This guide walks you through adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 2 so family or trusted neighbors can view live feeds and receive alerts. Follow simple steps via the Ring app to share access securely and manage permissions.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to invite users: Only the owner can send invitations through the app’s Shared Users feature.
- Recipients need a Ring account: New users must sign up for a free Ring account before accepting the invite.
- Control access levels: Choose between Live View only or full access to recordings and settings.
- Revoke access anytime: Remove shared users instantly from the device settings if needed.
- Works across devices: Shared users can view the doorbell on phones, tablets, or Echo Show devices.
- No extra hardware required: Adding users is free and doesn’t require additional equipment or subscriptions.
- Troubleshoot common issues: Resend invites, check email spam folders, or update the app if invitations fail.
How to Add User to Ring Doorbell 2: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell 2—great choice! It’s sleek, reliable, and packed with smart features like motion detection, two-way audio, and HD video. But what if you want your partner, roommate, or trusted neighbor to also see who’s at the door? Maybe you’re away on vacation and want someone to keep an eye on things. Or perhaps your teen is home alone and should be able to answer the door virtually. That’s where sharing access comes in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add a user to your Ring Doorbell 2—quickly, securely, and without any technical headaches. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started with smart home devices, these instructions are designed to be clear, friendly, and easy to follow. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to invite others, set permissions, and manage access like a pro.
We’ll cover everything from opening the Ring app to troubleshooting failed invitations. Plus, we’ll share practical tips to keep your device secure while still making it convenient for others to help out. Let’s get started!
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell 2?
Visual guide about How to Add User to Ring Doorbell 2
Image source: wiringall.com
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why sharing your Ring Doorbell 2 makes sense. You might think, “Why not just give them my login?” But that’s actually a big no-no. Sharing your password puts your entire Ring account at risk—and could expose other devices like security cameras or smart locks.
Instead, Ring’s Shared Users feature lets you grant limited access without handing over your credentials. This means:
– Your main account stays secure.
– You control what others can see and do.
– You can remove access anytime.
– Multiple people can use the doorbell simultaneously.
Imagine this: You’re at work, and your Ring alerts you to motion. You check the live feed and see a delivery person. But your spouse is home—shouldn’t they be able to see it too? With shared access, they get the same alert and can even talk to the delivery person through the doorbell. No more missed packages or confused neighbors!
Or maybe you’re traveling and want your parents to check in on your house. Instead of giving them your password (and access to your entire smart home), you simply add them as a shared user. They can view live video and recorded clips—but can’t change your settings or delete footage.
Sharing access isn’t just convenient—it’s smart. It turns your Ring Doorbell 2 into a collaborative security tool, not just a solo monitor.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 2 is simple, but there are a few things you’ll need to have ready:
1. The Ring Mobile App
Make sure you have the latest version of the Ring app installed on your smartphone or tablet. You can download it for free from the Apple App Store (for iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android). Outdated apps may not support all features or could cause errors during setup.
2. Your Ring Account Login
You must be logged in as the device owner—the person who originally set up the doorbell. Only owners can add or remove shared users. If you’re not the owner, you’ll need to ask them to send you an invite.
3. The Recipient’s Email Address
You’ll need the email address of the person you want to add. Ring sends the invitation via email, so make sure it’s correct. If they don’t have a Ring account yet, they’ll be prompted to create one when they accept the invite.
4. A Stable Internet Connection
Both your phone and your Ring Doorbell 2 should be connected to Wi-Fi. A weak signal can delay or prevent the invitation from being sent or received.
5. Ring Protect Plan (Optional)
While you don’t need a subscription to add users, having a Ring Protect Plan (Basic or Plus) allows shared users to view recorded videos. Without it, they can only see live feeds and motion alerts—no past recordings.
Once you’ve checked these off, you’re ready to begin!
Step-by-Step: How to Add a User to Your Ring Doorbell 2
Now for the main event—adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 2. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have someone else viewing your doorbell in under five minutes.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password. Make sure you’re signed in as the device owner.
Once inside, you’ll see your dashboard with all your Ring devices. Look for your Ring Doorbell 2—it should appear with a live preview or a still image.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell 2
Tap on the Ring Doorbell 2 from the device list. This will open the device’s main screen, where you can view live video, check motion history, or adjust settings.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the screen, you’ll see a gear icon (⚙️). Tap it to open the Device Settings menu.
Step 4: Find “Shared Users”
Scroll down until you see the Shared Users option. It’s usually located under the “General” or “People” section, depending on your app version.
Tap on Shared Users to open the sharing menu.
Step 5: Tap “Add Shared User”
You’ll now see a list of any existing shared users (if you’ve added anyone before). At the bottom, tap the + Add Shared User button.
Step 6: Enter the Recipient’s Email
Type in the email address of the person you want to invite. Double-check for typos—this is a common mistake that causes invites to fail.
Step 7: Choose Access Level
Ring gives you two options for permissions:
– Live View Only: The user can see live video and receive motion alerts, but cannot view recorded videos or change settings.
– Full Access: The user can view live feeds, watch recordings, adjust motion zones, and manage notifications—but still can’t remove the device or change owner settings.
Choose the level that fits your needs. For most people, Live View Only is sufficient and safer.
Step 8: Send the Invitation
Tap Send Invitation. Ring will send an email to the recipient with a link to accept the invite.
Step 9: Recipient Accepts the Invite
The person you invited will receive an email from Ring (check spam/junk folders if it doesn’t appear). They’ll need to:
1. Click the link in the email.
2. Sign in to their Ring account (or create one if they don’t have one).
3. Accept the invitation.
Once they do, they’ll see your Ring Doorbell 2 in their app and can start using it right away.
