This guide walks you through the simple process of adding another cell phone to your Ring Doorbell so multiple users can receive alerts and view live video. Whether you’re sharing access with family or roommates, we’ll show you how to do it safely and efficiently using the Ring app.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple users can access one Ring Doorbell: You can invite family members, roommates, or trusted neighbors to receive notifications and view live footage.
- Use the Ring app to manage shared access: The process is done entirely through the Ring mobile app—no extra hardware or technical skills needed.
- Each user needs their own Ring account: Invited users must sign up for a free Ring account before they can be added.
- Shared users get full control (unless restricted): By default, invited users can view live video, receive motion alerts, and talk through the doorbell.
- You can remove access anytime: As the owner, you maintain full control and can revoke access at any time from the app.
- Two-factor authentication improves security: Enable 2FA on all accounts to protect your device and personal data.
- Works with all Ring Doorbell models: This method applies to Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Elite, and newer models.
How to Add Another Cell Phone to Ring Doorbell
So you’ve got your Ring Doorbell up and running—great choice! It’s already helping you see who’s at the door, even when you’re not home. But what if you want your spouse, roommate, or teen to also get alerts when someone rings the bell or triggers motion?
Good news: you can easily add another cell phone to your Ring Doorbell. This means multiple people can receive notifications, view live video, and even speak through the doorbell using their own phones.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—step by step—so you can share access safely and efficiently. Whether you’re setting this up for the first time or adding a new user, we’ve got you covered.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to invite others, manage permissions, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your Ring Doorbell secure. Let’s get started!
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add Another Cell Phone to Ring Doorbell
Image source: c8.alamy.com
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to add another phone to your Ring Doorbell.
Maybe you’re at work and your teenager is home alone—having them receive doorbell alerts means they won’t miss a delivery or unexpected visitor. Or perhaps you and your partner both want to see who’s knocking while you’re out running errands.
Sharing access isn’t just convenient—it’s also a smart safety move. The more people who can monitor your front door, the better protected your home becomes.
And don’t worry: you’re not giving up control. As the device owner, you decide who gets access and what they can do. You can even remove someone later if needed.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Adding another phone to your Ring Doorbell is simple, but there are a few things you’ll need to have ready:
- A working Ring Doorbell: Make sure your device is installed, connected to Wi-Fi, and functioning properly.
- The Ring app installed on your phone: This is available for free on iOS (iPhone) and Android devices.
- The phone number or email of the person you want to invite: They’ll need this to accept your invitation.
- The other person’s consent: Only invite people you trust, as they’ll have access to your doorbell’s video and audio.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the invited user’s phone should have good Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Once you’ve got these basics covered, you’re ready to begin.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add Another Phone to Ring Doorbell
Now for the main event—adding another cell phone to your Ring Doorbell. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have shared access set up in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Open the Ring App on Your Phone
Start by unlocking your phone and opening the Ring app. If you haven’t used it in a while, make sure it’s updated to the latest version. You can check for updates in your device’s app store (Google Play or Apple App Store).
Once the app opens, you should see your Ring Doorbell listed on the home screen. Tap on it to make sure it’s online and working. You’ll know it’s connected if you can see a live preview or recent activity.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
With your doorbell selected, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the screen. This is the settings menu. Tap on it to open the device settings.
Here, you’ll find options like motion settings, video quality, chime settings, and more. But we’re looking for something specific: the option to share access.
Step 3: Select “Shared Users”
Scroll down in the settings menu until you see a section labeled “Shared Users”. Tap on it.
This is where you can manage who has access to your doorbell. You’ll see a list of any users already added (if any), and an option to invite new ones.
Step 4: Tap “Add Shared User”
Now, tap the “Add Shared User” button. This will open a new screen where you can enter the contact information of the person you want to invite.
You’ll be asked to provide either their email address or phone number. Make sure you enter it correctly—this is how they’ll receive the invitation.
Step 5: Enter the Invitee’s Information
Type in the email or phone number of the person you want to add. For example:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (555) 123-4567
Once you’ve entered the information, tap “Send Invitation”.
The Ring system will now send an invitation to that person. They’ll receive a notification via email or text message, depending on what you entered.
Step 6: The Invitee Accepts the Invitation
Now it’s the other person’s turn. Here’s what they need to do:
- Open the email or text message from Ring.
- Tap the link in the message to open the Ring app (or download it if they don’t have it).
- If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll need to create one for free.
- Once logged in, they’ll see your invitation and can tap “Accept.”
After accepting, your doorbell will appear in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.” They can now receive alerts, view live video, and talk through the doorbell—just like you.
Step 7: Confirm Access in Your App
Back in your Ring app, go to Shared Users again. You should now see the new user listed.
You can tap on their name to see what permissions they have. By default, shared users get full access, including:
- Viewing live video
- Receiving motion and doorbell alerts
- Talking through the doorbell
- Viewing recorded videos (if you have Ring Protect)
If you ever want to change these settings or remove the user, you can do so from this same screen.
