Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell allows family members or trusted neighbors to receive alerts and view live footage. This guide walks you through the entire process using the Ring app, including setting permissions and troubleshooting common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app: All user management is done through the official Ring mobile app on iOS or Android.
- Invite via email: You can only add users by sending an invitation to their email address linked to a Ring account.
- Choose permission levels: Assign either “Shared User” (view-only) or “Admin” (full control) access based on trust and need.
- Acceptance required: The invited user must accept the invitation from their own Ring account to gain access.
- Manage users anytime: You can remove or change user permissions at any time from the device settings.
- Works with all Ring Doorbells: This process applies to Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Elite, and Ring Doorbell 2/3/4/Wired.
- Keep your account secure: Only invite people you trust and regularly review who has access to your devices.
How to Add a User to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell and it’s working great—motion alerts, live view, two-way talk—all smooth. But now, your spouse, roommate, or elderly parent wants to see who’s at the door when you’re not home. Or maybe you’re going on vacation and want a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things.
That’s where adding a user to your Ring Doorbell comes in. It’s a simple process, but if you’ve never done it before, it can feel a bit confusing. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add a user to Ring Doorbell using the Ring app, explain the different permission levels, share pro tips for managing access, and help you troubleshoot common issues. Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, or the latest Ring Doorbell 4, the steps are nearly identical.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently share access to your doorbell with others—safely and securely.
Why Add a User to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add a User to Ring Doorbell
Image source: static-data2.manualslib.com
Before diving 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.
- Family safety: Let your kids or partner see who’s at the door when you’re not home.
- Remote monitoring: If you travel often, a trusted friend or family member can check for package deliveries or suspicious activity.
- Elderly care: Help aging parents stay safe by allowing caregivers or relatives to monitor their front door.
- Neighborhood watch: Share access with a neighbor during vacations or extended absences.
- Shared households: Roommates or co-owners of a property can all stay informed about visitors.
The key is to only invite people you trust. Once added, they’ll be able to see motion alerts, view live video, and even speak through the doorbell—depending on the permissions you set.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin the process of 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 app installed: Download the free Ring app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Your Ring account logged in: You must be signed in as the primary account holder (Admin).
- The email address of the person you want to add: They must have 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.
If the person you’re adding doesn’t have a Ring account yet, don’t worry—they’ll be prompted to create one when they receive your invitation.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a User to Ring Doorbell
Now, let’s get into the actual process. Follow these steps carefully to add a user to your Ring Doorbell.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the doorbell. If you have multiple Ring devices, ensure you’re viewing the correct one.
Tip: If you have more than one doorbell (e.g., front and back), you’ll need to select the specific device you want to share.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
Once the app opens, you’ll see a dashboard with all your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to share access to.
This will take you to the device’s live view or recent activity screen. Now, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the Device Settings menu.
Step 3: Select “Users”
In the Device Settings menu, scroll down until you find the “Users” option. Tap on it.
This section shows everyone who currently has access to the doorbell. Initially, it will only show you—the primary account holder.
Step 4: Tap “Add User”
At the top of the Users screen, you’ll see a blue button that says “Add User”. Tap it.
You’ll now be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to invite.
Step 5: Enter the User’s Email Address
Type in the email address associated with the person’s Ring account. If they don’t have one yet, they’ll still receive the invitation and can create an account when they accept it.
Double-check the email for typos—this is a common mistake that can delay the process.
Step 6: Choose Permission Level
After entering the email, you’ll be asked to select a permission level. Ring offers two options:
- Shared User: This person can view live video, receive motion and doorbell alerts, and view past recordings (if you have Ring Protect). However, they cannot change device settings, remove the device, or invite other users.
- Admin: This person has full control over the device. They can change settings, view recordings, invite or remove users, and even unlink the device from your account. Only choose Admin for people you fully trust.
For most situations—like adding a spouse, child, or neighbor—Shared User is the best choice. Reserve Admin access for co-owners or people managing the home security system.
Step 7: Send the Invitation
Once you’ve selected the permission level, tap “Send Invitation”.
The person will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation. They’ll need to open the link and either log in to their Ring account or create a new one.
Step 8: User Accepts the Invitation
The invited user must complete the process on their end. Here’s what they need to do:
- Open the email and click the invitation link.
- Log in to their Ring account (or create one if they don’t have one).
- Accept the invitation.
Once accepted, they’ll see your doorbell in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.”
Step 9: Confirm Access
Go back to your Ring app and check the Users section. You should now see the new user listed with their permission level.
They can now receive alerts, view live video, and interact with the doorbell based on their access level.
How to Manage Users After Adding Them
Adding a user is just the beginning. You’ll also want to know how to manage them later—whether that’s changing their permissions or removing access entirely.
