How to Change Owner of Ring Doorbell

This guide walks you through how to change owner of Ring Doorbell seamlessly, whether you’re selling your home, gifting the device, or managing multiple users. You’ll learn the official process, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure a secure transfer of access and data.

Key Takeaways

• Only the current owner can initiate a transfer: The primary account holder must start the process through the Ring app or website.
• New owner needs a Ring account: The person receiving the device must have an active Ring account with a verified email address.
• Factory reset is required after transfer: To complete the process, the Ring Doorbell must be reset to remove old settings and prepare it for new use.
• Subscription plans don’t transfer automatically: Any active Ring Protect plans remain with the original owner unless manually canceled or transferred.
• Two-factor authentication improves security: Both parties should enable 2FA to protect their accounts during and after the transfer.
• Keep your device powered during the process: Ensure the doorbell stays charged or connected to power to avoid interruptions.
• Test the device after transfer: Confirm motion detection, live view, and notifications work properly under the new ownership.

How to Change Owner of Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the owner of your Ring Doorbell might sound complicated, but it’s actually a straightforward process—if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re moving to a new home, selling your property, gifting the device to a family member, or simply reorganizing your smart home setup, knowing how to transfer ownership ensures that the new user gets full control while protecting your privacy and data.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to change owner of Ring Doorbell safely and efficiently. We’ll walk you through every step, from preparing both accounts to completing the transfer and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll feel confident handling ownership changes without losing access or compromising security.

Let’s dive in!

Why You Might Need to Change Ownership

Before we get into the technical steps, it’s helpful to understand when and why you’d want to transfer ownership of your Ring Doorbell. Here are some common scenarios:

• Selling your home: When you move out, the new homeowner should take over the Ring device to monitor their own property.
• Gifting the device: You might give your Ring Doorbell to a friend or family member as a housewarming gift.
• Business use: If you used a personal Ring account for a business property, you may need to transfer it to a company account.
• Upgrading or replacing: If you’re replacing an old Ring with a newer model, you may want to transfer settings or ownership to a different user.
• Security concerns: If someone who shouldn’t have access still does, transferring ownership can revoke their permissions permanently.

In all these cases, simply sharing login credentials is not secure or recommended. Instead, use Ring’s official ownership transfer feature to ensure a clean, legal, and safe handover.

What You’ll Need Before Starting

To successfully change owner of Ring Doorbell, make sure you have the following ready:

• Your Ring account login: You must be logged in as the current owner.
• The new owner’s Ring account email: They need an active Ring account with a verified email address.
• Access to both email accounts: You’ll receive confirmation emails during the process.
• Stable internet connection: Both devices should be connected to Wi-Fi.
• Power source for the doorbell: Keep the device charged or wired during the transfer.
• The Ring mobile app: Download it from the App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already.

Having these items ready will prevent delays and ensure a smooth transfer.

Step 1: Log In to Your Ring Account

Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you’re using a computer, go to the Ring website and log in.

Using the Mobile App

1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap “Log In” and enter your email and password.
3. If prompted, complete two-factor authentication (2FA).
4. Wait for the app to load your dashboard.

Using the Ring Website

1. Visit ring.com and click “Log In” in the top-right corner.
2. Enter your credentials and complete 2FA if enabled.
3. Navigate to “Devices” in the top menu.

Once logged in, you’ll see a list of your Ring devices. Locate the doorbell you want to transfer.

Step 2: Select the Doorbell to Transfer

In the Ring app or website, find the specific doorbell you want to change ownership for. If you have multiple Ring devices, make sure you select the correct one.

In the App

1. Tap the “Devices” tab at the bottom.
2. Scroll to find your doorbell (e.g., “Front Door” or “Ring Video Doorbell Pro”).
3. Tap on the device name to open its settings.

On the Website

1. Click “Devices” in the top navigation.
2. Click on the doorbell from the list.
3. Look for the gear icon or “Device Settings” to proceed.

You’re now in the device settings menu, where you’ll find the option to transfer ownership.

Step 3: Initiate the Ownership Transfer

This is the core step in changing owner of Ring Doorbell. Follow these instructions carefully.

Using the Ring App

1. In the device settings, scroll down and tap “Transfer Device.”
2. You’ll see a warning message explaining that this action will remove the device from your account.
3. Tap “Continue” to proceed.
4. Enter the new owner’s email address (must be associated with a Ring account).
5. Double-check the email for typos—this is critical!
6. Tap “Send Transfer Request.”

Using the Ring Website

1. In the device settings, look for “Transfer Device” under the “General” or “Advanced” section.
2. Click it and confirm your intent.
3. Enter the recipient’s Ring account email.
4. Click “Send Transfer Request.”

Once sent, the new owner will receive an email with a link to accept the transfer.

Step 4: New Owner Accepts the Transfer

The person receiving the doorbell must now take action to complete the process.

What the New Owner Should Do

1. Check their email inbox (and spam folder) for a message from Ring.
2. Open the email and click the “Accept Transfer” button.
3. They’ll be redirected to the Ring website or app.
4. Log in to their Ring account if not already.
5. Confirm the device details and accept the transfer.

Once accepted, the doorbell will appear in their Ring app under “Devices.” At this point, the original owner no longer has access.

Important Notes

• The new owner must accept the transfer within 7 days, or the request expires.
• If they don’t have a Ring account, they’ll be prompted to create one during the process.
• The device will still be physically installed—only digital ownership changes.

Step 5: Factory Reset the Doorbell

Even after the transfer, the Ring Doorbell retains some settings from the previous owner. To ensure a clean start and full functionality, a factory reset is strongly recommended.

