This guide walks you through how to add someone to your Ring Doorbell securely and easily. Whether it’s a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor, you’ll learn how to grant access, manage permissions, and fix common setup problems.
Key Takeaways
- Invite users via the Ring app: Only the primary account holder can send invitations to share access to the Ring Doorbell.
- Choose permission levels wisely: You can grant full access or limited viewing rights depending on the user’s needs.
- Ensure both devices are updated: Outdated app versions may prevent successful user invitations or access.
- Use a strong Wi-Fi connection: A stable network is essential for real-time alerts and smooth video streaming for all users.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove users from your Ring device at any time through the app’s settings.
- Troubleshoot common issues: Problems like failed invites or login errors can often be fixed with simple steps like restarting the app or checking email spam folders.
- Keep your account secure: Always use two-factor authentication and avoid sharing login credentials directly.
How to Add Someone to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Adding someone to your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to keep your home secure while sharing access with trusted individuals. Whether you’re letting a family member check who’s at the door, giving a roommate control over motion alerts, or allowing a neighbor to monitor your home while you’re away, Ring makes it easy to manage multiple users. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to add someone to your Ring Doorbell, customize their permissions, and troubleshoot any issues that might come up.
This guide is perfect for Ring users of all experience levels. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or just getting started with smart home devices, we’ll walk you through every step with clear instructions, helpful tips, and real-world examples. By the end, you’ll feel confident managing your Ring Doorbell’s user access like a pro.
Why Add Someone to Your Ring Doorbell?
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why sharing access to your Ring Doorbell can be beneficial. Here are a few common scenarios:
- Family members: Let your spouse, older children, or parents see who’s at the door when you’re not home.
- Roommates or co-tenants: Share access so everyone in the household can respond to deliveries or visitors.
- Trusted neighbors: Grant temporary access while you’re on vacation so someone can keep an eye on your property.
- Property managers: If you rent out a space, you can give your manager access to monitor the front door without sharing your personal account.
Sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. As the primary account holder, you retain full administrative rights and can remove users or adjust permissions at any time.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin adding someone to your Ring Doorbell, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring account: You must be the primary account holder with an active Ring subscription (if applicable).
- The Ring app installed: Available for free on iOS and Android devices.
- The recipient’s email address: You’ll need their email to send the invitation.
- A stable internet connection: Both your device and the Ring Doorbell should be connected to Wi-Fi.
- Updated app and firmware: Check that your Ring app and Doorbell firmware are up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
Having these ready will ensure a smooth setup process.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Log In
The first step in how to add someone to your Ring Doorbell is to open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
Launch the App
Find the Ring app icon on your device and tap to open it. If you haven’t used it in a while, you may need to log in again.
Visual guide about How to Add Someone to Ring Doorbell
Image source: en-uk.ring.com
Enter Your Credentials
Enter your email address and password associated with your Ring account. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication (which we highly recommend), you’ll receive a verification code via text or email. Enter that code to complete the login.
Navigate to the Dashboard
Once logged in, you’ll see the Ring dashboard. This shows all your connected devices, including your Doorbell. Tap on the Doorbell you want to share access to.
Step 2: Access Device Settings
Now that you’re in the app and viewing your Doorbell, it’s time to access the settings where you can manage users.
Tap the Gear Icon
In the top-right corner of the Doorbell screen, you’ll see a gear or settings icon. Tap it to open the device settings menu.
Scroll to “Shared Users”
In the settings menu, scroll down until you find the option labeled “Shared Users” or “People.” This is where you can view current users and add new ones.
Select “Add Person”
Tap “Add Person” or “Invite User” to begin the process of adding someone to your Ring Doorbell.
Step 3: Enter the Recipient’s Email Address
This is a crucial step—you’ll need the correct email address of the person you want to invite.
Type the Email
A prompt will appear asking for the email address of the person you want to add. Carefully type in their email. Double-check for typos, as an incorrect email will prevent them from receiving the invitation.
Example:
If you’re adding your sister, enter something like “[email protected].” Make sure it’s the same email they use for their Ring account (if they have one).
Note for New Users
If the person doesn’t have a Ring account yet, they’ll be prompted to create one when they receive the invitation. The process is quick and free.
Step 4: Choose Permission Levels
Ring allows you to customize what the new user can do. This is important for security and convenience.
Select Access Type
After entering the email, you’ll be asked to choose the level of access. Ring offers two main options:
- Full Access: The user can view live video, receive alerts, answer the doorbell, review recordings, and change device settings.
- View Only: The user can see live video and recordings but cannot answer the doorbell or change settings.