Changing a User’s Permission Level
If you want to upgrade a Shared User to Admin (or vice versa), follow these steps:
- Go to the Ring app and open Device Settings for the doorbell.
- Tap “Users.”
- Find the user you want to modify and tap on their name.
- Select a new permission level (Shared User or Admin).
- Tap “Save.”
The change takes effect immediately.
Removing a User from Your Ring Doorbell
If someone no longer needs access—maybe they moved out or you no longer trust them—you can remove them easily:
- Open the Ring app and go to Device Settings.
- Tap “Users.”
- Find the user and tap on their name.
- Tap “Remove User.”
- Confirm the action.
Once removed, they will no longer receive alerts or be able to view the doorbell in their app.
Tip: If you’re removing an Admin user, make sure you’re still the primary account holder. Only one Admin can be the owner, and if you remove yourself, you may lose access.
Pro Tips for Sharing Your Ring Doorbell
Now that you know how to add a user, here are some expert tips to make the experience smoother and more secure.
1. Use Descriptive Names for Users
When you add a user, the app may just show their email. To make it easier to identify who’s who, ask them to update their Ring profile with a clear name (e.g., “Sarah – Neighbor” or “Dad – Backup Admin”).
This helps when managing multiple users or reviewing alert history.
2. Set Up Motion Zones Together
If the new user will be monitoring the doorbell regularly, consider setting up custom motion zones together. This ensures they only get alerts for areas that matter—like the front walkway, not the busy street.
Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones to adjust.
3. Enable Two-Way Talk Wisely
Shared Users can use two-way talk by default. If you’re adding a child or someone who might accidentally speak to strangers, consider discussing when it’s appropriate to use this feature.
You can’t disable two-way talk for individual users, but you can educate them on best practices.
4. Review Access Regularly
Make it a habit to check who has access to your doorbell every few months. Remove users who no longer need it—like a former roommate or a neighbor who moved away.
This reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
5. Use Ring Protect for Shared Viewing
If you want the added user to view past recordings, make sure you have a Ring Protect subscription. Without it, they’ll only see live video and motion alerts.
Ring Protect starts at $3.99/month per device and includes video history, snapshot capture, and extended warranties.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, things can go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Problem: The User Didn’t Receive the Invitation Email
Sometimes emails get caught in spam folders or are delayed.
- Ask the user to check their spam/junk folder.
- Resend the invitation from the Users section in the app.
- Make sure the email address was entered correctly.
- If the email is correct and still not received, have the user create a Ring account first, then resend the invite.
Problem: The User Can’t Accept the Invitation
If the link doesn’t work or gives an error:
- Ensure the user is using the same email address you invited.
- Try opening the link in a different browser or device.
- Ask the user to log out and back into their Ring account.
- If all else fails, remove the pending invitation and send a new one.
Problem: The User Can’t See the Doorbell in Their App
After accepting the invitation, the doorbell should appear under “Shared Devices.” If it doesn’t:
- Ask the user to close and reopen the Ring app.
- Check that they’re logged into the correct account.
- Verify that the invitation was accepted successfully.
- Ensure the doorbell is online (check the status in your app).
Problem: You Accidentally Made Someone an Admin
Admins have full control, including the ability to remove you. If this happens:
- Go to Users and change their permission to Shared User immediately.
- If they’ve already made changes, review device settings for any unauthorized adjustments.
- As a last resort, you can remove the device and re-add it—but this will reset all settings.
Security Best Practices When Sharing Access
Sharing your Ring Doorbell can be incredibly useful, but it also introduces security risks. Follow these best practices to keep your home and data safe.
Only Invite People You Trust
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Anyone with access can see who comes to your door, when you’re home, and even interact with visitors. Only share with family, close friends, or trusted neighbors.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Make sure both your Ring account and the added user’s account use strong passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
To enable 2FA:
- Go to the Ring app.
- Tap the menu (☰) > Control Center > Two-Factor Authentication.
- Follow the prompts to set it up.
Monitor Activity Logs
Ring keeps a log of who views the doorbell and when. You can check this in the app under Device Settings > Event History.
If you notice unusual activity—like someone viewing the camera at odd hours—investigate and consider removing access.
Disable Access During Suspicious Activity
If you suspect someone is misusing access, remove them immediately. You can also temporarily disable motion alerts or live view if needed.
Conclusion
Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your home security and share peace of mind with loved ones. Whether you’re helping a family member stay safe, keeping an eye on your home while traveling, or coordinating with neighbors, the process is straightforward and secure when done correctly.
Remember to:
- Use the Ring app to send invitations via email.
- Choose the right permission level (Shared User or Admin).
- Only invite people you trust.
- Manage users regularly and remove access when no longer needed.
With this guide, you’re now equipped to share your Ring Doorbell confidently and responsibly. Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy the added convenience of shared access.