Changing your Ring Doorbell plan is simple with the Ring app. Whether upgrading, downgrading, or canceling, this guide walks you through each step clearly. Save money and get the right features for your home security needs.
Key Takeaways
- Access your plan settings via the Ring app: All plan changes are managed directly in the app, not on the website or device.
- Understand your current plan before changing: Review features like video recording length, cloud storage, and alert types to make an informed decision.
- You can upgrade or downgrade anytime: Ring allows flexible plan changes without long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- Changes take effect at the next billing cycle: Plan updates don’t happen immediately—your new plan starts when your current billing period ends.
- Cancel anytime with no penalties: Ring offers month-to-month subscriptions, so you can stop service whenever you want.
- Keep your recordings during transitions: Your saved videos remain accessible even if you switch or pause your plan.
- Contact support if you run into issues: Ring’s customer service can help with billing, plan confusion, or technical problems.
How to Change Ring Doorbell Plan: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve got a Ring Doorbell—great choice! It’s helped you catch package thieves, greet guests when you’re not home, and feel safer overall. But now you’re wondering: Can I change my Ring Doorbell plan? Maybe you’re paying for features you don’t use, or maybe you need more cloud storage. The good news? Yes, you absolutely can change your Ring Doorbell plan—and it’s easier than you think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing your Ring Doorbell plan. Whether you want to upgrade to a higher-tier plan, downgrade to save money, or cancel altogether, we’ve got you covered. We’ll explain how the plans work, where to make changes, what to expect during the transition, and how to avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll feel confident managing your Ring subscription like a pro.
Let’s dive in.
Understanding Ring Doorbell Plans
Visual guide about How to Change Ring Doorbell Plan
Image source: safewise.com
Before you change your plan, it’s important to understand what Ring offers. Ring provides optional subscription plans called Ring Protect Plans. These aren’t required to use your doorbell—your device will still send motion alerts and live video without a plan—but they unlock powerful features like video recording, cloud storage, and advanced alerts.
There are two main types of Ring Protect Plans:
Ring Protect Basic
- Covers one Ring doorbell or security camera
- Video recording for up to 180 days
- Motion and doorbell press alerts with video clips
- Snapshot Capture (still images between recordings)
- Live View (real-time video streaming)
- Two-way audio
- Price: Around $3.99/month or $39.99/year per device
Ring Protect Plus
- Covers all Ring devices at your location (unlimited devices)
- Everything in Basic, plus extended video history
- Extended Video History (up to 180 days of recordings)
- 10% discount on select Ring devices
- Extended warranty on covered devices
- Price: Around $10/month or $100/year per location
Ring Protect Pro (Newer Option)
- Includes all Plus features
- Professional monitoring for Ring Alarm systems
- Cellular backup for alarm systems
- Alexa Guard Plus integration
- Price: Around $20/month or $200/year
Now that you know the options, let’s talk about how to change your plan.
How to Change Your Ring Doorbell Plan in the App
All plan changes happen in the Ring app—not on the website or your physical device. The app is your control center for everything Ring, including billing and subscriptions. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. You can download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Open the app and log in with your Ring account credentials.
Step 2: Go to the Menu
Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-left corner of the screen. This opens the main menu.
Step 3: Select “Account”
Scroll down and tap on “Account”. This section contains all your personal settings, devices, and subscription details.
Step 4: Tap “Protect Plan”
Under the Account menu, look for “Protect Plan” and tap it. This will show you your current plan, billing cycle, and options to change or cancel.
Step 5: Review Your Current Plan
Here, you’ll see:
- Which plan you’re on (Basic, Plus, or Pro)
- Which devices are covered
- Next billing date
- Price and payment method
Take a moment to review this info. If you’re on Basic but have multiple Ring devices, upgrading to Plus might save you money.
Step 6: Choose a New Plan
Tap “Change Plan” or “Upgrade” (the wording may vary). You’ll see a list of available plans. Select the one you want:
- Upgrade: If you’re on Basic and want Plus or Pro
- Downgrade: If you’re on Plus or Pro and want Basic or no plan
- Cancel: If you no longer want a subscription
Step 7: Confirm the Change
After selecting your new plan, the app will show a summary of the change, including:
- New monthly or annual price
- When the change takes effect (next billing cycle)
- Any prorated charges or credits
Tap “Confirm” to proceed. You’ll receive a confirmation email from Ring shortly after.
Step 8: Wait for the Transition
Your plan change won’t happen immediately. It will take effect at the start of your next billing cycle. For example, if your billing date is the 15th of the month, your new plan will begin on the 15th—even if you changed it on the 5th.
During this time, your current plan remains active. You’ll still have access to all your existing features until the switch.
Upgrading Your Ring Doorbell Plan
Upgrading is a great way to get more value from your Ring system—especially if you have multiple devices. Here’s what happens when you upgrade:
From Basic to Plus
Let’s say you have a Ring Doorbell and a Ring Floodlight Cam. You’re paying $3.99/month for Basic on each device—that’s nearly $8/month. By upgrading to Plus ($10/month), you cover both devices (and any future ones) for less money. Plus, you get extended warranty and device discounts.
From Plus to Pro
If you have a Ring Alarm system, upgrading to Pro adds professional monitoring. This means if your alarm goes off, a monitoring center will contact you and, if needed, dispatch emergency services. It’s ideal for homeowners who want maximum security.
