Buying a Ring Doorbell subscription is simple and essential for unlocking cloud video storage, advanced alerts, and 24/7 professional monitoring. This guide walks you through choosing the right plan, signing up, and managing your subscription with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Ring subscriptions offer cloud storage for recorded videos, so you never miss a moment. Without a plan, your Ring Doorbell only saves motion clips temporarily or not at all.
- There are two main plans: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Basic covers one device, while Plus covers all Ring devices at your address.
- You can subscribe directly through the Ring app or website. The process takes just a few minutes and starts with logging into your account.
- Subscriptions are billed monthly or annually, with discounts for yearly payments. Annual plans save you money and reduce billing hassle.
- You can cancel or change your plan anytime in the app. Ring makes it easy to adjust your subscription based on your needs.
- Free trials are often available for new users. Take advantage of these to test features before committing.
- Subscription features include person detection, extended video history, and police/fire dispatch. These add-ons enhance home security and peace of mind.
How to Buy Ring Doorbell Subscription: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve installed a Ring Doorbell, you’ve taken a smart step toward protecting your home. But to get the most out of your device, you’ll need a Ring subscription. Without one, your doorbell’s full potential—like saving videos, getting advanced alerts, or accessing 24/7 monitoring—remains locked.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a Ring Doorbell subscription. You’ll learn about the different plans, how to sign up, pricing, and tips to get the best value. Whether you’re a first-time user or upgrading your current plan, this guide makes the process simple and stress-free.
Why You Need a Ring Doorbell Subscription
Your Ring Doorbell can detect motion and send alerts even without a subscription. But that’s about it. Without a paid plan, you won’t be able to:
Visual guide about How to Buy Ring Doorbell Subscription
Image source: techcrunch.com
- Save recorded videos to the cloud
- Review past events beyond a short preview
- Use advanced features like person detection or package alerts
- Access 24/7 professional monitoring (with Ring Alarm)
A subscription turns your doorbell from a basic camera into a full smart security system. It gives you peace of mind, knowing you can check footage anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a missed delivery, a suspicious visitor, or just checking who rang the bell while you were out, cloud storage makes it all possible.
Understanding Ring Subscription Plans
Ring offers two main subscription tiers: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Let’s break down what each includes so you can pick the right one for your needs.
Ring Protect Basic
This plan is ideal if you only have one Ring device—like a single doorbell or camera. It costs $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year (which saves you about $10).
With Ring Protect Basic, you get:
- Video recording for one device
- Up to 180 days of video history
- Extended video sharing and downloads
- Person and package detection (on supported devices)
- Snapshot capture every 60 seconds during motion events
For example, if you only have a Ring Video Doorbell Pro at your front door, Basic is a great, affordable option. You’ll be able to review who came to your door last week or save a video of a delivery person.
Ring Protect Plus
If you have multiple Ring devices—like a doorbell, indoor camera, and security system—Protect Plus is the way to go. It costs $10 per month or $100 per year (saving you $20 annually).
This plan covers all Ring devices at one location. That means every camera, doorbell, and alarm sensor gets cloud storage and advanced features.
Plus includes everything in Basic, plus:
- Coverage for unlimited Ring devices
- 24/7 professional monitoring for Ring Alarm systems
- Police and fire dispatch (if you have Ring Alarm)
- Extended warranty on Ring devices (up to $1,000 per device)
- Discounts on future Ring purchases
For families or homeowners with full Ring security setups, Protect Plus offers the best value. It’s like an all-in-one security package that grows with your system.
How to Buy a Ring Doorbell Subscription
Now that you know the plans, let’s get you signed up. The process is quick and can be done in minutes using the Ring app or website. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Make sure you’ve downloaded the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. It’s available for free on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android). If you haven’t set up your Ring device yet, do that first—subscriptions are linked to your Ring account and devices.
Step 2: Log Into Your Account
Open the app and log in with your email and password. If you don’t have an account, tap “Create Account” and follow the prompts. You’ll need to verify your email and set up two-factor authentication for security.
Step 3: Go to the Menu
Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-left corner to open the menu. From there, select “Protect Plans”. This will show you your current subscription status and available plans.
Step 4: Choose Your Plan
You’ll see both Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus listed. Tap the one you want. A summary will appear showing features, pricing, and billing options.
For example, if you pick Basic, you’ll see:
- $3.99/month or $39.99/year
- Covers one device
- 180-day video history
If you choose Plus, you’ll see:
- $10/month or $100/year
- Covers all devices
- 24/7 monitoring and extended warranty
Step 5: Select Billing Option
Choose whether you want to pay monthly or annually. Annual plans save you money and reduce the number of payments. For instance, paying $39.99 once a year is cheaper than $3.99 every month ($47.88 total).
Tap your preferred option. The app will show the total cost and next billing date.
Step 6: Enter Payment Information
You’ll need a credit or debit card to complete the purchase. Enter your card details, including:
- Card number
- Expiration date
- Security code (CVV)
- Billing address
Ring uses secure encryption to protect your payment info. You can also save your card for future purchases or subscriptions.
