Changing the name on your Ring Doorbell helps you identify and manage multiple devices with ease. This guide walks you through the simple process using the Ring app, whether you’re renaming one doorbell or several across your property.
Key Takeaways
- Why rename your Ring Doorbell: Giving your doorbell a custom name makes it easier to identify, especially if you have multiple devices at different entry points like front door, back door, or garage.
- Use the Ring app: All name changes must be made through the official Ring app on your smartphone or tablet—there’s no way to do it directly on the device.
- Works for all Ring Doorbells: Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Video Doorbell Elite, or Ring Video Doorbell Wired, the process is the same.
- Name changes sync instantly: Once you update the name in the app, it reflects across all linked devices and user accounts immediately.
- Choose descriptive names: Use names like “Front Door,” “Back Porch,” or “Side Gate” to avoid confusion and streamline notifications.
- Troubleshooting tips included: If the name doesn’t update, we cover common fixes like app restarts, Wi-Fi checks, and reinstalling the app.
- No need to reset the device: Renaming doesn’t affect your settings, recordings, or subscriptions—just the display name.
How to Change Name on Ring Doorbell
If you’ve recently installed a Ring Doorbell or added a second one to your home security setup, you might be wondering how to change the name on Ring Doorbell. Whether you want to label it “Front Door,” “Back Porch,” or something more creative like “Guardian of the Gate,” renaming your device is simple—and highly recommended.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing the name on your Ring Doorbell using the Ring app. You’ll learn why naming matters, how to do it correctly, and what to do if things don’t go as planned. By the end, you’ll have a clearly labeled doorbell that makes managing your smart home security a breeze.
Let’s get started!
Why Should You Change the Name on Your Ring Doorbell?
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why renaming your Ring Doorbell is a smart move.
When you first set up your Ring Doorbell, it’s automatically assigned a default name like “Ring Video Doorbell” or “Ring Device.” While this works fine for a single device, it becomes confusing if you have multiple Ring products—like a doorbell at the front door, another at the back, and maybe a Ring Floodlight Cam in the yard.
Giving each device a unique, descriptive name helps you:
– Quickly identify which doorbell triggered a motion alert or doorbell press.
– Manage recordings and live views more efficiently.
– Share access with family members or trusted neighbors without confusion.
– Keep your smart home system organized as you add more devices.
For example, imagine getting a motion alert at 2 a.m. If your doorbells are named “Front Door” and “Back Yard,” you’ll instantly know where to look. But if both are just called “Ring Device,” you’ll waste time figuring out which one it is.
So, whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or just getting started with smart security, taking a few minutes to rename your Ring Doorbell is well worth it.
What You’ll Need to Change the Name
The good news? You don’t need any special tools or technical skills to change the name on your Ring Doorbell. Here’s what you’ll need:
– A smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)
– The Ring app installed and logged in
– Your Ring Doorbell connected to Wi-Fi and functioning
– Access to the device you want to rename
That’s it! No screws, no reset buttons, no calling customer support. Everything happens right inside the Ring app.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Name on Ring Doorbell
Now, let’s walk through the exact steps to change the name on your Ring Doorbell. Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell (1st or 2nd Gen), Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Video Doorbell Wired, or Ring Video Doorbell Elite, the process is identical.
Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll have your doorbell renamed in under two minutes.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Start by unlocking your smartphone or tablet and opening the Ring app. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns or manages the doorbell.
If you’re not already logged in, tap “Sign In” and enter your email and password. If you’ve forgotten your login details, use the “Forgot Password?” link to reset them.
Once you’re in, you’ll see the home screen with a list of your Ring devices. This is where the magic happens.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell
On the home screen, look for the device you want to rename. It will appear as a tile with a live preview (if the camera is active) or a static image.
Tap on the doorbell tile to open its live view or device dashboard.
Alternatively, you can tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner and select “Devices” to see a full list of your Ring products. From there, scroll to find your doorbell and tap it.
