How to Add an User in My Ring Doorbell

Adding a user to your Ring doorbell lets you share access with family, roommates, or trusted neighbors so they can view live feeds, receive alerts, and manage recordings. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Ring app, including troubleshooting tips and best practices for security.

Key Takeaways

Use the Ring app to invite users: All user management happens within the Ring mobile app—no need to touch the physical doorbell.
Only the owner can add users: You must be the account owner or have admin privileges to send invitations.
Users get customizable permissions: Choose whether they can view live video, receive motion alerts, or delete recordings.
Invitations expire after 7 days: If not accepted, resend the invite or check the email for errors.
Two-factor authentication enhances security: Always enable 2FA on your Ring account to protect shared access.
Remove users anytime: Revoke access instantly if someone no longer needs it.
Works with all Ring doorbell models: This process applies to Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Elite, and newer versions.

So, you’ve got your Ring doorbell up and running—great choice! It’s keeping an eye on your front door, sending you alerts when someone approaches, and letting you talk to visitors from anywhere. But what if you want your spouse, roommate, or a trusted neighbor to also get those alerts and see who’s at the door? That’s where adding a user comes in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of adding a user to your Ring doorbell. Whether you’re sharing access with family, a caregiver, or a friend who watches your home while you’re away, it’s simple, secure, and takes just a few minutes. 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 add a user in your Ring doorbell, manage their access, and keep your home security system running smoothly—without compromising privacy or control.

Why Add a User to Your Ring Doorbell?

Visual guide about How to Add an User in My Ring Doorbell

Image source: storables.com

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to add someone else to your Ring system.

Maybe you’re going on vacation and want your neighbor to keep an eye on things. Or perhaps your teenager is home alone after school and should be able to see who’s at the door. You might even have a dog walker or delivery person who needs temporary access during specific hours.

Adding a user means more eyes on your home—without giving out your personal login. It’s a smart way to enhance security and convenience, especially in busy households.

And the best part? You stay in control. You decide what each user can and can’t do. They won’t be able to change your settings, remove devices, or access your payment info—unless you specifically allow it.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Adding a user is quick, but you’ll need a few things ready:

A smartphone or tablet with the Ring app installed: Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
Your Ring account login: You must be signed in as the account owner or an admin.
The email address of the person you’re inviting: They’ll need this to accept the invitation.
A stable internet connection: Both your device and the Ring doorbell should be online.

If you’re not the account owner, check with them first. Only owners and admins can send invitations.

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

Now, let’s get into the actual process. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a new user added in under five minutes.

Step 1: Open the Ring App

Start by unlocking your phone and opening the Ring app. You should see your home screen with a list of your devices—like your doorbell, cameras, or security system.

If you don’t see your doorbell, make sure it’s online. A green dot next to the device means it’s connected. If it’s gray or red, check your Wi-Fi or power source first.

Step 2: Go to the Device Dashboard

Tap on your Ring doorbell from the device list. This opens the live view or recent activity screen.

Now, look for the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top-left corner. Tap it to open the main menu.

Step 3: Select “Shared Users”

In the menu, scroll down until you see “Shared Users.” Tap on it.

This is where you manage everyone who has access to your doorbell. You’ll see a list of current users (if any) and an option to add a new one.

Step 4: Tap “Add User”

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

A new screen will appear asking for the person’s email address. This is the email they use for their Ring account (or the one they’ll create if they don’t have one yet).

Step 5: Enter the User’s Email Address

Type in the email address of the person you want to invite. Double-check for typos—this is a common mistake that causes invitations to fail.

For example, if you’re adding your partner, use their personal email (like [email protected]), not a shared family account.

Once you’ve entered the email, tap “Send Invitation.”

Step 6: Set User Permissions

After sending the invite, you’ll be taken to a permissions screen. This is where you decide what the new user can do.

You’ll see options like:

View Live Video: Can they see the camera feed in real time?
Receive Motion Alerts: Will they get notifications when motion is detected?
View Event History: Can they see past recordings and events?
Delete Recordings: Should they be able to erase videos from the timeline?
Adjust Device Settings: Can they change motion zones or sensitivity?

We recommend starting with basic access—like viewing live video and receiving alerts—and adjusting later if needed.

For example, you might allow your teenager to see who’s at the door but not delete recordings. Or give your neighbor access only during certain hours.

Tap “Save” when you’re done.

Step 7: Wait for the User to Accept

The person you invited will receive an email from Ring with a link to accept the invitation.

They’ll need to:

Click the link in the email.
Log in to their Ring account (or create one if they don’t have one).
Accept the invitation.

Once they do, they’ll appear in your Shared Users list with the permissions you set.

