This guide walks you through how to change ownership of Ring Doorbell 2 safely and efficiently. Whether you’re moving, gifting, or reselling your device, we’ll show you the exact steps to transfer control without losing settings or data.
Key Takeaways
- Ownership transfer requires the current owner to initiate the process: Only the primary account holder can remove or transfer a Ring device.
- Both parties need the Ring app installed: The new owner must have a verified Ring account before accepting the device.
- Factory reset is necessary after transfer: To ensure privacy and security, always reset the device once ownership changes.
- Wi-Fi network must be reconnected: The new owner will need to set up the doorbell on their home network during setup.
- Shared users lose access after transfer: Any shared viewers or users will no longer have permissions unless re-added.
- Subscription plans do not transfer automatically: Ring Protect plans must be canceled or transferred separately via customer support.
- Keep your device charged during the process: A low battery can interrupt setup and cause delays.
Introduction: Why You Might Need to Change Ownership of Your Ring Doorbell 2
Changing ownership of your Ring Doorbell 2 isn’t something you do every day—but when the time comes, it’s important to get it right. Whether you’re moving into a new home, selling your house, gifting the doorbell to a family member, or simply upgrading to a newer model, knowing how to change ownership of Ring Doorbell 2 ensures a smooth transition for both you and the new user.
Unlike simply sharing access with a friend or neighbor, transferring ownership means completely removing the device from your Ring account and giving full control to someone else. This process protects your privacy, prevents accidental access to your video history, and allows the new owner to customize settings, view recordings, and receive alerts as if they had set it up themselves.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step—from preparing for the transfer to troubleshooting common issues. You’ll learn how to safely remove your Ring Doorbell 2 from your account, help the new owner claim it, and ensure everything works perfectly on their end. No technical jargon, no confusion—just clear, easy-to-follow instructions that anyone can understand.
Before You Begin: What You Need to Know
Before diving into the actual steps, let’s cover some essential background information. Understanding how Ring ownership works will help you avoid mistakes and save time.
What Does “Ownership” Mean in the Ring Ecosystem?
In Ring’s system, the “owner” is the primary account holder who has full administrative control over the device. This includes the ability to:
- View live video feeds and recorded clips
- Adjust motion zones and sensitivity settings
- Add or remove shared users
- Manage subscriptions (like Ring Protect)
- Remove the device from the account entirely
Only the owner can initiate an ownership transfer. Shared users—even those with full viewing privileges—cannot transfer or remove the device.
Why Can’t You Just Share Access Instead?
Sharing access is great for letting family members or trusted neighbors view your doorbell feed, but it doesn’t give them full control. If you’re permanently handing over the device—say, to a new homeowner—you need to transfer ownership so they can manage it independently. Sharing keeps the device tied to your account, which could lead to privacy concerns or confusion down the line.
Important Notes About Data and Subscriptions
When you transfer ownership, your personal data—including video history, motion logs, and device settings—remains on your account until you manually delete it. However, once the new owner sets up the device, all future recordings will belong to them.
Also, remember that Ring Protect subscriptions do not automatically transfer. If you have a paid plan, you’ll need to contact Ring Support to cancel it or request a transfer. We’ll cover this in more detail later.
Step 1: Prepare for the Ownership Transfer
Proper preparation prevents problems. Take these steps before initiating the transfer to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Ensure the New Owner Has a Ring Account
The person receiving the doorbell must have their own Ring account. If they don’t already have one, they should download the Ring app (available on iOS and Android) and create a free account using their email address. They don’t need to add any devices yet—just make sure the account is active and verified.
Charge Your Ring Doorbell 2
Your Ring Doorbell 2 should have at least 50% battery before starting the process. A low battery can cause the device to shut down during setup, leading to incomplete transfers or errors. If you’re using a wired model, ensure the power connection is stable.
Check Your Internet Connection
Both you and the new owner should be connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network. The transfer process involves syncing data between the app and the device, so a weak or unstable connection can cause delays or failures.
Gather Necessary Information
Have the following ready:
- The new owner’s email address (used for their Ring account)
- Your Ring login credentials
- Access to your email (for confirmation messages)
- The physical Ring Doorbell 2 device
Step 2: Remove the Device from Your Ring Account
Now it’s time to officially remove your Ring Doorbell 2 from your account. This step is crucial—it clears the way for the new owner to claim the device.
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.
Navigate to Device Settings
Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner, then select Devices. Find your Ring Doorbell 2 in the list and tap on it to open its settings.
Select “Remove Device”
Scroll down to the bottom of the device settings screen and tap Remove Device. You’ll see a warning message explaining that this action will permanently disconnect the device from your account. Confirm by tapping Remove again.
Wait for Confirmation
The app will process the removal, which usually takes 10–30 seconds. Once complete, you’ll see a confirmation message saying the device has been successfully removed. At this point, your Ring Doorbell 2 is no longer linked to your account.