Step 3: Access Device Settings
Once you’re on the doorbell’s main screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. This is the settings menu.
Tap the gear icon to open the device settings.
You’ll now see a list of options like “Device Health,” “Motion Settings,” “Chime Settings,” and more.
Step 4: Find the “Device Name” Option
Scroll down through the settings menu until you find the “Device Name” option. It’s usually near the top of the list, right under “Device Health.”
Tap on “Device Name” to open the naming screen.
Step 5: Enter a New Name
You’ll now see a text field with the current name of your doorbell. Tap inside the field to highlight the existing name.
Delete the old name and type in your new, preferred name.
Here are some naming ideas to inspire you:
– Front Door
– Back Porch
– Side Gate
– Garage Entrance
– Main Entrance
– Front Porch
– Driveway Doorbell
Keep it short, clear, and descriptive. Avoid special characters or emojis—they might not display correctly on all devices.
Step 6: Save the Changes
Once you’ve typed in the new name, tap “Save” or “Done” (depending on your device) at the top of the screen.
The app will process the change for a few seconds. You’ll see a brief loading spinner, and then the screen will return to the device settings.
That’s it! Your Ring Doorbell now has a new name.
Step 7: Verify the Change
To make sure the name updated correctly, go back to the home screen of the Ring app.
Look at the device tile—your new name should now appear under the live preview.
You can also test it by checking notifications. If someone rings the doorbell or motion is detected, the alert will now show the new name.
Tips for Choosing the Right Name
Now that you know how to change the name on Ring Doorbell, let’s talk about choosing the best name for your needs.
A good name is more than just a label—it’s a tool for better security and convenience.
Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect name:
Be Specific and Location-Based
Use names that clearly indicate where the doorbell is installed. For example:
– “Front Door” instead of “Doorbell 1”
– “Back Yard” instead of “Ring Cam”
– “Garage Side” instead of “Device 2”
This is especially helpful if you have multiple entry points or live in a large home.
Avoid Generic Names
Names like “Ring Doorbell,” “Camera,” or “Device” don’t add value. They make it harder to distinguish between devices, especially when reviewing recordings or responding to alerts.
Consider Future Expansion
If you plan to add more Ring devices later—like a Ring Spotlight Cam or Ring Alarm—choose names that fit a system.
For example:
– Front Door
– Back Door
– Driveway
– Side Yard
– Front Yard
This creates a consistent naming convention that scales with your setup.
Use Names That Make Sense to Everyone
If you share access with family members, roommates, or a property manager, choose names that are easy for everyone to understand.
Avoid inside jokes or nicknames unless they’re universally known.
Test the Name in Notifications
After renaming, trigger a motion alert or ring the doorbell to see how the name appears in your phone notifications.
Make sure it’s clear and readable at a glance.
Changing Names on Multiple Ring Doorbells
If you have more than one Ring Doorbell, you’ll need to rename each one individually.
Here’s how to do it efficiently:
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap on the first doorbell.
3. Go to Settings > Device Name.
4. Change the name and save.
5. Repeat for the second, third, or fourth doorbell.
There’s no bulk rename feature, so you’ll need to do this one by one. But since it only takes a minute per device, it’s not a big hassle.
Pro tip: Rename them in order—front door first, then back, then side—so you don’t get confused.
What If the Name Doesn’t Change?
Sometimes, the name change might not appear right away. Don’t panic—this is usually a minor glitch that’s easy to fix.
Here are some troubleshooting steps if the name doesn’t update:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your phone and Ring Doorbell are both connected to the internet. A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal can prevent changes from syncing.
Try moving closer to your router or restarting your Wi-Fi.
2. Force Close and Reopen the Ring App
Sometimes the app just needs a refresh.
On iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom (or double-click the home button) and swipe the Ring app away. Then reopen it.
On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Force Stop. Then reopen the app.
3. Restart Your Phone or Tablet
A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches.
Turn your device off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
4. Check for App Updates
Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Ring app.
Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android), search for “Ring,” and tap “Update” if available.
5. Log Out and Log Back In
If the name still won’t change, try signing out of your Ring account and signing back in.
Go to the app menu > Account Settings > Sign Out.
Then log in again and try renaming the device.
6. Reinstall the Ring App
As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the Ring app.
This resets all app data and often fixes stubborn issues.
After reinstalling, log in and try changing the name again.
7. Contact Ring Support
If none of the above steps work, reach out to Ring Customer Support.
You can contact them via the app (Menu > Help > Contact Us) or visit support.ring.com.
They can check your account and device status remotely.
Does Renaming Affect Your Ring Subscription or Settings?
A common concern is whether changing the name on Ring Doorbell affects your Ring Protect Plan, recordings, or other settings.
The answer is no—renaming your device does not impact:
– Your Ring Protect subscription
– Saved video recordings
– Motion zones
– Chime settings
– Shared user access
– Device firmware or updates
The name change is purely cosmetic. It only affects how the device appears in the app and in notifications.
Your doorbell will continue to function exactly as before—just with a new label.
Can You Change the Name on a Shared Device?
Yes! If your Ring Doorbell is shared with family members or other users, any admin can change the name.
Here’s how sharing works:
– The account owner (admin) can share access with others.
– Shared users can view live feeds, recordings, and receive alerts.
– Only admins can change settings, including the device name.
So if you’re a shared user and want to rename the doorbell, ask the admin to do it—or request admin access if appropriate.
Once the name is changed, it will update for all users instantly.
Best Practices for Managing Multiple Ring Devices
If you’re managing several Ring devices, here are some best practices to keep everything running smoothly:
Use a Consistent Naming System
Create a standard format for all your devices. For example:
– Front Door – Ring Doorbell
– Back Porch – Ring Doorbell Pro
– Driveway – Ring Floodlight Cam
– Side Gate – Ring Spotlight Cam
This makes it easy to identify each device at a glance.
Label Devices in the App and Physically
In addition to renaming in the app, consider labeling the physical devices with small stickers or tags.
This helps during maintenance or if you need to reset a device.
Review Names Regularly
If you move devices or change your home layout, update the names accordingly.
For example, if you move a doorbell from the front to the side entrance, rename it to reflect the new location.
Use Descriptive Names for Recordings
When reviewing past events, clear names help you quickly find the right footage.
Instead of scrolling through “Device 1,” “Device 2,” you can search for “Front Door” or “Back Yard.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple tasks can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes people make when changing the name on Ring Doorbell—and how to avoid them.
Using Special Characters or Emojis
Avoid using symbols like @, #, %, or emojis in the name. They may not display correctly on all devices or in notifications.
Stick to letters, numbers, and spaces.
Choosing a Name That’s Too Long
Long names can get cut off in the app or on notifications.
Keep it under 20 characters for best results.
Forgetting to Save
After typing the new name, always tap “Save” or “Done.” If you just back out of the screen, the change won’t be applied.
Renaming the Wrong Device
Double-check which device you’re editing, especially if you have multiple Ring products.
Tap the correct tile before going into settings.
Expecting Instant Sync on All Devices
While the name usually updates instantly, it may take a few seconds to appear on other users’ phones or tablets.
Be patient—it will sync.
Conclusion
Changing the name on your Ring Doorbell is a quick, easy, and smart way to improve your smart home experience. Whether you have one doorbell or five, giving each device a clear, descriptive name helps you stay organized, respond faster to alerts, and manage your security system with confidence.
In this guide, we covered everything you need to know—from why naming matters to step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and best practices. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can transform a generic “Ring Device” into a clearly labeled “Front Door” or “Back Porch” that makes sense to you and your family.
So go ahead—open the Ring app, find your doorbell, and give it a name that works for you. Your future self will thank you the next time you get a motion alert at midnight.
And remember: a well-named doorbell isn’t just convenient—it’s a small step toward a smarter, safer home.