This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of changing the device owner on your Ring Doorbell, whether you’re moving, gifting the device, or managing multiple users. We’ll cover everything from account setup to troubleshooting common issues to ensure a smooth transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Only the current owner can initiate a transfer: You must be logged into the Ring account that originally set up the device to begin the process.
- New owner needs a Ring account: The person receiving ownership must have their own Ring account (free or Ring Protect plan).
- Transfer removes device from your account: Once transferred, the device will no longer appear in your Ring app and all access is revoked.
- Live view and recordings transfer with ownership: All video history and settings move to the new owner unless manually deleted first.
- Multiple devices can be transferred at once: You can select several Ring products during the same transfer process.
- Wi-Fi network stays with the device: The new owner will need to reconnect the doorbell to their own Wi-Fi during setup.
- Contact support if issues arise: If the transfer fails, Ring Customer Support can assist with manual transfers in special cases.
How to Change Device Owner on Ring Doorbell
Changing the device owner on your Ring Doorbell is a straightforward process—but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid losing access or leaving security gaps. Whether you’re selling your home, gifting the doorbell to a family member, or simply reorganizing your smart home setup, transferring ownership ensures the new user gets full control while you retain privacy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of transferring ownership of your Ring Doorbell. You’ll learn how to prepare for the transfer, use the Ring app to initiate the process, help the new owner complete setup, and troubleshoot common problems. By the end, you’ll feel confident handling ownership changes like a pro—no tech degree required.
Let’s get started!
Why Transfer Ownership?
Visual guide about How to Change Device Owner on Ring Doorbell
Image source: i0.wp.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why you might need to change the device owner. Here are the most common scenarios:
- Selling or moving out of a home: If you’re leaving a property where the Ring Doorbell is installed, transferring ownership ensures the new resident can monitor their front door without relying on your account.
- Gifting the device: Maybe you bought a Ring Doorbell as a housewarming gift or want to give one to aging parents for safety. Transferring ownership lets them manage alerts and recordings independently.
- Separating shared accounts: Couples or roommates who previously shared a Ring account may want individual control after a split. Transferring devices allows each person to have their own setup.
- Business use: If a Ring Doorbell was used at a business location and ownership is changing hands (e.g., new manager or sale of the business), a formal transfer maintains security and accountability.
In all these cases, simply sharing login credentials is not secure or recommended. Transferring ownership properly ensures only the rightful user has access—and that you’re no longer responsible for someone else’s security footage.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
To ensure a smooth transfer, gather the following before beginning:
- Access to the current Ring account: You must be logged into the Ring app using the email and password associated with the original owner.
- The new owner’s email address: This must match the email they use for their Ring account. Double-check for typos!
- A stable internet connection: Both you and the new owner should have reliable Wi-Fi or cellular data during the process.
- The Ring Doorbell powered on: The device must be online and responsive in the Ring app.
- Physical access to the doorbell (optional but helpful): While not always required, being near the device can help if troubleshooting is needed.
Pro tip: If the new owner doesn’t have a Ring account yet, have them download the Ring app and create one before you start. It’s free and takes just a few minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer Ownership
Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through the actual transfer process. Follow these steps carefully to avoid errors.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account that currently owns the doorbell. If you manage multiple locations or devices, confirm you’re viewing the correct one.
Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner to open the main menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings
From the menu, select “Devices”. You’ll see a list of all your Ring products—doorbell cameras, indoor cams, alarms, etc.
Find your Ring Doorbell in the list and tap on it to open its settings.
Step 3: Access Device Health
Once inside the doorbell’s settings, scroll down until you see the “Device Health” section. Tap on it.
This screen shows important info like battery level, signal strength, and firmware version. More importantly, it contains the option to transfer ownership.
Step 4: Start the Transfer Process
Look for the “Transfer Device” button—it’s usually near the bottom of the Device Health screen. Tap it.
You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to transfer this device. Read the warning message carefully: once transferred, you will lose all access to the device, including live view, motion alerts, and recorded videos.
Tap “Continue” to proceed.
Step 5: Enter the New Owner’s Email
Now, enter the email address associated with the new owner’s Ring account. This must be exact—even a small typo (like “gmail.con” instead of “gmail.com”) will cause the transfer to fail.
After entering the email, tap “Send Transfer Request”.
The new owner will receive an email invitation within a few minutes. They have 7 days to accept it before the request expires.
Step 6: New Owner Accepts the Invitation
The new owner should check their email (including spam/junk folders) for a message from Ring with the subject line “You’ve been invited to own a Ring device.”
They’ll need to:
- Click the link in the email.
- Log into their Ring account (or create one if they haven’t already).
- Review the device details and tap “Accept Transfer”.
Once accepted, the device will appear in their Ring app under “Devices.”
Step 7: Reconnect to Wi-Fi (Important!)