Optional: Delete Video History
If you want to erase all recorded videos associated with this device, go to History in the app, select the doorbell, and delete individual clips or clear the entire history. Note that this step is optional but recommended for privacy.
Step 3: Guide the New Owner Through Setup
With the device removed from your account, the new owner can now claim it. Here’s how to help them get started.
Have the New Owner Open the Ring App
They should open the Ring app and log into their own account. If they haven’t used the app before, they may need to complete initial setup steps (like enabling notifications).
Start the Device Setup Process
In the app, tap the + (plus) icon in the top-right corner, then select Add Device. Choose Doorbells from the list, and then select Ring Video Doorbell 2.
Scan the QR Code or Enter the Serial Number
The app will prompt them to scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell or manually enter the serial number. The QR code is usually located under the battery compartment or on the mounting bracket. If scanning doesn’t work, they can tap “Enter Serial Number Manually” and type it in.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions
The app will guide them through connecting the doorbell to their Wi-Fi network. They’ll need to:
- Select their home Wi-Fi network
- Enter the Wi-Fi password
- Wait for the device to connect (this may take 1–2 minutes)
Once connected, the app will confirm successful setup. The new owner can now customize settings, test the live view, and adjust motion zones.
Step 4: Perform a Factory Reset (Highly Recommended)
Even though the device has been removed from your account and claimed by the new owner, performing a factory reset adds an extra layer of security. It ensures no residual data or settings from your usage remain on the device.
Why a Factory Reset Matters
A factory reset clears all stored Wi-Fi credentials, motion settings, and temporary data from the doorbell’s memory. This prevents potential conflicts and guarantees the new owner starts with a clean slate.
How to Factory Reset Your Ring Doorbell 2
- Remove the doorbell from its mounting bracket (if installed).
- Locate the orange setup button on the back of the device (near the battery compartment).
- Press and hold the orange button for 15 seconds. You’ll see the light ring flash white, then turn off.
- Release the button. The device will reboot and enter setup mode (indicated by a pulsing white light).
After the reset, the new owner will need to repeat the setup process from Step 3. This time, it will behave like a brand-new device out of the box.
Step 5: Handle Subscription Plans and Billing
If you had a Ring Protect subscription linked to this doorbell, you’ll need to address it separately—it doesn’t transfer automatically with the device.
Cancel or Transfer Your Ring Protect Plan
To avoid being charged for a service you no longer use, contact Ring Customer Support:
- Call 1-800-656-1918 (U.S.)
- Use the in-app chat feature (go to Menu > Help > Contact Us)
- Email [email protected]
Explain that you’ve transferred ownership of your Ring Doorbell 2 and request to cancel the subscription or transfer it to the new owner. Be ready to provide your account details and the device serial number.
New Owner Can Start Their Own Plan
The new owner can choose to enroll in Ring Protect after setup. Plans start at $3.99/month per device and include cloud video storage, extended video history, and advanced features like person detection.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, things don’t always go perfectly. Here’s how to handle the most common problems during ownership transfer.
Issue: Device Won’t Connect to New Owner’s Wi-Fi
Solution: Ensure the Wi-Fi network is 2.4 GHz (Ring Doorbell 2 doesn’t support 5 GHz). Move closer to the router during setup, and double-check the password. If issues persist, try resetting the doorbell and repeating the setup.
Issue: App Says “Device Already Registered”
Solution: This means the device wasn’t fully removed from the previous account. Go back to your Ring app, confirm the device is gone, and wait 10–15 minutes before the new owner tries again. If it still appears, contact Ring Support.
Issue: Live View or Motion Alerts Not Working
Solution: Check that the new owner has enabled notifications in the app and granted camera/microphone permissions in their phone settings. Also, verify motion zones are properly configured.
Issue: Battery Drains Quickly After Transfer
Solution: Frequent motion alerts or poor Wi-Fi signal can drain the battery. Adjust motion sensitivity, reduce the number of motion zones, or consider switching to a wired power source if possible.
Final Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Communicate clearly with the new owner: Walk them through the process or share this guide to avoid confusion.
- Keep records: Save screenshots of the removal confirmation and any support chats for your records.
- Test everything: After setup, both parties should test the live view, motion detection, and two-way audio.
- Update your home security plan: If you’re replacing the doorbell, make sure your new device is set up before removing the old one.
Conclusion: You’ve Successfully Transferred Ownership
Changing ownership of your Ring Doorbell 2 might seem daunting at first, but by following these steps, you’ve ensured a secure, hassle-free transition. You’ve protected your privacy, empowered the new owner with full control, and avoided common pitfalls like subscription overlaps or connectivity issues.
Remember, the key to success is preparation: make sure both parties have active Ring accounts, keep the device charged, and don’t skip the factory reset. And if you run into trouble, Ring’s customer support team is available to help.
Whether you’re moving, gifting, or upgrading, knowing how to change ownership of Ring Doorbell 2 gives you peace of mind and keeps your smart home running smoothly. Now go enjoy your next chapter—with confidence that your old doorbell is in good hands!