Adding phone numbers to your Ring Doorbell 2 ensures you never miss a visitor or delivery. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Ring app, including sharing access with family members and troubleshooting common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to manage contacts: All phone number additions are done through the official Ring mobile app, not the device itself.
- Only verified users can receive alerts: Each added number must belong to someone with a Ring account to get motion or doorbell notifications.
- Share access, not just notifications: You can grant full control or limited access to others, depending on their role in your household.
- Up to 20 users supported: Ring allows multiple shared users, making it ideal for families, roommates, or property managers.
- Double-check permissions: Ensure each user has the correct notification settings enabled to avoid missed alerts.
- Troubleshoot connection issues: If a user isn’t receiving alerts, verify their app settings, internet connection, and Ring account status.
- Keep your account secure: Only share access with trusted individuals and remove users when no longer needed.
How to Add Phone Numbers to Ring Doorbell 2
If you’ve recently installed a Ring Doorbell 2 or are looking to expand who gets notified when someone’s at your door, you’re in the right place. Adding phone numbers to your Ring Doorbell 2 isn’t about programming the device directly—it’s about sharing access through the Ring app so that multiple people can receive alerts, view live video, and even speak through the doorbell.
Whether you live with family, roommates, or manage a rental property, giving others access ensures everyone stays informed. Maybe your spouse is working from home and wants to know when the package arrives. Or perhaps your teen is home alone and should be alerted if someone approaches the door. Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through the entire process—step by step—so you can add phone numbers quickly and confidently.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to invite new users, manage their permissions, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your Ring Doorbell 2 secure. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before adding phone numbers to your Ring Doorbell 2, make sure you have the following:
- A working Ring Doorbell 2: The device should be installed, connected to Wi-Fi, and functioning properly.
- The Ring mobile app: Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you haven’t already.
- Your Ring account login: You must be the owner or admin of the device to add new users.
- The phone numbers and email addresses of people you want to add: Each person must have (or create) a Ring account using that email.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the doorbell need reliable Wi-Fi for smooth setup.
It’s also helpful if the people you’re adding already have the Ring app installed on their phones. If not, they’ll need to download it and create a free Ring account before they can receive alerts.
Understanding How Ring Sharing Works
Ring doesn’t allow you to simply “add a phone number” like you would with a contact list. Instead, it uses a secure sharing system where you invite individuals to access your device through their own Ring accounts. This means:
- Each person must sign up for a free Ring account using their email address.
- You send them an invitation from your app.
- They accept the invite and gain access based on the permissions you set.
- They’ll receive motion and doorbell alerts on their phone just like you do.
This method keeps your system secure and gives you full control over who sees what. You can even revoke access anytime.
There are two main types of access you can grant:
- Shared User: Can view live video, receive alerts, and talk through the doorbell—but cannot change device settings or remove the device.
- Admin User: Has full control, including the ability to add/remove other users, adjust settings, and manage subscriptions.
For most households, setting others as “Shared Users” is sufficient. Only make someone an admin if you fully trust them with your security system.
Step-by-Step: Adding a Phone Number to Ring Doorbell 2
Now let’s walk through the actual process of adding someone to your Ring Doorbell 2.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the Ring Doorbell 2. You should see your device listed on the home screen.
If you don’t see your doorbell, tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-left corner and select “Devices.” Your Ring Doorbell 2 should appear there.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell
Tap on your Ring Doorbell 2 from the list of devices. This will open the device dashboard, where you can view live video, check battery level, and access settings.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open the device settings menu.
Step 4: Choose “Shared Users”
Scroll down until you find the “Shared Users” option and tap it. This is where you manage who has access to your doorbell.
Step 5: Tap “Add Shared User”
You’ll see a list of current shared users (if any). Tap the “Add Shared User” button at the top of the screen.
Step 6: Enter the Person’s Email Address
Type in the email address associated with the person’s Ring account. This must be the same email they used to sign up for Ring.
Important: You cannot add someone by phone number alone. They must have a Ring account linked to an email. If they don’t have one yet, ask them to download the Ring app and create a free account first.
Step 7: Set Permissions
After entering the email, you’ll be asked to choose the level of access:
- Can View Live View & Recordings: Allows them to see live video and past events.
- Can Receive Motion & Ring Alerts: Sends them notifications when motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed.
- Can Talk Through the Doorbell: Lets them speak with visitors using two-way audio.