Tips for Upgrading
- Check your device count: If you have more than two Ring devices, Plus is usually the better deal.
- Consider annual billing: Paying yearly saves about 17% compared to monthly.
- Use the 30-day trial: New users often get a free trial of Plus or Pro—take advantage to test features.
Downgrading Your Ring Doorbell Plan
Maybe you’re not using all the features, or you want to cut costs. Downgrading is just as easy as upgrading.
From Plus to Basic
If you only have one Ring device, downgrading to Basic makes sense. You’ll lose the ability to cover multiple devices and the extended warranty, but you’ll save $6/month.
From Pro to Plus or Basic
If you don’t have a Ring Alarm or don’t need professional monitoring, downgrading to Plus or Basic can save you $10–$16/month.
What You Lose When Downgrading
- Multiple device coverage: Only one device covered under Basic
- Extended warranty: Devices no longer qualify for free replacements
- Device discounts: No more 10% off Ring purchases
- Professional monitoring: Only available with Pro
Tips for Downgrading
- Back up important videos: While your recordings stay in the cloud, consider downloading critical clips before downgrading.
- Check your billing cycle: Downgrade early in the cycle to maximize savings.
- Keep an eye on features: Make sure Basic still meets your needs—like 180-day video history.
Canceling Your Ring Doorbell Plan
Sometimes, you just don’t need a subscription anymore. Maybe you’re moving, switching brands, or relying on local storage. Canceling is simple and penalty-free.
How to Cancel
Follow the same steps as changing your plan:
- Open the Ring app
- Go to Menu > Account > Protect Plan
- Tap “Cancel Plan”
- Confirm your choice
What Happens After Cancellation?
- Your plan ends at the next billing date
- You keep access to live view, motion alerts, and two-way talk
- Video recording stops—no new clips saved
- Existing recordings remain in the cloud until they expire (based on your last plan’s retention period)
Can You Reactivate Later?
Yes! You can resubscribe anytime. Your device settings and past recordings (if still available) will remain intact.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a simple process, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix common problems.
“I Can’t Find the Protect Plan Option”
- Make sure you’re logged into the correct Ring account
- Update the Ring app to the latest version
- Try logging out and back in
- If you have multiple locations, ensure you’re viewing the right one
“My Plan Didn’t Change”
- Remember: Changes take effect at the next billing cycle
- Check your email for a confirmation from Ring
- Verify your payment method is valid—expired cards can delay updates
- Contact Ring support if it’s past your billing date
“I Was Charged Twice”
- This can happen if you changed plans near your billing date
- Ring may charge for the current cycle and prorate the next
- Check your bank statement and Ring billing history
- Contact support for a refund if it’s an error
“I Lost My Recordings After Changing Plans”
- Recordings aren’t deleted when you change plans
- They remain available until they expire (based on retention period)
- If you can’t see them, check your device’s timeline in the app
- Ensure you’re viewing the correct date range
Tips for Managing Your Ring Plan
To get the most out of your Ring Doorbell and subscription, keep these tips in mind:
Review Your Plan Every 6 Months
Your needs change. Maybe you added a new camera or moved to a safer neighborhood. Regularly check if your plan still makes sense.
Use the Free Features
Even without a plan, Ring offers:
- Live View
- Motion and doorbell alerts
- Two-way audio
- Snapshot Capture (limited)
These are great for basic monitoring.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Ring often runs promotions:
- First-time subscribers may get a free trial
- Annual plans are cheaper than monthly
- Plus and Pro include 10% off devices
Keep Your App Updated
New features and bug fixes are added regularly. An outdated app might not show all plan options.
Use Multiple Devices Wisely
If you have more than one Ring device, Plus is almost always the better value. Calculate your costs:
- 2 devices on Basic: ~$8/month
- 1 location on Plus: $10/month
You save $2/month and get extra perks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I change my Ring plan on the website?
No, plan changes must be made in the Ring mobile app. The website doesn’t support subscription management.
Will I lose my videos if I cancel my plan?
No, your existing recordings stay in the cloud until they expire based on your last plan’s retention period (up to 180 days). You just can’t save new videos.
Can I have different plans for different devices?
No. Ring Protect Plus and Pro cover all devices at one location. You can’t mix plans. However, you can have Basic on one device if others are unprotected.
Is there a contract or cancellation fee?
No. Ring plans are month-to-month with no long-term commitment. You can cancel anytime without penalties.
What if I move to a new house?
You can transfer your Ring devices and plan to a new location. Just update your address in the app under Account > Location.
Can I pause my plan instead of canceling?
Ring doesn’t offer a pause option. You must cancel and resubscribe later. Your devices will still work with free features.
Final Thoughts
Changing your Ring Doorbell plan is a smart way to tailor your home security to your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re upgrading for more features, downgrading to save money, or canceling altogether, the process is straightforward and flexible.
Remember:
- All changes happen in the Ring app
- Plan updates take effect at the next billing cycle
- You keep access to free features like live view and alerts
- Your recordings remain safe during transitions
By understanding your options and following the steps in this guide, you can make confident decisions about your Ring subscription. And if you ever get stuck, Ring’s customer support is just a chat or call away.
So go ahead—take control of your Ring plan today. Your doorbell (and your wallet) will thank you.