How to Add Recipients to Ring 2 Doorbell

Adding recipients to your Ring 2 Doorbell lets family or trusted neighbors get alerts and view live video. This guide walks you through the process using the Ring app, with clear steps, tips, and troubleshooting help.

Key Takeaways

Use the Ring app to manage recipients: All sharing and notification settings are handled within the Ring mobile app, not the device itself.
Recipients must have a Ring account: Anyone you invite needs to sign up for a free Ring account using their email address.
You can control access levels: Choose whether recipients can view live video, receive motion alerts, or access recorded clips.
Multiple users can be added: There’s no strict limit—add as many trusted people as needed for shared monitoring.
Revoke access anytime: If someone no longer needs access, you can remove them instantly from the app.
Ensure strong Wi-Fi and updated firmware: Reliable connectivity ensures smooth sharing and real-time alerts for all users.
Use two-factor authentication for security: Protect your account and shared access with an extra layer of login security.

So you’ve installed your Ring 2 Doorbell and it’s working great—motion alerts, live video, two-way talk. But now you want to share access with your spouse, roommate, or maybe a trusted neighbor who watches your home while you’re away. That’s where adding recipients comes in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add recipients to your Ring 2 Doorbell step by step. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started with smart home devices, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn how to invite others, manage their permissions, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your setup secure. By the end, you’ll be able to share your doorbell’s features safely and efficiently—no confusion, no guesswork.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before diving into the steps, make sure you have the following ready:

Visual guide about How to Add Recipients to Ring 2 Doorbell

Image source: microless.com

A fully set up Ring 2 Doorbell: It should be connected to Wi-Fi, charged (if battery-powered), and functioning properly.
The Ring app installed on your smartphone: Available for iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
Your Ring account login details: You’ll need to be logged in as the primary owner of the device.
Email addresses of the people you want to invite: Recipients must sign up for their own Ring accounts using these emails.
A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the doorbell should have good Wi-Fi signal strength.

Having these basics in place will make the process smooth and frustration-free. If your doorbell isn’t working yet, check our Ring 2 Doorbell setup guide first.

Step 1: Open the Ring App and Log In

Start by launching the Ring app on your smartphone. If you haven’t used it in a while, you may need to log in again.

How to Log In

Tap the app icon to open it.
Enter your email and password.
If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication (highly recommended), enter the verification code sent to your phone or email.

Once logged in, you’ll see the home screen with your devices. Look for your Ring 2 Doorbell—it should appear with a live preview or a snapshot from the last motion event.

Tip: Check for App Updates

Before proceeding, go to your phone’s app store and check if the Ring app needs an update. Outdated apps can cause glitches when managing users or sharing devices. A quick update ensures compatibility and access to the latest features.

Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings

Now that you’re in the app, it’s time to access your doorbell’s settings.

How to Access Settings

Tap on your Ring 2 Doorbell from the home screen. This opens the live view or recent clip.
In the top-right corner, tap the gear icon (⚙️). This is the Device Settings menu.

You’ll now see a list of options like Motion Settings, Video Settings, Chime Pro, and more. We’re interested in the sharing and user management section.

What You’ll See

The settings menu includes categories such as:

Device Health
Motion Settings
Notifications
Shared Users
Device Sharing

We’ll focus on Shared Users and Device Sharing—these are the keys to adding recipients.

Step 3: Invite a New Recipient via Shared Users

The easiest way to add someone is through the Shared Users feature. This allows you to send an invitation directly from the app.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In Device Settings, scroll down and tap Shared Users.
Tap the + Add Shared User button (usually at the top or bottom of the screen).
Enter the recipient’s email address. Make sure it’s correct—this is how they’ll receive the invite.
Choose their access level:
- Live View Only: They can see live video but not receive motion alerts or view recordings.
- Live View + Motion Alerts: They get real-time alerts and can view live video.
- Full Access: Includes live view, motion alerts, and access to recorded clips (requires Ring Protect plan).
Tap Send Invite.

The recipient will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation. They’ll need to create a Ring account (if they don’t have one) using that email.

Example: Adding Your Spouse

Let’s say you want your spouse to get motion alerts and view live video. You’d select Live View + Motion Alerts. Once they accept, they’ll see your doorbell in their app and get notifications when someone approaches.

Tip: Use Descriptive Names

If you’re adding multiple people (like a neighbor and a family member), consider naming them clearly in your contacts. This helps you manage access later without confusion.

Step 4: Confirm the Recipient Accepts the Invitation

After sending the invite, the recipient must complete a few steps on their end.

What the Recipient Needs to Do

Check their email for the invitation from Ring.
Click the link in the email.
Create a Ring account (or log in if they already have one).
Accept the shared device invitation.

Once accepted, the Ring 2 Doorbell will appear in their app under “Shared Devices.” They can now view live video, receive alerts, or access recordings based on the permissions you set.

What If They Don’t Receive the Email?

Sometimes emails get caught in spam folders. Ask the recipient to check their spam or junk mail. If they still don’t see it, you can resend the invite from the Shared Users menu by tapping the three dots next to their name and selecting “Resend Invite.”

Step 5: Manage or Remove Recipients

You’re in control. You can change permissions or remove access at any time.

