Changing ownership of your Ring Doorbell is simple when you follow the right steps. This guide walks you through transferring device control from one account to another, whether you’re selling your home, gifting the device, or managing multiple properties. We cover everything from account removal to reactivation under new ownership.
Key Takeaways
- Ownership transfer requires both current and new owner accounts: You’ll need access to both Ring accounts to complete the process smoothly.
- Factory reset is essential before reassigning: Always reset your Ring Doorbell to clear previous settings and ensure a clean start for the new owner.
- Remove the device from your Ring app first: Before the new owner can claim it, you must remove the doorbell from your account via the app.
- New owner must install and set up via Ring app: The recipient needs to download the Ring app and follow setup instructions to activate the device.
- Wi-Fi credentials must be re-entered: After ownership change, the new user will need to reconnect the doorbell to their home network.
- Subscription plans don’t transfer automatically: Ring Protect plans are tied to the original owner and must be canceled or transferred separately.
- Keep proof of purchase handy: In rare cases, Ring Support may request purchase details to verify ownership during troubleshooting.
How to Change Ownership of Ring Doorbell
If you’re moving, selling your home, or simply gifting your Ring Doorbell to a friend or family member, you’ll need to know how to change ownership of your device. While Ring makes it easy to manage multiple devices under one account, transferring full control to someone else requires a few specific steps. This guide will walk you through the entire process—from removing the device from your account to helping the new owner set it up from scratch.
Whether you’re dealing with a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell Pro, or any other model, the ownership transfer process is similar. The key is ensuring that the device is completely removed from your Ring account and reset so the new user can claim it without issues.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
– Why changing ownership matters
– Step-by-step instructions for transferring your Ring Doorbell
– What the new owner needs to do
– How to handle subscriptions and shared access
– Troubleshooting tips for common problems
Let’s get started.
Why You Might Need to Change Ownership
Visual guide about How to Change Ownership of Ring Doorbell
Image source: doorbellnest.com
There are several common reasons why someone might want to transfer ownership of their Ring Doorbell:
– Selling or giving away your home: If you’re moving out, the new homeowner should have full control over the doorbell, not you.
– Gifting the device: You might buy a Ring Doorbell as a gift for a relative or friend.
– Replacing an old unit: If you’re upgrading to a newer model, you may want to pass the old one to someone else.
– Corporate or rental property management: Property managers may need to transfer devices between tenants or locations.
In all these cases, simply sharing login credentials is not secure or practical. Full ownership transfer ensures privacy, security, and proper device management.
What Happens During an Ownership Transfer?
When you change ownership of a Ring Doorbell, you’re essentially doing two things:
1. Removing the device from your Ring account
2. Resetting the device so it can be claimed by a new user
This process ensures that:
– Your personal data (videos, alerts, settings) are no longer accessible to the new owner
– The new owner gets full administrative control
– The device is no longer linked to your Wi-Fi or Ring Protect plan
It’s important to note that Ring does not allow direct account-to-account transfers through the app. Instead, the current owner must remove the device, and the new owner must set it up as if it were brand new.
Before You Begin: Important Preparations
Before starting the ownership transfer, make sure you’ve completed these steps:
1. Confirm the New Owner Has a Ring Account
The person receiving the doorbell must have their own Ring account. If they don’t, they’ll need to download the Ring app (available on iOS and Android) and create a free account.
2. Gather Necessary Information
You’ll need:
– Your Ring account login (email and password)
– The new owner’s email address (used for their Ring account)
– Access to the physical doorbell (to perform a factory reset)
– The doorbell’s serial number (found on the device or in the app)
3. Check Subscription Status
If you have a Ring Protect plan (monthly or annual), it’s tied to your account—not the device. You’ll need to cancel or transfer the plan separately. We’ll cover this in detail later.
4. Ensure the Device Is Online
The doorbell must be connected to Wi-Fi and functioning normally before you can remove it from your account. If it’s offline, troubleshoot connectivity first.
Step 1: Remove the Doorbell from Your Ring Account
The first step in changing ownership is removing the device from your Ring app. This tells Ring’s servers that you no longer control 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
– Select Devices
– Find your doorbell in the list and tap on it
Access Device Health
Once you’re on the doorbell’s main screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to open Device Settings.
Remove the Device
– Scroll down and tap Remove Device
– Confirm by tapping Remove when prompted
Important: This action cannot be undone. Once removed, the device will no longer appear in your app, and you won’t receive alerts or be able to view live video.
Wait for Confirmation
The app will confirm that the device has been removed. You may see a message like “Device removed successfully.” At this point, the doorbell is no longer linked to your account.
Step 2: Perform a Factory Reset on the Doorbell
Removing the device from your account is only half the process. To allow the new owner to claim it, you must perform a factory reset. This clears all settings, Wi-Fi credentials, and user data from the device.
Note: A factory reset is required for all Ring Doorbell models. Skipping this step may prevent the new owner from setting up the device.
Locate the Reset Button
The reset button is typically found on the back or side of the doorbell, depending on the model:
– Ring Doorbell (1st & 2nd Gen): Small pinhole on the back
– Ring Doorbell 3/3 Plus: Button on the side
– Ring Doorbell Pro / Pro 2: Button on the back
– Ring Doorbell Wired: Button on the side
Use a Paperclip or SIM Tool
Insert a paperclip, SIM ejection tool, or similar thin object into the reset hole.
Press and Hold the Button
– Press and hold the reset button for 15–20 seconds
– You’ll see the LED light on the front of the doorbell flash or change color (usually white or blue)
– Release the button when the light stops flashing or turns solid
Wait for the Reset to Complete
The doorbell will restart automatically. This may take 1–2 minutes. Once it’s done, the device will be in setup mode, ready for a new owner.
