This guide walks you through how to add a user on Ring Doorbell using the Ring app. Whether you’re sharing access with family or a trusted neighbor, we’ll show you the simple steps to keep your home secure and connected.
Key Takeaways
- Adding users enhances home security: Share access with family, roommates, or trusted neighbors so everyone can monitor your Ring Doorbell.
- Use the Ring app for all user management: The mobile app is the only way to invite and manage shared users on your Ring device.
- Choose the right permission level: You can grant either “Owner” or “Shared User” access, depending on how much control you want to give.
- Ensure the new user has a Ring account: The person you’re adding must have their own Ring account (free or Ring Protect plan).
- Invitations are sent via email: The new user will receive an email with a link to accept access to your Ring Doorbell.
- You can remove users anytime: If someone no longer needs access, you can revoke it instantly from the app.
- Troubleshooting tips included: We cover common issues like failed invitations, app glitches, and sync problems.
How to Add User on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell, set up motion alerts, and maybe even recorded your first visitor. But now you’re wondering: How do I let my spouse, roommate, or trusted neighbor see who’s at the door too? That’s where adding a user comes in.
Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell is a simple process that lets others view live video, receive motion alerts, and even speak through the doorbell—right from their own phone. Whether you’re sharing access with family members, roommates, or a neighbor who watches your home while you’re away, this guide will walk you through every step.
In this comprehensive how-to, you’ll learn exactly how to add a user on Ring Doorbell, from opening the app to confirming the invitation. We’ll also cover permission levels, troubleshooting common issues, and tips to keep your home security system running smoothly.
Let’s get started.
Why Add a User to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add User on Ring Doorbell
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why sharing access is beneficial.
First, shared access improves home security. If you’re at work and your partner is home, they can see who’s at the door and respond accordingly. Or if you’re on vacation, a trusted neighbor can keep an eye on your property and alert you to suspicious activity.
Second, it’s convenient. Instead of forwarding video clips or screenshots, everyone with access can view live feeds and recorded events in real time through their own Ring app.
Third, it’s flexible. You control who sees what. You can give full control (Owner access) or limited access (Shared User), depending on the person and your comfort level.
Finally, it’s free. Adding users doesn’t cost extra, even if you don’t have a Ring Protect plan. However, note that video recording and cloud storage features require a Ring Protect subscription.
Now that you know the benefits, let’s move on to the actual process.
What You’ll Need Before Adding a User
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell installed and connected: Your device should be properly set up and linked to your Ring account.
- 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’ll need to be signed in as the device owner.
- The email address of the person you want to add: They must have a Ring account (or be willing to create one).
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Ring Doorbell should be online.
If any of these are missing, take a moment to set them up. For example, if your doorbell isn’t connected, go through the initial setup process first. If the person you’re adding doesn’t have a Ring account, they’ll need to download the app and sign up (it’s free).
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Log In
Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
If you’re not already logged in, tap “Sign In” and enter your email and password. Make sure you’re signing in as the device owner—only the owner can add or remove users.
Once logged in, you’ll see the dashboard with your Ring devices. Look for your doorbell (it might be labeled “Front Door,” “Doorbell,” or a custom name you gave it).
Tip: Check Your App Version
Before proceeding, ensure your Ring app is up to date. Outdated versions may not support the latest features or could cause glitches.
To check:
- On iPhone: Go to the App Store > tap your profile icon > scroll to Ring and update if needed.
- On Android: Open Google Play Store > tap the menu > “Manage apps & device” > check for Ring updates.
Updating ensures a smooth experience when adding users.
Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings
From the dashboard, tap on your Ring Doorbell to open its live view or event history.
Once the device screen loads, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. This is the settings menu.
Tap the gear icon to enter the device settings.
What You’ll See in Settings
The settings menu includes options like:
- Device Health
- Motion Settings
- Chime Settings
- Shared Users
- Device Sharing
We’re interested in Shared Users, which is where you’ll manage who has access.
Step 3: Access the Shared Users Section
In the device settings, scroll down until you find the Shared Users option.
Tap on it to open the shared users menu.
Here, you’ll see a list of people who already have access to your doorbell (if any). At the top, you’ll see an option that says “Add Shared User” or “Invite User”.
Tap that button to begin the invitation process.
Note: Owner vs. Shared User
It’s important to understand the difference between these two roles:
- Owner: Has full control over the device. Can change settings, add/remove users, delete recordings, and manage subscriptions. Only one owner per device.
- Shared User: Can view live video, receive alerts, and speak through the doorbell. Cannot change device settings or manage other users.
When you add someone, they’ll be a Shared User by default. You cannot make someone else the owner unless you transfer ownership (a separate process).
Step 4: Enter the New User’s Email Address
After tapping “Add Shared User,” you’ll be prompted to enter the email address associated with the person’s Ring account.
Type in their email carefully. Double-check for typos—this is a common mistake that prevents invitations from being delivered.
Example:
If your spouse’s email is [email protected], enter that exactly as it appears in their Ring account.
Once you’ve entered the email, tap “Send Invitation” or “Invite”.
What Happens Next?
The Ring system will send an email invitation to the address you provided. The email will come from [email protected] and include a link to accept the invitation.
The person must click the link and follow the steps to gain access.
Step 5: The New User Accepts the Invitation
Now it’s up to the other person to accept the invitation.
Here’s what they need to do:
- Open the email from Ring (check spam/junk folder if not seen).
- Click the “Accept Invitation” link.
- If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll be prompted to create one (free).
- If they already have an account, they’ll log in.
- Once logged in, they’ll confirm access to your doorbell.
After accepting, the doorbell will appear in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.”
