How to Add User to Ring Doorbell

Adding a user to your Ring Doorbell lets family members or trusted guests view live video, receive alerts, and manage recordings. This guide walks you through the entire process—from opening the app to confirming access—so everyone stays connected and secure.

Key Takeaways

• Only the owner can add users: You must be the primary account holder to invite others to your Ring Doorbell.
• Use the Ring app for setup: All user management happens within the official Ring mobile app—no web portal needed.
• Choose the right permission level: Select between “User” (view-only) or “Admin” (full control) based on trust and need.
• Invite via email or phone number: Recipients receive a notification to accept the invitation and join your Ring network.
• Revoke access anytime: Remove users instantly if someone no longer needs access to your doorbell.
• Works with all Ring Doorbells: This process applies to Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Elite, and Doorbell Wired models.
• Ensure strong Wi-Fi for shared users: Poor connectivity affects everyone’s experience, so check signal strength first.

Introduction: Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?

Your Ring Doorbell isn’t just a security device—it’s a smart home hub that keeps your household connected. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply in another room, your Ring Doorbell lets you see who’s at the door, talk to visitors, and review motion-triggered recordings. But what if your spouse, roommate, or trusted neighbor also needs access? That’s where adding a user comes in.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to add user to Ring Doorbell quickly and securely. We’ll cover everything from initial setup to managing permissions, troubleshooting common issues, and best practices for shared access. By the end, you’ll feel confident inviting others into your Ring ecosystem without compromising security or control.

Whether you’re setting up access for a family member, caregiver, or Airbnb guest, this step-by-step tutorial ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need Before Adding a User

Before diving into the process, make sure you have the following ready:

• A registered Ring account: You must be the primary (owner) account holder.
• The Ring mobile app installed: Available for iOS and Android. Ensure it’s updated to the latest version.
• Your doorbell connected and working: Confirm your Ring Doorbell is online and functioning properly.
• The email address or phone number of the person you’re adding: They’ll need this to accept the invitation.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection: Both your device and the doorbell should have strong signal strength.

Having these items ready will prevent delays and ensure a seamless setup. If your doorbell isn’t online yet, refer to Ring’s setup guide first—adding users requires an active device.

Step 1: Open the Ring App and Navigate to Device Settings

The first step in how to add user to Ring Doorbell is accessing the right section of the Ring app. Here’s how:

Launch the Ring App

Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you’re not already logged in, enter your credentials (email and password). Make sure you’re signed in as the account owner—only owners can invite new users.

Select Your Doorbell

On the home screen, you’ll see a list of your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to share access to. If you have multiple doorbells (e.g., front and back), choose the correct one.

Go to Device Settings

Once you’re on the live view or event history screen for your doorbell, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the Device Settings menu. This is where all configuration options—including user management—are located.

Tip: If you don’t see the gear icon, make sure you’re viewing the device directly and not a group or location summary.

Step 2: Access the Shared Users Section

Now that you’re in the Device Settings, it’s time to find the user management area.

Scroll to “Shared Users”

In the Device Settings menu, scroll down until you see the “Shared Users” option. It’s usually listed under the “General” or “People” section, depending on your app version.

Tap “Add Shared User”

Tap on “Shared Users,” then select “Add Shared User” or the “+” icon. This opens the invitation screen where you’ll enter the new user’s details.

Note: If you don’t see “Shared Users,” ensure your app is updated. Older versions may have slightly different menus.

Step 3: Enter the New User’s Information

This is where you invite someone to access your Ring Doorbell. Follow these steps carefully:

Enter Email or Phone Number

Type in the email address or phone number of the person you want to add. Ring sends the invitation to this contact. Make sure it’s accurate—typos will prevent them from receiving the invite.

Example: If you’re adding your spouse, use their primary email (e.g., [email protected]) or mobile number.

Choose Permission Level

Ring offers two permission levels:

• User: Can view live video, receive alerts, and watch recordings. Cannot change settings, delete videos, or remove other users.
• Admin: Has full control, including adding/removing users, changing device settings, and managing subscriptions.

For most cases, “User” is sufficient. Reserve “Admin” for trusted individuals like co-owners or property managers.

Send the Invitation

After entering the details and selecting the permission level, tap “Send Invitation.” The recipient will receive a notification via email or SMS with a link to accept.

Tip: Let the person know to check their spam folder if they don’t see the invite within a few minutes.

Step 4: The Recipient Accepts the Invitation

Once you’ve sent the invite, the new user must complete a few steps to gain access.

Open the Invitation Link

The recipient should tap the link in their email or text message. This redirects them to the Ring website or app.

Sign In or Create a Ring Account

If they already have a Ring account, they’ll sign in. If not, they’ll need to create one using the same email or phone number you provided.

