This guide walks you through adding additional users to your Ring Doorbell 2 so family or trusted neighbors can receive alerts and view live video. With clear steps and expert tips, you’ll share access securely and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Only the Ring account owner can invite new users: You must be the primary account holder to send invitations via the Ring app.
- Shared users get limited access: They can view live video, receive motion alerts, and talk through the doorbell—but cannot change device settings.
- Invitations are sent via email: The new user must accept the invite using the same email address you provide.
- Multiple users can be added: There’s no strict limit, so you can share access with family, roommates, or property managers.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove a user instantly from the app if needed, ensuring full control over who sees your footage.
- Works with Ring Protect plans: Shared users can view recorded videos if your account has an active Ring Protect subscription.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi and app updates: For smooth sharing, keep your Ring app updated and your doorbell connected to a stable network.
How to Add Additional Users to Ring Doorbell 2
So you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell 2 and it’s working perfectly—motion alerts, live view, two-way talk—everything’s great. But now you want to share access with your spouse, roommate, or maybe a trusted neighbor who watches your home while you’re away. That’s where adding additional users comes in.
The good news? It’s simple, secure, and takes just a few minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of adding extra users to your Ring Doorbell 2. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a smart home pro, you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and troubleshooting advice to make sharing your doorbell a breeze.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to invite others, manage their access, and keep your home security system running smoothly—without compromising control or privacy.
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell 2?
Visual guide about How to Add Additional Users to Ring Doorbell 2
Image source: gottabemobile.com
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to add users in the first place. Sharing your Ring Doorbell 2 isn’t just convenient—it’s a smart security move.
Imagine you’re at work and your Ring alerts you to motion at the front door. You check the live feed and see a delivery person. But what if you can’t answer? If your partner or roommate has access, they can see the same alert and communicate with the delivery driver, ensuring your package gets safely left at the door.
Or maybe you’re on vacation. You can invite a neighbor to keep an eye on your home. They’ll get motion alerts and can check the live view if something seems off—giving you peace of mind while you’re away.
Adding users also helps in shared living situations. Roommates, family members, or even property managers can stay informed about who’s coming and going. It’s especially useful for Airbnb hosts or rental properties where multiple people need visibility.
And don’t worry—sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. You remain the primary account holder, and you can remove anyone at any time. It’s a flexible, secure way to extend the benefits of your Ring Doorbell 2 to those you trust.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin adding users, make sure you have a few things ready:
- Your Ring account login: You must be logged into the Ring app as the primary account owner.
- The Ring mobile app: Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) if you haven’t already.
- The email address of the person you want to invite: They’ll need this exact email to accept the invitation.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and your Ring Doorbell 2 should be connected to Wi-Fi.
- Updated app and firmware: Make sure your Ring app and doorbell firmware are up to date to avoid glitches.
Having these in place ensures a smooth process. If your app is outdated or your doorbell is offline, the invitation might fail or not send properly. Take a moment to check your app version and restart your doorbell if needed.
Step-by-Step Guide: Adding a User to Ring Doorbell 2
Now let’s get into the actual steps. Adding a user is done entirely through the Ring app, and it only takes a few taps. Follow along carefully, and you’ll have someone else viewing your doorbell in no time.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the Ring Doorbell 2. If you have multiple Ring devices, ensure you’re in the right location or device group.
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 to open the side menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings
In the side menu, scroll down and tap on Devices. This will show a list of all your Ring devices. Find your Ring Doorbell 2 and tap on it to open its settings.
You’ll now see options like Live View, Motion Settings, Device Health, and more. We’re looking for the Shared Users section, but it’s tucked under a submenu.
Tap on Device Settings (sometimes labeled “Settings” or a gear icon). This opens a new screen with advanced options for your doorbell.
Step 3: Select “Shared Users”
Scroll down until you find the Shared Users option. Tap on it. This is where you manage who has access to your doorbell.
You’ll see a list of current shared users (if any) and an option to Add Shared User. Tap that 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 invite. Type it in carefully—this must match the email they use for their Ring account (or the one they’ll create).
If the person already has a Ring account, they’ll receive the invitation directly. If not, they’ll get an email inviting them to create a free Ring account and accept access to your doorbell.
Double-check the email for typos. A wrong address means the invite won’t go through, and you’ll have to resend it.
Step 5: Send the Invitation
After entering the email, tap Send Invitation. The app will confirm that the invite has been sent.
At this point, the person will receive an email from Ring with a link to accept the invitation. They’ll need to click the link and follow the prompts to complete the process.
Step 6: The User Accepts the Invitation
The invited user must open the email and click the acceptance link. This will take them to the Ring website or prompt them to open the Ring app.
If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll be guided through creating one—using the same email you provided. Once they sign up and log in, they’ll see your Ring Doorbell 2 in their device list.
They can now receive motion alerts, view live video, and use two-way talk—just like you.
Step 7: Confirm Access in the App
Back in your Ring app, go to Shared Users again. You should now see the new user listed. Their status will show as “Accepted” once they’ve completed the process.
You can tap on their name to see details or remove access if needed.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully added an additional user to your Ring Doorbell 2.
Managing Shared Users: Tips and Best Practices
Adding users is easy, but managing them wisely is key to maintaining security and convenience. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of shared access.
Only Invite People You Trust
Just because you can add multiple users doesn’t mean you should add everyone. Only invite family members, roommates, or close neighbors you trust. Remember, they’ll see who comes to your door and when.
