Adding another person to your Ring Doorbell lets family or trusted neighbors view live feeds, receive alerts, and manage recordings. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Ring app, covering setup, permissions, and troubleshooting.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to invite users: Only the owner can send invites via the app’s “Linked Users” section.
- Choose permission levels wisely: Decide whether guests can view only or also manage settings and recordings.
- Both users need Ring accounts: The person you’re adding must have a free Ring account to accept the invite.
- Works across devices: Once added, the new user can access the doorbell from their phone, tablet, or web browser.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove a user instantly if trust changes or they no longer need access.
- Shared access doesn’t affect ownership: Only the original owner retains full control over billing and device settings.
- Keep firmware updated: Ensure your Ring device runs the latest software to avoid sync issues with new users.
How to Add Another Person to Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell, and it’s working great—motion alerts pop up on your phone, you can see who’s at the door even when you’re miles away, and you love the peace of mind it brings. But what if your partner, roommate, or elderly parent also wants to see who’s knocking? Or maybe you’re going on vacation and want a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things?
That’s where sharing access comes in. Adding another person to your Ring Doorbell is simple, secure, and doesn’t require handing over your login details. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step—from sending the invite to managing permissions—so you can safely share your doorbell’s live feed and alerts with others.
Whether you’re setting this up for the first time or troubleshooting a failed invite, we’ve got you covered. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to give others access without compromising your privacy or control.
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add Another Person to Ring Doorbell
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Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to add someone else. Sharing your Ring Doorbell isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, teamwork, and peace of mind.
Imagine you’re at work and your teenager comes home from school. With shared access, they can see who’s at the door and even talk to delivery drivers. Or maybe you’re traveling, and you want your neighbor to check for suspicious activity. Shared access makes that possible without giving them your password.
It’s also helpful for families. Parents can monitor arrivals and departures, while kids can see if friends are visiting. Roommates can coordinate package deliveries. Even caregivers for elderly family members can benefit from remote monitoring.
And the best part? You stay in control. You decide who gets access, what they can do, and when to revoke it. No more guessing who saw the alert or missed a visitor.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin, make sure you have a few things ready:
- Your Ring app installed: Available on iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Your Ring account logged in: You must be the device owner to send invites.
- The email address of the person you’re adding: They’ll need this to accept the invitation.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Ring device should be online.
- The other person’s Ring account: If they don’t have one, they’ll need to create a free account first.
If the person you’re adding doesn’t have a Ring account yet, don’t worry—we’ll cover how they can sign up in a moment.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Someone to Your Ring Doorbell
Now, let’s get into the actual process. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have someone else viewing your doorbell in under five minutes.
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 doorbell. If you have multiple devices, confirm you’re viewing the correct one.
Tap on the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top-left corner. This opens the main navigation menu.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
From the menu, scroll down and tap on “Devices”. You’ll see a list of all your Ring devices—doorbells, cameras, alarms, etc.
Find your Ring Doorbell in the list and tap on it. This opens the device dashboard, where you can view live feeds, check battery levels, and adjust settings.
Step 3: Access Linked Users
On the device dashboard, scroll down until you see the “Linked Users” section. Tap on it. This is where you manage who has access to the device.
If this is your first time adding someone, the list will be empty. Tap the “Add User” button, usually located at the top-right corner.
Step 4: Enter the Person’s Email
A new screen will appear asking for the email address of the person you want to invite. Type in their email carefully—typos are a common reason invites fail.
Once entered, tap “Next”.
Step 5: Choose Permission Level
Now, you’ll choose what the new user can do. Ring offers two main permission levels:
- Viewer: Can see live feeds, view recordings, and receive alerts. Cannot change settings or delete videos.
- Admin: Can do everything a Viewer can, plus manage settings, delete recordings, and even add other users.
For most people, Viewer is the best choice. It keeps things secure while still allowing full monitoring. Only choose Admin if you fully trust the person and want them to help manage the device.
Select the appropriate permission level and tap “Send Invite”.
Step 6: The Invite Is Sent
Once you send the invite, Ring will email the person with a link to accept. They’ll need to open the email on their phone or computer and tap the link.
If they already have a Ring account, they’ll be prompted to log in. If not, they’ll be guided to create one for free.
Step 7: Accepting the Invite (For the New User)
Here’s what happens on the other end:
The person receives an email with the subject line: “You’ve been invited to view a Ring device”.
They tap the link, which opens the Ring app or website. If they don’t have the app, they’ll be prompted to download it.
They log in (or sign up) and accept the invitation. Once accepted, the doorbell appears in their app under “Shared Devices.”
They can now view live feeds, watch recordings, and receive motion and doorbell alerts—just like you.
Managing Shared Access: What You Can Do
Adding someone is just the beginning. As the device owner, you have full control over shared access. Here’s how to manage it.
