Adding family members to your Ring Doorbell is quick and secure, allowing shared access to live video, motion alerts, and recorded footage. Simply open the Ring app, navigate to Device Settings, select “Shared Users,” and invite members via email—each will receive a link to join and customize their notification preferences. This ensures everyone stays connected and informed, enhancing home security with seamless collaboration.
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Key Takeaways
- Open the Ring app: Launch the app and tap the menu icon to begin adding users.
- Select your device: Choose the Ring doorbell you want to share access with.
- Tap “Shared Users”: Navigate to this section to invite family members.
- Enter their email: Send an invite to each family member’s registered email address.
- Set permissions: Choose whether they can view, respond, or manage the device.
- Accept the invite: Family members must accept via email to gain access.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
So, you just got your shiny new Ring doorbell—congrats! It’s sleek, it’s smart, and it’s already making your front porch feel like a high-tech security zone. But here’s the thing: you’re not the only one who should be getting alerts when someone rings the bell or loiters near your steps. Your partner, your teen, maybe even Grandma who lives next door—they all deserve to know what’s happening at your front door.
That’s where how to add family members to Ring Doorbell comes in. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about shared awareness and safety. Imagine your kid coming home from school while you’re stuck in a Zoom meeting. With shared access, they can see who’s at the door, talk to delivery folks, or even check if that suspicious van is still parked across the street.
But let’s be real—Ring’s app isn’t exactly intuitive when it comes to user management. I remember the first time I tried to invite my wife. I tapped every button, dug through settings, and almost gave up before realizing I needed to go through the “Shared Users” section. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. That’s why mastering how to add family members to Ring Doorbell is one of the most practical things you can do after unboxing your device.
Plus, once everyone’s connected, you’ll get fewer “Did someone just ring the doorbell?” texts and more peace of mind knowing your whole household is in the loop. Whether you’re managing a busy family or just want your roommate to stop missing packages, this guide will walk you through it—step by step, no tech degree required.
What You Need
Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. Don’t worry—this isn’t rocket science, and you probably already have most of it.
Visual guide about How to Add Family Members to Ring Doorbell
Image source: doorbellnest.com
- Your Ring Doorbell (obviously!) – Make sure it’s installed, powered, and connected to your Wi-Fi.
- The Ring app – Downloaded on your smartphone (iOS or Android). If you don’t have it yet, grab it from the App Store or Google Play.
- A Ring account – You’ll need to be logged in as the primary owner (the person who set up the device).
- Email addresses for each family member you want to invite. Ring sends invitations via email, so double-check those addresses!
- Stable internet connection – Both your phone and your doorbell should be online during setup.
Optional but helpful:
If you’re adding someone who doesn’t live with you (like a trusted neighbor or relative), make sure they’re comfortable downloading the Ring app and creating their own account. They don’t need a Ring device—just the app and an email.
One quick note: Ring allows up to 20 shared users per device. That’s more than enough for most households, but if you’re running a small business or Airbnb, keep that limit in mind.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Add Family Members to Ring Doorbell
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Go to Device Settings
Start by opening the Ring app on your phone. You should see your doorbell listed on the home screen—tap on it to open the live view or event history.
Now, look for the little gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. That’s your Device Settings menu. Tap it. This is where all the magic happens—motion zones, chimes, and yes, user management.
Don’t see the gear? Make sure you’re logged in as the primary account holder. If you’re using a shared login or guest profile, you won’t have access to these settings. Only the owner can add or remove users.
Step 2: Find the “Shared Users” Option
Scroll down in the Device Settings menu until you spot “Shared Users”. It’s usually under a section called “People” or “User Management,” depending on your app version.
Tap on “Shared Users.” You’ll see a list of anyone already added (probably just you, if this is your first time). At the top, there should be a blue button that says “Add Shared User”—tap that.
Here’s a pro tip: If you don’t see “Shared Users,” try updating your Ring app. Older versions sometimes hide this feature or place it under “Account Settings” instead. A quick update usually fixes it.
Step 3: Enter the Family Member’s Email Address
Now comes the easy part: type in the email address of the person you want to invite. This could be your spouse, your college-bound kid, or even your dog walker (hey, they deserve to know if someone’s casing the joint!).
Make sure the email is correct—Ring will send the invitation to that address, and if it’s wrong, they’ll never get it. I once typed “gmail.con” instead of “.com” and wondered why my sister never got her invite. Facepalm moment.
After entering the email, tap “Send Invitation.” That’s it! Ring handles the rest.
