Buying a subscription for your Ring Doorbell unlocks essential features like video recording, motion alerts, and cloud storage. This guide walks you through every step—from choosing the right plan to completing your purchase—so you can get the most out of your smart doorbell.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Protect Plans are required for video recording: Without a subscription, your Ring Doorbell won’t save videos or send advanced alerts.
- Two main plans available: Ring Protect Basic covers one device, while Ring Protect Plus covers all Ring devices at your location.
- Subscription can be purchased via the Ring app or website: Both methods are simple and take just a few minutes.
- Free trial often available: New users may get a 30-day free trial to test features before paying.
- Cancel anytime: You can pause or cancel your subscription through the app without penalties.
- Ensure your device is compatible: Most Ring Doorbells work with Protect plans, but double-check your model.
- Keep your payment info updated: Avoid service interruptions by maintaining current billing details.
How to Buy Subscription for Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell and love getting motion alerts at your front door. But now you’re wondering—why can’t I save videos? Why do I only see live views? The answer is simple: you need a Ring Protect subscription.
Without a subscription, your Ring Doorbell works as a basic doorbell with live streaming and motion detection. But to unlock features like video recording, cloud storage, person detection, and extended event history, you’ll need to sign up for a Ring Protect plan.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a subscription for your Ring Doorbell. From understanding what the plans offer to completing your purchase in the app or online, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a first-time user or upgrading from a free trial, this guide will help you make the most of your smart doorbell.
By the end of this article, you’ll know:
– What Ring Protect plans are available
– How to choose the right plan for your needs
– Step-by-step instructions to buy a subscription
– Tips to manage and cancel your plan
– Troubleshooting common issues
Let’s get started!
Why You Need a Ring Doorbell Subscription
Visual guide about How to Buy Subscription for Ring Doorbell
Image source: doorbellmount.com
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why should you even consider paying for a Ring Protect subscription?
Your Ring Doorbell is packed with smart features, but many of them are locked behind a paywall. Here’s what you miss out on without a subscription:
- No video recording: You can only view live footage. Once the event ends, it’s gone forever.
- No cloud storage: All recordings are stored locally (if at all), and you can’t access past events.
- No advanced alerts: Features like person detection, package alerts, and motion zones require a subscription.
- No extended event history: Without a plan, you only see motion events from the last few hours.
In short, a Ring Protect subscription turns your doorbell from a basic camera into a full-fledged security system. It gives you peace of mind knowing that every motion event is recorded, saved, and accessible whenever you need it.
Understanding Ring Protect Plans
Ring offers two main subscription plans: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Let’s break down what each one includes so you can pick the best fit.
Ring Protect Basic
This plan is ideal if you only have one Ring device—like a single doorbell or camera.
- Price: $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year (save $8 with annual billing)
- Covers: One Ring device (e.g., one doorbell or one camera)
- Features included:
- Video recording and playback
- Cloud storage for up to 180 days
- Motion and doorbell press alerts
- Person detection
- Custom motion zones
- Snapshot capture
- Extended event history
Ring Protect Plus
This is the premium plan, perfect for households with multiple Ring devices.
- Price: $10 per month or $100 per year (save $20 with annual billing)
- Covers: All Ring devices at one location (up to 10 devices)
- Features included:
- Everything in Ring Protect Basic
- Extended warranty on all covered devices
- 24/7 professional monitoring (optional add-on)
- Discounts on future Ring purchases
- Priority customer support
Which Plan Should You Choose?
Ask yourself:
– Do you have only one Ring device? → Choose Basic.
– Do you have multiple Ring cameras, doorbells, or security devices? → Choose Plus.
– Do you want extra peace of mind with warranty coverage? → Plus is the way to go.
Most single-doorbell users find Basic sufficient. But if you’re building a full smart home security system, Plus offers better value.
How to Buy a Ring Doorbell Subscription: Step-by-Step
Now that you understand the plans, let’s walk through the actual process of buying a subscription. You can do this directly in the Ring app or on the Ring website. Both methods are easy and take just a few minutes.
We’ll cover both options below.
Method 1: Buy Subscription via the Ring App (Recommended)
The Ring app is the most convenient way to manage your devices and subscriptions. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Make sure you’ve downloaded the official Ring app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Log in with your Ring account.
Step 2: Go to Your Device
Tap on the doorbell or camera you want to add a subscription to. This will open the device dashboard.
Step 3: Tap on “Subscription”
Scroll down and look for the “Subscription” section. You’ll see a message like “No active subscription” or “Start your free trial.”
Step 4: Choose Your Plan
Tap “Subscribe Now” or “Start Free Trial.” You’ll be shown the available plans—Basic and Plus. Select the one that fits your needs.
Step 5: Enter Payment Information
You’ll need to provide a credit or debit card. Ring accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal.
Step 6: Confirm and Complete
Review your plan, billing cycle (monthly or annual), and total cost. Tap “Subscribe” to complete the purchase.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Features
Once confirmed, your subscription activates immediately. You’ll now have access to video recording, cloud storage, and smart alerts.
