This guide walks you through adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell so multiple users can receive alerts and view live video. Whether you’re sharing access with a partner, roommate, or caregiver, we’ll show you how to do it safely and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple users can access one Ring Doorbell: You can invite family members, roommates, or trusted individuals to receive alerts and view live video from your device.
- Use the Ring app to invite users: The process is done entirely through the Ring mobile app—no need to reset or reconfigure your doorbell.
- Choose user permissions carefully: You can grant full admin access or limited viewing rights depending on the user’s role.
- Ensure both phones have the Ring app installed: The second phone must download the free Ring app and create a Ring account to accept the invitation.
- Stable Wi-Fi and updated firmware are essential: For smooth performance, make sure your doorbell and both phones are connected to a reliable network and running the latest software.
- Troubleshoot common issues quickly: If the invitation fails or alerts don’t appear, check app permissions, internet connection, and account settings.
- Security matters—only invite trusted people: Since users can view video and receive motion alerts, only share access with individuals you trust.
How to Add Second Phone to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell and love getting instant alerts when someone’s at your door. But what if your partner, roommate, or elderly parent also wants to know when the delivery person arrives or if there’s unexpected motion at night? That’s where adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell comes in handy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell—no technical expertise required. Whether you’re sharing access with a spouse, a caregiver, or a trusted neighbor, we’ll show you how to do it safely, securely, and in just a few minutes.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to invite another user, set their permissions, troubleshoot common problems, and keep your smart home security running smoothly. Let’s get started!
Why Add a Second Phone to Your Ring Doorbell?
Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why you might want to add a second phone to your Ring Doorbell. After all, it’s not just about convenience—it’s about safety, communication, and peace of mind.
Imagine this: You’re at work, and your Ring Doorbell detects motion. You get an alert, but your partner is home and could answer the door. If they don’t have access, they might miss the notification entirely. Or worse—someone rings the bell, and no one sees it because only your phone is set up.
By adding a second phone, you ensure that multiple people can monitor your front door in real time. This is especially useful for:
- Families with multiple adults
- Roommates sharing a home
- Elderly parents who want their children to monitor their safety
- Pet owners who want a friend or pet sitter to keep an eye on things
- Homeowners who travel frequently and want a trusted neighbor to check in
Plus, Ring makes it easy. You don’t need to buy a second doorbell or set up a new account from scratch. The platform is designed for shared access, so you can manage who sees what—and when.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin the process of adding a second phone, make sure you have the following:
1. A Working Ring Doorbell
Your Ring Doorbell (whether it’s a Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, or Doorbell Wired) must be properly installed and connected to your Wi-Fi network. If it’s not working, troubleshoot that first.
2. The Ring App Installed on Both Phones
Both the primary user (you) and the second user must have the Ring app downloaded and installed on their smartphones. The app is free and available on both iOS and Android.
3. A Ring Account for the Second User
The person receiving access must have their own Ring account. They can’t use your login—each user needs a unique email and password.
4. A Stable Internet Connection
Both phones should be connected to Wi-Fi or have strong cellular data. Poor connectivity can cause delays or failed invitations.
5. Admin Access to the Ring Device
Only the account that originally set up the doorbell (the admin) can invite others. If you’re not the admin, ask the primary account holder to send the invitation.
6. Updated App and Firmware
Make sure both the Ring app and your doorbell’s firmware are up to date. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
Once you’ve confirmed these items, you’re ready to proceed.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Second Phone to Ring Doorbell
Now, let’s walk through the actual process. It’s simple, takes less than 10 minutes, and requires just a few taps in the Ring app.
Step 1: Open the Ring App on Your Phone
Launch the Ring app on the phone that’s currently linked to the doorbell (the admin account). Make sure you’re logged in and can see your device on the dashboard.
Step 2: Tap the Menu Icon (Three Lines)
In the top-left corner of the app, tap the menu icon (☰). This opens a sidebar with options like Devices, Settings, and Account.
Step 3: Select “Devices”
Tap on Devices to see a list of all your Ring products—cameras, doorbells, alarms, etc.
Step 4: Choose Your Doorbell
Tap on the specific Ring Doorbell you want to share access to. This will open the device’s control panel.
Step 5: Tap “Device Settings”
Look for the gear icon or “Device Settings” option near the top of the screen. Tap it to access configuration options.
Step 6: Select “Shared Users”
Scroll down until you see the Shared Users section. Tap on it. This is where you manage who else can access your doorbell.
Step 7: Tap “Add Shared User”
You’ll see a button that says “Add Shared User” or “Invite User.” Tap it to begin the invitation process.
Step 8: Enter the Second User’s Email Address
Type in the email address associated with the second user’s Ring account. Double-check for typos—this is a common mistake.
Step 9: Choose User Permissions
Ring allows you to set different levels of access. You’ll see two main options:
- Admin: The user can view live video, receive alerts, change settings, add/remove other users, and delete the device.
- Viewer: The user can only view live video and receive alerts. They cannot change settings or manage other users.
Choose the appropriate level based on how much control you want the second user to have. For most cases, “Viewer” is sufficient and safer.
Step 10: Send the Invitation
Tap “Send Invitation.” Ring will send an email to the second user with a link to accept the invite.
