This guide walks you through how to add someone to your Ring Doorbell so they can view live feeds, receive alerts, and respond to visitors. Whether it’s a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor, sharing access is simple and secure with the Ring app.
Key Takeaways
- Only the Ring account owner can invite users: You must be the primary account holder to send sharing invitations.
- Shared users get limited access: They can view live video and motion alerts but can’t change device settings or billing info.
- Use the Ring app for setup: All sharing is managed through the Ring mobile app—no web browser needed.
- Email invitations are required: The person you’re adding must have a valid email address linked to a Ring account (or create one).
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove shared users instantly from the app if needed.
- Works with all Ring Doorbells: This process applies to Ring Video Doorbell, Pro, Elite, Battery, and Wired models.
- Two-factor authentication recommended: Enable 2FA on your account to keep shared access secure.
How to Add Someone to Your Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell, tested the motion alerts, and maybe even scared off a curious raccoon with a well-timed two-way chat. Now, you want to share that peace of mind with someone else—your partner, a roommate, a parent, or even a trusted neighbor who watches your home while you’re away. Great idea! Sharing access means more eyes on your front door, faster responses to packages, and better security for everyone involved.
But how do you actually add someone to your Ring Doorbell? It’s not as simple as handing over your phone (and you definitely shouldn’t share your login!). Instead, Ring offers a secure, built-in sharing feature that lets you invite others to view your device without giving them full control. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from opening the app to confirming the invite—and cover common pitfalls, tips for smooth setup, and how to manage shared users later.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or still figuring out how to pair your smartwatch, this guide is written in plain English with short steps and real-life examples. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to share your Ring Doorbell safely and effectively.
Why Share Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add Someone to Your Ring Doorbell
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to share access in the first place. Security isn’t a solo mission—it’s a team effort. Here are a few common scenarios where adding someone makes sense:
- Family households: Spouses, older kids, or roommates can all benefit from seeing who’s at the door—especially if you’re not home.
- Pet owners: If you have a dog that barks at every delivery, your partner might want to check the live feed before rushing to the door.
- Frequent travelers: A neighbor or family member can keep an eye on your home and alert you to suspicious activity.
- Elderly relatives: If your parent lives alone, giving them (or a caregiver) access to your Ring Doorbell can provide reassurance and quick help in emergencies.
- Rental properties: Landlords can share access with tenants so they’re notified of visitors or maintenance workers.
The best part? You stay in control. Shared users can’t delete your device, change your Wi-Fi settings, or access your billing information. They only see what you allow—live video, motion alerts, and recorded clips (if you have a Ring Protect plan).
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin the sharing process, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell installed and connected: Your device should be online and working properly. If it’s offline, fix that first (we’ll cover troubleshooting later).
- The Ring app installed on your phone: Available for iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Your login credentials: You must be signed in as the primary account owner.
- The email address of the person you’re adding: They’ll need this to accept the invitation. If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll be prompted to create one.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and your Ring Doorbell should be connected to Wi-Fi.
Pro tip: If the person you’re adding is new to Ring, have them download the app and create a free account before you send the invite. This speeds up the process and avoids confusion.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Someone to Your Ring Doorbell
Now, let’s get into the actual steps. The process is straightforward and takes less than five minutes.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone. You should see your dashboard with a list of your devices—your Ring Doorbell should appear here.
If you don’t see your doorbell, tap the “Devices” tab at the bottom (it looks like a grid of squares). Your doorbell should be listed under “Doorbells” or “Security Devices.”
Make sure you’re signed in as the account owner. If you’re not, tap your profile icon (usually in the top-right corner), select “Sign Out,” and log back in with your primary credentials.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell
Tap on your Ring Doorbell from the device list. This opens the live view screen where you can see the camera feed.
Don’t worry—you don’t need to start a live stream. Just tap the device name to enter its settings.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
Once you’re on the live view screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the device settings menu.
This is where you’ll find options like motion zones, chime settings, and—most importantly—user sharing.
Step 4: Tap “Shared Users”
Scroll down in the settings menu until you see the “Shared Users” option. Tap it.
You’ll now see a list of anyone already added to this device (if any). At the top, there’s a button that says “Add Shared User.” Tap that.
Step 5: Enter the Person’s Email Address
Type in the email address of the person you want to add. This must be the same email they use (or will use) for their Ring account.
Double-check the spelling—typos are the #1 reason invites fail to deliver.
If the person already has a Ring account, their name may appear as a suggestion. If not, they’ll receive an email inviting them to create one.
Step 6: Choose Their Access Level (Optional)
Ring allows you to set permissions for shared users. By default, they get “Viewer” access, which means they can:
- View live video
- Receive motion and doorbell press alerts
- View recorded clips (if you have a Ring Protect plan)
- Use two-way audio to speak through the doorbell
They cannot:
- Change device settings
- Delete the device
- View or change your billing info
- Remove other users
Currently, Ring doesn’t offer custom permission levels—every shared user gets the same “Viewer” access. But this is usually perfect for most households.
