This guide walks you through how to add someone to a Ring Doorbell so they can view live feeds, receive alerts, and manage your device. Whether you’re sharing access with family or a trusted neighbor, we cover everything from app settings to troubleshooting common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Only the Ring account owner can invite others: You must be the primary user to send sharing invitations.
- Shared users get limited access: They can view live video and recordings but can’t change device settings or billing info.
- Invitations are sent via email: The person you’re adding must have a valid email address linked to a Ring account.
- Multiple users can be added: There’s no strict limit, but performance may vary with too many active users.
- You can remove access anytime: Manage shared users directly from the Ring app under Device Sharing.
- Two-factor authentication improves security: Enable it to protect your account when sharing access.
- Works across devices: Shared users can access the doorbell from their phone, tablet, or Echo Show.
How to Add Someone to a Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell, and now you want to share access with your partner, roommate, or maybe even a trusted neighbor who watches your home while you’re away. Great idea! Sharing your Ring Doorbell doesn’t just make life more convenient—it also adds an extra layer of security. But how exactly do you do it?
Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through how to add someone to a Ring Doorbell in clear, simple steps. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Wired, the process is nearly identical. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to invite others, manage their access, and troubleshoot common issues.
We’ll also cover important tips to keep your account secure and explain what your shared users can and can’t do. Let’s get started!
Why Share Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add Someone to a Ring Doorbell
Image source: thesun.ie
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to share access in the first place.
First, convenience. If you live with family or roommates, everyone should be able to see who’s at the door—especially if you’re not home. Your partner might want to check the live feed while you’re at work, or your teen might want to see if their package arrived.
Second, security. If you’re traveling, you might want a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home. With shared access, they can monitor motion alerts and even communicate with visitors using the two-way talk feature.
Third, emergency response. In case of a break-in, fire, or medical emergency, having multiple people alerted can speed up response times.
And finally, peace of mind. Knowing that trusted people can see what’s happening at your door gives you one less thing to worry about.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin the process of adding someone to your Ring Doorbell, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring account: You must be the primary account holder (the person who set up the device and pays for any Ring Protect plans).
- The Ring app installed: Available for free on iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- The email address of the person you want to add: They’ll need this to receive the invitation.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and your Ring Doorbell should be connected to Wi-Fi.
- Two-factor authentication (recommended): This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
If the person you’re adding doesn’t have a Ring account yet, they’ll need to create one using the same email address you provide. Don’t worry—we’ll cover that too.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Someone to a Ring Doorbell
Now, let’s get into the actual process. Follow these steps carefully to share access with someone you trust.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged in as the primary account holder. You should see your Ring Doorbell listed on the home screen.
If you have multiple Ring devices (like a doorbell and a security camera), tap on the doorbell you want to share.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
Once you’re on the device dashboard, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. This is the Device Settings button. Tap it to open the settings menu.
Here, you’ll see options like Motion Settings, Video Settings, and Device Health. Scroll down until you find Sharing or Device Sharing.
Step 3: Tap “Add Someone”
Inside the Sharing section, you’ll see a button labeled Add Someone or Invite User. Tap it to start the invitation process.
You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to add. Make sure it’s correct—this is where the invitation will be sent.
Step 4: Choose Their Access Level
Ring allows you to choose what level of access the new user will have. There are two main options:
- Viewer: Can view live video, watch recorded clips, and receive motion alerts. Cannot change settings or delete recordings.
- Shared User (Admin): Can do everything a Viewer can, plus manage some settings like motion zones and alert schedules. Still can’t change billing or remove the device.
For most people, Viewer is the best choice. It keeps your device secure while still giving them useful access. Only choose Shared User if you fully trust the person and want them to help manage the doorbell.
After selecting the access level, tap Send Invitation.
Step 5: The Invitation Is Sent
Ring will send an email to the address you provided. The email will include a link to accept the invitation.
If the person already has a Ring account, they’ll just need to log in and accept. If they don’t have an account, they’ll be prompted to create one using the same email address.
Step 6: Accepting the Invitation (For the New User)
Here’s what the person you invited needs to do:
- Open the email from Ring.
- Click the Accept Invitation button.
- If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll be asked to create one by entering their name, email, and a password.
- Once logged in, they’ll see your Ring Doorbell in their app under “Shared Devices.”
That’s it! They now have access to your doorbell.
Managing Shared Users
Adding someone is just the first step. You’ll also want to know how to manage their access over time.
Viewing Current Shared Users
To see who has access to your doorbell:
- Open the Ring app.
- Go to the device you want to manage.
