How to Change a Ring Doorbell Owner

Changing the owner of a Ring Doorbell is simple when you follow the right steps. This guide walks you through the entire process, from preparing for the transfer to confirming the new owner’s access. Whether you’re moving, gifting, or selling your device, we’ve got you covered with clear instructions and expert tips.

Key Takeaways

Only the current owner can initiate a transfer: You must be logged into the Ring app as the primary account holder to start the ownership change process.
The new owner needs a Ring account: The person receiving the doorbell must have an active Ring account with a verified email address.
Transfer removes all previous user access: Once ownership is transferred, all shared users and devices linked to the old account are removed.
Wi-Fi and location settings reset: The new owner will need to reconnect the doorbell to Wi-Fi and set up location and motion zones.
Backup recordings before transferring: If you have Ring Protect, download or save important videos before the transfer, as they won’t carry over.
Use the Ring app for all steps: The entire process happens within the Ring mobile app—no website or phone call required.
Test the device after transfer: Always verify that the new owner can receive notifications, view live video, and access recordings.

So, you’ve decided it’s time to pass on your Ring Doorbell—maybe you’re moving to a new home, selling your house, or gifting the device to a family member. Whatever the reason, transferring ownership of your Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. In fact, with the right steps, it’s a quick and secure process that ensures the new owner gets full control while you walk away cleanly.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing a Ring Doorbell owner. You’ll learn how to prepare for the transfer, initiate it from the Ring app, guide the new owner through setup, and troubleshoot common issues. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started with smart home devices, this guide is designed to be simple, clear, and easy to follow.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to hand off your Ring Doorbell with confidence—no guesswork, no frustration. Let’s get started!

Why Change a Ring Doorbell Owner?

Visual guide about How to Change a Ring Doorbell Owner

Image source: i0.wp.com

Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why someone might want to change the owner of a Ring Doorbell. Here are the most common scenarios:

Selling or moving: If you’re selling your home or moving out, you’ll want to transfer the doorbell to the new resident so they can enjoy its features.
Gifting the device: Maybe you bought a Ring Doorbell as a gift for a friend or family member. Transferring ownership ensures they have full access.
Upgrading your system: If you’re replacing your current doorbell with a newer model, you might want to pass the old one to someone else.
Removing access after a breakup or dispute: In rare cases, you may need to revoke access from a former partner or roommate by transferring ownership to yourself or someone else.

No matter your reason, the process is the same. The key is to do it properly to avoid security risks or loss of functionality.

What You’ll Need Before Starting

Before you begin the transfer, make sure you have the following:

Your smartphone with the Ring app installed: The transfer must be done through the official Ring mobile app (iOS or Android).
Access to your Ring account: You must be logged in as the current owner.
The new owner’s email address: They must have a Ring account registered with that email.
A stable internet connection: Both you and the new owner should be connected to Wi-Fi or have strong cellular data.
The Ring Doorbell powered on: The device should be installed and functioning.

Having these ready will make the process smooth and prevent delays.

Step 1: Prepare for the Transfer

Taking a few minutes to prepare can save you a lot of hassle later. Here’s what to do before initiating the ownership change:

Back Up Important Recordings

If you have a Ring Protect subscription, your doorbell recordings are stored in the cloud. However, once ownership is transferred, these recordings will no longer be accessible to you. That’s why it’s crucial to save any important videos before proceeding.

To back up recordings:

Open the Ring app and go to the Menu (three lines in the top-left corner).
Tap History to view your event timeline.
Find the recordings you want to save and tap on them.
Tap the Download icon (downward arrow) to save the video to your phone’s gallery.
Optionally, share the video via email, cloud storage, or messaging apps for safekeeping.

Pro tip: If you have a lot of recordings, consider using Ring’s Download All feature (available in the app settings under History) to export multiple videos at once.

Remove Shared Users (Optional but Recommended)

If other people have access to your Ring Doorbell (like family members or roommates), they’ll lose access once ownership is transferred. To avoid confusion, you may want to notify them in advance.

You can also remove shared users manually before the transfer:

Go to the Ring app and tap the Menu.
Select Devices, then choose your doorbell.
Tap Shared Users.
Tap the user you want to remove and select Remove Access.

This step isn’t required, but it helps keep things tidy.

Ensure the New Owner Has a Ring Account

The person receiving the doorbell must have a Ring account. If they don’t, they’ll need to:

Download the Ring app from the App Store or Google Play.
Tap Sign Up and enter their name, email, and password.
Verify their email address by clicking the link sent by Ring.

Once they’ve done this, they’re ready to receive the doorbell.

Step 2: Initiate the Ownership Transfer

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to start the transfer. Follow these steps carefully:

Open the Ring App and Select Your Device

Launch the Ring app on your smartphone.
Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
Select Devices from the list.
Find your Ring Doorbell in the list and tap on it to open its settings.