If you’re sharing with a neighbor while on vacation, consider setting a time limit—remove access when you return.
Use Descriptive Names
When you add a user, the app may just show their email. To make it easier to manage, consider noting their name or role (e.g., “Sarah – Spouse” or “Mike – Neighbor”) in your personal records.
This helps if you ever need to remove someone quickly.
Monitor Activity (If Needed)
While Ring doesn’t provide detailed logs of who viewed what, you can check the Event History in the app to see when live views or recordings were accessed. If you notice unusual activity, you can revoke access immediately.
Keep Your App Updated
Ring frequently releases app updates with bug fixes and new features. Keeping your app current ensures that shared users get the best experience and that invitations send without issues.
Check for updates monthly or enable auto-updates in your phone’s app store.
Educate Your Users
Not everyone knows how to use the Ring app. Take a few minutes to show your shared users how to:
- Open the app and find your doorbell
- View live video
- Use two-way talk
- Check motion alerts
A quick walkthrough prevents confusion and ensures they can help when needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, adding users doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Invitation Not Received
If the invited user doesn’t get the email, check these:
- Spam or junk folder: Ask them to check their email filters.
- Wrong email entered: Go back to Shared Users and resend to the correct address.
- Email delay: Sometimes emails take a few minutes. Wait 10–15 minutes before resending.
If the issue persists, try sending the invite from a different device or network.
User Can’t Accept the Invitation
If the link doesn’t work or the app crashes:
- Update the Ring app: Make sure both you and the user have the latest version.
- Clear app cache: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS, delete and reinstall the app.
- Try a different browser: If accepting via email link, use Chrome, Safari, or Firefox instead of the default mail app.
Shared User Can’t See the Doorbell
If the user accepts the invite but doesn’t see your doorbell:
- Check device sharing: Go to Shared Users and confirm the invitation was accepted.
- Restart the app: Close and reopen the Ring app on their phone.
- Re-login: Have them log out and back into their Ring account.
- Check location settings: If you have multiple locations (e.g., home and office), ensure the doorbell is shared under the correct one.
Doorbell Goes Offline After Adding User
This is rare, but sometimes network traffic increases with multiple users. If your doorbell disconnects:
- Restart the doorbell: Remove it from the mount, wait 10 seconds, and reattach.
- Check Wi-Fi signal: Use the Ring app’s Device Health tool to test signal strength. Move your router or add a Wi-Fi extender if needed.
- Limit simultaneous users: Only one person should use live view at a time to avoid overloading the connection.
How to Remove a Shared User
If you need to revoke access:
- Open the Ring app and go to Devices.
- Select your Ring Doorbell 2.
- Tap Device Settings > Shared Users.
- Find the user and tap the trash can or “Remove” button.
- Confirm the removal.
The user will lose access immediately and won’t receive further alerts.
Understanding User Permissions
It’s important to know what shared users can and cannot do. Here’s a breakdown:
What Shared Users Can Do
- Receive motion and ring alerts
- View live video feed
- Use two-way audio to speak through the doorbell
- View recorded videos (if you have Ring Protect)
- Download or share clips (with your permission)
What Shared Users Cannot Do
- Change device settings (motion zones, sensitivity, etc.)
- Delete recordings
- Remove other users
- Cancel your Ring Protect subscription
- Access your account or other devices
This setup keeps you in control while still allowing others to help monitor your home.
Ring Protect and Shared Users
If you have a Ring Protect plan (Basic or Plus), shared users can view recorded videos just like you. This is a huge benefit—especially if someone rings the doorbell when you’re not home.
For example, your roommate can check the recording of a delivery, see who left a package, and even save the clip if needed.
Without Ring Protect, shared users can only see live video and motion alerts—no recorded footage. So if you want full functionality for everyone, consider subscribing.
Ring Protect starts at $3.99/month per device (Basic) or $10/month for unlimited devices (Plus). It’s worth it if you rely on your doorbell for security.
Best Practices for Security and Privacy
Sharing access is convenient, but it’s important to protect your privacy. Follow these best practices:
Use Strong Passwords
Ensure both your Ring account and your shared users’ accounts have strong, unique passwords. Avoid common phrases or easy-to-guess combinations.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Ring account for extra security.
Limit Access When Not Needed
If you invited a neighbor for a weekend trip, remove them when you return. Don’t leave access open indefinitely.
Review Shared Users Regularly
Every few months, check your Shared Users list. Remove anyone who no longer needs access—like a former roommate or guest.
Be Mindful of Sensitive Areas
If your doorbell points toward a bedroom window or private yard area, consider adjusting the angle or motion zones to avoid unnecessary recordings.
Educate Users on Privacy
Remind shared users not to share clips publicly or with strangers. Ring footage is personal and should be treated with care.
Conclusion
Adding additional users to your Ring Doorbell 2 is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your home security. Whether you’re sharing with family, roommates, or trusted neighbors, the process is quick, secure, and fully manageable from the Ring app.
By following the steps in this guide, you can invite others in minutes, give them the access they need, and maintain full control over your device. With the right settings and a few best practices, your Ring Doorbell 2 becomes a shared tool for safety and convenience.
Remember: only you, as the account owner, can send invitations and manage access. Keep your app updated, monitor who has access, and use Ring Protect to unlock the full potential of your doorbell.
Now that you know how to add users, take the next step—invite someone today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with shared vigilance.