Accept the Shared Access

After signing in, they’ll see a prompt asking to accept shared access to your doorbell. Tap “Accept” to finalize the process.

Once accepted, the doorbell will appear in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.” They can now view live feeds, receive motion alerts, and review recordings based on their permission level.

Note: The new user must have the Ring app installed on their device to access the shared doorbell.

Step 5: Verify Access and Test Functionality

After the invitation is accepted, it’s important to confirm everything is working correctly.

Check the Shared Users List

Return to your Ring app, go back to Device Settings > Shared Users. You should now see the new user listed with their permission level (User or Admin).

Test Live View

Ask the new user to open the Ring app and tap on the shared doorbell. They should be able to see the live video feed. If the screen is black or says “Offline,” there may be a connectivity issue.

Test Motion Alerts

Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger a motion alert. The new user should receive a push notification (if enabled) and be able to view the event in their app.

Tip: Ensure both devices have notifications enabled in the Ring app and phone settings.

Managing Shared Users: Editing or Removing Access

You may need to change permissions or remove a user later. Here’s how to manage shared access.

Edit Permission Level

Go to Device Settings > Shared Users. Tap on the user’s name, then select “Change Permission Level.” Switch between User and Admin as needed.

Remove a User

In the same Shared Users menu, tap the user’s name and select “Remove User.” Confirm the action. They will immediately lose access to the doorbell.

Important: Removing a user does not delete their Ring account—only their access to your device.

Re-invite a Removed User

If you remove someone by mistake, simply send a new invitation using the same steps above.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Adding Users

Even with careful setup, you might encounter problems. Here are solutions to the most common issues.

Invitation Not Received

If the recipient doesn’t get the invite:

• Double-check the email or phone number for typos.
• Ask them to check their spam or junk folder.
• Resend the invitation from the Shared Users menu.
• Ensure their email provider isn’t blocking Ring’s domain ([email protected]).

“Device Not Found” or “Offline” Error

If the new user sees an offline message:

• Confirm your doorbell is online in your app.
• Check Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell location.
• Restart the doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (for battery models) or flipping the breaker (for wired models).
• Update the Ring app on both devices.

Permission Issues

If the user can’t access certain features:

• Verify their permission level in Shared Users.
• Ensure they’re signed into the correct Ring account.
• Ask them to log out and back in to refresh permissions.

App Crashes or Freezes

If the Ring app becomes unresponsive:

• Close and reopen the app.
• Clear the app cache (Android) or reinstall (iOS/Android).
• Update to the latest app version from the App Store or Google Play.

Best Practices for Sharing Ring Doorbell Access

To keep your home secure and ensure a positive experience for all users, follow these best practices.

Only Share with Trusted Individuals

Your Ring Doorbell provides real-time access to your home’s entrance. Only invite people you trust—family, roommates, or reliable caregivers.

Use “User” Permissions by Default

Unless someone needs to manage settings, assign “User” level access. This prevents accidental changes or deletions.

Monitor Shared Activity

Periodically check the Shared Users list to ensure no unauthorized accounts have been added. Ring sends alerts when new users accept invitations.

Revoke Access When No Longer Needed

If a guest stays temporarily (e.g., house sitter), remove their access once their visit ends. This minimizes security risks.

Keep Your Own Account Secure

Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Ring account. This protects against unauthorized access to your devices and shared users.

Educate New Users

Show new users how to use the app, view recordings, and respond to alerts. A little training goes a long way in preventing confusion.

Advanced Tips for Multi-User Households

If you live with multiple people, consider these advanced strategies.

Create a Family Group

Ring allows you to group devices by location (e.g., “Home” or “Vacation House”). Organize your doorbells and cameras into groups for easier management.

Use Custom Motion Zones

Set up motion zones so users only receive alerts for relevant areas (e.g., front walkway, not the street). This reduces notification fatigue.

Enable Smart Alerts

Use Ring’s Smart Alerts feature to filter notifications by person, package, or vehicle. Shared users benefit from fewer false alarms.

Sync with Other Smart Devices

If you have Ring cameras, alarms, or lights, share access to the entire system for a unified smart home experience.

Conclusion: Stay Connected and Secure with Shared Access

Learning how to add user to Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your home’s security and convenience. By sharing access, you empower family members, roommates, or trusted guests to stay informed and respond to visitors—even when you’re not home.

From sending invitations to managing permissions and troubleshooting issues, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth setup. Remember to prioritize security by choosing the right permission levels, monitoring access, and removing users when necessary.

With the Ring app’s intuitive interface and robust sharing features, keeping your household connected has never been easier. Whether you’re adding your teenager, elderly parent, or pet sitter, shared access ensures everyone stays in the loop—safely and securely.

Now that you know how to add users, take the next step: invite a loved one today and experience the peace of mind that comes with shared smart home control.