Adding multiple users to your Ring doorbell lets family members or trusted neighbors receive alerts and view live footage. This guide walks you through the process using the Ring app, ensuring everyone stays connected and secure.
Key Takeaways
- Share access easily: Use the Ring app to invite family, roommates, or caregivers to view your doorbell.
- Customize permissions: Choose between Live View only or full access to recordings and settings.
- No extra hardware needed: Adding users is free and doesn’t require purchasing additional devices.
- Secure invitations: Only verified email addresses can join, keeping your account safe.
- Manage users anytime: You can remove or adjust permissions for any user directly from the app.
- Works with all Ring doorbells: Compatible with Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Elite, and more.
- Real-time alerts for everyone: All users get motion and ring notifications on their phones.
How to Add Multiple Users to Ring Doorbell
If you’ve ever wished your whole household could see who’s at the door—without handing out your phone—you’re in the right place. Whether you live with family, roommates, or want to give access to a trusted neighbor or caregiver, adding multiple users to your Ring doorbell is simple, secure, and completely free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to share access to your Ring device, customize user permissions, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your home security system running smoothly.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to invite others to your Ring account, manage their access levels, and ensure everyone stays informed when someone rings the bell or triggers motion detection. Let’s get started!
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add Multiple Users to Ring Doorbell
Image source: butterflymx.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why sharing access is beneficial. A Ring doorbell isn’t just a camera—it’s a smart home security tool that sends real-time alerts, allows two-way communication, and records video when motion is detected. But if only one person has access, others in the household might miss important events.
For example:
– A child comes home from school and rings the bell—only you get the alert, but your partner is home and could answer.
– A delivery person leaves a package—your roommate sees the notification and brings it inside before it gets stolen.
– A caregiver stops by while you’re at work—they can check the live feed and communicate with visitors safely.
By adding multiple users to your Ring doorbell, you create a shared security network. Everyone who needs to know what’s happening at your front door can stay in the loop—without needing to log into your personal account.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start inviting users, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring doorbell installed and connected: Your device should be set up and working with the Ring app.
- The latest version of the Ring app: Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
- Your Ring account login: You must be the primary account holder to add users.
- Email addresses of the people you want to invite: Each user needs a valid email to receive the invitation.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Ring device should be online.
Once you’ve confirmed these basics, you’re ready to begin.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Multiple Users to Ring Doorbell
Adding users is done entirely through the Ring app. The process is the same whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Elite, or any other Ring doorbell model. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the doorbell. If you’re not the primary user, you won’t be able to add others.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner of the app. From the menu, select “Devices”. You’ll see a list of all your Ring devices. Find your doorbell and tap on it to open its settings.
Step 3: Select “Shared Users”
Scroll down in the device settings until you see the “Shared Users” option. Tap on it. This is where you can view current users and add new ones.
Step 4: Tap “Add Shared User”
You’ll see a button labeled “Add Shared User”. Tap it to begin the invitation process.
Step 5: Enter the User’s Email Address
Type in the email address of the person you want to invite. Make sure it’s correct—this is where they’ll receive the invitation. You can add one user at a time, but you can repeat the process for multiple people.
Step 6: Choose Permission Level
Ring offers two permission levels for shared users:
- Live View Only: The user can see live video and receive motion/ring alerts, but cannot view past recordings, change settings, or delete videos.
- Full Access: The user can view live video, watch recordings, adjust device settings, and manage alerts—just like the primary account holder.
Choose the level that best fits the person you’re inviting. For example, give Live View Only to kids or guests, and Full Access to spouses or trusted roommates.
Step 7: Send the Invitation
After selecting the permission level, tap “Send Invitation”. The user will receive an email with a link to accept the invite.
Step 8: User Accepts the Invitation
The invited person must:
- Open the email and click the link.
- Log in to their existing Ring account or create a new one.
- Accept the invitation to join your device.
Once accepted, they’ll see your doorbell in their Ring app and start receiving alerts.
Step 9: Repeat for Additional Users
To add more people, simply repeat steps 4 through 8. There’s no limit to the number of shared users you can have, so feel free to invite family, roommates, or even a trusted neighbor.
Managing Shared Users
After adding users, you may want to change their permissions or remove access. Here’s how to manage your shared users:
View Current Shared Users
Go back to Device Settings > Shared Users. You’ll see a list of everyone who has access to your doorbell, along with their permission level.
