How to Add Shared Users on Ring Doorbell

Adding shared users on your Ring Doorbell lets you give trusted people access to live view, motion alerts, and recordings. This guide walks you through every step—from inviting users to managing permissions—so you can keep your home secure together.

Key Takeaways

Shared users can view live video and receive alerts: They get real-time notifications and can check who’s at the door from their own device.
Only the owner can add or remove shared users: You must be logged into the Ring app as the account owner to manage access.
Shared users need a Ring account: Invitees must sign up for a free Ring account to accept the invitation.
You can customize permissions: Choose whether shared users can view recordings, adjust settings, or receive motion alerts.
Invitations expire after 7 days: If not accepted, resend the invite or check the email for errors.
Multiple shared users are supported: Add as many people as needed—great for families, roommates, or property managers.
Shared users can’t delete devices or change ownership: This protects your device from accidental or unauthorized changes.

So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell, and it’s working great. You get motion alerts, can talk to visitors, and check recordings anytime. But what if you want your partner, roommate, or trusted neighbor to also see who’s at the door? That’s where shared users come in.

Adding shared users on your Ring Doorbell is a simple process that lets others access your device through their own Ring app. Whether you’re sharing with family, a caregiver, or a property manager, this feature helps keep everyone in the loop—without giving away your login details.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add shared users on Ring Doorbell step by step. You’ll learn how to send invitations, manage permissions, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your device secure. By the end, you’ll be able to share access confidently and efficiently.

Why Add Shared Users?

Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why sharing access is useful.

Maybe you’re away on vacation and want your neighbor to keep an eye on your front door. Or perhaps your teenager comes home after school and should be able to see who’s ringing the bell. Shared users let you extend access without compromising your account security.

Here are a few common scenarios where adding shared users makes sense:

Families: Parents, teens, or grandparents can all monitor the door.
Roommates: Everyone in the house can see who’s coming and going.
Rental properties: Landlords or property managers can check in remotely.
Caregivers: Trusted helpers can respond to visitors when you’re not home.
Vacation coverage: A friend or neighbor can watch your home while you’re away.

The best part? Shared users can’t change your device settings or delete your Ring account. They only get access to what you allow—keeping your home security under your control.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you begin adding shared users, make sure you have the following:

Your Ring Doorbell installed and connected: The device should be online and working properly.
Access to the Ring app: You must be logged in as the account owner.
The email address of the person you want to invite: They’ll need this to create or log into their Ring account.
A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Ring device should be connected to Wi-Fi.

If your Ring Doorbell isn’t set up yet, follow the installation guide in the Ring app first. Once it’s online, you’re ready to share access.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Shared Users on Ring Doorbell

Now, let’s get into the actual process. Adding a shared user takes just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it from start to finish.

Step 1: Open the Ring App

Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged in with the account that owns the Ring Doorbell. If you have multiple devices, ensure you’re viewing the correct one.

The app’s home screen will show your devices. Tap on the Ring Doorbell you want to share.

Step 2: Go to Device Settings

Once you’re on the device’s live view or event history screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. This opens the device settings menu.

Tap the gear icon to enter the settings for your Ring Doorbell.

Step 3: Select “Shared Users”

In the settings menu, scroll down until you find the “Shared Users” option. It’s usually located under the “Device Settings” or “Access” section, depending on your app version.

Tap on “Shared Users” to open the sharing management screen.

Step 4: Tap “Add Shared User”

On the Shared Users screen, you’ll see a list of any existing shared users (if any). At the top or bottom, tap the “Add Shared User” button.

This will open a new screen where you can enter the email address of the person you want to invite.

Step 5: Enter the Invitee’s Email Address

Type in the email address of the person you want to share access with. Make sure it’s correct—typos are a common reason invitations fail.

For example, if you’re inviting your spouse, enter their email exactly as it appears in their email account.

Step 6: Choose Permissions (Optional)

Ring allows you to customize what the shared user can do. You’ll see options like:

View Live Video: Lets them see who’s at the door in real time.
Receive Motion Alerts: Sends them notifications when motion is detected.
View Event History: Allows access to past recordings and events.
Adjust Device Settings: Lets them change motion zones, sensitivity, etc. (Use with caution.)

By default, most permissions are enabled. You can toggle them on or off based on your preference. For most users, we recommend enabling View Live Video and Receive Motion Alerts—these are the most useful features.

Avoid giving “Adjust Device Settings” unless you fully trust the person. This prevents accidental changes to your security setup.

Step 7: Send the Invitation

Once you’ve entered the email and set permissions, tap “Send Invitation”.

The app will confirm that the invite has been sent. The person will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation.

Step 8: The Invitee Accepts the Invitation

Now, it’s up to the other person to accept the invite. Here’s what they need to do:

Open the email from Ring (check spam/junk folder if needed).
Tap the “Accept Invitation” button in the email.
If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll be prompted to create one for free.
If they already have an account, they’ll log in and confirm access.

Once accepted, the shared user will see your Ring Doorbell in their app under “Shared Devices.”

Step 9: Confirm Access in the Ring App

Back in your Ring app, go to the Shared Users section again. You should now see the new user listed with their email and permission status.