Step 7: Confirm and Activate
Review your plan, billing cycle, and payment method. When everything looks correct, tap “Subscribe” or “Start Subscription”.
Your subscription will activate immediately. You’ll receive a confirmation email with details about your plan and billing.
Buying a Subscription on the Ring Website
You can also sign up through the Ring website if you prefer using a computer. Here’s how:
Step 1: Visit ring.com
Go to ring.com and click “Sign In” in the top-right corner.
Step 2: Log Into Your Account
Enter your email and password. If you’re already logged in on the app, use the same credentials.
Step 3: Go to Your Account Dashboard
Once logged in, click on your profile icon and select “Account Dashboard”. From there, choose “Protect Plans”.
Step 4: Choose and Purchase a Plan
The process is the same as in the app. Select Basic or Plus, pick your billing cycle, enter payment details, and confirm.
The website may offer additional promotions or bundle deals, so it’s worth checking both the app and site.
Free Trials and Promotions
Ring often offers free trials for new users. These typically last 30 days and let you test all subscription features at no cost.
To get a free trial:
- Sign up for a new Ring account
- Link your Ring device
- Choose a Protect plan
- Select “Start Free Trial” instead of paying immediately
You’ll still need to enter payment info, but you won’t be charged until the trial ends. You can cancel anytime before the trial is up to avoid fees.
Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions—like Black Friday or Prime Day—when Ring may offer discounted annual plans or extended trials.
Managing Your Ring Subscription
Once you’ve subscribed, it’s easy to manage your plan. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel anytime.
How to Change Your Plan
Open the Ring app, go to Protect Plans, and tap “Change Plan”. You can switch from Basic to Plus (or vice versa) with just a few taps. Changes take effect at the next billing cycle.
How to Cancel Your Subscription
If you no longer want to pay for a subscription, you can cancel easily:
- Go to Protect Plans in the app or website
- Tap “Cancel Subscription”
- Confirm your choice
Your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period. After that, your videos will no longer save to the cloud, and advanced features will be disabled.
How to Update Payment Info
If your card expires or you want to use a different payment method:
- Go to Account Settings
- Select “Payment Methods”
- Add a new card or update existing details
Ring will use the updated info for future charges.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, users run into problems when buying or managing a Ring subscription. Here are solutions to the most common issues.
“I Can’t Find the Protect Plans Option”
If you don’t see Protect Plans in the menu, make sure:
- You’re logged into the correct Ring account
- Your device is properly set up and connected
- Your app is updated to the latest version
Try logging out and back in, or reinstalling the app.
“My Payment Was Declined”
This can happen if:
- Your card has expired
- There are insufficient funds
- The billing address doesn’t match your bank records
Double-check your card details and contact your bank if needed. You can also try a different payment method.
“I Was Charged Twice”
If you see duplicate charges, it might be a temporary authorization hold. These usually drop off within 3–5 business days.
If the charge remains, contact Ring Support through the app or website. They can review your account and issue a refund if necessary.
“My Videos Aren’t Saving”
Even with a subscription, videos may not save if:
- Your device is offline
- Motion settings are too sensitive or too low
- The subscription isn’t active on the correct device
Check your device status in the app and ensure your plan covers the device in question. For Basic plans, only one device is covered—make sure it’s the right one.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Subscription
A Ring subscription is a smart investment, but here’s how to maximize its value:
Use Person and Package Detection
Enable these features in your device settings. They reduce false alerts and help you focus on real events—like a delivery or visitor.
Download Important Videos
Save key clips to your phone or cloud storage. Ring only keeps videos for 180 days, so download anything important before it’s gone.
Set Up Motion Zones
Customize where your doorbell detects motion. For example, ignore the street but monitor your driveway. This reduces unnecessary recordings.
Combine with Ring Alarm
If you have a Ring Alarm system, Protect Plus gives you 24/7 monitoring. This means professionals can dispatch help if your alarm goes off—even when you’re not home.
Check for Firmware Updates
Keep your device updated for the best performance and security. Updates often include new features and bug fixes.
Is a Ring Subscription Worth It?
For most homeowners, yes. The peace of mind from cloud storage and smart alerts is hard to put a price on. Imagine being able to check who rang your doorbell while you were on vacation—or reviewing footage after a break-in.
Even if you only have one doorbell, the $3.99/month Basic plan is a small price for big benefits. And if you plan to expand your Ring system, Protect Plus pays for itself quickly.
Compare it to traditional security systems, which often cost hundreds upfront and $30–$50/month. Ring offers similar features at a fraction of the cost—with no long-term contracts.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Ring Doorbell subscription is simple, affordable, and essential for full functionality. Whether you choose Basic or Plus, you’re investing in smarter, safer home security.
Follow the steps in this guide to sign up in minutes. Take advantage of free trials, annual discounts, and advanced features to get the most value. And remember—you can always change or cancel your plan if your needs change.
With a Ring subscription, you’re not just buying cloud storage. You’re buying confidence, convenience, and control over your home’s security.