This guide walks you through the complete process of changing the owner on a Ring Doorbell, whether you’re moving, gifting the device, or managing multiple users. You’ll learn how to transfer ownership securely using the Ring app, remove old accounts, and ensure uninterrupted service.
Key Takeaways
- Only the current owner can initiate a transfer: You must be logged into the original Ring account to start the ownership change process.
- Use the Ring app for all steps: The transfer is done entirely within the Ring mobile app—no website or phone call required.
- New owner needs a Ring account: The person receiving the device must have their own Ring account (free or Ring Protect plan).
- All data transfers with the device: Videos, settings, and device history move to the new owner automatically.
- Remove shared users first: Before transferring, remove any shared users to avoid access conflicts.
- Test the device after transfer: Confirm the new owner can view live video, receive alerts, and access recordings.
- Factory reset is not required: Unlike some smart devices, Ring allows seamless ownership transfer without resetting the hardware.
How to Change Owner on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve got a Ring Doorbell—maybe you’re moving out, selling your home, or gifting it to a family member. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to know how to change the owner on Ring Doorbell. The good news? It’s easier than you think. Unlike some smart home gadgets that require a factory reset or complicated re-pairing, Ring makes ownership transfer simple, secure, and fast—all through the Ring app.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from preparing for the transfer to confirming the new owner has full control. Whether you’re handing off a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell Pro, or any other model, the steps are the same. We’ll also cover common pitfalls, troubleshooting tips, and what to do if something goes wrong.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently transfer ownership of your Ring Doorbell without losing any data or disrupting service. Let’s get started.
Why You Might Need to Change the Owner on a Ring Doorbell
Visual guide about How to Change Owner on Ring Doorbell
Image source: storables.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand when and why you’d need to change the owner. Here are the most common scenarios:
- Selling or moving out of a home: If you’re moving and leaving the Ring Doorbell behind, the new homeowner should take ownership to manage alerts, recordings, and settings.
- Gifting the device: You might give your Ring Doorbell to a friend or family member as a housewarming gift.
- Replacing an old device: If you’re upgrading to a newer model, you may want to transfer the old one to someone else.
- Corporate or rental property management: Property managers often need to transfer devices between tenants or employees.
- Security and privacy concerns: If you suspect unauthorized access or want to ensure only trusted individuals control the device, transferring ownership can help.
In all these cases, simply sharing access isn’t enough. You need to fully transfer ownership so the new person has complete control—including the ability to add or remove users, change settings, and manage subscriptions.
What Happens When You Transfer Ownership?
It’s important to understand what changes when you transfer ownership of your Ring Doorbell. Here’s what gets transferred—and what doesn’t:
What Transfers:
- Device control: The new owner can arm/disarm the device, adjust motion zones, and change settings.
- Video history: All recorded videos and snapshots move to the new owner’s account.
- Subscription plan: If you have a Ring Protect plan, it transfers with the device (unless you cancel it first).
- Shared users: Any users you’ve shared access with will lose access unless the new owner re-invites them.
What Doesn’t Transfer:
- Your Ring account: You remain the owner of your account—only the device changes hands.
- Other devices: Only the specific doorbell being transferred is affected. Other Ring cameras or doorbells stay under your control.
- Payment methods: The new owner must add their own payment method if they want to keep a Ring Protect plan active.
One key benefit? You don’t need to factory reset the device. Ring’s system handles the transfer digitally, so the doorbell stays installed and functional throughout the process.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting
Before you begin the transfer, make sure you have the following:
1. Access to the Original Ring Account
You must be logged into the Ring app using the account that currently owns the doorbell. If you’ve lost access, you’ll need to recover your account first (we’ll cover that in the troubleshooting section).
2. The New Owner’s Ring Account Information
The person receiving the doorbell must have a Ring account. If they don’t, they can create one for free at ring.com or through the Ring app. They don’t need a Ring Protect plan to receive the device, but they’ll need one to view recordings.
3. A Stable Internet Connection
Both you and the new owner should have a reliable Wi-Fi connection. The transfer process requires syncing data between accounts.
4. The Ring Doorbell Must Be Online
Check that the doorbell is connected and showing a green light (or solid blue on newer models). If it’s offline, troubleshoot connectivity first.
5. Remove Shared Users (Recommended)
If you’ve shared access with family members or neighbors, remove them before transferring. This prevents confusion and ensures the new owner has full control.
To remove a shared user:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap the three-line menu (☰) > Devices.
- Select your doorbell.
- Tap Shared Users.
- Tap the user you want to remove and select Remove Access.