Viewing Current Linked Users
To see who has access, go back to the “Linked Users” section in your device settings. You’ll see a list of all users, their email addresses, and their permission levels.
Tap on any user to see more details or change their permissions.
Changing Permissions
If you want to upgrade a Viewer to Admin (or downgrade an Admin to Viewer), simply tap on their name and select the new permission level. Changes take effect immediately.
This is useful if someone starts helping with package deliveries and you want them to adjust motion zones or delete old recordings.
Removing a User
If someone no longer needs access—maybe they moved out or you no longer trust them—you can remove them instantly.
In the “Linked Users” section, tap on the person’s name and select “Remove User”. Confirm the action, and they lose access right away.
They won’t be able to see live feeds, recordings, or alerts anymore. And they won’t get a notification—so you can remove them discreetly if needed.
Revoking Access Remotely
Even if you’re not at home, you can manage users from anywhere. Just open the Ring app on your phone, go to the device, and adjust settings as needed.
This is great for emergencies. If you suspect someone is misusing access, you can cut them off in seconds.
Tips for Safe and Effective Sharing
Sharing your Ring Doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to do it safely. Here are some best practices:
- Only share with people you trust: Remember, they’ll see who comes and goes—including family, friends, and delivery drivers.
- Use Viewer permissions by default: Unless someone needs to manage settings, keep them as a Viewer.
- Check who’s accessing your device: Ring doesn’t show login history, but you can monitor activity by reviewing recordings and alerts.
- Educate new users: Show them how to use the app, especially if they’re not tech-savvy. Teach them not to share screenshots or recordings publicly.
- Update your own password regularly: Even though you’re not sharing your login, it’s good security hygiene.
- Use two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA on your Ring account to prevent unauthorized access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, adding a user doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Invite Not Received
If the person says they didn’t get the email:
- Check the spam or junk folder.
- Confirm you entered the correct email address.
- Ask them to search their inbox for “Ring” or “[email protected]”.
- Resend the invite from the Linked Users section.
If the email still doesn’t arrive, try using a different email provider (Gmail, Outlook, etc.).
Invite Link Expired
Ring invites expire after 7 days. If the person doesn’t accept in time, you’ll need to send a new one.
Go back to Linked Users, tap “Add User,” and resend the invite.
User Can’t See the Device
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.
- Make sure they’re logged into the correct account.
- Check that your device is online (green status light).
- Restart the Ring app on both devices.
If the issue persists, remove and re-add the user.
Permission Changes Not Applying
If you change a user’s permission but they still can’t do what you expect:
- Ask them to log out and back into the Ring app.
- Ensure your app is updated to the latest version.
- Check that the device firmware is up to date (go to Device Health in settings).
Device Offline or Not Syncing
If the new user sees “Device Offline,” the problem is likely on your end:
- Check your Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell.
- Restart your router and the Ring device.
- Make sure the doorbell is charged (for battery models).
- Update the device firmware via the app.
A strong, stable connection is essential for shared access to work smoothly.
Advanced Sharing: Multiple Users and Households
You can add multiple people to a single Ring Doorbell—ideal for families, roommates, or small businesses.
There’s no official limit, but Ring recommends keeping the number reasonable (under 10) to avoid confusion.
Each user gets their own login and can customize alerts (e.g., only receive notifications during certain hours).
You can also share with people in different locations. A grandparent in another state can watch over your home while you’re away.
Just remember: only the owner can add or remove users. Shared users cannot invite others unless they have Admin rights.
Privacy and Security Considerations
While sharing access is safe when done correctly, it’s important to understand the privacy implications.
- Recordings are visible to all users: Anyone with access can view, save, or share video clips. Be mindful of what’s captured—like neighbors’ homes or public sidewalks.
- Motion zones affect everyone: If you adjust motion detection areas, it changes what all users see.
- Alerts go to all users: If multiple people get notified every time the doorbell rings, it can get noisy. Consider customizing alert schedules per user.
- Legal compliance: In some areas, recording audio or video in public spaces has legal restrictions. Check local laws before sharing footage.
Always discuss expectations with anyone you add. Set ground rules about recording, sharing clips, and responding to alerts.
Conclusion
Adding another person to your Ring Doorbell is a smart, secure way to extend the benefits of your smart home system. Whether it’s a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor, shared access means more eyes on your home—without compromising your control.
The process is simple: open the app, go to Linked Users, send an invite, and choose permissions. With just a few taps, someone else can start receiving alerts, viewing live feeds, and helping keep your home safe.
Remember to use Viewer permissions by default, keep your app updated, and remove access when it’s no longer needed. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips above will help you get back on track.
By following this guide, you’re not just sharing a doorbell—you’re building a safer, more connected household. So go ahead, send that invite, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone’s always watching.