Adding other users to your Ring Doorbell is simple and ensures everyone in your household can monitor activity and receive alerts. By inviting users through the Ring app, you grant access to live view, motion alerts, and two-way communication—keeping your home secure and connected. Just go to Device Settings, select “Shared Users,” and send an invite via email for instant access.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Ring app: Start by launching the app on your mobile device.
- Tap the menu icon: Access account settings to manage shared users.
- Select “Shared Users”: Choose this option to send an invitation.
- Enter their email: Input the recipient’s email address to send access.
- Set permissions: Choose viewing or full control access for the new user.
- Confirm invitation: The user receives an email to accept and join.
- Manage access anytime: Remove or edit shared users in the app.
Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem
Let’s be real—your Ring doorbell isn’t just a fancy gadget. It’s your front-line security guard, your package watcher, and sometimes, your personal assistant when you’re stuck in a Zoom meeting while the delivery person rings the bell. But here’s the thing: if you’re the only one who gets alerts, you’re missing out on the full power of your device.
Imagine this: You’re on vacation, and your neighbor spots a suspicious person lingering near your porch. Without access to your Ring, they can’t check the live feed or talk through the doorbell. Or worse—your teen comes home late, and you miss the notification because your phone died. Frustrating, right?
That’s where learning how to add other users to Ring Doorbell becomes a game-changer. Sharing access means your family, roommates, or trusted neighbors can see motion alerts, answer the door remotely, and help keep your home secure—even when you’re not around.
But here’s the catch: it’s not as simple as handing over your login. Ring uses a secure sharing system called “Shared Users,” which lets you grant limited access without giving away your main account. This way, you stay in control while empowering others to help.
Whether you’re setting up a shared household, helping elderly parents stay safe, or just want your partner to stop asking, “Did the mail come yet?”—this guide will walk you through the process step by step. No tech jargon, no confusion. Just clear, practical advice from someone who’s been there (and accidentally locked themselves out once—don’t ask).
By the end, you’ll not only know how to add other users to Ring Doorbell, but you’ll also understand the best practices to keep your account secure and your household running smoothly.
What You Need
Before we dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready. The good news? You probably already have most of it.
Here’s your quick checklist:
- Your Ring account – Make sure you’re logged in and have admin access.
- The Ring app – Download it on your smartphone if you haven’t already (iOS or Android).
- An email address for the person you’re adding – They’ll need this to accept the invite.
- Your doorbell connected and working – If it’s offline, fix that first.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection – Both your phone and the doorbell should be online.
Optional but helpful:
- A second device (like a tablet or another phone) to test the shared access.
- The person you’re adding nearby so you can walk them through accepting the invite.
Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a tech wizard. The Ring app is designed to be user-friendly, and once you’ve done this once, it’ll feel like second nature. Just make sure you’re not trying to do this during a power outage or while your internet is acting up. Trust me, I tried that once and spent 20 minutes refreshing the app like it was going to magically fix itself.
Step-by-Step Guide to How to Add Other Users to Ring Doorbell
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Adding someone to your Ring doorbell is actually pretty straightforward—once you know where to look. I remember the first time I tried; I clicked every button in the app before finding the right menu. Don’t be like me. Follow these steps, and you’ll be done in under five minutes.
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 (and any other Ring devices) on the home screen. Tap on the doorbell you want to share access to.
Once you’re on the device screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top right corner. That’s your settings menu. Tap it.
Now, scroll down until you see a section called “Shared Users”. This is where the magic happens. If you don’t see it, make sure you’re looking at the settings for the actual doorbell—not the base station or chime.
Pro tip: If you have multiple Ring devices, double-check you’re in the right one. I once added my sister to my Ring Floodlight Cam instead of my doorbell and spent a confused afternoon wondering why she kept getting alerts about the backyard.
Step 2: Invite a New User
Inside the Shared Users menu, tap the “Add Shared User” button. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to invite.
Type in their email carefully—typos are the #1 reason invites fail. If they don’t receive the email, it’s probably because you added an extra “m” or forgot the “.com.”
After entering the email, tap “Send Invite.” That’s it! Ring will send them an email with a link to join.
Now, here’s what happens next: The person you invited will get an email from Ring with the subject line something like “You’ve been invited to share a Ring device.” They’ll need to click the link and either log in to their existing Ring account or create a new one.
Note: They don’t need to buy anything. Shared users can access your doorbell for free—no subscription required.
Step 3: Set Permissions (Optional but Recommended)
Once the invite is sent, you’ll see the user listed under “Pending” in your Shared Users menu. After they accept, they’ll appear as “Active.”
Here’s where you can customize what they can do. Tap on their name, and you’ll see permission options like:
- View Live View – Let them see the camera feed in real time.
- Receive Motion Alerts – Get notifications when motion is detected.
- Receive Ring Alerts – Get notified when someone rings the doorbell.
- View Event History – Access past recordings (if you have Ring Protect).
- Talk Through the Doorbell – Use two-way audio to speak to visitors.
You can toggle these on or off based on how much access you want to give. For example, you might let your teenager see live view and get alerts but not delete recordings.