- Can Manage Device Settings: Only enable this if you want them to have admin-level control (not recommended for most users).
For typical use, we recommend enabling the first three options and leaving “Manage Device Settings” off.
Step 8: Send the Invitation
Tap “Send Invitation.” The person will receive an email and/or push notification (if they have the app) inviting them to join your Ring device.
Step 9: Wait for Acceptance
The person must open the invitation and accept it within 7 days. Once they do, they’ll appear in your “Shared Users” list and start receiving alerts.
Step 10: Confirm They’re Receiving Alerts
Ask them to test the system by pressing the doorbell or walking in front of it. Both of you should receive a notification. If not, check their app settings (see troubleshooting section below).
Managing Multiple Users
Ring allows up to 20 shared users per device, which is great for large families or shared living spaces. Here’s how to manage them effectively:
Editing User Permissions
If you need to change what a user can do:
- Go back to “Shared Users” in the device settings.
- Tap on the user’s name.
- Adjust the permissions as needed.
- Save your changes.
For example, you might disable “Talk Through the Doorbell” for a child but keep it on for an adult.
Removing a User
If someone no longer needs access:
- Go to “Shared Users.”
- Tap the user’s name.
- Select “Remove User.”
- Confirm the action.
They will immediately stop receiving alerts and lose access to live view.
Changing Admin Status
Only the device owner can make someone an admin. To do this:
- Go to “Shared Users.”
- Tap the user.
- Toggle “Make Admin” on.
Be cautious—admins can remove you as the owner if they choose.
Practical Tips for Smooth Sharing
To make the process even easier, keep these tips in mind:
- Communicate clearly: Let the person know they’ll receive an email invite and need to accept it.
- Use real names in the app: When adding users, the app may show their Ring profile name. Make sure it’s correct so you know who’s who.
- Check notification settings on their end: Even if you’ve added them, they must enable notifications in their Ring app and phone settings.
- Update the app regularly: Ring frequently releases updates that improve sharing features and fix bugs.
- Use strong passwords: Encourage all users to use unique, secure passwords for their Ring accounts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, adding a phone number doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
User Didn’t Receive the Invitation
- Double-check the email address you entered—typos are common.
- Ask the user to check their spam or junk folder.
- Resend the invitation from the “Shared Users” screen.
- Ensure the user hasn’t already been added (duplicate invites won’t send).
User Accepted but Isn’t Getting Alerts
This is often a settings issue on their phone:
- Open the Ring app on their device.
- Go to “More” > “App Settings” > “Notifications.”
- Make sure “Motion Alerts” and “Ring Alerts” are turned on.
- Also check their phone’s system settings: go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Notifications and ensure they’re enabled.
- Restart the app and phone if needed.
“User Already Has Access” Error
This means the person is already linked to your device—possibly as a shared user or admin. Go to “Shared Users” and look for their name. If they’re there, you don’t need to add them again.
Can’t Add More Users
Ring limits you to 20 shared users per device. If you’ve hit the limit, you’ll need to remove someone before adding a new person.
Device Not Showing Up for Shared User
- Make sure the user is logged into the correct Ring account.
- Ask them to force-close and reopen the Ring app.
- Have them check if the device appears under “Shared With Me” in the app menu.
- If still missing, remove and re-invite them.
Security Best Practices
While sharing access is convenient, it’s important to protect your home security:
- Only share with trusted individuals: Avoid giving access to neighbors, delivery drivers, or casual acquaintances.
- Review shared users regularly: Periodically check who has access and remove anyone who no longer needs it.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Protect your own Ring account with 2FA to prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor activity logs: Ring keeps a record of who viewed live video or recordings—review it if something seems off.
- Don’t share your login: Always use the “Shared Users” feature instead of giving out your password.
Conclusion
Adding phone numbers to your Ring Doorbell 2 is a smart way to keep everyone in your household informed and secure. By using the Ring app’s built-in sharing feature, you can invite family members, roommates, or trusted neighbors to receive alerts, view live video, and even communicate with visitors—all without compromising your device’s security.
The process is simple: open the app, go to device settings, add a user by email, set permissions, and send the invite. With up to 20 users supported and flexible access levels, Ring makes it easy to customize who sees what.
Remember to troubleshoot notification issues by checking both the app and phone settings, and always follow security best practices to protect your home.
Now that you know how to add phone numbers to Ring Doorbell 2, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that no matter who’s at the door, the right people will know about it—right when it happens.