How to Add a User to the Ring Doorbell

Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell allows trusted family members or roommates to receive alerts and view live video. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Ring app, including permission settings and troubleshooting tips.

Key Takeaways

Only the Ring account owner can add users: You must be the primary account holder to invite others to access your doorbell.
Use the Ring app to send invitations: The process is done entirely within the Ring mobile app—no website login required.
Customize user permissions: Choose whether new users can view live video, receive motion alerts, or access recorded footage.
Users need their own Ring account: Invited individuals must have a free Ring account to accept the invitation.
Revoke access anytime: You can remove a user instantly if they no longer need access to your doorbell.
Troubleshoot common issues: Problems like failed invites or login errors can usually be fixed with app updates or re-inviting.
Shared access improves home security: Multiple users mean more eyes on your front door, increasing safety and response time.

So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell and it’s working perfectly—motion alerts pop up on your phone, you can see who’s at the door, and you’re feeling pretty smart about your home security setup. But now, your partner, roommate, or family member wants to get in on the action. Maybe they want to see who’s knocking when you’re not home, or they just want peace of mind knowing they can check the camera from their phone.

The good news? Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell is quick, easy, and completely free. You don’t need to buy extra hardware or pay for a subscription. All it takes is a few taps in the Ring app.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—step by step—so you can share access with confidence. Whether you’re adding your spouse, a trusted neighbor, or a teenager who’s home alone after school, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also cover how to set permissions, remove users, and troubleshoot common problems.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to manage user access like a pro—keeping your home secure while giving the right people the right level of control.

Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?

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

Image source: i.ytimg.com

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why you might want to add a user in the first place.

First and foremost, shared access improves home security. If you’re at work and your teen is home alone, they can see who’s at the door without opening it. If your roommate is traveling, they can still check in and make sure everything’s okay. More eyes on your front door mean faster response times and better awareness.

Second, it’s convenient. You don’t always have your phone handy. Maybe you’re in a meeting, taking a shower, or your phone is on silent. If someone else gets the alert, they can answer the door or check the camera and let you know what’s going on.

Third, it’s great for families. Parents can monitor deliveries, kids can see when friends arrive, and everyone stays connected to what’s happening at home.

And finally, it’s flexible. You’re in full control. You decide who gets access, what they can see, and when to revoke it. It’s your doorbell—you call the shots.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

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

Your Ring Doorbell installed and connected: The device should be online and working properly.
The Ring app installed on your smartphone: Available for iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
Your login credentials: You must be logged into the Ring app as the primary account owner.
The email address of the person you want to add: They’ll need this to accept the invitation.
A stable internet connection: Wi-Fi or mobile data to send the invite and sync changes.

If any of these are missing, take a moment to set them up. For example, if your doorbell isn’t online, check your Wi-Fi signal or restart the device. If the app is outdated, go to your app store and update it.

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

Now, let’s get to the main event. Here’s how to add a user to your Ring Doorbell using the Ring app.

Step 1: Open the Ring App

Launch the Ring app on your smartphone. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password to access your account.

Once you’re in, you’ll see the home screen with your Ring devices listed. Look for your doorbell—it should show its current status (e.g., “Online” or “Recording”).

Step 2: Go to Device Settings

Tap on your Ring Doorbell from the device list. This will open the live view or the last recorded clip, depending on your settings.

Now, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap it to access the device settings.

Step 3: Select “Shared Users”

In the settings menu, scroll down until you find the option labeled “Shared Users”. Tap on it.

This section shows a list of people who currently have access to your doorbell. If no one has been added yet, the list will be empty.

Step 4: Tap “Add User”

At the bottom of the Shared Users screen, you’ll see a button that says “Add User”. Tap it.

A new screen will appear asking for 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. This must be the same email they used to sign up for Ring.

Important: The person must already have a Ring account. If they don’t, they’ll need to download the app and create one before they can accept your invitation.

If you’re not sure whether they have an account, you can still send the invite. If they don’t have one, they’ll be prompted to create one when they receive the email.

Step 6: Choose Permissions

After entering the email, you’ll be asked to select what level of access to grant. Ring offers three permission levels:

View Live Video: The user can see live footage from the doorbell but cannot access recordings or change settings.
View Live Video and Motion Alerts: The user gets live access plus notifications when motion is detected.
View Live Video, Motion Alerts, and Recorded Videos: Full access to live view, alerts, and the event history (requires a Ring Protect Plan if you want cloud recordings).

Choose the option that best fits your needs. For most people, “View Live Video and Motion Alerts” is a good balance of access and privacy.