Personal insight: I keep “Talk Through the Doorbell” off for my younger kids. Last thing I need is my 8-year-old yelling “Go away!” at the pizza delivery guy.
Step 4: Confirm the User Has Accepted
After the person accepts the invite, go back to your Shared Users menu. You should see their name change from “Pending” to “Active.”
To double-check everything’s working, ask them to open the Ring app and see if your doorbell appears under “Shared Devices.” They should be able to view live footage, get alerts, and use any features you’ve enabled.
If they don’t see it, have them log out and back in. Sometimes the app needs a refresh to sync the new access.
Quick fix: If the invite seems stuck, try resending it from your end. Go back to Shared Users, tap their name, and select “Resend Invite.”
Step 5: Manage or Remove Users Later
People come and go—roommates move out, babysitters change, or maybe your cousin visited and you don’t need them accessing your doorbell anymore.
To remove someone, go back to Shared Users, tap their name, and select “Remove User.” They’ll lose access immediately, and you’ll get a confirmation.
You can also edit their permissions anytime. Maybe you initially gave full access but now only want them to get alerts. Just tap their name and adjust the settings.
Real talk: I once forgot to remove my ex-roommate. Six months later, I got a notification that “Alex viewed live view.” Let’s just say that was an awkward conversation.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about the little things that can trip you up—or make your life easier.
Pro Tip #1: Use Descriptive Names
When you add someone, Ring lets you assign a nickname (like “Mom” or “Jake – Neighbor”). Use it! It’s way easier to manage users when you can tell them apart at a glance.
Pro Tip #2: Don’t Share Your Main Login
I can’t stress this enough: never give out your Ring username and password. Shared Users are designed so others can help without compromising your account. If someone needs full access (like a property manager), consider setting up a separate account and sharing the device both ways.
Pro Tip #3: Check Their Device Compatibility
Make sure the person you’re adding has a smartphone that supports the Ring app. Older Android or iOS versions might not work well. If they’re struggling, have them update their OS or try on a different device.
Common Mistake #1: Forgetting to Enable Alerts
I’ve seen people add users but leave all permissions off. That’s like giving someone a key but locking all the doors. Double-check that at least “Receive Ring Alerts” is on—otherwise, they won’t know when someone’s at the door.
Common Mistake #2: Ignoring Ring Protect
If you want shared users to see past recordings, you’ll need a Ring Protect plan. Without it, they can only view live footage. If you’re serious about security, the subscription is worth it—especially if multiple people are monitoring the doorbell.
Common Mistake #3: Not Testing After Setup
Don’t assume it worked just because the invite was accepted. Have the person test it: walk to the door, ring the bell, and see if they get the alert. Better to find out now than when a package goes missing.
Warning: If you’re adding someone you don’t fully trust, limit their permissions. You can always give more access later, but it’s harder to take it away once they’ve seen something they shouldn’t.
FAQs About How to Add Other Users to Ring Doorbell
Can I add more than one person to my Ring doorbell?
Absolutely! You can add up to 20 shared users per device. That’s plenty for family, roommates, neighbors, or even your dog walker (if they’re responsible enough).
Visual guide about How to Add Other Users to Ring Doorbell
Image source: kubrick.htvapps.com
Do shared users need to pay for Ring Protect?
Nope. Only the main account holder needs a Ring Protect subscription. Shared users can view recordings and get alerts for free—no extra cost.
What if the person doesn’t have a smartphone?
Unfortunately, the Ring app is required to access shared devices. If they don’t have a phone, they won’t be able to view live footage or get alerts. In that case, consider a secondary solution like a Ring Chime that plays sounds indoors.
Can shared users delete recordings or change settings?
No. Shared users can’t delete recordings, change device settings, or remove other users. Only the admin (you) has full control. This keeps your account secure.
What happens if I remove a shared user?
They lose access immediately. They won’t be able to view live footage, get alerts, or use two-way audio. You’ll get a confirmation in the app, and they’ll no longer see your device in their Ring account.
Can I share my doorbell with someone in another country?
Yes, as long as they have a valid email and can download the Ring app. However, video quality may vary based on their internet connection. Also, make sure your doorbell is compatible with international networks if you’re traveling.
Why isn’t the shared user getting alerts?
First, check that “Receive Motion Alerts” and “Receive Ring Alerts” are enabled in their permissions. Also, make sure their phone notifications are turned on for the Ring app. Sometimes, phones block alerts by default.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to add other users to Ring Doorbell isn’t just about convenience—it’s about building a smarter, safer home. When multiple people can monitor your front door, you’re not just protecting your property; you’re creating a network of eyes and ears that work together.
Whether it’s your partner answering the door while you’re in the shower, your neighbor keeping an eye out while you’re away, or your teen learning responsibility by managing deliveries, shared access turns your Ring doorbell into a true team effort.
And the best part? It takes less than five minutes to set up. No complicated wiring, no tech support calls—just a few taps in the app, and you’re done.
So go ahead: invite that family member, trust that roommate, or finally give your mom access so she stops calling you every time she sees a delivery truck. Your doorbell is more powerful when it’s shared.
Just remember: stay in control, set clear permissions, and test everything after setup. A little effort now saves a lot of headaches later.
Now, go make your home a little safer—one shared user at a time.