Verify the Reset
If the LED light is blinking white or blue, the reset was successful. If it stays solid or doesn’t respond, repeat the process.
Step 3: Help the New Owner Set Up the Doorbell
Now that the device is reset, the new owner can claim it. They’ll need to follow the standard setup process as if they were installing a brand-new doorbell.
Download the Ring App
The new owner should download the Ring app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) if they haven’t already.
Create or Log Into Their Ring Account
They’ll need to sign in with their own email and password. If they don’t have an account, they can create one during setup.
Start the Setup Process
– Open the Ring app
– Tap Set Up a Device
– Select Doorbells
– Choose the correct model (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro)
Scan the QR Code
The app will prompt them to scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell. If the code is damaged or unreadable, they can enter the serial number manually.
Connect to Wi-Fi
The new owner will need to:
– Select their home Wi-Fi network
– Enter the Wi-Fi password
– Wait for the doorbell to connect
Tip: Ensure the doorbell is within range of the Wi-Fi router. Weak signals can cause setup failures.
Complete the Setup
Follow the on-screen prompts to:
– Name the doorbell (e.g., “Front Door”)
– Set motion zones (if applicable)
– Enable notifications
– Test the doorbell chime
Once complete, the doorbell will be fully functional under the new owner’s account.
What About Ring Protect Subscriptions?
One of the most common questions during ownership transfer is: What happens to my Ring Protect plan?
The short answer: Subscriptions do not transfer automatically.
Ring Protect plans are tied to the account holder, not the device. So if you cancel your plan, the new owner won’t inherit it—even if they’re using the same doorbell.
Options for Handling Subscriptions
You have three choices:
1. Cancel Your Plan
– Go to the Ring app
– Tap the menu (☰) > Protect Plan
– Select Cancel Plan
– Confirm cancellation
This stops billing immediately, and recordings will no longer be saved.
2. Transfer the Plan (If Eligible)
Ring does not officially support plan transfers between users. However, you can contact Ring Support and request a manual transfer. Be prepared to provide:
– Proof of purchase
– Both account emails
– Serial number of the device
Success is not guaranteed, but it’s worth asking.
3. Let the New Owner Start Their Own Plan
The new owner can subscribe to Ring Protect independently after setup. They’ll get a 30-day free trial, then choose a monthly or annual plan.
Important Reminder
Even if you cancel your plan, any recordings saved during your ownership remain in your account until they expire (based on your plan’s retention period). The new owner will only have access to recordings made after they activate their own plan.
Can You Transfer Ownership Without a Factory Reset?
No. A factory reset is required for security and functionality reasons.
Without a reset:
– The device may still be linked to your account
– The new owner might not be able to complete setup
– Wi-Fi credentials and settings could cause conflicts
Ring’s system is designed to prevent unauthorized access. A reset ensures the device is “clean” and ready for a new user.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, problems can arise during ownership transfer. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Issue: Doorbell Won’t Reset
Symptoms: LED doesn’t flash, device doesn’t restart, or reset button feels stuck.
Solutions:
– Make sure you’re pressing the correct button (check your model)
– Hold the button for at least 15 seconds—some models require up to 20
– Try using a different tool (e.g., a straightened paperclip)
– Ensure the doorbell has power (check wiring or battery)
Issue: New Owner Can’t Find the Device During Setup
Symptoms: The Ring app says “Device not found” or “Unable to connect.”
Solutions:
– Confirm the doorbell is in setup mode (LED blinking white or blue)
– Make sure the new owner is scanning the correct QR code
– Try entering the serial number manually
– Restart the Ring app and try again
– Move closer to the doorbell during setup
Issue: Wi-Fi Connection Fails
Symptoms: Doorbell connects to the app but fails to join Wi-Fi.
Solutions:
– Ensure the Wi-Fi password is correct
– Use 2.4 GHz network (most Ring doorbells don’t support 5 GHz)
– Move the router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender
– Restart the router and try again
Issue: Device Still Shows in Old Owner’s App
Symptoms: After removal, the doorbell still appears in your account.
Solutions:
– Force-close and reopen the Ring app
– Log out and log back in
– Check if the device was actually removed (go to Devices > check list)
– Contact Ring Support if the issue persists
Issue: New Owner Gets “Device Already Claimed” Error
Symptoms: During setup, the app says the device is already registered.
Solutions:
– This means the factory reset didn’t work
– Repeat the reset process
– Wait 5–10 minutes before trying setup again
– If it continues, contact Ring Support with the serial number
Best Practices for a Smooth Transfer
To avoid headaches, follow these tips:
– Communicate clearly with the new owner: Share the serial number, model, and any known issues.
– Do the transfer in person if possible: This makes troubleshooting easier.
– Test the doorbell after reset: Make sure it powers on and enters setup mode.
– Keep records: Save the serial number and purchase receipt in case Ring Support needs them.
– Update your account info: Remove any shared users or linked devices after transfer.
Final Thoughts
Changing ownership of your Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the steps in this guide—removing the device from your account, performing a factory reset, and guiding the new owner through setup—you can ensure a secure and successful transfer.
Remember, the key steps are:
1. Remove the device from your Ring app
2. Factory reset the doorbell
3. Let the new owner set it up from scratch
And don’t forget about subscriptions—plan ahead to avoid surprises.
Whether you’re moving, gifting, or upgrading, transferring your Ring Doorbell properly protects your privacy and gives the new owner full control. With a little preparation, the process is quick, safe, and stress-free.