Tips for a Smooth User Addition

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

Use a personal email: Avoid shared emails like “[email protected].” Each user should have their own account for security and clarity.
Notify the user in advance: Let them know an invitation is coming so they don’t delete it as spam.
Check spam folders: If the user doesn’t see the email, ask them to check their junk or promotions folder.
Resend if needed: Invitations expire after 7 days. If they don’t accept in time, just resend it.
Use nicknames: In the Ring app, you can assign nicknames to users (like “Mom” or “Jake”) to make it easier to identify them.

Managing User Permissions After Adding

You’re not stuck with the permissions you set initially. You can change them anytime.

To adjust a user’s access:

Go to the Ring app.
Open the menu and tap “Shared Users.”
Tap on the user’s name.
Toggle permissions on or off.
Tap “Save.”

For example, you might give your dog walker access only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Or remove alert permissions for a user who gets too many notifications.

You can also remove a user entirely by tapping “Remove User” at the bottom of their profile. This instantly revokes all access.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best setup, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when adding a user.

Issue 1: The Invitation Email Isn’t Received

If the user doesn’t get the email:

Double-check the email address for typos.
Ask them to search their inbox for “Ring” or “[email protected].”
Check spam, junk, or promotions folders.
Resend the invitation from the Shared Users screen.

Sometimes email providers block automated messages. If this keeps happening, try using a different email address.

Issue 2: The User Can’t Accept the Invitation

If the link doesn’t work or gives an error:

Make sure they’re using the same email you invited.
Ask them to clear their browser cache or try a different browser.
Ensure they’re not already a user on another Ring device with the same email.
Have them log out of any existing Ring accounts before accepting.

If they already have a Ring account, they must log in with that email to accept the invite.

Issue 3: The User Doesn’t See the Doorbell in Their App

After accepting, the doorbell should appear in their app under “Shared Devices.” If it doesn’t:

Ask them to close and reopen the Ring app.
Check that they’re logged into the correct account.
Verify that you’ve granted at least “View Live Video” permission.
Ensure your doorbell is online and functioning.

Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the device to sync across accounts.

Issue 4: Permissions Aren’t Working as Expected

If a user can’t view live video or get alerts:

Go back to the Shared Users screen and confirm the permissions are enabled.
Check if motion zones are set correctly—some users might not get alerts if motion is outside their zone.
Make sure the user’s phone has notifications enabled for the Ring app.
Restart the Ring app on their device.

Also, note that some features (like two-way talk) may require additional permissions or a Ring Protect plan.

Security Best Practices When Adding Users

Sharing access is convenient, but it’s important to do it safely. Here’s how to protect your home and privacy:

Only add people you trust: This includes family, close friends, or reliable service providers.
Use strong, unique passwords: Make sure your Ring account has a strong password and two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled.
Limit permissions: Start with minimal access and increase only if needed.
Review users regularly: Check your Shared Users list every few months and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
Monitor activity: The Ring app shows who viewed live video or deleted recordings. Keep an eye on it.
Educate users: Let them know not to share their login or accept suspicious links.

Remember: once someone has access, they can see your front door activity. Choose wisely.

Can You Add Multiple Users?

Yes! You can add as many users as you need. There’s no strict limit, but Ring recommends keeping the number reasonable for security.

Each user gets their own invitation and permissions. You can assign different levels of access to different people.

For example:

Your spouse: Full access (live view, alerts, settings).
Your teen: Live view and alerts only.
Your neighbor: Alerts only, during specific hours.
Your cleaner: Temporary access for one week.

This flexibility makes Ring great for families, roommates, and shared living spaces.

What If the User Doesn’t Have a Ring Account?

No problem. When you send an invitation, Ring will prompt them to create a free account if they don’t already have one.

They’ll need to:

Click the invitation link.
Enter their name, email, and create a password.
Verify their email address.
Accept the invitation.

The process takes just a few minutes. Once done, they’ll have full access based on your permissions.

Does Adding a User Cost Extra?

Adding a user is completely free. There’s no charge for sharing access to your Ring doorbell.

However, if you want cloud video recording (to save and review past events), you’ll need a Ring Protect plan. This is a separate subscription that starts at $3.99/month per device.

But sharing live view and motion alerts? That’s always free.

Conclusion

Adding a user to your Ring doorbell is a simple, secure way to share home security with people you trust. Whether it’s your partner, a neighbor, or a caregiver, you can give them the access they need—without handing over your login.

By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to invite users, set permissions, and manage access with confidence. And if something goes wrong, the troubleshooting tips will help you get back on track fast.

Remember: you’re in control. You decide who sees what, when, and for how long. With the right settings and a little caution, your Ring doorbell can be a powerful tool for safety and peace of mind—for everyone in your circle.

So go ahead, open that Ring app, and start sharing the view. Your front door just got a whole lot smarter.