Adding a person to your Ring Doorbell lets trusted family or friends receive alerts and view live video. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Ring app, whether you’re sharing access with a roommate, caregiver, or neighbor. No technical skills required—just follow our clear instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to invite users: All sharing is done through the official Ring mobile app, not the device itself.
- Only the owner can add people: You must be the primary account holder to send invitations to others.
- Choose permission levels wisely: Assign “User” or “Shared User” roles based on how much access you want to give.
- Invited users need a Ring account: They must sign up (or log in) to accept the invitation and view your doorbell.
- Revoke access anytime: Remove users instantly if they no longer need access to your Ring Doorbell.
- Works with all Ring Doorbell models: This process applies to Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Elite, and newer versions.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi for smooth sharing: Weak signals may delay notifications or live view for added users.
How to Add Person to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell and it’s working great—motion alerts, live view, two-way talk—all functioning perfectly. But now, you want to share access with someone else. Maybe it’s your spouse who’s often home during the day, your elderly parent who watches the house while you’re at work, or a trusted neighbor who can check on packages. Whatever the reason, knowing how to add a person to Ring Doorbell is essential for maximizing your home security.
The good news? It’s surprisingly easy. You don’t need to hand over your login credentials or mess with complicated settings. Ring has built a secure, user-friendly sharing system right into its app. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from sending an invitation to managing permissions and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently share your Ring Doorbell with anyone you trust, all while keeping your account secure.
Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell (1st or 2nd Gen), Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Elite, or the latest Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, the steps are nearly identical. We’ll also cover best practices, tips for smooth operation, and what to do if something goes wrong. Let’s get started.
Why Share Your Ring Doorbell?
Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why you might want to add someone to your Ring Doorbell. Home security isn’t just about you—it’s about your entire household. Sharing access ensures that someone else can respond to motion alerts, answer the door when you’re away, or check on suspicious activity.
For example, imagine you’re at work and your Ring Doorbell detects motion. You get the alert, but you can’t step away from a meeting. If your partner has access, they can open the live view, see who’s at the door, and even talk to them using two-way audio. That’s peace of mind.
Other common scenarios include:
- A caregiver or nanny who needs to monitor arrivals and departures.
- A roommate who shares the home and wants to stay informed.
- A neighbor who agrees to keep an eye on your house while you’re on vacation.
- An elderly family member who lives alone and benefits from remote monitoring by family.
Sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. You remain the account owner, and you can remove access at any time. It’s a flexible, secure way to extend the benefits of your Ring Doorbell to others.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin the process of adding a person to your Ring Doorbell, make sure you have the following:
1. The Ring Mobile App
Download the official Ring app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android). This is the only way to manage users and permissions. The app is free and regularly updated with new features.
Visual guide about How to Add Person to Ring Doorbell
Image source: i.pinimg.com
2. Your Ring Account Login
You must be logged in as the primary account holder. Only the owner can invite others. If you’re not the owner, ask them to add you first.
3. The Email Address of the Person You Want to Add
You’ll need their valid email address to send the invitation. Make sure it’s correct—otherwise, they won’t receive the invite.
4. A Stable Internet Connection
Both your phone and your Ring Doorbell should be connected to Wi-Fi. A weak signal can cause delays in notifications or failed invitations.
5. The Person’s Consent
Always ask before adding someone. Sharing access means they’ll see your doorbell activity, including motion alerts and video clips. Respect privacy and only add people you trust.
Once you have these ready, you’re all set to begin.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Person to Your Ring Doorbell
Now, let’s walk through the actual process. We’ll break it down into clear, easy-to-follow steps. Follow along on your smartphone.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your iPhone or Android device. Make sure you’re logged in with your primary account. You should see your dashboard with all your Ring devices listed.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell
Tap on the Ring Doorbell you want to share. This will open the device’s control panel, where you can view live video, check settings, and manage alerts.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️). This opens the Device Settings menu for your doorbell.
Step 4: Tap “Users”
Scroll down until you see the “Users” option. Tap on it. This section shows who currently has access to the doorbell and allows you to add new people.
Step 5: Tap “Add User”
You’ll see a button labeled “Add User” or “Invite User.” Tap it. A new screen will appear where you can enter the email address of the person you want to invite.
Step 6: Enter the Email Address
Type in the email address of the person you’re inviting. Double-check for typos—this is a common mistake. If the email is wrong, the invitation won’t go through.
Step 7: Choose Permission Level
Ring offers two main permission levels:
- User: Can view live video, receive motion and doorbell alerts, and use two-way talk. Cannot change device settings or remove other users.
- Shared User: Has the same access as a User but may have slightly limited features depending on the device. This is the standard option for most people.
For most cases, select “Shared User.” Tap “Send Invitation” when ready.
Step 8: Wait for Confirmation
The invitation is now sent. The person will receive an email with a link to accept the invite. They’ll need to:
- Click the link in the email.
- Create a Ring account (if they don’t have one).
- Log in and accept the invitation.
Once they do, they’ll appear in your “Users” list, and they’ll start receiving alerts from your doorbell.
What Happens After the Invitation Is Accepted?
Once the person accepts your invitation, they’ll have access to your Ring Doorbell through their own Ring app. Here’s what they can do:
- Receive Motion and Doorbell Alerts: They’ll get push notifications on their phone when motion is detected or someone rings the doorbell.
- View Live Video: They can open the app and see a live feed from your doorbell at any time.