Why a Factory Reset Is Necessary

• Clears old Wi-Fi credentials and motion zones.
• Removes any linked smart home integrations (like Alexa or IFTTT).
• Prevents accidental access or configuration conflicts.
• Prepares the device for setup under the new owner’s network.

How to Factory Reset Your Ring Doorbell

The reset process varies slightly depending on your model. Here’s how to do it for the most common types:

Ring Video Doorbell (1st–4th Gen)

1. Remove the doorbell from its mount (if necessary).
2. Locate the orange or black reset button on the back or side.
3. Press and hold the button for 15–20 seconds until the LED light flashes.
4. Release the button when the light turns off and back on.
5. The device will reboot and enter setup mode.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro / Pro 2

1. Press and hold the setup button (usually on the front or side).
2. Hold for 20 seconds until the light ring turns off.
3. Release and wait for the device to restart.
4. The light will pulse white, indicating it’s ready for setup.

Ring Video Doorbell Elite

1. Use a paperclip to press the small reset hole on the back.
2. Hold for 15 seconds until the LED blinks.
3. Release and wait for reboot.

After the reset, the doorbell will no longer be connected to any network. The new owner can now set it up as if it were brand new.

Step 6: New Owner Sets Up the Doorbell

With the device reset, the new owner can now configure it using their own Wi-Fi and preferences.

Setup Steps for the New Owner

1. Open the Ring app and log in.
2. Tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
3. Select “Doorbells” and choose the correct model.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code or enter the serial number.
5. Connect the doorbell to their Wi-Fi network.
6. Set up motion zones, alerts, and recording preferences.
7. Test the live view and motion detection.

This process typically takes 5–10 minutes. Once complete, the doorbell is fully functional under the new ownership.

What Happens to Ring Protect Subscriptions?

One of the most common questions when changing owner of Ring Doorbell is: “What happens to my Ring Protect plan?”

The short answer: Subscriptions do not transfer automatically.

Key Points About Ring Protect

• The original owner keeps the subscription unless they cancel it.
• The new owner must purchase their own Ring Protect plan if they want cloud recording.
• If the original owner cancels the plan, recordings stop immediately—even if the device is still in use.
• Local recording (on compatible models) may still work without a subscription.

Recommendation

If you’re transferring ownership, consider canceling your Ring Protect plan after the transfer is complete. This avoids paying for a service you no longer use. The new owner can sign up for their own plan during setup.

To cancel:

1. Go to the Ring app or website.
2. Navigate to “Protect Plan” or “Subscriptions.”
3. Select the plan and choose “Cancel Subscription.”
4. Confirm the cancellation.

Note: Cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing cycle.

Security Tips During and After Transfer

Changing ownership involves sensitive data, so security should be a top priority.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Both the current and new owner should enable 2FA on their Ring accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a code from your phone when logging in.

To enable 2FA:

1. Go to “Account Settings” in the Ring app.
2. Tap “Two-Factor Authentication.”
3. Follow the prompts to link your phone number.

Change Your Password After Transfer

Even though the device is removed from your account, it’s wise to change your Ring password after the transfer. This ensures no lingering access.

Remove Shared Users

If you previously shared access with family or friends, make sure to remove them from the device settings before transferring. Go to “Shared Users” in the device menu and delete any unnecessary accounts.

Check for Linked Devices

Review your Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT integrations. Unlink the doorbell from any smart home routines to prevent unintended actions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful planning, problems can arise. Here’s how to fix the most common issues when changing owner of Ring Doorbell.

Transfer Request Not Received

• Cause: Email went to spam, or the email address was entered incorrectly.
• Solution: Check the recipient’s spam folder. If not found, resend the transfer request with the correct email.

New Owner Can’t Accept Transfer

• Cause: They don’t have a Ring account, or the link expired.
• Solution: Ensure they create a Ring account first. If the link expired (after 7 days), the original owner must send a new request.

Device Not Appearing in New Owner’s App

• Cause: Transfer wasn’t completed, or the device wasn’t reset.
• Solution: Confirm the transfer was accepted. If the device still shows up under the old account, resend the request and ensure the new owner accepts it. Then perform a factory reset.

Wi-Fi Connection Fails After Reset

• Cause: Weak signal, incorrect password, or outdated app.
• Solution: Move closer to the router during setup. Double-check the Wi-Fi password. Update the Ring app to the latest version.

Live View or Motion Alerts Not Working

• Cause: Incorrect setup, poor signal, or subscription issues.
• Solution: Re-run the setup process. Check signal strength in the app. Ensure the new owner has a Ring Protect plan if cloud recording is needed.

Final Checklist: Did You Complete Everything?

Before wrapping up, use this checklist to ensure a successful transfer:

• ✅ Current owner initiated the transfer via the Ring app or website.
• ✅ New owner received and accepted the transfer email.
• ✅ Device was factory reset after transfer.
• ✅ New owner completed setup with their Wi-Fi and preferences.
• ✅ Ring Protect plan was canceled or transferred (if applicable).
• ✅ Two-factor authentication is enabled on both accounts.
• ✅ Shared users and smart home links were reviewed and cleaned up.
• ✅ Device functionality was tested (live view, motion alerts, recordings).

If all items are checked, congratulations—you’ve successfully changed owner of Ring Doorbell!

Conclusion

Changing the owner of a Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be stressful. By following the official transfer process, performing a factory reset, and ensuring both parties are prepared, you can hand over your device safely and securely. Whether you’re moving, gifting, or upgrading, this guide gives you the confidence to manage ownership changes like a pro.

Remember: always use Ring’s built-in transfer feature instead of sharing passwords. Protect your privacy, respect the new owner’s setup, and don’t forget to test everything at the end.

With these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth transition and keep your smart home running smoothly—no matter who’s in charge.