If they haven’t accepted yet, you’ll see a “Pending” status. You can resend the invitation if needed.

Managing Shared Users

After adding shared users, you might want to adjust their access or remove someone. Here’s how to manage your shared users effectively.

Editing Permissions

To change what a shared user can do:

Go to the Shared Users section in device settings.
Tap on the user’s name or email.
Toggle permissions on or off as needed.
Save your changes.

For example, if your teenager no longer needs motion alerts, you can disable that permission without removing them entirely.

Removing a Shared User

If someone no longer needs access—like a former roommate or temporary helper—you can remove them:

Go to Shared Users in the device settings.
Tap on the user you want to remove.
Select “Remove User” or “Revoke Access.”
Confirm the action.

Once removed, they’ll no longer receive alerts or see the device in their app. They also won’t be able to view live video or recordings.

Resending an Invitation

If the invitee hasn’t accepted within 7 days, the invitation expires. To resend:

Go to Shared Users.
Find the pending invitation.
Tap “Resend Invitation.”

Make sure the email address is correct. If the person still doesn’t receive it, ask them to check their spam folder or try a different email.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with clear steps, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

“Invitation Not Received”

If the invitee says they didn’t get the email:

Double-check the email address for typos.
Ask them to check their spam or junk folder.
Resend the invitation from the Shared Users screen.
Try using a different email address if possible.

Sometimes email filters block automated messages. Using a personal email (like Gmail or Outlook) instead of a work or school address can help.

“Can’t Accept Invitation”

If the invitee clicks the link but gets an error:

Make sure they’re using the same email address you invited.
Ask them to clear their browser cache or try a different browser.
Ensure they’re creating a Ring account with the correct email.
If they already have a Ring account, they must log in with that email.

If they have multiple Ring accounts, they might be logged into the wrong one. Logging out and back in with the invited email usually fixes this.

“Shared User Can’t See Live Video”

If the shared user can see the device but not the live feed:

Check their permissions—ensure “View Live Video” is enabled.
Make sure your Ring Doorbell is online (check the device status in your app).
Ask them to close and reopen the Ring app.
Restart their phone or tablet.

Sometimes a simple app refresh resolves connectivity issues.

“Motion Alerts Not Working for Shared User”

If alerts aren’t coming through:

Verify “Receive Motion Alerts” is turned on for that user.
Check their phone’s notification settings—Ring must be allowed to send alerts.
Ensure their app is updated to the latest version.
Test motion detection by walking in front of the doorbell.

Also, make sure motion zones are set correctly. If the zones are too narrow, the doorbell might not detect movement.

“Device Not Showing in Shared User’s App”

If the shared user can’t find the device:

Confirm they’ve accepted the invitation.
Ask them to log out and log back into the Ring app.
Check that they’re looking under “Shared Devices,” not “My Devices.”
Ensure they’re using the correct Ring account.

Sometimes the app takes a few minutes to sync. Waiting 5–10 minutes before checking again can help.

Best Practices for Sharing Access

To keep your Ring Doorbell secure while sharing access, follow these tips:

Only share with trusted individuals: Avoid giving access to strangers or people you don’t fully trust.
Use strong, unique passwords: Encourage shared users to protect their Ring accounts.
Review shared users regularly: Remove access for people who no longer need it.
Limit admin permissions: Only give “Adjust Settings” to those who truly need it.
Monitor activity: Check event history to see who’s viewing your doorbell.
Use two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA on your Ring account for extra security.

Remember, you’re responsible for your device. Sharing access is convenient, but it’s up to you to manage it wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shared Users

Can I add shared users from a computer?

Currently, you can only add shared users through the Ring mobile app (iOS or Android). The web portal doesn’t support this feature yet. Make sure you’re using the latest version of the app.

Visual guide about How to Add Shared Users on Ring Doorbell

Image source: smarthomeways.com

How many shared users can I add?

Ring allows you to add up to 20 shared users per device. This is more than enough for most households or small businesses.

Can shared users delete my Ring Doorbell?

No. Shared users cannot delete devices, change ownership, or remove the device from your account. Only the account owner has those privileges.

Will shared users see my other Ring devices?

No. When you share a specific doorbell, only that device is shared. Your other Ring cameras or doorbells remain private unless you share them separately.

Can I share my Ring Doorbell with someone in another country?

Yes, as long as they have a valid email address and can download the Ring app. However, video quality may vary based on their internet connection.

What happens if I remove a shared user?

They immediately lose access to live video, alerts, and recordings. They’ll no longer see the device in their app, and any pending invitations are canceled.

Conclusion

Adding shared users on your Ring Doorbell is a smart way to extend the benefits of home security to those you trust. Whether it’s your family, a neighbor, or a property manager, shared access keeps everyone informed and your home protected.

The process is simple: open the Ring app, go to device settings, invite users via email, and customize their permissions. With just a few taps, you can give others the ability to see who’s at the door, receive motion alerts, and check recordings—all without sharing your login.

Remember to manage access carefully. Only invite people you trust, review permissions regularly, and remove users when they no longer need access. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips in this guide will help you resolve them quickly.

Now that you know how to add shared users on Ring Doorbell, you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing your home is watched over by more than just you. Share the security, keep the control.