This guide walks you through the complete process of changing Ring Doorbell ownership, whether you’re selling your home, gifting the device, or upgrading. We cover account removal, device reset, and setup for the new owner—ensuring a smooth, secure transfer every time.
Key Takeaways
- Only the current owner can initiate an ownership transfer through the Ring app—guests or shared users cannot perform this action.
- Factory reset is required before transferring to protect your privacy and allow the new owner to set up the device properly.
- All video history and settings are erased during the reset, so back up important recordings beforehand if possible.
- The new owner must have a Ring account and the Ring app installed on their smartphone to complete the setup.
- Ownership transfer works for most Ring Doorbells, including Video Doorbell (1st–4th Gen), Pro, Pro 2, and Battery models.
- Wi-Fi network changes may be needed if the new location uses a different network name or password.
- Contact Ring Support if issues arise—they can assist with locked devices or failed transfers.
How to Change Ring Doorbell Ownership: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Changing ownership of your Ring Doorbell might sound complicated, but it’s actually a straightforward process—if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re moving to a new home, selling your house, gifting the doorbell to a friend or family member, or simply upgrading to a newer model, transferring ownership ensures the new user gets full control while protecting your personal data.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the ownership transfer process. You’ll learn how to remove your Ring Doorbell from your account, perform a factory reset, and help the new owner set it up as if it were brand new. We’ll also cover common pitfalls, troubleshooting tips, and best practices to make the transition smooth and secure.
By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident handling the transfer yourself—no need to call tech support unless something goes wrong. Let’s get started!
Why Transfer Ownership?
Visual guide about How to Change Ring Doorbell Ownership
Image source: doorbellnest.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why changing ownership matters. Ring Doorbells are linked to your Ring account, which stores video recordings, motion settings, alerts, and user permissions. If you simply unplug the device and hand it over without properly transferring ownership, the new user won’t be able to access these features—and worse, your personal data could still be accessible.
Transferring ownership does three key things:
– Removes the device from your account permanently.
– Erases all stored data (including videos and settings).
– Allows the new owner to claim the device under their own Ring account.
This process protects your privacy and gives the new user a fresh start with their own customized settings.
Who Can Transfer Ownership?
Only the **primary account holder** (the person who originally set up the Ring Doorbell) can initiate an ownership transfer. Shared users or guests—even those with full access—cannot remove the device from the account or transfer it to someone else.
If you’re not the original owner but need to transfer the device (for example, if you bought a used Ring Doorbell), you’ll first need to contact the original owner and ask them to perform the transfer. Alternatively, if the device is still linked to their account, you may need to reach out to Ring Support for assistance.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before beginning the transfer process, gather the following:
– Your smartphone with the Ring app installed and logged into your account.
– The Ring Doorbell you want to transfer (must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi).
– Access to the physical device (to press buttons if needed).
– The new owner’s email address (they’ll receive an invitation).
– A stable Wi-Fi connection at the location where the doorbell will be used.
Optional but helpful:
– A computer or tablet to check email or view instructions.
– A screwdriver (if you need to remove the doorbell from the wall).
Having these items ready will prevent delays and frustration during the transfer.
Step 1: Remove the Device from Your Ring Account
The first step is to remove the Ring Doorbell from your account. This doesn’t physically disconnect the device—it just severs the digital link between your account and the doorbell.
Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone. Make sure you’re logged in as the primary account holder.
Navigate to Device Settings
Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner. Then select “Devices” from the menu. Find your Ring Doorbell in the list and tap on it.
Go to Device Health
Once you’re on the device dashboard, scroll down and tap “Device Health.” This section shows connection status, battery level, and other diagnostics.
Select “Remove Device”
Scroll to the bottom of the Device Health screen and tap “Remove Device.” You’ll see a warning message explaining that this action will disconnect the device from your account and erase all data.
Confirm Removal
Tap “Remove” to confirm. The app will process the request, and the device will disappear from your account within a few seconds.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have multiple Ring devices, double-check that you’re removing the correct one. Once removed, you can’t undo this step without re-adding the device.
Step 2: Perform a Factory Reset
After removing the device from your account, you must perform a factory reset. This ensures all personal data—including video history, motion zones, and Wi-Fi credentials—is wiped clean.
Not all Ring Doorbells reset the same way, so follow the instructions below based on your model.
For Ring Video Doorbell (1st–4th Gen) and Battery Models
1. Locate the orange button on the back of the doorbell (you may need to remove it from the mounting bracket).
2. Press and hold the orange button for **15 seconds**.
3. Release the button when the light on the front of the doorbell starts flashing white.
4. Wait for the light to turn solid white—this means the reset is complete.
For Ring Doorbell Pro and Pro 2
1. Remove the faceplate to access the internal buttons.
2. Press and hold the black reset button (located near the micro-USB port) for **15 seconds**.
3. Release the button when the LED light begins flashing white.
4. Wait for the light to turn solid white.
For Ring Doorbell Wired (2nd Gen)
1. Remove the doorbell from the wall to access the back.
2. Press and hold the orange button for **15 seconds**.
3. Release when the front light flashes white, then wait for it to turn solid white.
💡 Important: Do not skip the factory reset! Even if you removed the device from your account, a reset is required to fully clear data and allow the new owner to claim it.
