Adding a subscription to your Ring Doorbell unlocks advanced features like video recording, cloud storage, and person alerts. This guide walks you through the entire process—from choosing the right plan to activating it on your device—so you can maximize your smart doorbell’s potential with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Right Plan: Ring offers two subscription tiers—Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus—each with different features and pricing. Pick the one that fits your needs.
- Use the Ring App: All subscription management happens through the official Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Link Your Device First: Your Ring Doorbell must be properly set up and connected to Wi-Fi before you can add a subscription.
- Activate Instantly: Once you subscribe, features like video recording and motion alerts are activated immediately—no waiting period.
- Manage Subscriptions Easily: You can pause, cancel, or change your plan anytime directly in the app under Account Settings.
- Take Advantage of Free Trial: New users often get a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus—use it to test premium features risk-free.
- Keep Your Info Updated: Ensure your payment method and contact details are current to avoid service interruptions.
How to Add Subscription to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell, and it’s working great—chimes when someone’s at the door, sends motion alerts, and even lets you talk to visitors remotely. But now you’re wondering: How do I add a subscription to my Ring Doorbell? You’ve heard that without a subscription, you miss out on key features like video recording, cloud storage, and advanced motion detection. The good news? Adding a subscription is simple, fast, and totally worth it.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about adding a subscription to your Ring Doorbell. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell Pro, or any newer model, the process is nearly identical. We’ll cover how to choose the right plan, set it up via the Ring app, troubleshoot common issues, and manage your subscription over time.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to add a subscription—you’ll understand why it’s essential for getting the most out of your smart doorbell. Let’s get started!
Why You Need a Ring Subscription
Visual guide about How to Add Subscription to Ring Doorbell
Image source: doorbellmount.com
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Your Ring Doorbell works without a subscription—sort of. You can still receive motion alerts, see live video, and talk to visitors. But here’s the catch: without a subscription, you can’t save or review any recorded footage.
That means if someone rings your doorbell while you’re at work, or if there’s suspicious activity at 3 a.m., you won’t have a video record unless you’re actively watching the live feed. That’s where a Ring Protect subscription comes in.
With a subscription, your Ring Doorbell automatically records video whenever motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed. These clips are stored securely in the cloud, so you can watch them anytime—even weeks later. You also get features like:
– Extended video history (up to 180 days with Ring Protect Plus)
– Person detection (so you only get alerts when a person is detected, not a passing car or squirrel)
– Snapshot capture (periodic still images between motion events)
– Video sharing (easily send clips to neighbors or law enforcement)
– Advanced motion zones (customize where your doorbell detects motion)
In short, a subscription turns your Ring Doorbell from a basic intercom into a full-fledged home security system. And the best part? It only takes a few minutes to set up.
Step 1: Choose the Right Ring Protect Plan
Ring offers two subscription plans: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Both give you access to video recording and cloud storage, but they differ in price, coverage, and features.
Ring Protect Basic
– Price: $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year (per device)
– Covers: One Ring device (e.g., one doorbell or one camera)
– Features: Video recording, motion alerts, 60 days of video history, person detection, and snapshot capture
– Best for: Homeowners with only one Ring device who want basic recording and alerts
Ring Protect Plus
– Price: $10 per month or $100 per year (covers all Ring devices at one location)
– Covers: Unlimited Ring devices at a single address (doorbells, cameras, alarms, etc.)
– Features: Everything in Basic, plus 180 days of video history, extended warranty on devices, and 10% discount on select Ring products
– Best for: Families or homeowners with multiple Ring devices who want full coverage and extra perks
Pro Tip: If you have more than one Ring device—like a doorbell and a security camera—go with Ring Protect Plus. It’s more cost-effective and simplifies billing.
Many new Ring users are eligible for a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus. This lets you test all premium features before committing. We’ll show you how to activate it during setup.
Step 2: Download and Open the Ring App
To add a subscription, you’ll need the official Ring app. It’s available for free on the Apple App Store (for iPhone and iPad) and the Google Play Store (for Android devices).
How to Download the Ring App
1. Open your device’s app store.
2. Search for “Ring – Always Home.”
3. Tap “Install” or “Get.”
4. Once downloaded, open the app.
Sign In or Create an Account
If you already set up your Ring Doorbell, you likely already have a Ring account. If not, you’ll need to create one.
– Tap “Sign Up” and enter your email, create a password, and verify your email address.
– If you’re signing in, use the same email and password you used during setup.
Important: Make sure your app is updated to the latest version. Older versions may not support the latest subscription features or could cause errors during setup.
Step 3: Ensure Your Doorbell Is Connected and Working
Before adding a subscription, confirm that your Ring Doorbell is properly installed and connected to Wi-Fi. A subscription won’t work if the device isn’t online.
Check Your Device Status
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner.
3. Select “Devices.”
4. Find your doorbell in the list and tap it.
5. Look at the status at the top—it should say “Online.”
If it says “Offline,” troubleshoot the connection:
– Make sure your Wi-Fi is working.
– Check that your doorbell is within range of your router.
– Restart your doorbell by removing the battery (if battery-powered) or flipping the breaker (if hardwired).
– Reconnect it via the app under “Device Health” > “Reconnect to Wi-Fi.”
Tip: A strong Wi-Fi signal is crucial for smooth video streaming and reliable alerts. If your doorbell is far from your router, consider using a Wi-Fi extender.