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Ownership of Your Ring Doorbell
Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through the actual transfer process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the doorbell.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner, then select Devices. Find your Ring Doorbell in the list and tap on it.
Step 3: Access Device Health
On the device screen, scroll down and tap Device Health. This shows the connection status, battery level, and other important info.
Step 4: Start the Transfer Process
Scroll down to the bottom of the Device Health screen and tap Transfer Device. You’ll see a warning message explaining that all data will move to the new owner.
Step 5: Enter the New Owner’s Email
Type the email address associated with the new owner’s Ring account. Double-check for typos—this is critical. If the email is incorrect, the transfer will fail.
Step 6: Confirm the Transfer
Tap Send Transfer Request. The new owner will receive an email and in-app notification with a link to accept the transfer.
Step 7: New Owner Accepts the Transfer
The new owner must open the Ring app, go to Devices, and tap the notification. They’ll review the device details and tap Accept Transfer.
Step 8: Wait for Sync
The app will sync the device data. This may take a few minutes, depending on the amount of video history. Once complete, the doorbell will appear in the new owner’s device list.
Step 9: Test the Device
The new owner should test the doorbell by:
- Viewing live video.
- Receiving a motion alert.
- Playing back a recent recording.
If everything works, the transfer is successful.
What the New Owner Should Do After Accepting
Once the transfer is complete, the new owner should take a few steps to secure and customize their device:
1. Update Device Name and Location
They can rename the doorbell (e.g., “Front Door – Smith House”) and set the correct address in the app under Device Settings > Location.
2. Adjust Motion Zones
If the doorbell was previously set up for a different property, motion zones may need updating. Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones to customize.
3. Set Up Shared Users (Optional)
The new owner can invite family members or trusted neighbors by going to Shared Users and entering their email.
4. Review Subscription Plan
If the Ring Protect plan transferred, the new owner should confirm billing details. They can cancel or change the plan in Account Settings > Protect Plans.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
For added security, the new owner should enable two-factor authentication in Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful steps, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Issue: “Transfer Failed” or “Email Not Found”
This usually means the email entered doesn’t match a Ring account. Ask the new owner to double-check their email or create a Ring account if they don’t have one.
Issue: New Owner Doesn’t Receive the Transfer Request
- Check the spam/junk folder.
- Ensure the new owner has the Ring app installed and is logged in.
- Ask them to check Devices > Pending Transfers in the app.
Issue: Device Shows as Offline After Transfer
Sometimes the doorbell loses connection during the transfer. Try:
- Refreshing the app.
- Rebooting the doorbell (remove and reinsert battery or toggle power).
- Reconnecting to Wi-Fi via the app.
Issue: Old Owner Still Sees the Device
This shouldn’t happen—once transferred, the device disappears from the original owner’s account. If it remains, try logging out and back in, or contact Ring Support.
Issue: Videos Not Showing Up for New Owner
Video history can take up to 24 hours to fully sync. If videos are still missing after a day, contact Ring Support with the device serial number.
Can You Transfer a Ring Doorbell Without the Original Owner?
No—only the current owner can initiate a transfer. If you’ve bought a used Ring Doorbell and the previous owner didn’t transfer it, you’ll need to contact them to complete the process. Ring does not allow third-party transfers for security reasons.
If the original owner is unresponsive, you may need to factory reset the device and set it up as new. However, this will erase all video history and require re-registration. To factory reset:
- Press and hold the orange button on the back for 20 seconds.
- Wait for the light to flash, then release.
- Set up the doorbell as a new device in your Ring app.
Note: This should be a last resort, as it removes all previous data.
Tips for a Smooth Ownership Transfer
To make the process as easy as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Communicate clearly: Let the new owner know what to expect and when they’ll receive the transfer request.
- Do it during the day: Transfers are faster when both parties are awake and can respond quickly.
- Keep the doorbell powered: Ensure it has sufficient battery or is hardwired during the transfer.
- Back up important videos: If there are recordings you want to keep, download them before transferring.
- Cancel your subscription if needed: If you don’t want the new owner to inherit your Ring Protect plan, cancel it before transferring.
Final Thoughts: Why Transferring Ownership Matters
Changing the owner on a Ring Doorbell isn’t just a technical step—it’s about security, privacy, and peace of mind. When you transfer ownership properly, you ensure that only the right person has access to your home’s video feed and alerts. It also prevents accidental sharing, billing confusion, and potential misuse.
Whether you’re moving, gifting, or upgrading, taking the time to transfer ownership correctly protects both you and the new user. And thanks to Ring’s user-friendly system, it’s a quick and painless process.
So the next time you need to pass on your Ring Doorbell, remember: open the app, tap a few buttons, and let the new owner take over. It’s that simple.