Here’s a critical step many people overlook: the doorbell will still be connected to your Wi-Fi network. The new owner must reconnect it to their own network.
To do this:
- The new owner opens the Ring app and selects the transferred doorbell.
- Taps “Device Settings” > “Wi-Fi Network”.
- Follows the in-app instructions to connect the doorbell to their home Wi-Fi.
If they skip this step, the doorbell may stop working or show “offline” in the app. Most newer Ring models (like Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 or Battery) support guided Wi-Fi setup via the app.
Step 8: Test the Setup
Once connected to the new Wi-Fi, have the new owner test the doorbell:
- Press the doorbell button to trigger a live view.
- Check that motion alerts are working.
- Verify that recordings save to their account (if they have a Ring Protect plan).
If everything works, congratulations—the transfer is complete!
Transferring Multiple Devices at Once
If you’re transferring more than one Ring device (e.g., a doorbell and a spotlight cam), you can do them together:
- Go to Devices in the Ring app.
- Tap the “Select” button (usually top-right).
- Check the boxes next to all devices you want to transfer.
- Tap “Transfer” at the bottom.
- Enter the new owner’s email and send the request.
This saves time and ensures all devices move to the same account in one go.
What Happens to Recordings and Settings?
A common concern is whether video history and custom settings transfer with the device.
Here’s what moves and what doesn’t:
- Transferred: All past recordings (if stored in the cloud via Ring Protect), motion zones, alert schedules, and device name.
- Not transferred: Your personal Ring account settings, shared users, and any linked smart home integrations (like Alexa or Google Home).
Important: If you want to delete recordings before transferring (for privacy), go to “History” in the Ring app, select the videos, and delete them manually. Once transferred, you won’t be able to access or delete them.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful planning, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most frequent problems:
“Transfer Request Not Received”
If the new owner doesn’t get the email:
- Double-check the email address for typos.
- Ask them to check spam/junk folders.
- Resend the request from the Device Health screen (you can do this once per day).
- Ensure their Ring account email matches exactly what you entered.
“Device Shows as Offline After Transfer”
This usually means the doorbell is still on the old Wi-Fi network.
Solution: Have the new owner reconnect it to their Wi-Fi using the steps in Step 7 above. If the app says “Device not found,” try restarting the doorbell (remove and reinsert the battery or toggle power).
“I Accidentally Transferred the Wrong Device”
Unfortunately, transfers are final. If you made a mistake:
- Contact Ring Customer Support immediately via the app (Menu > Help & Feedback > Contact Us).
- Explain the situation—they may be able to reverse the transfer if caught quickly.
- In the future, double-check device names before transferring.
“New Owner Can’t See Recordings”
If the new owner has a free Ring account (no Ring Protect plan), they won’t see past recordings—only live view and motion alerts. To access history, they’ll need to subscribe to Ring Protect ($3.99/month per device or $10/month for unlimited devices).
“Transfer Button Is Grayed Out”
This means the device isn’t eligible for transfer. Common reasons:
- The doorbell is offline or has a weak signal.
- It’s part of a Ring Alarm system (alarm devices can’t be transferred separately).
- You’re not the primary account owner (shared users can’t initiate transfers).
Fix: Ensure the device is online, remove it from any alarm systems first, and confirm you’re the main account holder.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Make the process even easier with these pro tips:
- Communicate clearly with the new owner: Let them know what to expect and when to check their email.
- Do the transfer during daylight hours: Easier to troubleshoot if the doorbell needs physical attention.
- Keep the old Wi-Fi active temporarily: In case the new owner needs help reconnecting.
- Take a screenshot of current settings: Note motion zones or schedules the new owner might want to replicate.
- Update your address book: Remove the old location from your Ring app after transfer to avoid confusion.
When to Contact Ring Support
Most transfers go smoothly, but if you hit a wall, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Ring Customer Support if:
- The transfer fails repeatedly despite correct steps.
- You need to reverse a mistaken transfer.
- The device is under warranty and you’re transferring due to a defect.
- You’re transferring a device purchased from a third party (e.g., eBay) and ownership isn’t clear.
Support can be reached via the Ring app, phone, or live chat. Have your account email, device serial number (found in Device Health), and the new owner’s email ready.
Final Thoughts
Changing the device owner on your Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and careful attention to detail, you can hand off your smart doorbell securely and confidently. Remember: only the current owner can start the process, the new owner must have a Ring account, and Wi-Fi reconnection is essential for functionality.
By following this guide, you’re not just transferring a device—you’re ensuring continued safety, privacy, and peace of mind for the next user. Whether it’s a new homeowner, a loved one, or a business partner, they’ll appreciate a seamless setup that lets them focus on what matters: feeling secure at their doorstep.
Now go ahead—initiate that transfer with confidence!