Step 10: Confirm Access
Go back to the Shared Users section in your app. You should now see the new user listed. You can tap on their name to change permissions or remove them later if needed.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully added a user to your Ring Doorbell 2.
Managing Shared Users: Tips and Best Practices
Adding a user is just the beginning. To keep your doorbell secure and functional, follow these best practices:
Limit the Number of Shared Users
Ring allows up to 10 shared users per device. While that’s plenty for most households, avoid adding too many people. More users mean more potential for accidental changes or privacy concerns.
Use Descriptive Names
When you add a user, Ring lets you assign a nickname (like “Sarah – Neighbor” or “Dad”). Use this feature to keep track of who has access, especially if you have multiple people sharing.
Review Permissions Regularly
Check your shared users list every few months. Remove access for people who no longer need it—like a former roommate or a friend who moved away.
Educate Your Users
Let shared users know what they can and can’t do. For example, they can’t delete your device or change Wi-Fi settings. But they can answer the door, talk to visitors, and review motion alerts.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Protect your own account by enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in the Ring app. This adds an extra layer of security, so even if someone gets your password, they can’t log in without a verification code.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 2.
Issue 1: Invitation Not Received
If the recipient doesn’t get the email:
– Check their 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 Shared Users menu.
Issue 2: “Invalid Email” Error
This usually means the email format is wrong (e.g., missing @ symbol or domain). Double-check the spelling and try again.
Issue 3: Recipient Can’t Accept the Invite
If the link doesn’t work:
– Make sure they’re using the same email you invited.
– Have them log out and back into the Ring app.
– Try sending the invite again—sometimes the first one gets stuck.
Issue 4: Shared User Can’t See the Doorbell
If the user accepted the invite but doesn’t see the device:
– Ask them to close and reopen the Ring app.
– Have them check if they’re logged into the correct account.
– Ensure your doorbell is online (check the status in your app).
Issue 5: App Crashes or Freezes
This often happens with outdated apps. Go to your app store and update the Ring app to the latest version. If that doesn’t work, restart your phone and try again.
Issue 6: Can’t Remove a Shared User
If you’re unable to remove someone:
– Make sure you’re the device owner.
– Check your internet connection.
– Try removing them from a different device (like a tablet).
If all else fails, contact Ring Support through the app or website.
Security Tips When Sharing Your Ring Doorbell
Sharing access is convenient, but it’s important to do it safely. Here are some security tips to keep in mind:
Never Share Your Password
Always use the Shared Users feature instead of giving out your login. This protects your entire Ring account and other connected devices.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Make sure your Ring account password is strong—mix of letters, numbers, and symbols—and not used anywhere else.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Go to More > Settings > Two-Factor Authentication in the Ring app and turn it on. You’ll get a code via text or email every time someone logs in.
Monitor Activity
Check the Activity Log in your app to see who’s viewing your doorbell and when. If you notice unusual activity, remove the user immediately.
Limit Full Access
Only give Full Access to people you fully trust. Most users only need Live View to be helpful.
Update Your App Regularly
Ring frequently releases updates with security patches and new features. Keep your app up to date to stay protected.
Can You Add Multiple Users?
Yes! You can add up to 10 shared users to your Ring Doorbell 2. This is perfect for families, roommates, or even a neighborhood watch group.
To add more users, simply repeat the steps above. Each person will receive their own invitation and can accept it independently.
Just remember: more users mean more responsibility. Keep track of who has access and review the list periodically.
Does Adding a User Cost Extra?
Nope! Adding shared users is completely free. You don’t need a Ring Protect subscription to invite others.
However, if you want shared users to view recorded videos (not just live feeds), you’ll need a Ring Protect Plan:
– Ring Protect Basic: $3.99/month per device. Covers video recording, snapshot capture, and extended live view.
– Ring Protect Plus: $19.99/month for unlimited devices. Includes 180 days of video history, 10% off Ring devices, and more.
Without a plan, shared users can still see live video and motion alerts—but no recordings.
Can Shared Users Answer the Door?
Absolutely! If you give them Live View or Full Access, shared users can:
– View the live feed when motion is detected.
– Talk to visitors using two-way audio.
– See who’s at the door in real time.
This is especially useful if you’re away and someone needs to accept a package or speak to a delivery person.
Just make sure your doorbell’s microphone and speaker are working properly. Test it with a friend before relying on it.
What If the User Doesn’t Have a Smartphone?
Unfortunately, the Ring app is required to view the doorbell. Shared users must have a smartphone or tablet with the Ring app installed.
However, if they have an Amazon Echo Show or Fire TV, they can view the live feed through those devices—once they’ve accepted the invite and logged into their Ring account.
So while a phone is needed to set it up, they can still monitor the doorbell on a larger screen at home.
Final Thoughts: Sharing Made Simple
Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell 2 is one of the smartest things you can do to enhance your home security. It turns a single-user device into a collaborative tool that keeps everyone in the loop.
Whether it’s your spouse, a trusted neighbor, or a family member, shared access means no more missed deliveries, unexpected visitors, or security gaps. And with Ring’s secure invitation system, you don’t have to sacrifice privacy for convenience.
Remember: only the device owner can add users, so make sure you’re logged in correctly. Use descriptive names, choose appropriate permissions, and keep your app updated. And if something goes wrong, don’t panic—most issues are easy to fix with a quick resend or app restart.
By following this guide, you’ve not only learned how to add a user to your Ring Doorbell 2, but also how to manage access safely and effectively. Now go ahead—share the view, stay connected, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a smarter, safer home.