Navigate to Device Ownership

Scroll down and tap on Device Ownership.
You’ll see your name listed as the current owner.
Tap Transfer Ownership.

Enter the New Owner’s Email

Type in the email address associated with the new owner’s Ring account.
Double-check for typos—this is critical! If the email is wrong, the transfer will fail.
Tap Send Transfer Request.

At this point, Ring will send an email to the new owner with a link to accept the transfer.

Step 3: New Owner Accepts the Transfer

The new owner must complete their part of the process. Here’s what they need to do:

Check Their Email

The new owner should look for an email from Ring with the subject line:
“You’ve been invited to take ownership of a Ring device”

If they don’t see it, they should check their spam or junk folder.

Open the Email and Tap the Link

Open the email and tap the Accept Transfer button.
This will redirect them to the Ring app (or prompt them to open it).

Confirm the Transfer in the Ring App

In the Ring app, they’ll see a notification about the pending transfer.
Tap Accept to confirm.
The app will process the request—this usually takes just a few seconds.

Once accepted, the doorbell will appear in their device list under My Devices.

Step 4: New Owner Sets Up the Doorbell

Even though the doorbell is now under their ownership, the new owner will need to complete a few setup steps to get everything working properly.

Reconnect to Wi-Fi

The doorbell will no longer be connected to the previous owner’s Wi-Fi network. The new owner must:

Open the Ring app and select the doorbell from My Devices.
Tap Device Health, then Wi-Fi Network.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect to their home Wi-Fi.
Enter the Wi-Fi password when prompted.

Tip: Make sure the Wi-Fi signal is strong at the doorbell’s location. If the connection is weak, consider using a Wi-Fi extender.

Set Up Location and Motion Zones

The new owner should customize their settings:

Go to the doorbell’s settings in the Ring app.
Tap Motion Settings.
Adjust the motion zones by dragging the corners of the detection area.
Set motion sensitivity to low, medium, or high based on their preference.

This helps reduce false alerts from passing cars or animals.

Test the Doorbell

To ensure everything is working:

Have someone ring the doorbell.
Check that the new owner receives a notification on their phone.
Open the live view to confirm video and audio are clear.
Test two-way talk by speaking through the app.

If any features aren’t working, see the troubleshooting section below.

What Happens After the Transfer?

Once the ownership change is complete, here’s what changes:

The old owner loses all access: You can no longer view live video, receive notifications, or manage the device.
Shared users are removed: Anyone who had access before is automatically removed.
Ring Protect subscription does not transfer: If the old owner had a subscription, it stays with their account. The new owner must purchase their own if desired.
Device history is reset: All past events and recordings are no longer accessible.
The new owner becomes the primary administrator: They can now add shared users, adjust settings, and manage subscriptions.

It’s a clean break—perfect for security and privacy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are solutions to common problems:

“I Didn’t Receive the Transfer Email”

If the new owner doesn’t get the email:

Check spam/junk folders.
Ensure the email address was entered correctly.
Ask the current owner to resend the transfer request.
Make sure the new owner’s Ring account is verified.

“The Transfer Failed”

If the transfer doesn’t go through:

Confirm both parties are using the latest version of the Ring app.
Restart the app and try again.
Ensure the doorbell is online (check Device Health).
Contact Ring Support if the issue persists.

“I Can’t Connect to Wi-Fi After Transfer”

If the new owner can’t connect:

Make sure the Wi-Fi password is correct.
Move closer to the router during setup.
Try resetting the doorbell (press and hold the setup button for 20 seconds).
Use the Ring app’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting tool under Device Health.

“Live View Isn’t Working”

If the camera feed is blank or laggy:

Check internet speed—Ring recommends at least 2 Mbps upload speed.
Restart the doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (or turning off power for hardwired models).
Update the Ring app to the latest version.
Ensure the doorbell firmware is up to date (check in Device Health).

Tips for a Smooth Transfer

To make the process even easier, keep these tips in mind:

Do it together: If possible, have the new owner present during the transfer so they can accept the request immediately.
Use a strong Wi-Fi network: A weak signal can cause setup issues. Consider upgrading your router if needed.
Explain the features: Take a few minutes to show the new owner how to use the app, adjust settings, and review recordings.
Remove the old owner from shared users: Even though access is revoked automatically, it’s good practice to double-check.
Keep the packaging: If the new owner needs to return or replace the device, having the original box and accessories helps.

Final Thoughts

Changing the owner of a Ring Doorbell is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. From backing up recordings to guiding the new owner through setup, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Remember, the key to a successful transfer is preparation and communication. Make sure both parties are ready, double-check email addresses, and test the device afterward.

Whether you’re moving, gifting, or upgrading, transferring ownership ensures the Ring Doorbell continues to provide security and convenience—just under new management.

With this guide, you can hand off your device with confidence, knowing it’s in good hands.