Step 3: Prepare the New Owner
Now that your Ring Doorbell is reset and ready, it’s time to hand it over to the new owner. But before they can use it, they’ll need to set it up properly.
Ensure They Have a Ring Account
The new owner must have a Ring account. If they don’t, they can download the Ring app (available on iOS and Android) and create a free account using their email address.
Provide Setup Instructions
Share these steps with the new owner:
– Download and open the Ring app.
– Log in to their account.
– Tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
– Select “Doorbells” and follow the on-screen prompts.
– When prompted, scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell or enter the serial number manually.
– Connect the doorbell to their Wi-Fi network.
– Complete the setup by naming the device and adjusting settings.
💡 Pro Tip: If the new owner is nearby, you can stay on the phone or video call to guide them through the process. This reduces confusion and ensures everything works correctly.
Step 4: Help the New Owner Complete Setup
While the new owner handles most of the setup, you can assist by providing key information and troubleshooting if needed.
Share Wi-Fi Details
Make sure the new owner knows the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password for the location where the doorbell will be installed. Ring Doorbells require a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network—5 GHz networks are not supported.
Verify Installation Location
Confirm that the doorbell is mounted in a spot with strong Wi-Fi signal. Weak signal can cause connectivity issues, dropped recordings, or delayed alerts.
Test the Doorbell
Once setup is complete, have the new owner test the doorbell by pressing the button and checking if they receive a notification on their phone. They should also verify that live view and motion alerts are working.
💡 Pro Tip: Encourage the new owner to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on their Ring account for added security.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, problems can arise during the ownership transfer. Here’s how to handle the most common ones.
Device Not Showing Up in the App
If the new owner can’t find the doorbell during setup:
– Ensure the device is powered on and the light is solid white.
– Confirm the factory reset was completed (light should flash white during reset).
– Try scanning the QR code again or manually entering the serial number.
– Restart the Ring app and try again.
Wi-Fi Connection Fails
If the doorbell won’t connect to Wi-Fi:
– Double-check the network name and password.
– Move closer to the router during setup.
– Temporarily disable any VPNs or firewalls on the network.
– Reset the doorbell again and retry.
Original Owner Still Sees the Device
If the device still appears in your account after removal:
– Force-close and reopen the Ring app.
– Log out and log back into your account.
– Wait up to 24 hours for sync delays (rare, but possible).
– Contact Ring Support if the issue persists.
New Owner Can’t Claim the Device
If the new owner gets an error like “Device already claimed”:
– Confirm the factory reset was done correctly.
– Ensure the original owner fully removed the device from their account.
– Wait 15–30 minutes and try again—sometimes the system needs time to update.
Doorbell Doesn’t Power On
If the device won’t turn on after reset:
– For battery models: Replace the battery or recharge it fully.
– For wired models: Check that the wires are securely connected and the breaker is on.
– Test with a different power source if possible.
💡 When to Contact Ring Support: If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and the device still won’t transfer or function, reach out to Ring Customer Support via the app or website. They can remotely diagnose issues and may unlock the device if it’s stuck in a previous account.
Best Practices for a Smooth Transfer
To avoid headaches and ensure a successful ownership change, follow these best practices:
– Back up important recordings: Before resetting, review your video history and save any clips you want to keep. Once reset, all recordings are permanently deleted.
– Communicate clearly with the new owner: Provide written instructions or a quick demo to reduce confusion.
– Transfer during daylight hours: It’s easier to see buttons and lights when setting up outdoors.
– Keep packaging and accessories: Include the mounting kit, screws, and charging cable if applicable.
– Update your home security plan: If you had a Ring Protect Plan, cancel or transfer it as needed. The new owner will need to subscribe separately.
What Happens to Your Ring Protect Plan?
If you had a Ring Protect Plan (which stores video recordings in the cloud), it remains tied to your account—not the device. When you remove the doorbell, it’s automatically removed from your plan.
You can:
– Keep the plan active for other Ring devices (like cameras or alarms).
– Cancel the plan if you no longer need it.
– Transfer the plan to the new owner (not recommended, as it’s tied to your payment method).
The new owner will need to subscribe to their own Ring Protect Plan if they want cloud storage. Free accounts allow live view and motion alerts, but recordings are only saved for 120 days and must be manually downloaded.
Can You Transfer Ownership Remotely?
Yes—you don’t need to be physically present to transfer ownership. As long as you have access to the Ring app and can perform the factory reset (either in person or by guiding someone else), the transfer can happen from anywhere.
For example, if you’re selling your home and the new owners are moving in next week, you can remove the device from your account and reset it before you leave. Then, provide the new owners with setup instructions.
Just make sure someone can access the doorbell to press the reset button if needed.
Final Thoughts
Changing Ring Doorbell ownership doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to safely remove your device, wipe all personal data, and prepare it for a new user. Whether you’re moving, upgrading, or gifting your doorbell, these steps ensure a clean, secure transfer.
Remember: always perform a factory reset, communicate clearly with the new owner, and double-check that the device is fully removed from your account. And if you run into trouble, Ring Support is just a tap away.
With your Ring Doorbell now in the right hands, you can rest easy knowing your privacy is protected—and someone else gets to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with smart home security.