Tip: Help Them Find the Email
Sometimes, invitation emails get filtered into spam or promotions folders. Advise the new user to check all email folders if they don’t see the message within a few minutes.
You can also resend the invitation from the Shared Users menu if needed.
Step 6: Confirm Access in the Ring App
Once the invitation is accepted, go back to your Ring app.
Return to the Shared Users section in your doorbell settings.
You should now see the new user listed with their email and status (e.g., “Active”).
This confirms that access has been granted successfully.
Test the Connection
To make sure everything is working:
- Ask the new user to open their Ring app.
- Have them tap on the shared doorbell.
- They should be able to view live video and receive motion alerts.
If they can see the feed, you’re all set!
Managing Shared Users: Editing and Removing Access
Adding a user is just the beginning. You may need to manage access later—whether to remove someone or adjust permissions.
Here’s how to do it:
To Remove a User:
- Go to your doorbell’s settings.
- Tap “Shared Users.”
- Find the person you want to remove.
- Tap the three dots (⋮) or “Edit” next to their name.
- Select “Remove Access” or “Revoke Invitation.”
- Confirm the action.
Once removed, they will no longer see the doorbell in their app and won’t receive alerts.
To Resend an Invitation:
If someone didn’t receive the email or deleted it:
- Go to Shared Users.
- Find the pending invitation.
- Tap “Resend Invitation.”
This sends a new email with a fresh link.
Can You Change Permission Levels?
Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade a Shared User to Owner directly. To transfer ownership, you’ll need to contact Ring Support.
However, you can remove a Shared User and re-invite them if needed.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues When Adding Users
Even with clear steps, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Issue 1: Invitation Email Not Received
Symptoms: The new user says they never got the email.
Possible Causes:
- Email was sent to spam/junk folder.
- Typo in the email address.
- Email server blocked the message.
Solutions:
- Ask the user to check all email folders, including spam.
- Double-check the email address in your Ring app.
- Resend the invitation.
- If still not working, try a different email address (if available).
Issue 2: “User Already Has Access” Error
Symptoms: You try to add someone, but the app says they already have access.
Possible Causes:
- They were previously added and removed.
- They have access through another device or location.
Solutions:
- Check the Shared Users list to see if they’re already there.
- If they were removed, you may need to wait 24 hours before re-adding.
- Contact Ring Support if the issue persists.
Issue 3: App Crashes or Freezes During Setup
Symptoms: The Ring app closes or becomes unresponsive when trying to add a user.
Possible Causes:
- Outdated app version.
- Low phone storage or memory.
- Weak internet connection.
Solutions:
- Update the Ring app.
- Restart your phone.
- Close other apps to free up memory.
- Switch to a stronger Wi-Fi network.
Issue 4: New User Can’t See the Doorbell
Symptoms: The invitation was accepted, but the doorbell doesn’t appear in their app.
Possible Causes:
- They’re logged into the wrong Ring account.
- The app needs to be refreshed.
- Sync delay between devices.
Solutions:
- Ask them to log out and back into the correct account.
- Close and reopen the Ring app.
- Pull down on the dashboard to refresh.
- Wait 5–10 minutes for sync.
Issue 5: “Invalid Email” or “User Not Found” Error
Symptoms: You enter an email, but the app says it’s invalid or the user doesn’t exist.
Possible Causes:
- The email isn’t linked to a Ring account.
- The person hasn’t verified their email.
- Typo in the email.
Solutions:
- Confirm the email is correct.
- Ask the person to create a Ring account if they don’t have one.
- Ensure they’ve verified their email address.
Tips for a Smooth User Addition Process
To make adding users as easy as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Communicate clearly: Let the new user know to expect an email and check their spam folder.
- Use a strong Wi-Fi signal: A weak connection can delay invitations and app syncing.
- Update the app regularly: New features and bug fixes are released often.
- Keep your device online: If your Ring Doorbell goes offline, shared users won’t be able to access it.
- Limit access to trusted people: Only share with those you trust, as they’ll see your home’s activity.
Privacy and Security Considerations
While sharing access is convenient, it’s important to think about privacy.
- Shared users can view live video and recordings: They’ll see who comes to your door, including family, delivery people, and visitors.
- They can speak through the doorbell: This means they could interact with someone at your door—make sure they understand when and how to do this.
- You can’t restrict specific features: Shared users get full viewing and alert access. You can’t limit them to only seeing motion alerts, for example.
- Monitor activity: You can see when shared users view the camera or speak through the doorbell in the event history.
If privacy is a concern, consider only adding users temporarily (e.g., while you’re on vacation) and removing them afterward.
Can You Add Multiple Users?
Yes! You can add as many shared users as you want.
There’s no official limit, but Ring recommends keeping the number reasonable for security and performance reasons.
Each user will receive their own invitation and manage access through their own app.
What If You Want to Transfer Ownership?
Sometimes, you may need to transfer full ownership of the doorbell—for example, if you’re moving and leaving the device for the new homeowner.
This is different from adding a shared user.
To transfer ownership:
- Contact Ring Customer Support.
- Provide proof of purchase and details of the new owner.
- Ring will guide you through the process.
Note: You cannot do this through the app alone. It requires manual intervention from Ring.
Final Thoughts: Sharing Access Made Simple
Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell is a quick and secure way to keep your home safe and connected. Whether you’re sharing with family, roommates, or a trusted neighbor, the process takes just a few minutes and requires only the Ring app and an email address.
By following this guide, you’ve learned:
- How to navigate the Ring app to add a user.
- The difference between Owner and Shared User access.
- How to troubleshoot common issues.
- Best practices for privacy and security.
Now you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that more than one person can keep an eye on your home—without compromising control or safety.
So go ahead, invite that family member or neighbor, and make your Ring Doorbell a true team effort.