Step 11: Second User Accepts the Invitation
The second user must:
- Open the email on their phone or computer.
- Tap the “Accept Invitation” link.
- Log in to their Ring account (or create one if they don’t have one).
- Confirm the invitation.
Once accepted, the doorbell will appear in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.”
Step 12: Test the Connection
Have the second user open the Ring app and check if they can:
- See the doorbell on their device list
- Receive motion and ring alerts
- View live video when you press the doorbell
If everything works, congratulations—you’ve successfully added a second phone to your Ring Doorbell!
Tips for a Smooth Setup Experience
Even though the process is straightforward, a few best practices can help avoid common pitfalls.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Encourage the second user to create a secure Ring account with a strong password. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or pet names.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Both users should enable 2FA in their Ring account settings. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from a trusted device when logging in.
Keep the App Updated
Regularly check for app updates on both phones. Ring frequently releases updates that improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance security.
Check Notification Settings
Make sure both users have notifications enabled in the Ring app and in their phone’s settings. On iOS, go to Settings > Notifications > Ring. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Notifications.
Use a Strong Wi-Fi Signal
A weak Wi-Fi connection can cause delays in alerts or video streaming. If your doorbell is far from the router, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network.
Name Your Devices Clearly
If you have multiple Ring devices, give each one a descriptive name (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard Camera”) so users know which one they’re viewing.
Revoke Access When Needed
If someone moves out or you no longer trust a user, you can remove them anytime. Go back to “Shared Users” and tap “Remove” next to their name.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are solutions to the most common problems when adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell.
Issue: Invitation Email Not Received
If the second user doesn’t get the email, check the following:
Visual guide about How to Add Second Phone to Ring Doorbell
Image source: storables.com
- Did you enter the correct email address?
- Is the email in the spam or junk folder?
- Did the user create a Ring account with that email?
- Try resending the invitation from the Ring app.
Issue: “Accept Invitation” Link Doesn’t Work
This usually happens if the link has expired. Ring invitations are valid for 7 days. If it’s expired, simply send a new one.
Issue: Second User Can’t See the Doorbell
If the doorbell doesn’t appear in the second user’s app:
- Ask them to log out and log back into the Ring app.
- Force close the app and reopen it.
- Check that they’re logged into the correct Ring account.
- Ensure the invitation was accepted successfully.
Issue: No Alerts on Second Phone
If the second user isn’t getting notifications:
- Open the Ring app > tap the menu > Notifications > make sure alerts are enabled.
- Check phone settings to ensure Ring has notification permissions.
- Make sure “Do Not Disturb” mode is off.
- Test by having someone ring the doorbell.
Issue: Live View Won’t Load
If the second user can’t view live video:
- Check their internet connection.
- Ensure the doorbell has a strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Restart the Ring app and try again.
- Update the app and doorbell firmware.
Issue: Permission Errors
If the second user sees a message like “You don’t have permission to view this device,” double-check the user role. Only Admins can change settings. Viewers can only watch and receive alerts.
Security and Privacy Considerations
While sharing access to your Ring Doorbell is convenient, it’s important to do so responsibly.
Only Invite People You Trust
Since shared users can see who comes and goes, only invite individuals you trust—like family members or close friends. Avoid sharing access with strangers or temporary guests unless absolutely necessary.
Monitor Shared User Activity
Ring doesn’t provide detailed logs of who viewed what, but you can see if a user has accessed the device recently in the app. If you notice unusual activity, consider removing their access.
Use Strong Account Security
Both users should use unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Never share your login credentials—always use the “Shared Users” feature instead.
Be Mindful of Location Data
Ring devices can reveal your home address through video footage. Be cautious about who you share access with, especially if privacy is a concern.
Review Access Periodically
If someone moves out or your relationship changes, remove their access promptly. It’s a simple step that protects your privacy.
Advanced Tips for Power Users
If you’re managing multiple Ring devices or want more control, here are some advanced tips:
Use Ring Groups for Multiple Locations
If you have Ring devices at more than one property (e.g., a vacation home), you can organize them into “Groups” in the app. This makes it easier to manage shared access across locations.
Set Up Motion Zones
Customize which areas trigger alerts. For example, you might want to ignore motion in the driveway but get alerts for the front porch. This reduces false alarms for all users.
Enable Smart Alerts
Use Ring’s AI-powered features to filter alerts by person, package, or vehicle. This helps both users focus on important events.
Integrate with Alexa or Google Assistant
If the second user has a smart speaker, they can ask Alexa or Google to show the doorbell feed on a compatible screen.
Use Ring Protect Plan (Optional)
For a small monthly fee, Ring Protect lets you save and share video clips. This is useful if you want to review footage later or share it with authorities.
Conclusion
Adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell is a smart, simple way to enhance your home security and keep loved ones informed. Whether you’re sharing access with a partner, a caregiver, or a trusted neighbor, the process is quick, secure, and built into the Ring ecosystem.
By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure that multiple people receive alerts, view live video, and respond to visitors—no matter where they are. Just remember to choose user permissions wisely, keep your apps updated, and only invite people you trust.
With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell becomes more than just a doorbell—it becomes a shared tool for safety, communication, and peace of mind. So go ahead, send that invitation, and enjoy the added convenience of having a second set of eyes on your front door.