This guide walks you through the complete process of changing a Ring doorbell to a new owner, whether you’re selling your home or gifting the device. You’ll learn how to remove your account, reset the device, and help the new owner set it up properly.
Key Takeaways
- Remove the device from your Ring account first: This prevents the new owner from accessing your personal data and ensures a clean transfer.
- Factory reset is essential: A hard reset clears all previous settings and prepares the doorbell for new ownership.
- New owner must create their own Ring account: Sharing login details compromises security and violates Ring’s terms of service.
- Reinstallation may be required: Depending on the model, the new owner might need to physically reinstall the doorbell after setup.
- Keep proof of transfer: Save screenshots or notes confirming the device was removed from your account for future reference.
- Use the Ring app for all steps: The mobile app is the primary tool for managing ownership and settings.
- Test the device after transfer: Ensure video, motion alerts, and two-way audio work before finalizing the handover.
How to Change a Ring Doorbell to a New Owner
So, you’ve decided to pass on your Ring doorbell to someone new—maybe you’re selling your house, upgrading to a newer model, or gifting it to a friend or family member. Whatever the reason, transferring ownership of your Ring doorbell isn’t as simple as unplugging it and handing it over. To protect your privacy, ensure the new owner gets full access, and avoid future technical headaches, you need to follow a specific process.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing a Ring doorbell to a new owner. You’ll learn how to remove the device from your Ring account, perform a factory reset, and help the new owner set it up securely. We’ll also cover common pitfalls, troubleshooting tips, and best practices to make the transition smooth and stress-free.
Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Elite, or Ring Doorbell Wired, the core steps are similar. Let’s get started.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Hand Over the Device
Visual guide about How to Change a Ring Doorbell to a New Owner
Image source: storables.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why simply giving the doorbell to someone else isn’t enough. Ring devices are linked to your personal Ring account, which contains sensitive information like:
– Your home address
– Wi-Fi network details
– Video recordings (even if stored in the cloud)
– Motion detection zones
– Alert settings and notification history
If you don’t properly remove the device from your account, the new owner could potentially access your past recordings or even receive alerts meant for you. Worse, if they try to set it up without a reset, they might be blocked by Ring’s security system, which recognizes the device as still belonging to you.
Additionally, Ring’s terms of service require that each device be registered to only one account at a time. Sharing login credentials is not allowed and can lead to account suspension.
So, to protect your privacy and ensure the new owner can use the doorbell without issues, a proper transfer is essential.
Step 1: Prepare for the Transfer
Before you begin the actual process, take a few minutes to prepare. This will save you time and prevent mistakes.
Gather Your Tools and Information
You’ll need:
– Your smartphone with the Ring app installed
– Your Ring account login details (email and password)
– The new owner’s email address (optional, but helpful)
– A stable Wi-Fi connection
– A screwdriver (if you need to remove the doorbell from the wall)
Make sure your Ring app is updated to the latest version. Outdated apps can cause glitches during the transfer process.
Notify the New Owner
Let the new owner know the transfer is coming. Share this guide with them so they understand what to expect. It’s also a good idea to coordinate timing—ideally, the transfer should happen when both of you are available to troubleshoot if needed.
If you’re selling your home, include the Ring doorbell in the home inspection or walkthrough so the buyer knows it’s included and functional.
Back Up Important Data (Optional)
If you’ve saved any important recordings or snapshots, now is the time to back them up. Once you remove the device from your account, you’ll lose access to its cloud history (unless you have a Ring Protect Plan and manually download clips).
To save recordings:
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the menu (three lines) and select “History.”
3. Find the video you want to save.
4. Tap the download icon (downward arrow) to save it to your phone or cloud storage.
Note: This step is optional and only necessary if you want to keep personal footage.
Step 2: Remove the Device from Your Ring Account
This is the most critical step. You must remove the doorbell from your Ring account before the new owner can claim it.
Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone. Make sure you’re logged into the account that currently owns the doorbell.
Navigate to Device Settings
1. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
2. Select “Devices” from the list.
3. Find your doorbell in the list and tap on it.
Remove the Device
1. Scroll down and tap “Device Settings.”
2. Tap “General Settings.”
3. Scroll to the bottom and select “Remove Device.”
4. Confirm by tapping “Remove” when prompted.
The app will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the device. This action disconnects the doorbell from your account and deletes all associated settings, including motion zones, alerts, and linked chimes.
Once removed, the device will no longer appear in your app, and you won’t receive any notifications from it.
Verify the Removal
To double-check:
– Go back to the “Devices” list.
– Confirm the doorbell is no longer listed.
– Try searching for it in the app—it should not appear.
If the device still shows up, try logging out and back in, or restart the app. If it persists, contact Ring Support.
Step 3: Perform a Factory Reset
Even after removing the device from your account, the doorbell may still retain some internal settings. A factory reset ensures it’s completely wiped and ready for a new owner.
The reset process varies slightly depending on your Ring model. Here’s how to do it for the most common types.
