Ring account settings and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds a security code sent to your phone whenever someone logs in. It’s one of the best ways to protect your device and shared access.

3. Keep the App Updated

Ring regularly releases app updates with bug fixes and new features. Make sure both you and the shared user have the latest version of the Ring app installed.

4. Check Wi-Fi Signal

If the shared user can’t see the live view or gets poor video quality, it might be a Wi-Fi issue. Make sure your Ring Doorbell 3 has a strong signal. You can check this in the app under Device Health.

5. Use a Guest Network (Optional)

For extra security, consider connecting your Ring Doorbell 3 to a guest Wi-Fi network. This keeps it separate from your main devices and reduces the risk of interference.

6. Communicate Clearly

Let the person know what they can and can’t do. For example, if you don’t want them changing motion settings, tell them upfront. Clear communication prevents confusion.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

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

Issue: Invitation Not Received

If the user didn’t get the email:

Check the spam or junk folder.
Make sure the email address was entered correctly.
Resend the invitation from the Shared Users menu.
Ask the user to check if they have a Ring account with a different email.

Issue: Can’t Accept the Invitation

If the link doesn’t work or the app crashes:

Make sure the user has the latest version of the Ring app.
Try opening the link in a browser first, then switch to the app.
Restart the phone and try again.
Have the user log out and back into their Ring account.

Issue: Shared User Can’t See the Doorbell

If the user accepted the invitation but the doorbell doesn’t appear in their app:

Ask them to close and reopen the Ring app.
Check that they’re logged into the correct account.
Make sure the doorbell is online (check Device Health in your app).
Restart the Ring Doorbell 3 by removing and reinserting the battery or turning off the power for 10 seconds.

Issue: Poor Video Quality for Shared User

If the live view is laggy or low quality:

Check your Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell.
Reduce the video quality in the app settings (temporarily).
Make sure no one is streaming video or downloading large files on the same network.
Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.

Issue: Alerts Not Coming Through

If the shared user isn’t getting notifications:

Check their phone’s notification settings for the Ring app.
Make sure motion and ring alerts are enabled in the app.
Verify that Do Not Disturb mode is off.
Ensure the Ring app has permission to send notifications.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Sharing access to your doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to think about security and privacy.

Only Share with Trusted People

Only add people you trust. Once someone has access, they can see who comes and goes, view recordings, and even talk to visitors. Be selective.

Monitor Activity

Ring doesn’t send logs of who views the camera, but you can check event history to see when recordings were accessed. If you notice unusual activity, consider removing the user.

Use Unique Accounts

Never share your login credentials. Each person should have their own Ring account. This keeps access secure and makes it easier to manage.

Review Access Regularly

Every few months, review your shared users. Remove anyone who no longer needs access—like a former roommate or a neighbor who helped while you were away.

Conclusion

Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 3 is a simple way to enhance your home security and share the convenience of smart monitoring. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can invite family, friends, or neighbors to view live video, receive alerts, and help keep an eye on your property.

Remember, you’re always in control. You decide who gets access, what they can do, and when to remove them. By following the steps in this guide, using strong security practices, and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll get the most out of your Ring Doorbell 3—safely and effectively.

So go ahead, share the access, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is watched by more than just you.