Adding a recording subscription to your Ring Doorbell ensures you can save, review, and share video clips whenever motion or a doorbell press is detected. This guide walks you through the process step by step, from choosing the right plan to activating it via the Ring app.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Protect Plans are required for video recording: Without a subscription, your Ring Doorbell only sends live alerts—no saved videos.
- Two subscription tiers are available: Ring Protect Basic covers one device, while Ring Protect Plus covers all Ring devices at your location.
- Subscription setup is done entirely in the Ring app: No need to call customer service or visit a website—everything is managed on your phone.
- You can start a free trial: New users often get a 30-day free trial to test the service before committing.
- Payment is automatic and recurring: Once activated, your subscription renews monthly or annually unless canceled.
- Recordings are stored securely in the cloud: Access your videos anytime from the Ring app, with options to download or share.
- Troubleshooting is simple: Most issues with subscriptions can be resolved by checking your internet, app updates, or payment method.
How to Add Recording Subscription to Ring Doorbell
If you’ve recently installed a Ring Doorbell or have been using one without a recording plan, you might be wondering why you can’t review past events or save video clips. The answer is simple: you need a Ring Protect subscription. Without it, your doorbell will still notify you of motion and allow live viewing, but it won’t save any recordings.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adding a recording subscription to your Ring Doorbell. You’ll learn what Ring Protect is, how to choose the right plan, how to set it up using the Ring app, and how to troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll be able to enjoy full access to your doorbell’s features—including cloud storage, video history, and smart alerts—so you never miss an important moment at your doorstep.
What Is a Ring Protect Subscription?
Visual guide about How to Add Recording Subscription to Ring Doorbell
Image source: safenow.org
Before diving into the setup process, it’s important to understand what a Ring Protect subscription actually does.
Ring Protect is Ring’s cloud-based video recording service. When you subscribe, your Ring Doorbell (or other Ring devices like security cameras) automatically saves video clips whenever motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed. These clips are stored securely in the cloud, allowing you to view, download, or share them at any time through the Ring app.
Without a subscription, your Ring Doorbell functions like a basic smart doorbell—sending real-time alerts and enabling live video streaming—but it won’t retain any footage. This means if someone rings your doorbell while you’re away, you’ll get a notification, but you won’t be able to see what happened unless you’re watching live.
With Ring Protect, you gain access to:
- Video History: View recorded clips from the past 180 days (depending on your plan).
- Motion Alerts with Video: See exactly what triggered the alert, not just that motion was detected.
- Download and Share: Save videos to your phone or share them with neighbors, law enforcement, or family.
- Snapshot Capture: Get periodic still images between motion events (available on select models).
- Extended Live View: Some plans allow longer live streaming sessions.
Ring Protect comes in two main plans:
Ring Protect Basic
- Covers one Ring device (e.g., one doorbell or one camera).
- Costs $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year (save $10 with annual billing).
- Includes video recording, motion alerts with video, and 180 days of cloud storage.
- Ideal if you only have one Ring device or want to test the service.
Ring Protect Plus
- Covers all Ring devices at a single location (up to 10 devices).
- Costs $10 per month or $100 per year (save $20 with annual billing).
- Includes everything in Basic, plus:
- Extended warranty on all Ring devices.
- 24/7 professional monitoring (for Ring Alarm systems).
- Discounts on additional Ring products.
- Best value if you have multiple Ring devices or plan to expand your smart home security.
Now that you understand the benefits and options, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of adding a recording subscription to your Ring Doorbell.
Step 1: Download and Open the Ring App
The first step to adding a recording subscription is ensuring you have the Ring app installed on your smartphone. The app is available for free on both iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices.
How to Download the Ring App
- Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) on your phone.
- Search for “Ring – Always Home”.
- Tap Install or Get to download the app.
- Once installed, open the app.
Log In or Create an Account
If you already have a Ring account, simply log in using your email and password.
If you’re new to Ring:
- Tap Create Account.
- Enter your email address, create a password, and confirm it.
- Verify your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox.
- Follow the prompts to complete your profile.
Once logged in, make sure your Ring Doorbell is connected and showing up in the app. If it’s not, you’ll need to set it up first using the app’s device setup wizard.
Step 2: Choose Your Ring Protect Plan
Now that you’re in the app, it’s time to select a recording plan. Here’s how:
Navigate to the Subscription Section
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the app.
- Select Devices from the menu.
- Choose your Ring Doorbell from the list.
- Tap Device Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Subscription.
You’ll now see your current subscription status. If you don’t have one, you’ll see options to Start Free Trial or Subscribe Now.