Step 4: Have Your Family Member Accept the Invitation
Your family member will receive an email from Ring with a link to accept the invitation. When they click it, they’ll be prompted to:
- Create a Ring account (if they don’t have one)
- Download the Ring app (if they haven’t already)
- Log in and confirm the shared access
Once they complete these steps, their name will appear in your “Shared Users” list, and they’ll start receiving motion alerts and doorbell rings just like you do.
Important: They don’t need to own a Ring device. Shared users can view your doorbell feed, respond to visitors, and review recordings—all from their own phone.
Step 5: Customize Permissions (Optional but Smart)
By default, shared users get full access: they can view live video, talk through the doorbell, check event history, and even adjust some settings.
But maybe you don’t want your 10-year-old changing your motion zones or disabling alerts. No problem! Ring lets you customize permissions.
Go back to “Shared Users”, tap on the person’s name, and toggle permissions on or off. You can restrict:
- Live View access
- Two-way talk
- Event history viewing
- Device settings changes
I usually give my teenager live view and talk access but lock down settings. That way, she can handle deliveries but won’t accidentally turn off motion detection during a sleepover.
Step 6: Test It Out
Don’t just assume it worked—test it! Have your family member open the Ring app and check if your doorbell appears on their home screen.
Then, ring the doorbell (or trigger motion) and see if they get a notification. If they do, high-five! You’ve successfully mastered how to add family members to Ring Doorbell.
If they don’t see the device or get alerts, double-check that they accepted the invite and logged in with the correct email. Sometimes people create a new Ring account with a different email than the one you invited—frustrating, but easy to fix.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
After helping dozens of friends and family members set up shared access, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Pro Tip: Use descriptive names when adding users. Instead of “John,” label them “John – Dad” or “Sarah – Neighbor.” It saves confusion later, especially if you have multiple shared devices.
Warning: Don’t share your primary login credentials. Always use the “Shared Users” feature instead. Giving out your password is a security risk—and Ring logs you out if too many devices use the same account.
Another common mistake? Forgetting that shared users need the Ring app installed. I once invited my mom, only to realize she thought she could just check her email for alerts. Nope—she needed the app to see live video or talk to visitors.
Also, remember that shared users can’t delete the device or remove the primary owner. Only you (the owner) can do that. So if you’re lending your doorbell to a friend temporarily, they won’t accidentally wipe your setup.
Lastly, if someone leaves the household (roommate moving out, ex-partner), remove them promptly. Go to “Shared Users,” tap their name, and select “Remove User.” Better safe than sorry.
FAQs About How to Add Family Members to Ring Doorbell
Q: Can I add someone who doesn’t live with me?
A: Absolutely! You can share access with neighbors, relatives, or even your dog walker. As long as they have an email and can download the Ring app, they’re good to go.
Q: Will my family member see all my recordings?
A: Yes—unless you restrict their permissions. By default, shared users can view event history and saved clips. If you’re concerned about privacy, go into their user settings and disable “View Event History.”
Q: What if the invitation email doesn’t arrive?
A: First, check the spam folder. If it’s not there, resend the invite from the Ring app. Sometimes emails get blocked by corporate filters or typos happen. Also, make sure the recipient’s email provider isn’t blocking Ring’s domain (@ring.com).
Q: Can I add more than one person at a time?
A: Unfortunately, no. Ring only lets you send one invitation at a time. But hey, it only takes 30 seconds per person—so it’s not a huge hassle.
Q: Do shared users need a Ring Protect plan?
A: No! The primary owner’s subscription covers all shared users. If you have Ring Protect, everyone you invite can view recordings and get extended video history—no extra cost.
Q: What if my family member has an older phone?
A: The Ring app works on most smartphones from the last 5–6 years. As long as their device runs iOS 12+ or Android 7+, they should be fine. Just make sure they update their OS if needed.
Q: Can I remove someone later?
A: Yes! Go to “Shared Users,” tap their name, and select “Remove User.” They’ll lose access immediately—no need to change passwords or reset the device.
Final Thoughts
Adding family members to your Ring doorbell isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer for household security and convenience. Once everyone’s connected, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without shared alerts and two-way communication.
Remember, the key to success is using the “Shared Users” feature (not sharing passwords) and making sure each person accepts the invite properly. Take a few minutes to set it up right, and you’ll save yourself—and your family—countless headaches down the road.
So go ahead: open that Ring app, invite your loved ones, and turn your smart doorbell into a truly smart home system. Because when it comes to safety, the more eyes (and ears) on your front door, the better.
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