Changing your Ring doorbell account is simple when you follow the right steps. Whether you’re moving, selling your home, or switching users, this guide walks you through transferring ownership, updating login credentials, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Key Takeaways
- Ownership transfer requires both parties: The current owner must initiate the transfer via the Ring app, and the new owner must accept it using their own Ring account.
- Factory reset may be necessary: If the previous owner is unavailable, a hard reset can remove the device from their account—but you’ll lose all recorded footage.
- Keep your Wi-Fi details handy: Reconnecting your Ring doorbell after an account change requires your network name and password.
- Use the official Ring app: All account changes must be made through the Ring mobile app—not the website or third-party tools.
- Check device compatibility: Ensure your Ring model supports ownership transfer (most do, but older versions may have limitations).
- Preserve video history with backups: Download important recordings before transferring ownership, as they won’t carry over to the new account.
- Contact Ring Support if stuck: If you encounter errors during the process, Ring’s customer service can help resolve account linkage issues.
How to Change Ring Doorbell Account: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve got a Ring doorbell—maybe you just moved into a new house, bought a used one, or need to hand it off to a family member or tenant. Whatever the reason, knowing how to change your Ring doorbell account is essential for security, privacy, and full functionality. The good news? It’s easier than you might think—if you follow the right steps.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every scenario: transferring ownership to a new user, switching accounts on your own device, resetting a doorbell when the previous owner isn’t available, and reconnecting everything smoothly. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips, best practices, and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll feel confident managing your Ring doorbell’s account settings like a pro.
Whether you’re a tech newbie or a smart home enthusiast, this guide uses simple language, clear instructions, and real-world examples to make the process stress-free. Let’s get started!
Why You Might Need to Change Your Ring Doorbell Account
Visual guide about How to Change Ring Doorbell Account
Image source: readytodiy.b-cdn.net
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why someone would need to change their Ring doorbell account. Here are the most common situations:
- Moving to a new home: You’re taking your Ring doorbell with you, but you want to keep your existing account—or maybe the new homeowner wants to use their own.
- Selling or giving away your doorbell: You’re passing the device to someone else and need to remove it from your Ring account.
- Renting or leasing a property: A tenant wants to use their own Ring account for privacy and control.
- Buying a used Ring doorbell: The previous owner didn’t remove it from their account, so you can’t set it up.
- Switching from a personal to a shared account: Maybe you’re adding a partner, roommate, or property manager to manage the device.
In all these cases, simply unplugging the doorbell or deleting the app won’t solve the problem. The device is still linked to an account in Ring’s system. To use it properly, you need to either transfer ownership or remove it from the old account and set it up fresh.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before you begin changing your Ring doorbell account, gather the following:
- Your smartphone or tablet: The Ring app is required for all account changes.
- Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password: You’ll need this to reconnect the doorbell after any reset or transfer.
- Access to the current owner’s Ring account (if transferring): The person who currently owns the device must initiate the transfer.
- A valid email address for the new owner: This is where the transfer invitation will be sent.
- Your Ring doorbell model: Most Ring doorbells support ownership transfer, but it’s good to confirm (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, 3, 3 Plus, 4, Pro, Pro 2, etc.).
- A stable internet connection: Both during setup and for syncing the device.
Having these ready will save you time and frustration. Now, let’s look at the two main ways to change your Ring doorbell account: transferring ownership and performing a factory reset.
Method 1: Transferring Ownership to a New Account
This is the cleanest and recommended way to change your Ring doorbell account—especially if you’re selling the device or moving it to a new user. It preserves the device’s settings and allows a smooth handoff.
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner. Then select Devices from the menu. Find your doorbell in the list and tap on it.
Step 3: Select “Device Ownership”
Scroll down until you see the Device Ownership section. Tap on it. You’ll see options like “Transfer Ownership” and “Remove from Account.”
Step 4: Choose “Transfer Ownership”
Tap Transfer Ownership. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person who will take over the doorbell. This must be an email associated with a valid Ring account.
Pro Tip: If the new owner doesn’t have a Ring account yet, they’ll need to create one first. They can download the Ring app and sign up for free.
Step 5: Confirm the Transfer
After entering the email, tap Send Transfer Request. The new owner will receive an email invitation to accept the transfer.
Step 6: New Owner Accepts the Transfer
The new owner must open the email and follow the link to accept the transfer. They’ll be guided through the process in the Ring app. Once accepted, the doorbell will appear in their device list.
Step 7: Reconnect to Wi-Fi (If Needed)
In most cases, the doorbell will remain connected to the same Wi-Fi network. But if the new owner is using a different network (e.g., moving to a new home), they’ll need to reconnect it:
- Open the Ring app.
- Go to the doorbell’s settings.
- Tap Device Health > Wi-Fi Network.
- Follow the prompts to reconnect to the new network.
Important Notes on Ownership Transfer
- Both parties must have Ring accounts: You can’t transfer to an email without a Ring account.
- Only the current owner can initiate the transfer: If you’re the new owner and the previous one won’t cooperate, you’ll need to use the factory reset method (see below).
- Video history does not transfer: All past recordings stay with the original account. The new owner starts with a clean slate.
- Shared users are different: You can add people as “Shared Users” without transferring full ownership. They can view live feeds and recordings but can’t change settings or remove the device.
Method 2: Factory Resetting the Doorbell (When Previous Owner Is Unavailable)
Sometimes, you can’t contact the previous owner—maybe you bought a used doorbell on Craigslist, inherited one, or the owner is unresponsive. In these cases, you’ll need to perform a factory reset to remove the device from the old account and set it up as new.