Change Permission Levels
Tap on a user’s name. You’ll see an option to switch between Live View Only and Full Access. Make your selection and save the changes.
Remove a User
If someone no longer needs access—like a former roommate or guest—tap their name and select “Remove User”. Confirm the action, and they’ll lose access immediately. They’ll also stop receiving alerts.
Resend an Invitation
If a user didn’t receive the email or deleted it, you can resend the invitation. Tap the user’s name and select “Resend Invitation”. A new email will be sent to their inbox.
Tips for Smooth User Management
To make the most of shared access, keep these tips in mind:
- Use descriptive names: When adding users, consider labeling them (e.g., “Sarah – Spouse” or “Mom – Caregiver”) so you can easily identify them later.
- Set expectations: Let users know what they can and can’t do based on their permission level.
- Review access regularly: Every few months, check your shared users list and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
- Use two-factor authentication: Protect your account by enabling 2FA in the Ring app under Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication.
- Keep the app updated: Regular updates ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, adding users doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are solutions to the most common problems:
User Didn’t Receive the Invitation Email
Check the following:
– The email address was entered correctly.
– The invitation wasn’t sent to spam or junk folder.
– The user has a valid email account and can receive messages.
Solution: Resend the invitation from the Shared Users section. If it still doesn’t arrive, ask the user to check their spam folder or try a different email address.
User Can’t Accept the Invitation
This usually happens if:
– They’re not logged into the correct Ring account.
– They’re using an outdated app version.
– The invitation link has expired (they have 7 days to accept).
Solution: Have the user update the Ring app, log out and back in, and try again. If the link expired, resend the invitation.
User Can’t See the Doorbell in Their App
After accepting the invite, the doorbell should appear under “Devices.” If not:
– They may need to restart the app.
– Their app might need to sync.
Solution: Close and reopen the Ring app. If that doesn’t work, log out and log back in. Ensure they’re using the same email they accepted the invite with.
Permission Level Not Working as Expected
If a user with “Live View Only” can still access recordings, or a “Full Access” user can’t change settings:
– The permission may not have saved correctly.
– The app may need to refresh.
Solution: Go back to Shared Users, re-select the permission level, and save. Have the user restart their app.
Too Many Users Causing Confusion
If you’ve added many people, it can be hard to track who has access.
Solution: Use clear naming conventions and review the list monthly. Remove inactive users to keep things tidy.
Security and Privacy Considerations
While sharing access is convenient, it’s important to protect your privacy and security:
- Only invite people you trust: Shared users can see who comes to your door and when.
- Limit Full Access: Reserve this for people who truly need to manage settings.
- Monitor activity: Check the “Event History” in the app to see who viewed recordings or changed settings.
- Use strong passwords: Ensure all users have secure Ring accounts.
- Revoke access promptly: Remove users as soon as they no longer need access.
Remember, you’re in control. You can add, change, or remove users at any time.
Advanced Tips for Families and Households
If you’re managing access for a family or shared living space, these tips can help:
Create a Family Plan
Sit down with household members and decide who needs what level of access. For example:
– Kids: Live View Only (so they can see who’s at the door but not delete recordings).
– Parents: Full Access (to manage settings and view history).
– Babysitters or cleaners: Temporary access with Live View Only.
Use Shared Users for Vacation Coverage
Going on vacation? Invite a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your doorbell. Set their access to Live View Only and remove them when you return.
Combine with Other Ring Devices
If you have multiple Ring devices (like cameras or alarms), you can share access to all of them at once. Go to Account Settings > Shared Users to manage access across your entire Ring system.
Conclusion
Adding multiple users to your Ring doorbell is a smart, simple way to enhance your home security. Whether you’re sharing access with family, roommates, or caregivers, the process is quick and secure—all done through the Ring app. By customizing permission levels and managing users effectively, you ensure everyone stays informed without compromising your privacy.
Remember to invite only trusted individuals, review access regularly, and use the troubleshooting tips if issues arise. With shared access, your Ring doorbell becomes a collaborative tool that keeps your home safer and more connected.
Now that you know how to add multiple users, take a few minutes to set it up today. Your future self—and your household—will thank you.