Tap “Send Invitation” when you’re ready.
Step 7: Confirm the Invitation Was Sent
You’ll see a confirmation message saying the invite has been sent. The person will receive an email with a link to accept.
If they already have a Ring account, they’ll also see the invitation in their app under “Notifications” or “Shared Devices.”
Step 8: The Recipient Accepts the Invitation
Now it’s up to the other person. Here’s what they need to do:
- Open the email from Ring (check spam/junk if they don’t see it).
- Tap the “Accept Invitation” button.
- If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll be prompted to create one (free).
- Once logged in, the shared doorbell will appear in their app under “Shared Devices.”
That’s it! They can now view your doorbell feed, get alerts, and respond to visitors—just like you.
Tips for a Smooth Sharing Experience
Sharing your Ring Doorbell should be seamless, but a few small mistakes can cause delays or confusion. Here are some practical tips to make it go smoothly:
Use a Recognizable Email Address
If you’re adding your spouse or roommate, use the email they check regularly. Avoid work emails if they don’t have access during off-hours.
Notify Them in Advance
Send a quick text or call to let them know an invite is coming. This prevents the email from getting lost or marked as spam.
Check for App Updates
Both you and the recipient should have the latest version of the Ring app. Older versions may not support sharing or could have bugs.
Test the Connection
After they accept, ask them to open the app and check if they can see the live feed. If not, we’ll troubleshoot below.
Set Expectations
Let them know what they can and can’t do. For example, they can’t turn off your motion alerts or change your Wi-Fi password—only you can do that.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
“I Sent the Invite, But They Haven’t Received It”
First, check your email for a confirmation from Ring. If you see it, the invite was sent successfully.
Ask the recipient to:
- Check their spam/junk folder
- Search their email for “Ring” or “invitation”
- Make sure they’re checking the correct email account
If it’s been more than 24 hours, resend the invite from the “Shared Users” section. Tap the three dots next to their name and select “Resend Invitation.”
“They Accepted, But Can’t See the Doorbell”
This usually means the device didn’t sync properly. Try these steps:
- Ask them to close and reopen the Ring app.
- Have them pull down to refresh the device list.
- If it still doesn’t appear, ask them to log out and log back in.
- As the owner, go to “Shared Users,” remove them, and re-invite.
“The Doorbell Is Offline for Them”
If the shared user sees “Device Offline,” but you can see it fine, it’s likely a sync issue. Try:
- Restarting your Ring Doorbell (remove battery or power cycle)
- Ensuring your Wi-Fi is stable
- Checking that the shared user has a strong internet connection
“They Want to Change Settings”
Remind them that shared users can’t modify settings. Only the account owner can adjust motion zones, sensitivity, or notification schedules.
If they need a change made, ask them to message you, and you can update it from your app.
“I Accidentally Added the Wrong Person”
No problem—you can remove them instantly. Go to “Shared Users,” tap the three dots next to their name, and select “Remove User.” They’ll lose access immediately.
Managing Shared Users Over Time
Sharing access isn’t a one-and-done task. You may need to add or remove people as your household changes. Here’s how to stay on top of it.
Review Shared Users Regularly
Every few months, check who has access. Remove roommates who’ve moved out, ex-partners, or neighbors you no longer trust.
Use Descriptive Names
When you add someone, Ring may auto-fill their name. If you have multiple people with similar emails (like “[email protected]” and “[email protected]”), rename them in the app for clarity.
Monitor Activity (With Ring Protect)
If you have a Ring Protect subscription, you can see who viewed a recording or responded to an alert. This helps track usage and spot unusual activity.
Revoke Access Immediately if Needed
If someone loses trust or you suspect unauthorized access, remove them right away. Go to “Shared Users” and tap “Remove.”
Security Best Practices When Sharing
Sharing your doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to do it securely. Follow these best practices:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Go to your Ring app > Profile > Two-Factor Authentication and turn it on. This adds an extra layer of security so even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in.
Don’t Share Your Login
Never give your Ring username and password to anyone—even family. Use the built-in sharing feature instead.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Your Ring account should have a strong password that’s different from your email or other accounts.
Log Out on Shared Devices
If you let someone use your phone to set up sharing, make sure you log out of the Ring app afterward.
Monitor for Suspicious Activity
If you notice unfamiliar logins or unexpected changes, change your password immediately and review your shared users.
Conclusion
Adding someone to your Ring Doorbell is a smart, secure way to extend your home’s security network. Whether it’s your partner, a neighbor, or a family member, shared access means faster responses, better awareness, and peace of mind for everyone.
The process is simple: open the Ring app, go to your doorbell settings, tap “Shared Users,” enter their email, and send the invite. Once they accept, they’ll have live access to your doorbell feed—without any of your account controls.
Remember, only you can manage who has access, so stay vigilant. Remove users when relationships change, keep your app updated, and enable two-factor authentication for maximum security.
With this guide, you’re now equipped to share your Ring Doorbell confidently and correctly. So go ahead—send that invite, test the connection, and enjoy the added layer of protection that comes from having more eyes on your front door.