Managing Shared Users: Permissions and Controls
As the device owner, you have full control over who can access your Ring Doorbell and what they can do. Let’s look at how to manage shared users effectively.
Viewing and Editing User Permissions
To check or change a shared user’s permissions:
- Open the Ring app.
- Go to your doorbell’s settings.
- Tap “Shared Users.”
- Select the user you want to manage.
- Here, you can see their access level and make changes if needed.
Currently, Ring offers two main permission levels:
- Standard Shared User: Can view live video, receive alerts, and talk through the doorbell.
- Owner: Full control, including the ability to add/remove users and change device settings.
Note: You cannot restrict a shared user from receiving alerts or viewing video—those are core features. But you can remove them entirely if needed.
Removing a Shared User
If someone no longer needs access—maybe they moved out or you no longer trust them—you can remove them easily:
- Go to “Shared Users” in your doorbell settings.
- Tap on the user’s name.
- Select “Remove User.”
- Confirm the action.
Once removed, they’ll lose all access immediately. They won’t receive any more alerts, and the doorbell will disappear from their app.
Tips for a Smooth Setup
To make the process even easier and avoid common pitfalls, here are some practical tips:
- Double-check the email or phone number: A small typo can delay the invitation. If the person doesn’t receive it, ask them to check their spam folder or resend it.
- Make sure the invitee has the Ring app: They’ll need it to accept the invitation and use the doorbell. Send them a link to download it if needed.
- Use strong passwords: Encourage all users to create secure Ring accounts with unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Test the connection: After adding a user, have them open the app and try viewing live video to confirm everything works.
- Keep your app updated: Ring frequently releases updates with bug fixes and new features. Stay current for the best experience.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, things don’t always go perfectly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Issue: The Invitation Wasn’t Received
If the person you invited says they didn’t get the message:
- Check that you entered the correct email or phone number.
- Ask them to check their spam or junk folder.
- Resend the invitation from the “Shared Users” menu.
- Try using a different contact method (e.g., switch from email to phone number).
Issue: The Invitee Can’t Accept the Invitation
If they’re having trouble accepting:
- Make sure they’re using the latest version of the Ring app.
- Have them log out and back into their Ring account.
- Ask them to restart their phone and try again.
- If they’re creating a new account, ensure they verify their email or phone number.
Issue: Shared User Can’t See the Doorbell
If the doorbell doesn’t appear in their app:
- Confirm they accepted the invitation.
- Have them close and reopen the Ring app.
- Check that they’re logged into the correct Ring account.
- Ensure your doorbell is online and connected to Wi-Fi.
Issue: Alerts Aren’t Coming Through
If the shared user isn’t getting notifications:
- Check their phone’s notification settings for the Ring app.
- Make sure “Allow Notifications” is turned on.
- Verify that motion and doorbell alerts are enabled in the app.
- Restart their phone to refresh the connection.
Security Best Practices
Sharing access to your Ring Doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to do it safely. Here’s how to protect your device and your privacy:
- Only invite people you trust: Shared users can see who comes to your door—don’t give access to strangers or unreliable individuals.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your Ring account. Go to Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication to set it up.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid simple passwords like “123456” or “password.” Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Regularly review shared users: Check your “Shared Users” list every few months and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
- Monitor activity logs: If you have Ring Protect, you can view who accessed your doorbell and when.
Does This Work with All Ring Doorbell Models?
Yes! The process of adding another phone to your Ring Doorbell works with all current models, including:
- Ring Video Doorbell (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen)
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite
- Ring Video Doorbell Wired
- Ring Video Doorbell Battery
No matter which model you have, the steps are the same. Just use the Ring app to manage shared access.
Can You Add More Than One Phone?
Absolutely! You can add multiple phones to a single Ring Doorbell. There’s no strict limit, but Ring recommends keeping the number reasonable—say, up to 10 users—to avoid confusion or performance issues.
Each person you invite will receive their own alerts and can use the doorbell independently. This is perfect for families, roommates, or small businesses.
What If You Have Multiple Doorbells?
If you have more than one Ring device (like a front doorbell and a backyard camera), you can share access to each one individually.
When you invite a user, you’ll choose which devices they can access. You can give them access to all devices or just specific ones.
To do this:
- Go to “Shared Users” in the Ring app.
- Tap “Add Shared User.”
- After entering their info, you’ll see a list of your devices.
- Toggle on the ones you want to share.
- Send the invitation.
This way, you can customize access for each person.
Final Thoughts
Adding another cell phone to your Ring Doorbell is a simple, powerful way to keep your home secure and your family connected. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can share access with anyone you trust—whether it’s your partner, a teen, or a trusted neighbor.
Remember, you’re always in control. You decide who gets access, and you can remove them anytime. Plus, with features like two-factor authentication and activity logs, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your device is secure.
So go ahead—invite that second phone, third phone, or even a whole household. Your Ring Doorbell is ready to keep everyone in the loop.