Select a Plan
You’ll be presented with two options:
- Ring Protect Basic – $3.99/month or $39.99/year
- Ring Protect Plus – $10/month or $100/year
Tap the plan that best fits your needs. If you’re unsure, Ring Protect Basic is a great starting point. You can always upgrade later.
Start a Free Trial (If Available)
Many new Ring users are eligible for a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect. This allows you to test the service without any upfront cost.
To start the trial:
- Tap Start Free Trial.
- Confirm your selection.
- Enter your payment method (required, but you won’t be charged during the trial).
- Tap Subscribe.
Even during the free trial, you’ll have full access to all recording features. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be charged.
Step 3: Enter Payment Information
To activate your subscription, you’ll need to provide a valid payment method. Ring accepts:
- Credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- PayPal
- Ring Gift Cards (for initial payment only)
How to Add a Payment Method
- After selecting your plan, tap Add Payment Method.
- Choose your preferred payment type (e.g., Credit Card).
- Enter your card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address.
- Tap Save.
If using PayPal:
- Tap PayPal.
- Log in to your PayPal account when redirected.
- Confirm the payment.
Once your payment method is saved, your subscription will activate immediately (or after the trial period ends).
Step 4: Confirm Subscription Activation
After completing the payment, your Ring Protect subscription should be active. Here’s how to confirm:
Check Subscription Status
- Go back to the Subscription section in your device settings.
- You should see a message like “Ring Protect Active” or “Free Trial Active”.
- The plan name (Basic or Plus) and renewal date will be displayed.
Test the Recording Feature
To ensure everything is working:
- Press your doorbell or trigger motion (walk in front of it).
- Wait for the alert to appear in the app.
- Tap the alert to view the live feed.
- After the event, go to the History tab in the app.
- You should see a recorded clip of the event.
If you see the clip, congratulations—your recording subscription is working!
Step 5: Manage Your Subscription
Once your subscription is active, you can manage it at any time through the Ring app.
View or Change Your Plan
- Go to Device Settings > Subscription.
- Tap Manage Subscription.
- Here, you can:
- Upgrade from Basic to Plus
- Switch from monthly to annual billing
- View next billing date
Cancel Your Subscription
If you decide Ring Protect isn’t for you:
- Go to Manage Subscription.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Confirm your choice.
Note: Canceling stops future charges, but you’ll retain access until the end of your current billing period.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a subscription, you might run into issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
“No Recordings Available” Error
- Cause: Subscription not activated, poor Wi-Fi, or motion settings too sensitive.
- Solution:
- Check subscription status in the app.
- Restart your doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (or turning off power for hardwired models).
- Adjust motion zones and sensitivity in Device Settings > Motion Settings.
Payment Failed or Declined
- Cause: Expired card, insufficient funds, or incorrect billing info.
- Solution:
- Update your payment method in the app.
- Contact your bank to ensure the transaction isn’t blocked.
- Try a different card or PayPal.
App Not Showing Subscription
- Cause: App needs to refresh or sync.
- Solution:
- Close and reopen the Ring app.
- Log out and log back in.
- Update the app to the latest version.
Free Trial Not Starting
- Cause: Already used a trial on this account or device.
- Solution:
- Free trials are usually one per household.
- Consider starting with a paid plan or contacting Ring support.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Subscription
Now that your recording subscription is active, here are some tips to maximize its value:
Use Motion Zones Wisely
Customize motion zones to focus on areas like your front walkway or driveway. This reduces false alerts and ensures important events are recorded.
Enable Smart Alerts
In the app, go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Smart Alerts. This feature uses AI to distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals, so you only get notified about what matters.
Download Important Clips
If someone rings your doorbell while you’re away or a package is stolen, download the video clip immediately. Go to History, tap the clip, and select Download.
Share with Neighbors
Use the Neighbors feature in the Ring app to share clips with nearby Ring users. This helps build community safety.
Review Recordings Regularly
Check your video history weekly to spot patterns—like frequent visitors or suspicious activity—and adjust your settings accordingly.
Conclusion
Adding a recording subscription to your Ring Doorbell is a simple but powerful way to enhance your home security. With Ring Protect, you gain access to cloud storage, video history, and smart alerts—features that turn your doorbell from a basic notification tool into a full-fledged security system.
The process is straightforward: download the Ring app, choose a plan, enter payment details, and confirm activation. Whether you opt for the affordable Ring Protect Basic or the comprehensive Ring Protect Plus, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you can review every event at your doorstep.
And if you run into any issues, the troubleshooting steps above will help you get back on track quickly.
Don’t let important moments go unseen. Activate your Ring Protect subscription today and take full control of your home’s security.