How to Edit or Remove a User

Go back to Device Settings > Shared Users.
Tap on the recipient’s name.
Choose to Edit Permissions or Remove User.

If you remove someone, they’ll lose access immediately. They won’t receive any more alerts or be able to view the doorbell in their app.

When to Remove Access

You might want to remove a recipient if:

They no longer live with you or visit regularly.
You suspect unauthorized access.
You’re giving the house keys to a new tenant or renter.

Regularly reviewing your shared users is a good security practice—just like checking who has your house keys.

Alternative Method: Using Device Sharing (For Advanced Users)

Ring also offers a feature called Device Sharing, which is slightly different from Shared Users. This method is useful if you want to share multiple devices at once or manage access across a household.

How Device Sharing Works

Go to Device Settings > Device Sharing.
Tap Share Device.
Enter the recipient’s email and select which devices to share (you can choose just the doorbell or include other Ring products).
Set permissions as before.
Send the invite.

The recipient will receive a notification in their Ring app (if they’re already a user) or an email to join.

Shared Users vs. Device Sharing: What’s the Difference?

Both methods let you add recipients, but:

Shared Users: Best for one-on-one sharing. Simple and direct.
Device Sharing: Better for families or groups managing multiple devices. Offers more control over which devices are shared.

For most people, Shared Users is the easiest and most effective way to add someone to your Ring 2 Doorbell.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Adding recipients is usually straightforward, but a few best practices can prevent headaches.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Encourage all recipients to use strong passwords for their Ring accounts. Avoid common phrases like “password123” or “ring2024.” A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols is best.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Go to Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication and turn it on. This adds a security code sent to your phone every time someone logs in. It’s a simple step that greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

3. Keep Firmware Updated

Ring regularly releases firmware updates to improve performance and security. To check for updates:

Go to Device Settings > Device Health.
Look for “Firmware Version” and tap “Check for Updates” if available.

Updated firmware ensures compatibility with the latest app features and sharing options.

4. Ensure Strong Wi-Fi Signal

A weak Wi-Fi connection can cause delays in alerts or failed live views. If your doorbell is far from your router, consider using a Ring Chime Pro, which acts as a Wi-Fi extender. Place it between your router and the doorbell for better coverage.

5. Test the Setup

After adding a recipient, test the system:

Have them open the app and check if the doorbell appears.
Trigger a motion alert (walk in front of the doorbell).
Verify they receive the notification and can view live video.

This confirms everything is working as expected.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.

Recipient Can’t See the Doorbell

Possible Causes:

They haven’t accepted the invite.
They’re logged into the wrong Ring account.
The app needs to be refreshed.

Solutions:

Ask them to check their email and accept the invite.
Have them log out and back into the correct account.
Close and reopen the Ring app, or restart their phone.

Alerts Not Coming Through

Possible Causes:

Notification permissions are disabled on their phone.
They selected “Live View Only” instead of “Motion Alerts.”
Do Not Disturb mode is on.

Solutions:

Go to their phone’s settings > Apps > Ring > Notifications and enable alerts.
Check their access level in Shared Users and upgrade if needed.
Turn off Do Not Disturb or allow Ring notifications during quiet hours.

Invite Link Expired

Ring invites expire after 7 days. If the recipient doesn’t accept in time, you’ll need to send a new one.

How to Resend:

Go to Shared Users.
Find the pending invite.
Tap the three dots and select “Resend Invite.”

App Crashes or Freezes

This can happen with outdated apps or low phone storage.

Solutions:

Update the Ring app from the App Store or Google Play.
Clear the app cache (Android) or reinstall the app (iOS).
Restart your phone.

“Device Not Found” Error

If the recipient sees this message, the doorbell may be offline or not properly shared.

Check:

Is your doorbell online? Check Device Health in your app.
Did you select the correct device when sharing?
Is the recipient using the same Ring account they registered with?

If all else fails, remove and re-add the recipient.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Sharing your doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to protect your privacy and security.

Who Should You Share With?

Only add people you trust—family, roommates, or close neighbors. Avoid sharing with strangers, delivery drivers, or temporary guests unless absolutely necessary.

Limit Access When Possible

If someone only needs to check the doorbell occasionally, give them Live View Only access instead of full alerts. This reduces unnecessary notifications and potential misuse.

Monitor Activity

Ring doesn’t provide detailed logs of who viewed what, but you can check Device Health for recent activity. If you notice unusual behavior (like frequent live views when no one is home), review your shared users.

Use a Guest Network

If your router supports it, connect your Ring devices to a separate guest Wi-Fi network. This isolates them from your main devices (like laptops and phones), adding an extra layer of security.

Conclusion

Adding recipients to your Ring 2 Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to enhance home security and convenience. Whether you’re sharing access with your partner, a trusted neighbor, or a family member, the Ring app makes it easy to invite, manage, and control who sees your doorbell feed.

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to send invites, set permissions, troubleshoot issues, and keep your setup secure. Remember to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly review who has access. With these steps, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is monitored by people you trust—without compromising your privacy.

Now that you know how to add recipients to Ring 2 Doorbell, take a few minutes to invite someone today. A quick setup can make a big difference when it comes to staying connected and protected.