Step 7: Send the Invitation

Once you’ve selected the permissions, tap “Send Invitation”.

The app will confirm that the invite has been sent. The person will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation.

Step 8: User Accepts the Invitation

The invited user must open the email and click the link. This will take them to the Ring app (or prompt them to download it if they don’t have it).

They’ll log in with their Ring account and accept the invitation. Once they do, they’ll see your doorbell in their device list and can start receiving alerts and viewing live video.

Managing Shared Users

After adding a user, you might want to change their permissions or remove them later. Here’s how to manage shared access.

Changing User Permissions

To change what a user can do:

Go to the Ring app and open your doorbell’s settings.
Tap “Shared Users.”
Find the user you want to edit and tap on their name.
Adjust the permission level and tap “Save.”

For example, if you initially gave someone access to live video only, you can upgrade them to receive motion alerts if needed.

Removing a User

If someone no longer needs access—maybe they moved out or you just want to limit access—you can remove them instantly.

To remove a user:

Go to “Shared Users” in your doorbell settings.
Tap on the user’s name.
Scroll down and tap “Remove User.”
Confirm the action.

Once removed, they’ll lose all access immediately. They won’t receive alerts, see live video, or view recordings.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Adding a user is usually straightforward, but here are some tips to make it even easier:

Double-check the email address: A typo can prevent the invite from being delivered. If the user doesn’t receive the email, ask them to check their spam folder or resend the invite.
Use strong, unique passwords: Encourage all users to use secure passwords for their Ring accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Set clear expectations: Let users know what they can and can’t do. For example, if they can’t view recordings, explain why.
Update the app regularly: Ring frequently releases updates that improve performance and security. Keep your app up to date.
Test the connection: After adding a user, have them open the app and check if they can see the doorbell and receive alerts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are solutions to the most common problems when adding a user to your Ring Doorbell.

Issue: The Invitation Email Isn’t Received

If the user doesn’t get the email:

Check for typos in the email address.
Ask the user to check their spam or junk folder.
Resend the invitation from the Ring app.
Make sure the user’s email provider isn’t blocking Ring emails.

If the problem persists, try using a different email address or contact Ring support.

Issue: The User Can’t Accept the Invitation

If the link in the email doesn’t work:

Ensure the user has the latest version of the Ring app.
Have them log out and log back into their Ring account.
Try opening the link on a different device or browser.
If they don’t have a Ring account, guide them through the sign-up process first.

Issue: The User Can’t See the Doorbell in the App

After accepting the invite, the doorbell might not appear immediately.

Close and reopen the Ring app.
Restart the user’s phone.
Check that the user is logged into the correct Ring account.
Ensure the doorbell is online and functioning.

If the doorbell still doesn’t show up, the primary account holder should resend the invitation.

Issue: Motion Alerts Aren’t Working for the User

If the user can see live video but isn’t getting alerts:

Verify that “Motion Alerts” permission was granted.
Check the user’s phone notification settings—make sure Ring is allowed to send alerts.
Ensure the doorbell’s motion zones are properly configured.
Restart the Ring app on the user’s device.

Issue: The User Can Access Recordings Without a Protect Plan

If the user can view recorded videos but you don’t have a Ring Protect Plan:

This shouldn’t happen—recorded videos require a subscription.
Double-check your subscription status in the Ring app.
If recordings are accessible without a plan, contact Ring support immediately—it could be a security issue.

Best Practices for Shared Access

To keep your home secure and avoid confusion, follow these best practices:

Only add people you trust: Shared access means someone else can see who comes to your door. Be selective.
Review users regularly: Every few months, check your Shared Users list and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
Use descriptive names: When adding users, consider labeling them (e.g., “Sarah – Roommate”) so you know who’s who.
Educate users on privacy: Remind them not to share live video or recordings publicly.
Monitor activity: If you notice unusual behavior, review your settings and consider changing your password.

Conclusion

Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell is a simple way to enhance your home’s security and convenience. Whether you’re sharing access with a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor, the process takes just a few minutes and gives you peace of mind knowing more people are watching out for your home.

By following the steps in this guide, you can confidently invite others, customize their permissions, and manage access as needed. And if you run into any issues, the troubleshooting tips above will help you get back on track quickly.

Remember, you’re in control. You decide who sees your doorbell, what they can do, and when to revoke access. With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell becomes a shared tool for safety, not just a personal gadget.

So go ahead—add that user, send the invite, and enjoy the added layer of security that comes with shared vigilance. Your front door has never been smarter.