Changing ownership of a Ring Doorbell is essential when selling, gifting, or moving out. This guide walks you through the process safely, ensuring the new owner gets full access while protecting your data.
Key Takeaways
- Only the current owner can initiate the transfer: You must be logged into the Ring app as the primary account holder to start the process.
- Factory reset is required after transfer: The new owner must reset the device to complete setup and activate features.
- Shared users lose access: Anyone added as a shared user will no longer have control once ownership changes.
- Subscription plans don’t transfer automatically: Ring Protect plans are tied to the account, so discuss billing with the new owner.
- Use the Ring app for official transfers: Avoid third-party methods—only the app ensures a secure, supported transition.
- Verify device compatibility: Ensure the new owner’s smartphone and Wi-Fi meet Ring’s system requirements.
- Keep records for support: Save confirmation emails in case you need help from Ring customer service later.
How to Change Ownership of a Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve decided to pass on your Ring Doorbell—maybe you’re moving, upgrading, or gifting it to a friend or family member. Whatever the reason, transferring ownership properly is crucial. If done incorrectly, the new owner might not get full access, or worse, you could leave your personal data exposed.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing ownership of a Ring Doorbell. You’ll learn how to safely remove your account, transfer control to someone else, and ensure the device works perfectly for its new user. We’ll also cover common pitfalls, troubleshooting tips, and what to expect after the transfer.
By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident handing over your Ring Doorbell knowing it’s secure, functional, and ready for its next chapter.
Why Change Ownership Matters
Visual guide about How to Change Ownership of a Ring Doorbell
Image source: doorbellnest.com
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why this process is so important. Your Ring Doorbell isn’t just a piece of hardware—it’s connected to your home network, records video, and stores sensitive data like motion alerts and live views. When you sell or give away the device, you’re not just passing on a gadget; you’re handing over access to your security system.
If ownership isn’t transferred correctly, several things can go wrong:
– The new owner might not be able to view live video or receive alerts.
– Your old account could still receive notifications from the device.
– Shared users (like family members) might retain access unintentionally.
– The device may appear “stuck” in your account, preventing setup.
Changing ownership through the official Ring app ensures a clean break. It removes your account, resets permissions, and allows the new owner to set up the device as if it were brand new. This protects your privacy and gives the new user full control.
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need
Before starting the transfer, make sure you have the following:
- Access to the Ring app: You must be logged in as the primary account holder.
- The new owner’s email address: They’ll need a valid email to receive the transfer invitation.
- A stable internet connection: Both you and the new owner should be connected to Wi-Fi.
- The Ring Doorbell powered on: The device must be online and functioning.
- Physical access to the doorbell: The new owner will need to scan the QR code during setup.
It’s also a good idea to let the new owner download the Ring app ahead of time and create a Ring account if they don’t already have one. This will speed up the process.
Step 1: Log Into Your Ring Account
Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged in as the primary account holder—this is the person who originally set up the device and has full administrative rights.
If you’re not sure who the primary account holder is, check the account settings. Only this person can initiate an ownership transfer. Shared users (like spouses or roommates) cannot transfer ownership, even if they use the device daily.
Once logged in, tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner of the app. This opens the main navigation menu.
Navigate to Device Settings
From the menu, select Devices. You’ll see a list of all Ring devices linked to your account, including doorbells, cameras, and alarms.
Find your Ring Doorbell in the list and tap on it. This opens the device dashboard, where you can view live video, adjust settings, and manage alerts.
Access the Device Health Section
Scroll down and tap on Device Health. This section shows the status of your doorbell, including battery level, Wi-Fi signal strength, and firmware version.
Make sure the device shows as “Online” and has a strong connection. If it’s offline or showing errors, resolve those issues first. A stable connection is essential for a smooth transfer.
Step 2: Initiate the Ownership Transfer
Now it’s time to start the transfer process. From the Device Health screen, look for the Settings option (usually represented by a gear icon) and tap it.
Scroll down until you find the Transfer Device option. This may be under a section labeled “Advanced” or “Account Settings,” depending on your app version.
Tap Transfer Device. You’ll see a warning message explaining what happens next:
– Your account will be removed from the device.
– All shared users will lose access.
– The new owner must complete setup using the Ring app.
– Any active Ring Protect subscription will remain with your account.
Read this carefully. Once you proceed, you won’t be able to undo the transfer from your side.
Enter the New Owner’s Email
Tap Continue and enter the new owner’s email address. This must be the email they use for their Ring account. If they don’t have one yet, they’ll need to create it before accepting the transfer.
Double-check the email for typos. If it’s incorrect, the invitation won’t reach the right person, and the transfer will fail.
Tap Send Transfer Request. The app will send an email to the new owner with a link to accept the transfer.
Step 3: The New Owner Accepts the Transfer
The new owner will receive an email from Ring with the subject line “You’ve been invited to take ownership of a Ring device.” They should open this email on their smartphone or tablet.
Inside the email, they’ll see a button labeled Accept Transfer. They must tap this button while logged into their Ring app.
If they’re not logged in, the app will prompt them to sign in or create an account. Once logged in, they’ll be taken to the Ring app to complete the process.
Confirm the Transfer in the App
The new owner will see a confirmation screen showing the device name, model, and location. They should review this information to ensure it’s correct.
