Adding a second owner to your Ring Doorbell is simple and ensures shared access to live view, recordings, and alerts. This guide walks you through the process on both mobile and web, plus troubleshooting common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Only the primary owner can add a second owner: You must have full admin rights to invite another user to your Ring device.
- Second owners get full access: They can view live video, review recordings, receive alerts, and manage settings just like the primary owner.
- Use the Ring app or website: The process works on both mobile devices and a computer via ring.com.
- Email invitation required: The new owner must have a valid email address linked to a Ring account.
- Two-factor authentication recommended: Keep your account secure by enabling 2FA before sharing access.
- Remove access anytime: Primary owners can revoke second owner privileges instantly from the app.
- Troubleshooting tips included: Fix common issues like failed invites or login problems with proven solutions.
How to Add Second Owner to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Guide
So, you’ve got your Ring Doorbell up and running—great! But now you want to share access with your partner, roommate, or family member. Maybe you’re going on vacation and want someone to keep an eye on the front door. Or perhaps you just want peace of mind knowing that more than one person can respond to motion alerts or answer the door when you’re not home.
Whatever your reason, adding a second owner to your Ring Doorbell is not only possible—it’s easy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from preparing your account to confirming the new owner’s access. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips and best practices to keep your home security system running smoothly.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to add a second owner to your Ring Doorbell using the mobile app or the Ring website. You’ll also understand the differences between “owner” and “shared user” roles, how to manage permissions, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Let’s get started!
Why Add a Second Owner?
Visual guide about How to Add Second Owner to Ring Doorbell
Image source: sortatechy.com
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to add a second owner in the first place.
First, it’s about convenience. If you’re at work and your partner is home, they should be able to see who’s at the door without needing to call you. With a second owner, they get instant access to live view, motion alerts, and recorded footage—just like you do.
Second, it improves security. If you’re traveling or out of town, having someone else monitor your Ring Doorbell means suspicious activity won’t go unnoticed. They can even speak through the doorbell if needed, deterring potential intruders.
Third, it’s great for shared living spaces. Roommates, family members, or caregivers can all benefit from access, especially if they’re regularly at the home.
And finally, it’s about control. Unlike “shared users” (who have limited access), second owners have full administrative rights. That means they can change settings, add or remove devices, and even invite other users. This level of access is ideal for trusted individuals who need to manage the system independently.
Understanding Owner vs. Shared User Roles
It’s important to know the difference between a “second owner” and a “shared user” before you proceed.
A second owner has the same level of access as the primary owner. They can:
– View live video and recordings
– Receive motion and doorbell alerts
– Change device settings (like motion zones and sensitivity)
– Add or remove other users
– Access the Ring Protect plan (if subscribed)
A shared user, on the other hand, has limited access. They can:
– View live video and recordings
– Receive alerts
– Answer the doorbell
But they cannot:
– Change device settings
– Add or remove users
– Access billing or subscription details
So, if you want someone to have full control—like a spouse or co-owner of the home—adding them as a second owner is the way to go. If it’s a guest, babysitter, or temporary helper, a shared user might be more appropriate.
For this guide, we’re focusing on adding a second owner, which gives the highest level of access.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
1. Primary Owner Access
You must be the primary owner of the Ring Doorbell. Only the person who originally set up the device can add a second owner.
2. Ring App Installed
Download the Ring app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
3. Ring Account Credentials
You’ll need your Ring login email and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, reset it before proceeding.
4. Second Owner’s Email Address
The person you’re adding must have a valid email address. They don’t need a Ring account yet—the invitation will prompt them to create one.
5. Stable Internet Connection
Both your device and the Ring Doorbell should be connected to Wi-Fi. A weak signal can cause delays or failed invitations.
6. Two-Factor Authentication (Recommended)
For security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Ring account. This adds an extra layer of protection, especially when sharing access.
Step-by-Step: Adding a Second Owner via the Ring App
Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through the process using the Ring mobile app. This is the most common method and works on both iPhone and Android.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged in as the primary owner.
Step 2: Go to the Device Dashboard
Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner. Then select “Devices” to see your list of Ring products.
Step 3: Select Your Doorbell
Tap on the Ring Doorbell you want to share. This will open the device’s control panel.
Step 4: Access Device Settings
Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to open the settings menu.
Step 5: Tap “Users”
Scroll down and select “Users” from the list of options. This is where you manage who has access to the device.
Step 6: Add a New User
Tap the “+ Add User” button. You’ll be prompted to choose between “Owner” and “Shared User.” Select “Owner.”
Step 7: Enter the Second Owner’s Email
Type in the email address of the person you want to add. Make sure it’s correct—typos are a common cause of failed invitations.
Step 8: Send the Invitation
Tap “Send Invitation.” The app will confirm that the invite has been sent.
Step 9: Notify the Second Owner
Let the person know to check their email. They’ll receive an invitation from Ring with a link to accept.
Step 10: Second Owner Accepts the Invitation
The new owner must:
– Open the email and click the link
– Log in to their Ring account (or create one if they don’t have one)
– Accept the invitation
Once accepted, they’ll have full owner access to the doorbell.
Step-by-Step: Adding a Second Owner via Ring Website
If you prefer using a computer, you can also add a second owner through the Ring website. Here’s how:
Step 1: Go to Ring.com
Open your web browser and go to ring.com.
Step 2: Log In
Click “Log In” in the top-right corner and enter your Ring account credentials.