Method 2: Buy Subscription via Ring Website
If you prefer using a computer, you can also subscribe through the Ring website.
Step 1: Visit ring.com
Go to ring.com and log in to your account.
Step 2: Navigate to “Protect Plans”
Hover over “Products” in the top menu and select “Protect Plans” from the dropdown.
Step 3: Select Your Plan
Choose between Basic and Plus. Click “Subscribe Now.”
Step 4: Link Your Device
You’ll be asked to link the Ring device you want to cover. Select your doorbell from the list.
Step 5: Enter Billing Details
Add your payment method and billing address.
Step 6: Confirm Purchase
Review your order and click “Subscribe.” Your plan will activate right away.
Free Trial: Try Before You Buy
Ring often offers a 30-day free trial for new users. This lets you test all the premium features before committing.
To get the trial:
– Sign up for a Ring account
– Set up your doorbell
– When prompted, select “Start Free Trial”
After 30 days, your subscription will automatically convert to a paid plan unless you cancel. Make sure to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be charged.
Managing Your Ring Subscription
Once you’ve bought a subscription, it’s important to know how to manage it. Here’s how to view, update, or cancel your plan.
View Your Subscription Status
Open the Ring app → Tap the menu (three lines) → Select “Account” → Tap “Subscription.” You’ll see your current plan, billing date, and payment method.
Update Payment Method
If your card expires or you want to switch to PayPal:
– Go to “Account” → “Subscription”
– Tap “Payment Method”
– Add a new card or link PayPal
– Save changes
Cancel Your Subscription
You can cancel anytime without penalties. Here’s how:
– In the app: “Account” → “Subscription” → “Cancel Subscription”
– On the website: Log in → “Account” → “Subscription” → “Cancel”
Note: Canceling stops future charges, but you’ll keep access until the end of your current billing period.
Pause Your Subscription
If you’re going on vacation or don’t need recording for a while, you can pause your plan for up to 60 days. This saves money while keeping your device active.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are solutions to common problems when buying or using a Ring subscription.
“I Can’t Find the Subscription Option”
Make sure:
– Your device is properly set up and connected to Wi-Fi
– You’re logged into the correct Ring account
– Your app is updated to the latest version
If still stuck, try restarting the app or reinstalling it.
“My Payment Failed”
This usually happens due to:
– Expired card
– Insufficient funds
– Incorrect billing address
Double-check your payment details and try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or Ring support.
“I’m Being Charged Twice”
This can happen if you accidentally subscribed through both the app and website. Check your bank statement and Ring account. If you see duplicate charges, contact Ring customer support for a refund.
“My Videos Aren’t Saving”
Even with a subscription, videos won’t save if:
– Your Wi-Fi is down
– The device is offline
– Motion settings are too sensitive or too narrow
Check your device status in the app and adjust motion zones if needed.
“I Can’t Access Old Recordings”
Recordings are stored for up to 180 days. If you can’t find an old video:
– Use the timeline in the app to search by date
– Make sure the event was recorded (not all motion triggers save video)
– Check if the recording was deleted manually
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Subscription
Now that you’re subscribed, here are some pro tips to maximize your experience:
- Enable Person Detection: This reduces false alerts by only notifying you when a person is detected.
- Set Custom Motion Zones: Focus on areas like your front walkway and ignore busy streets.
- Use Snapshot Capture: Get periodic still images even when motion isn’t detected.
- Download Important Videos: Save critical footage to your phone or cloud storage before it expires.
- Share Access with Family: Add users to your Ring account so everyone can view recordings.
- Check Battery Levels: Low battery can affect performance. Charge or replace as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ring Subscriptions
Can I use Ring Doorbell without a subscription?
Yes, but you’ll only get live viewing and basic motion alerts. No video recording or cloud storage.
Is there a free version of Ring Protect?
No, but new users often get a 30-day free trial to test premium features.
Can I switch from Basic to Plus later?
Yes. Go to your subscription settings and upgrade anytime. The change takes effect immediately.
Does Ring Protect work with Alexa?
Yes. With a subscription, you can view recordings on Echo Show devices and get voice alerts.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
You lose access to video recording and cloud storage. Past recordings are deleted after 180 days.
Can I use Ring Protect in multiple locations?
No. Each location needs its own Ring Protect Plus plan. Basic plans are per device, per location.
Conclusion
Buying a subscription for your Ring Doorbell is a smart move if you want to unlock its full potential. With Ring Protect, you gain peace of mind through video recording, cloud storage, and intelligent alerts—features that make your smart doorbell truly valuable.
Whether you choose the affordable Basic plan or the comprehensive Plus plan, the process is quick and easy. Just follow the steps in the Ring app or on the website, enter your payment details, and you’re all set.
Remember to take advantage of the free trial, manage your subscription wisely, and use tips like custom motion zones to reduce false alerts. And if you run into issues, Ring’s support team is there to help.
Investing in a Ring Protect subscription isn’t just about saving videos—it’s about protecting your home, your family, and your peace of mind. So go ahead, subscribe today, and start getting the most out of your Ring Doorbell.