Ring Video Doorbell (1st to 4th Gen)
1. Remove the doorbell from the mounting bracket using a screwdriver.
2. Locate the orange setup button on the back of the device.
3. Press and hold the button for 20 seconds.
4. The light on the front will flash, then turn solid white when the reset is complete.
5. Reattach the doorbell to the bracket.
Ring Doorbell Pro / Pro 2
1. Remove the faceplate by pressing the release tabs on the sides.
2. Locate the small reset button near the bottom.
3. Use a paperclip or SIM tool to press and hold the button for 20 seconds.
4. The LED will flash, then turn solid white.
5. Replace the faceplate.
Ring Doorbell Wired / Battery
These models use the same reset method as the standard Video Doorbell:
– Hold the orange setup button for 20 seconds.
– Wait for the light to flash and turn white.
Ring Doorbell Elite
1. Power off the device by disconnecting the wires.
2. Press and hold the reset button (located near the Ethernet port) for 20 seconds.
3. Reconnect power.
4. The device will reboot and enter setup mode.
What Happens After Reset?
After a factory reset:
– All previous settings are erased.
– The device no longer connects to Wi-Fi.
– It enters “setup mode,” indicated by a blinking white light.
– It’s ready to be claimed by a new owner.
Step 4: Help the New Owner Set Up the Doorbell
Now that the device is reset, it’s time for the new owner to claim it. Here’s how to guide them through the process.
New Owner Creates a Ring Account
The new owner must have their own Ring account. They should:
1. Download the Ring app (iOS or Android).
2. Tap “Sign Up” and enter their email, create a password, and verify their phone number.
3. Complete the account setup.
Important: Never share your login details. Each user must have their own account.
Add the Device in the Ring App
1. Open the Ring app and log in.
2. Tap the menu icon and select “Set Up a Device.”
3. Choose “Doorbells” from the list.
4. Select the correct model (e.g., “Ring Video Doorbell”).
5. Scan the QR code on the back of the device or enter the serial number manually.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi.
The app will guide them through naming the device, setting up motion zones, and enabling alerts.
Reinstall the Doorbell (If Needed)
If the doorbell was removed during the reset, the new owner will need to reinstall it:
– For battery models: Attach to the mounting bracket and secure with screws.
– For wired models: Connect the wires to the terminals and reattach the faceplate.
Make sure the device is level and facing the correct direction for optimal motion detection.
Test the Setup
Once installed, test the following:
– Live view: Can they see video in the app?
– Motion alerts: Do they receive notifications when someone approaches?
– Two-way audio: Can they speak and hear through the doorbell?
– Chime connection: If using a Ring Chime, does it ring?
If any feature isn’t working, go back to the app and recheck settings.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful steps, problems can arise. Here’s how to fix the most common issues during a Ring doorbell transfer.
Device Won’t Reset
If the light doesn’t flash or the reset fails:
– Ensure the device has sufficient power (charge the battery or check wiring).
– Hold the reset button for the full 20 seconds.
– Try resetting again after a 30-second wait.
If it still won’t reset, contact Ring Support.
New Owner Can’t Add the Device
If the app says the device is already registered:
– Confirm you removed it from your account.
– Ensure the factory reset was completed.
– Try restarting the new owner’s phone and the Ring app.
Sometimes, Ring’s servers take a few minutes to update. Wait 10–15 minutes and try again.
Wi-Fi Connection Problems
If the doorbell won’t connect to Wi-Fi:
– Make sure the new owner is using a 2.4 GHz network (most Ring doorbells don’t support 5 GHz).
– Move the router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
– Re-enter the Wi-Fi password carefully—typos are common.
No Video or Poor Quality
After setup, if video is blurry or missing:
– Check the signal strength in the app (under Device Health).
– Reposition the doorbell for better Wi-Fi reception.
– Clean the camera lens with a soft cloth.
Motion Alerts Not Working
If motion detection is off:
– Open the app and go to Device Settings > Motion Settings.
– Adjust the motion zones and sensitivity.
– Ensure “Motion Alerts” are turned on.
Best Practices for a Smooth Transfer
To make the process even easier, follow these tips:
Do the Transfer in Person (If Possible)
Being present allows you to assist with setup and troubleshoot in real time. If that’s not possible, use a video call to guide the new owner.
Provide Written Instructions
Give the new owner a printed or digital copy of this guide, or share a link. Include your contact info in case they have questions.
Remove Linked Devices
If you had a Ring Chime, smart lights, or other accessories linked to the doorbell, remove them from your account too. Go to “Linked Devices” in the app and unpair them.
Update Your Home Security Plan
If you had a Ring Protect Plan, cancel it or transfer it to a new device. You can’t share subscriptions between accounts.
Keep Records
Save a screenshot or note confirming the device was removed from your account. This can help resolve disputes if the new owner claims the device wasn’t properly transferred.
What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
– Don’t skip the factory reset—this is the #1 cause of setup failures.
– Don’t share your Ring login—this violates Ring’s terms and compromises security.
– Don’t assume the new owner knows how to set it up—many don’t.
– Don’t leave the device powered off for too long—battery models may lose charge.
Conclusion
Changing a Ring doorbell to a new owner doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps—removing the device from your account, performing a factory reset, and guiding the new owner through setup—you ensure a secure, hassle-free transfer.
Remember: Privacy and security are paramount. Never cut corners when handing over a smart device that captures video and audio of your home. Taking the time to do it right protects both you and the new owner.
Whether you’re moving, upgrading, or gifting your Ring doorbell, this guide gives you everything you need to make the transition smooth. With a little preparation and attention to detail, your doorbell will be up and running for its new owner in no time.
Now go ahead—pass on that peace of mind the right way.