Step 3: Access Your Dashboard
Once logged in, click on “Devices” in the left-hand menu.
Step 4: Select Your Doorbell
Click on the Ring Doorbell you want to share.
Step 5: Open Device Settings
Click the gear icon (⚙️) next to the device name.
Step 6: Go to “Users”
In the settings menu, click “Users.”
Step 7: Add a New Owner
Click “Add User,” then select “Owner” from the dropdown.
Step 8: Enter Email and Send
Type the second owner’s email address and click “Send Invitation.”
Step 9: Confirm Acceptance
The second owner will receive an email. They must follow the link, log in, and accept the invitation.
Step 10: Verify Access
Once accepted, the new owner will appear in your “Users” list with “Owner” status.
What Happens After the Invitation Is Accepted?
Once the second owner accepts the invitation, they’ll have full access to your Ring Doorbell. Here’s what they can do:
– Open the Ring app and see the doorbell on their device list
– View live video feed anytime
– Review past recordings (if you have a Ring Protect plan)
– Receive motion and doorbell alerts
– Adjust settings like motion zones, chime volume, and alert schedules
– Add or remove other users
– Access billing and subscription details
They’ll also be able to answer the doorbell remotely, speak through the device, and even trigger the siren (if your model has one).
As the primary owner, you’ll still have full control. You can monitor who has access, change settings, and remove the second owner at any time.
Best Practices for Sharing Access
Sharing access to your Ring Doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to do it securely. Here are some best practices:
1. Only Add Trusted Individuals
Since second owners have full administrative rights, only invite people you trust completely—like a spouse, family member, or co-owner of the home.
2. Use Strong Passwords
Make sure both you and the second owner use strong, unique passwords for your Ring accounts. Avoid common passwords like “123456” or “password.”
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Go to your Ring account settings and turn on 2FA. This requires a code from your phone when logging in from a new device, adding an extra layer of security.
4. Monitor Activity
You can see when the second owner logs in or changes settings. If you notice suspicious activity, remove their access immediately.
5. Communicate About Changes
Let the second owner know about any major changes, like updating the Wi-Fi password or changing motion zones. This avoids confusion.
6. Remove Access When Needed
If the person no longer needs access (e.g., a roommate moving out), remove them right away. We’ll cover how to do this later.
How to Remove a Second Owner
If you need to revoke access, it’s just as easy as adding someone. Here’s how:
Via the Ring App:
- Open the Ring app and go to “Devices.”
- Select your doorbell.
- Tap the gear icon to open settings.
- Tap “Users.”
- Find the second owner and tap “Remove User.”
- Confirm the removal.
Via the Ring Website:
- Log in to ring.com.
- Go to “Devices” and select your doorbell.
- Click the gear icon and select “Users.”
- Find the second owner and click “Remove.”
- Confirm the action.
Once removed, the person will lose all access immediately. They won’t be able to view live video, receive alerts, or change settings.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Problem: Invitation Not Received
Solution: Check the email address for typos. Ask the second owner to check their spam or junk folder. Resend the invitation if needed.
Problem: Invitation Link Expired
Solution: Ring invitations expire after 7 days. If the link doesn’t work, send a new one.
Problem: Second Owner Can’t Log In
Solution: Make sure they’re using the correct email and password. If they forgot their password, have them reset it. Also, ensure they’ve created a Ring account if they didn’t have one.
Problem: Device Not Showing Up for Second Owner
Solution: Ask them to log out and back into the Ring app. If that doesn’t work, restart the app or reinstall it.
Problem: Alerts Not Working for Second Owner
Solution: Check their notification settings in the Ring app. Make sure alerts are enabled for the doorbell and that their phone isn’t in Do Not Disturb mode.
Problem: Second Owner Can’t Change Settings
Solution: Confirm they were added as an “Owner,” not a “Shared User.” Only owners can modify settings.
Problem: Wi-Fi Connection Issues
Solution: Ensure the doorbell is within range of your Wi-Fi router. Restart the router and the doorbell if needed. Use the Ring app’s “Device Health” feature to check signal strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I add more than one second owner?
Yes, you can add multiple second owners. There’s no official limit, but Ring recommends keeping the number reasonable for security and management purposes.
Can a second owner remove me as the primary owner?
No. Only the primary owner can remove other users. Second owners cannot remove the primary owner or change the account email.
Will the second owner see my Ring Protect recordings?
Yes, if you have a Ring Protect plan, second owners can view all recorded videos, just like you.
Can I add a second owner if I don’t have a Ring Protect plan?
Yes. Adding a second owner works regardless of whether you have a subscription. They’ll still get live view and motion alerts.
What if the second owner moves out?
Remove them immediately from the “Users” section in the app or website. This revokes all access instantly.
Can I add a second owner to multiple Ring devices?
Yes. You can add the same person as a second owner to your doorbell, security cameras, and other Ring devices. Just repeat the process for each device.
Conclusion
Adding a second owner to your Ring Doorbell is a smart way to enhance home security and convenience. Whether you’re sharing access with a family member, roommate, or trusted friend, the process is quick and straightforward using the Ring app or website.
Remember, only the primary owner can send invitations, and the second owner must accept via email. Once added, they’ll have full control over the device—just like you. And if circumstances change, you can remove them anytime with a few taps.
By following this guide, you’ve learned not just how to add a second owner, but also how to manage access securely and troubleshoot common issues. With shared ownership, your Ring Doorbell becomes a team effort, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away.
So go ahead—invite that second owner today. Your front door will thank you.