Tap Accept to confirm. The app will then guide them through the next steps.
Step 4: Factory Reset the Device
After accepting the transfer, the new owner must perform a factory reset on the Ring Doorbell. This is a critical step—without it, the device won’t function properly under the new account.
A factory reset clears all previous settings, removes your account data, and prepares the device for fresh setup.
How to Factory Reset a Ring Doorbell
The exact method depends on your Ring Doorbell model. Here’s how to do it for the most common types:
For Ring Video Doorbell (1st to 4th Gen), Ring Doorbell Pro, and Ring Doorbell Elite:
1. Remove the doorbell from its mounting bracket. You may need a screwdriver.
2. Locate the orange setup button on the back of the device.
3. Press and hold the button for 20 seconds. The light on the front will flash green, then turn solid green.
4. Release the button. The device is now reset.
For Ring Doorbell Wired (2021) and Ring Doorbell (2023):
1. Press and hold the setup button (located on the side or back) for 15 seconds.
2. The LED light will flash white, then turn solid white.
3. Release the button. The reset is complete.
For Ring Doorbell Battery (2021 and later):
1. Remove the battery cover and take out the battery.
2. Press and hold the setup button for 15 seconds.
3. Reinsert the battery. The light will flash white, then turn solid white.
4. The device is now reset.
After the reset, the doorbell will appear as a new, unconfigured device in the Ring app.
Step 5: Set Up the Device for the New Owner
Now the new owner can set up the Ring Doorbell as if it were brand new. Open the Ring app and tap the + (plus) icon to add a new device.
Select Doorbells from the list, then choose the correct model.
The app will prompt the user to scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell. Use the phone’s camera to scan it. If the QR code is damaged or unreadable, they can enter the serial number manually.
Follow the on-screen instructions to:
– Connect the doorbell to Wi-Fi.
– Name the device (e.g., “Front Door”).
– Set motion zones and alert preferences.
– Enable or disable features like motion recording and live view.
Once setup is complete, the new owner will have full access to the device. They can view live video, receive alerts, and adjust settings.
What Happens to Your Data?
After the transfer, all your personal data is removed from the device. This includes:
– Video recordings stored locally (if any).
– Motion alert history.
– Shared user permissions.
– Custom settings and preferences.
However, any recordings saved to the cloud under your Ring Protect plan remain in your account. These are not transferred to the new owner.
If you want to delete cloud recordings before transferring, go to the Ring app, tap History, select the recordings, and delete them manually.
Ring Protect Subscriptions and Billing
One common question is whether the Ring Protect subscription transfers with the device. The short answer: no.
Ring Protect plans are tied to the account, not the device. When you transfer ownership, the subscription stays with your account. The new owner will need to purchase their own plan if they want cloud recording, extended video history, or advanced features.
If you’re selling the doorbell, discuss this with the buyer upfront. You may choose to cancel your subscription after the transfer, or let it continue if you’re keeping other Ring devices.
To manage your subscription:
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the menu (☰) and select Protect Plan.
3. Choose Manage Plan to view, change, or cancel your subscription.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful steps, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Transfer Request Not Received
If the new owner doesn’t get the email, check the following:
– Did you enter the correct email address?
– Is the email going to spam or junk?
– Is the new owner logged into the correct Ring account?
Ask the new owner to check their spam folder. If the email isn’t there, try resending the transfer request from your app.
Device Won’t Reset
If the factory reset doesn’t work:
– Make sure the doorbell is powered on (battery charged or wired correctly).
– Hold the setup button for the full duration (15–20 seconds).
– Try removing and reinserting the battery (for battery models).
– Contact Ring support if the light doesn’t respond.
New Owner Can’t Add the Device
If the new owner gets an error when trying to set up the doorbell:
– Ensure the device was properly reset (LED should flash during setup).
– Check that the Wi-Fi network is 2.4 GHz (most Ring doorbells don’t support 5 GHz).
– Make sure the new owner is using the latest version of the Ring app.
– Restart the phone and try again.
Old Account Still Receives Alerts
If you’re still getting notifications after the transfer:
– Confirm the transfer was completed in the app.
– Check that the new owner successfully set up the device.
– Log out of the Ring app on all devices and log back in.
– Contact Ring support if the issue persists.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
To make the process as easy as possible, follow these best practices:
- Communicate clearly: Let the new owner know what to expect and when to expect the email.
- Do the transfer in person: If possible, be present during setup to help troubleshoot.
- Update your account info: Remove any old devices from your account after the transfer.
- Keep records: Save the transfer confirmation email for your records.
- Test the device: After setup, have the new owner test live view and motion alerts.
When to Contact Ring Support
If you run into issues you can’t resolve, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ring customer support. They can help with:
– Failed transfers
– Account access problems
– Device setup errors
– Subscription questions
You can contact Ring support through the app (tap the menu > Help & Feedback) or visit their support website.
Conclusion
Changing ownership of a Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the steps in this guide, you can transfer your device safely and securely, ensuring the new owner gets full access while protecting your personal data.
Remember: only the primary account holder can initiate the transfer, a factory reset is required, and subscriptions don’t move with the device. Take your time, double-check details, and communicate with the new owner throughout the process.
With a little preparation, you can hand over your Ring Doorbell with confidence, knowing it’s ready to protect its new home.