- Tap the gear icon to open Device Settings.
- Scroll to Sharing.
- You’ll see a list of all users who have access, along with their access level (Viewer or Shared User).
Changing Access Levels
If you want to upgrade or downgrade someone’s access:
- Go to the Sharing section as described above.
- Tap on the user’s name.
- Select a new access level (Viewer or Shared User).
- Tap Save.
Note: You can’t change the primary account holder. Only the original owner can do that.
Removing Someone’s Access
If you no longer want someone to have access:
- Go to the Sharing section.
- Tap on the user’s name.
- Select Remove Access.
- Confirm by tapping Remove.
Once removed, they’ll no longer receive alerts or be able to view the doorbell in their app.
Tips for Safe and Effective Sharing
Sharing your Ring Doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to do it safely. Here are some best practices:
Only Share with People You Trust
Just because someone is family doesn’t mean they should have access. Think carefully about who really needs to see your doorbell feed. Avoid sharing with coworkers, casual friends, or people you don’t know well.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Make sure your Ring account has a strong, unique password. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in the app under Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication. This prevents unauthorized access even if someone gets your password.
Regularly Review Shared Users
Check your shared users list every few months. Remove access for people who no longer need it—like a former roommate or a neighbor who moved away.
Explain What They Can and Can’t Do
Let the person know their limits. For example, they can’t delete your recordings or change your billing info. This prevents confusion and potential conflicts.
Use Motion Zones to Reduce False Alerts
If your shared user is getting too many alerts (like from passing cars or trees), help them adjust the motion zones. Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones, and draw areas where you want alerts to trigger.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
The Invitation Email Isn’t Received
If the person doesn’t get the email:
- Check the spam or junk folder.
- Make sure you entered the correct email address.
- Ask them to search their inbox for “Ring” or “[email protected]”.
- Resend the invitation from the Sharing section.
The Person Can’t Accept the Invitation
If they click the link but get an error:
- Make sure they’re using the same email address you sent the invite to.
- Ask them to clear their browser cache or try a different browser.
- Ensure their Ring app is updated.
- Try sending the invitation again.
Shared User Can’t See the Doorbell
If the doorbell doesn’t appear in their app:
- Ask them to log out and log back in.
- Make sure they’re looking under “Shared Devices,” not “My Devices.”
- Check that the invitation was accepted.
- Restart the Ring app on their phone.
Live View or Recordings Aren’t Working
If the shared user can see the doorbell but can’t view live video or recordings:
- Make sure your Ring Protect plan is active (required for recordings).
- Check your Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell.
- Ask them to update the Ring app.
- Restart the doorbell by removing it from the mount and reinserting it.
You Can’t Add More Users
Ring doesn’t publish a hard limit on shared users, but performance may degrade with too many active users. If you’re having trouble:
- Remove inactive users.
- Make sure your app and device firmware are up to date.
- Contact Ring Support if the issue persists.
Advanced Sharing: Using Ring with Alexa and Echo Devices
Did you know you can share your Ring Doorbell with Alexa-enabled devices like the Echo Show or Echo Spot? This lets shared users see the live feed on their smart display.
To set this up:
- Make sure the person has an Amazon account linked to their Echo device.
- In the Ring app, go to Account Settings > Linked Accounts > Alexa.
- Enable “Share with Alexa.”
- The shared user can then say, “Alexa, show me the front door,” to view the feed.
Note: They’ll still need to accept the Ring invitation first.
Security and Privacy Considerations
While sharing your Ring Doorbell is useful, it’s important to think about privacy.
Who Can See Your Recordings?
Anyone with access can view your recordings—so only share with people you trust. Ring stores recordings in the cloud, and they’re encrypted for security.
Can Shared Users Delete Recordings?
No. Only the primary account holder can delete recordings. Shared users can view and download them, but not erase them.
What If Someone Shares Their Login?
If a shared user gives their Ring login to someone else, that person could access your doorbell. To prevent this, use two-factor authentication and remind users not to share their passwords.
Can You See Who’s Watching?
Ring doesn’t notify you when someone views your doorbell, but you can see login activity in the app under Account Settings > Login Activity. This shows recent logins and devices used.
Conclusion
Adding someone to your Ring Doorbell is a simple process that can greatly enhance your home’s security and convenience. Whether you’re sharing with family, roommates, or a trusted neighbor, the Ring app makes it easy to invite, manage, and remove users.
Remember to only share access with people you trust, use strong security practices like two-factor authentication, and regularly review who has access. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips in this guide should help you get back on track.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to confidently share your Ring Doorbell and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is being watched—by the right people.