- Use Two-Way Talk: They can speak to visitors through the doorbell’s speaker and microphone.
- View Event History: They can scroll through past motion and doorbell events, just like you can.
However, they cannot:
- Change device settings (like motion zones or alert schedules).
- Remove other users or delete the device.
- Access your Ring Protect Plan subscription details (unless you upgrade their permissions).
This keeps your account secure while still giving them useful access.
Managing Users: How to Remove or Change Permissions
You’re in control. If someone no longer needs access—maybe they moved out, or you just want to limit who sees your doorbell—you can remove them easily.
How to Remove a User
- Open the Ring app and go to your doorbell.
- Tap the gear icon to open Device Settings.
- Tap “Users.”
- Find the person you want to remove and tap on their name.
- Tap “Remove User” and confirm.
They’ll immediately lose access. They won’t receive any more alerts, and they won’t be able to view live video.
How to Change Permissions
Currently, Ring doesn’t allow you to change a user’s permission level after they’ve been added. If you want to upgrade or downgrade access, you’ll need to:
- Remove the user.
- Re-invite them with the correct permission level.
This is a minor inconvenience, but it ensures clarity in access levels.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a simple process, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Issue 1: The Invitation Email Isn’t Received
Possible Causes:
- The email was entered incorrectly.
- The email went to spam or junk folder.
- The person already has a Ring account linked to a different email.
Solutions:
- Double-check the email address for typos.
- Ask the person to check their spam folder.
- If they have a Ring account, make sure they’re using the correct email. You can’t invite someone with an email that’s already linked to another Ring account.
Issue 2: The Person Can’t Accept the Invitation
Possible Causes:
- They’re trying to log in with the wrong email.
- The invitation link expired (they last 7 days).
- They’re using an outdated version of the Ring app.
Solutions:
- Ensure they’re using the exact email you sent the invite to.
- If the link expired, resend the invitation.
- Update the Ring app to the latest version.
Issue 3: Added User Isn’t Receiving Alerts
Possible Causes:
- Their phone’s notification settings are off.
- They haven’t enabled alerts in the Ring app.
- Your doorbell’s motion sensitivity is too low.
Solutions:
- Ask them to check their phone’s notification settings for the Ring app.
- In the Ring app, go to Device Settings > Alerts and make sure motion and doorbell alerts are enabled.
- Adjust motion sensitivity in your doorbell’s settings to ensure alerts are triggered.
Issue 4: Live View Isn’t Working for the Added User
Possible Causes:
- Poor Wi-Fi signal at your location.
- Their internet connection is slow.
- The doorbell is offline.
Solutions:
- Check your doorbell’s status in the Ring app. If it’s offline, restart it or check your Wi-Fi.
- Ask the user to try again on a stronger network.
- Ensure your doorbell is within range of your Wi-Fi router. Consider a Wi-Fi extender if needed.
Best Practices for Sharing Your Ring Doorbell
To keep your home security effective and your account safe, follow these best practices:
1. Only Add People You Trust
Remember, anyone you add can see your doorbell activity. Avoid adding strangers, delivery drivers, or casual acquaintances.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Even though you’re not sharing your login, make sure your Ring account has a strong password. Enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
3. Regularly Review User Access
Every few months, check your “Users” list. Remove anyone who no longer needs access.
4. Communicate Expectations
Let added users know what you expect. For example, “Please let me know if you see anything suspicious” or “Don’t answer the door unless it’s a package.”
5. Keep Your App Updated
Ring frequently releases updates with security improvements and new features. Keep your app current to avoid bugs.
6. Consider a Ring Protect Plan
If you want added users to view saved video clips (not just live view), they’ll need access to your Ring Protect Plan. Only the account owner can subscribe, but shared users can view recordings if the plan is active.
Does This Work with All Ring Doorbell Models?
Yes! The process of adding a person to Ring Doorbell is the same across all models, including:
- Ring Video Doorbell (1st and 2nd Gen)
- Ring Doorbell Pro
- Ring Doorbell Pro 2
- Ring Doorbell Elite
- Ring Battery Doorbell Plus
- Ring Video Doorbell Wired
The only difference might be minor variations in the app interface depending on your device and app version. But the core steps—going to Device Settings > Users > Add User—remain consistent.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Sharing your Ring Doorbell raises important privacy questions. Here’s how to stay secure:
Your Data Is Protected
Ring uses encryption to protect video and audio data. Only you and the users you invite can access your doorbell’s feed.
No Unauthorized Access
Unless you send an invitation, no one else can see your doorbell. Even if someone knows your email, they can’t join without your approval.
Local vs. Cloud Storage
If you have a Ring Protect Plan, videos are stored in the cloud. Shared users can view these clips, but they can’t download or share them outside the app without your permission.
Be Mindful of Audio Recording Laws
In some areas, recording audio (like two-way talk) may be subject to local laws. Make sure you’re compliant, especially if you’re sharing access with others.
Conclusion
Adding a person to your Ring Doorbell is a simple, secure way to extend the benefits of your smart home security system. Whether it’s a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor, sharing access ensures someone is always watching—even when you can’t be.
By following the steps in this guide, you can invite users in just a few minutes, manage their permissions, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Remember to only add people you trust, keep your app updated, and regularly review who has access.
Your Ring Doorbell is more than just a camera—it’s a tool for peace of mind. And now, you can share that peace of mind with others. So go ahead, send that invitation, and enjoy the added security of knowing your home is protected, together.