Step 4: Add a Subscription via the Ring App
Now for the main event: adding your subscription. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 4.1: Go to the Subscription Section
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the menu (☰) and select “Account.”
3. Scroll down and tap “Protect Plan” or “Subscriptions.”
4. You’ll see a list of your Ring devices. Tap the one you want to subscribe to (e.g., “Front Doorbell”).
Step 4.2: Choose Your Plan
You’ll now see the two options: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus.
– If you only have one device, tap “Subscribe” under Ring Protect Basic.
– If you have multiple devices or want the best value, tap “Subscribe” under Ring Protect Plus.
Note: If you’re eligible for the 30-day free trial, it will be highlighted here. Tap “Start Free Trial” to begin.
Step 4.3: Enter Payment Information
1. Choose your billing cycle: monthly or yearly.
2. Enter your credit or debit card details.
3. Confirm your billing address.
4. Review the terms and conditions.
5. Tap “Subscribe” or “Start Free Trial.”
Important: Your subscription will begin immediately. If you chose the free trial, you won’t be charged until the trial ends—unless you cancel early.
Step 4.4: Confirm Activation
Once you complete the payment, the app will confirm your subscription is active. You’ll see a green checkmark or “Active” status next to your device.
Your doorbell will now start recording video clips automatically. You can test it by walking in front of the doorbell—within a few minutes, you should see a new video in your event history.
Step 5: Verify Subscription Features Are Working
After subscribing, it’s smart to verify that everything is working as expected.
Check Video History
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap your doorbell.
3. Scroll down to “Event History.”
4. You should see recent motion or doorbell press events with video thumbnails.
Tap any event to watch the full recording. If you see “No Video Available,” your subscription may not be active yet—wait a few minutes and try again.
Test Person Detection
Walk in front of your doorbell. You should receive a notification that says “Motion Detected” or “Person Detected” (if person detection is enabled).
To enable person detection:
1. Go to your doorbell in the app.
2. Tap “Motion Settings.”
3. Toggle on “People Only Mode.”
Check Snapshot Capture
Snapshots are still images taken between motion events. To see them:
1. Go to your doorbell.
2. Tap “Snapshot History.”
3. You should see a grid of recent images.
If snapshots aren’t appearing, make sure “Snapshot Capture” is enabled in the motion settings.
Step 6: Manage Your Subscription
Your Ring subscription is flexible. You can pause, cancel, or change your plan at any time.
How to Pause or Cancel
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Go to “Account” > “Protect Plan.”
3. Tap the subscription you want to manage.
4. Tap “Cancel Subscription” or “Pause Subscription.”
5. Follow the prompts to confirm.
Note: If you cancel, you’ll lose access to video history and premium features at the end of your current billing period. Pausing stops billing but keeps your data.
How to Change Plans
You can switch from Basic to Plus (or vice versa) anytime:
1. Go to “Protect Plan” in the app.
2. Tap “Change Plan.”
3. Select the new plan and confirm.
If you upgrade to Plus, the change takes effect immediately. If you downgrade, it applies at the next billing cycle.
Update Payment Method
To update your card:
1. Go to “Account” > “Payment Methods.”
2. Tap “Add Payment Method” or edit an existing one.
3. Enter new card details and save.
Troubleshooting Common Subscription Issues
Even with a smooth process, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Issue: Subscription Not Activating
– Solution: Make sure your device is online. Restart the app and check again in 5–10 minutes. If it still doesn’t work, contact Ring Support.
Issue: No Video in Event History
– Solution: Confirm your subscription is active. Check that motion zones are set correctly. Ensure your Wi-Fi is stable.
Issue: Charged Despite Free Trial
– Solution: You may have missed the trial activation step. Check your billing history in the app. If wrongly charged, contact Ring Support for a refund.
Issue: Can’t Find Subscription Option
– Solution: Update the Ring app. Older versions may not show subscription options. Also, ensure you’re signed in with the correct account.
Issue: Subscription Covers Wrong Device
– Solution: Ring Protect Plus covers all devices at one address. If a device isn’t included, make sure it’s registered to the same location in the app.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Subscription
Now that your subscription is active, here are some pro tips to maximize its value:
– Enable Motion Zones: Customize where your doorbell detects motion to avoid false alerts from passing cars or trees.
– Use Smart Alerts: Set up notifications for specific times (e.g., only during nighttime) to reduce interruptions.
– Share Access: Add family members to your Ring account so they can view videos and receive alerts.
– Download Important Clips: Save critical videos to your phone or cloud storage in case you need them for evidence.
– Check Battery Regularly: If using a battery-powered doorbell, low battery can affect recording. Charge it every 3–6 months.
Conclusion
Adding a subscription to your Ring Doorbell is one of the smartest moves you can make for home security. It unlocks the full potential of your device—turning it from a simple doorbell into a powerful surveillance tool with cloud storage, smart alerts, and video history.
The process is straightforward: choose the right plan, use the Ring app to subscribe, and verify that features are working. With options like a 30-day free trial and flexible billing, there’s no risk in trying it out.
Whether you’re protecting your home, keeping an eye on packages, or just want peace of mind, a Ring Protect subscription delivers real value. So don’t wait—follow this guide, add your subscription today, and start enjoying all the benefits your Ring Doorbell has to offer.