Recommendation
For family members or roommates, “Full Access” is usually appropriate. For neighbors or temporary helpers, “View Only” is safer and limits their control.
Example:
If you’re adding your teenage son who’s home alone often, “Full Access” lets him answer the door. But if you’re letting a neighbor check your home while you’re on vacation, “View Only” is better.
Step 5: Send the Invitation
Once you’ve entered the email and selected permissions, it’s time to send the invite.
Tap “Send Invite”
Review the information one last time, then tap “Send Invite.” The person will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation.
What Happens Next?
The recipient will get an email from Ring with a message like: “You’ve been invited to share access to [Your Name]’s Ring Doorbell.” They’ll need to click the link and follow the prompts to accept.
Acceptance Process
If they already have a Ring account, they’ll log in and confirm access. If not, they’ll create a free account using the same email.
Step 6: Confirm the User Has Been Added
After the invitation is accepted, you’ll want to confirm that the person now has access.
Return to Shared Users
Go back to the “Shared Users” section in your Ring app. You should now see the new user listed with their name and permission level.
Test the Connection
Ask the new user to open their Ring app and check if they can see your Doorbell. They should receive live alerts and be able to view the camera feed (depending on their permissions).
Example:
If you added your roommate, have them walk to the front door and trigger the motion sensor. You should both receive an alert, and they should be able to see the live video.
Managing Shared Users Over Time
Adding someone to your Ring Doorbell isn’t a one-time task—you may need to manage users as your needs change.
Editing Permissions
You can change a user’s access level at any time. Go to “Shared Users,” tap on the person’s name, and select a new permission level.
Removing a User
If someone no longer needs access—like a former roommate or a neighbor after your trip—you can remove them. Tap their name in “Shared Users” and select “Remove Access.”
Viewing Activity
The Ring app logs when users view the camera or answer the doorbell. You can review this in the “Timeline” or “Event History” section to monitor usage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear steps, you might run into problems when trying to add someone to your Ring Doorbell. Here are solutions to the most common issues.
Invitation Not Received
If the person doesn’t get the email, check these things:
- Spam or junk folder: Ask them to look in their spam or promotions folder.
- Email address typo: Double-check that you entered the correct email.
- Resend the invite: Go back to “Shared Users” and tap “Resend Invite.”
User Can’t Log In or Accept Invite
If the recipient is having trouble:
- Update the app: Make sure they’re using the latest version of the Ring app.
- Clear app cache: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS, delete and reinstall the app.
- Check internet connection: A weak Wi-Fi or cellular signal can prevent login.
Doorbell Not Showing Up for Shared User
If the new user can’t see the Doorbell in their app:
- Confirm acceptance: Make sure they’ve clicked the link and completed the setup.
- Restart the app: Close and reopen the Ring app on their device.
- Check device compatibility: Older phones or tablets may not support the latest Ring features.
Permissions Not Working as Expected
If a user can’t answer the doorbell despite having “Full Access”:
- Reassign permissions: Go back and reselect “Full Access” to refresh the settings.
- Check subscription: Some features require a Ring Protect plan. Ensure your plan is active.
- Reboot the Doorbell: Press and hold the setup button on the Doorbell for 10 seconds to restart it.
Tips for Secure Sharing
While sharing access is convenient, it’s important to do it safely.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Ring account. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code when logging in from a new device.
Avoid Sharing Login Credentials
Never give your password to someone else. Instead, use the official “Add Person” feature so each user has their own account.
Limit Access When Needed
For temporary access (like a house sitter), set a reminder to remove them after your return.
Monitor Activity
Regularly check the event history to see who’s using the Doorbell and when.
Advanced Features and Integrations
Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore these advanced options to get more from your Ring Doorbell.
Ring Groups
If you have multiple Ring devices (like a Doorbell and a Floodlight Cam), you can create a “Group” in the app. Add users to the group so they have access to all devices at once.
Alexa Integration
Link your Ring account to Alexa. Shared users with Alexa devices can say, “Alexa, show me the front door,” to view the live feed on an Echo Show.
Custom Motion Zones
Set up motion zones so shared users only get alerts for specific areas (like the driveway, not the sidewalk).
Conclusion
Learning how to add someone to your Ring Doorbell is a smart way to enhance your home’s security and convenience. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can share access with family, roommates, or trusted neighbors—giving them the ability to see who’s at the door, answer visitors, or monitor your property while you’re away.
Remember to choose permission levels carefully, keep your app updated, and monitor shared access regularly. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips in this guide will help you resolve them quickly.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’re not just sharing a doorbell—you’re building a safer, smarter home for everyone involved. So go ahead, send that invite, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with shared security.