Warning: A factory reset erases all settings, including Wi-Fi info and motion zones. You’ll also lose access to any recorded footage. Only use this method if ownership transfer isn’t possible.
Step 1: Locate the Reset Button
The reset button is usually on the back or side of the doorbell, depending on the model:
- Ring Video Doorbell (1st Gen): Small pinhole on the back.
- Ring Doorbell 2, 3, 3 Plus, 4: Orange button on the back.
- Ring Doorbell Pro, Pro 2: Small button under the faceplate.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Reset Button
Use a paperclip, SIM tool, or small pin to press and hold the reset button:
- For most models: Hold for 15–20 seconds until the light on the front flashes.
- For Ring Doorbell Pro: Hold for 10 seconds until the light ring turns solid white, then release.
Tip: The light behavior varies by model. Refer to Ring’s official support page for your specific doorbell if you’re unsure.
Step 3: Wait for the Reset to Complete
After releasing the button, the doorbell will restart. This may take 1–2 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the light stops flashing and returns to normal (or turns off).
Step 4: Set Up the Doorbell as New
Now that the device is reset, it’s no longer linked to any account. You can set it up as if it were brand new:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap the + (plus) icon to add a new device.
- Select Doorbells and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Scan the QR code on the doorbell or enter the serial number manually.
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Complete the setup, including motion zones and notifications.
What to Expect After a Factory Reset
- The doorbell will appear as a new device in your account.
- All previous settings are gone—you’ll need to reconfigure motion zones, alerts, and chimes.
- No past recordings are recoverable.
- If the doorbell was previously linked to a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, you’ll need to reconnect those too.
Switching Between Your Own Accounts
Maybe you have multiple Ring accounts—one for home, one for a rental property—and you want to move a doorbell from one to the other. Unfortunately, you cannot directly transfer a device between your own accounts. Ring doesn’t allow this for security reasons.
Instead, you have two options:
Option 1: Use Shared Users
Add your second account as a Shared User on the doorbell. This lets you view live feeds and recordings from both accounts, but only the primary owner can change settings.
- Go to the doorbell’s settings in the Ring app.
- Tap Shared Users > Add Shared User.
- Enter the email of your second Ring account.
- The second account will receive an invitation to accept access.
Option 2: Factory Reset and Re-add
If you need full control on the second account, you’ll need to:
- Remove the doorbell from the first account (via Device Ownership > Remove from Account).
- Perform a factory reset on the doorbell.
- Set it up again under your second account.
This is more work, but it gives you complete ownership on the new account.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful steps, things can go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
“Transfer Request Not Received”
If the new owner doesn’t get the transfer email:
- Check the spam/junk folder.
- Ensure the email address was entered correctly.
- Ask the new owner to log into their Ring app and check for pending invitations under Account > Device Invitations.
- Resend the transfer request if needed.
“Device Still Shows Up in Old Account”
After a transfer, the doorbell might still appear in the original owner’s app. This is usually a sync issue.
- Force close and reopen the Ring app.
- Log out and log back in.
- Check under Devices—if it’s still there, tap it and select Remove from Account to fully disconnect.
“Can’t Connect to Wi-Fi After Reset”
If the doorbell won’t connect to your network:
- Make sure you’re within range of your router.
- Double-check the Wi-Fi password.
- Try connecting to a 2.4 GHz network (most Ring doorbells don’t support 5 GHz).
- Restart your router and try again.
- If all else fails, perform another factory reset and retry setup.
“Factory Reset Didn’t Work”
If the doorbell still won’t reset:
- Ensure you’re holding the button long enough (15–20 seconds).
- Try removing the battery (if applicable) and reinserting it after 30 seconds.
- For wired models, turn off the power at the breaker for 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Contact Ring Support if the issue persists.
Best Practices for Changing Ring Doorbell Accounts
To make the process smooth and secure, follow these tips:
- Always back up important recordings: Download any videos you want to keep before transferring or resetting.
- Communicate clearly with the new owner: Share Wi-Fi details, setup tips, and any quirks about the device.
- Update your address in the Ring app: This helps with emergency features like Ring Protect and neighborhood alerts.
- Remove old devices promptly: If you’re no longer using a doorbell, remove it from your account to free up space and improve security.
- Use strong passwords: Ensure both the old and new accounts have secure login credentials.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Adds an extra layer of protection to your Ring account.
When to Contact Ring Support
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t change your Ring doorbell account, it’s time to reach out for help. Contact Ring Support if:
- The transfer request fails repeatedly.
- The doorbell won’t reset or connect to Wi-Fi.
- You see error messages like “Device Not Found” or “Account Mismatch.”
- The previous owner is uncooperative and you can’t reset the device.
You can contact Ring Support via:
- The Help section in the Ring app.
- Phone: 1-800-656-1918 (US).
- Live chat on ring.com.
- Email through the support portal.
Have your device model, serial number, and account details ready to speed up the process.
Conclusion
Changing your Ring doorbell account doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re transferring ownership to a new user, resetting a used device, or managing multiple accounts, the key is to follow the right steps and use the official Ring app.
Remember: ownership transfer is the cleanest method when both parties are available. If not, a factory reset gets the job done—just be prepared to reconfigure everything. And always keep your Wi-Fi info handy!
By following this guide, you’ll ensure your Ring doorbell stays secure, functional, and under the right control. Whether you’re moving, selling, or just reorganizing your smart home, you now have the knowledge to handle it like a pro.
Take your time, double-check each step, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Ring Support if you hit a snag. Your doorbell is more than just a camera—it’s your first line of defense. Make sure it’s working for you.