Changing the owner of a Ring Doorbell is essential when moving, selling your home, or gifting the device. This guide walks you through every step—from removing the old owner to setting up the new one—ensuring a smooth, secure transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Only the current owner can initiate a transfer: You must be logged into the original Ring account to start the ownership change process.
- Both parties need the Ring app: The new owner must have the Ring app installed and a verified account before accepting ownership.
- Wi-Fi and power are required: The doorbell must be connected to power and Wi-Fi during the entire transfer process.
- Remove from old account first: Always remove the device from the original account before the new owner adds it to theirs.
- Subscription plans don’t transfer: Any active Ring Protect plans stay with the original owner and must be canceled or transferred separately.
- Factory reset may be needed: If the transfer fails, a factory reset can help resolve connectivity or ownership issues.
- Keep records for support: Save screenshots or notes of the transfer process in case you need help from Ring customer service.
How to Change the Owner of a Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve got a Ring Doorbell—maybe you’re moving into a new home, selling your current one, or simply passing the device along to a friend or family member. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: you need to change the owner of the Ring Doorbell. And you’re in the right place.
Changing ownership isn’t just about unplugging the device and handing it over. Ring devices are tied to user accounts for security, alerts, and cloud storage. That means transferring ownership properly ensures the new user gets full access—while protecting your personal data and privacy.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing the owner of a Ring Doorbell. Whether you’re the current owner handing it off or the new owner preparing to take over, you’ll learn exactly what to do—and what to avoid. We’ll cover everything from account setup and device removal to troubleshooting common issues.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to transfer ownership safely, confidently, and without losing any functionality. Let’s get started.
Why Change the Owner of a Ring Doorbell?
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why changing ownership matters.
Ring Doorbells are smart devices that connect to your home Wi-Fi and send real-time alerts, video recordings, and two-way audio to your smartphone via the Ring app. All of this data is linked to a Ring account—the “owner” of the device.
If you sell your home or give away the doorbell without transferring ownership, the new user won’t be able to receive alerts, view live video, or access recordings. Worse, they might accidentally trigger your notifications or gain access to your account if it’s still linked.
Changing ownership ensures:
– The new user gets full control.
– Your personal data and privacy are protected.
– The device works properly on the new account.
– You avoid potential security risks.
It’s a simple process, but skipping it can lead to frustration—or worse, a security breach. So let’s make sure it’s done right.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before you begin the transfer, make sure you have the following:
A Stable Internet Connection
The Ring Doorbell must be connected to Wi-Fi during the entire process. If the connection drops, the transfer may fail or get stuck.
Visual guide about How to Change the Owner of a Ring Doorbell
Image source: alphr.com
Power to the Doorbell
Ensure the doorbell has power—either through hardwiring or a fully charged battery. A dead battery can interrupt the transfer.
The Ring App Installed
Both the current owner and the new owner need the Ring app installed on their smartphones. It’s available for free on iOS and Android.
Access to the Original Ring Account
Only the current owner can initiate the transfer. You must be able to log in to the original Ring account and access the device settings.
The New Owner’s Email Address
You’ll need the email address associated with the new owner’s Ring account to send the transfer invitation.
Time and Patience
The process usually takes 10–15 minutes, but it’s best not to rush. Follow each step carefully to avoid errors.
Once you’ve checked these off, you’re ready to begin.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transfer Ownership
Now, let’s walk through the actual process of changing the owner of your Ring Doorbell. We’ll break it down into clear, manageable steps.
Step 1: Log In to the Original Ring Account
Open the Ring app on your smartphone and log in using the credentials of the current owner. This is the account that currently controls the doorbell.
Make sure you’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the doorbell, or at least have a strong cellular signal. The app needs to communicate with the device during the transfer.
Step 2: Locate Your Doorbell in the App
Once logged in, tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner of the app. Then select “Devices” from the menu.
You’ll see a list of all Ring devices linked to your account. Find your doorbell—it should be labeled with its name (e.g., “Front Door” or “Ring Video Doorbell Pro”).
Step 3: Open Device Settings
Tap on the doorbell to open its dashboard. Then, tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to access the device settings.
This is where you’ll find options for alerts, motion zones, and—most importantly—ownership settings.
Step 4: Select “Transfer Device”
Scroll down in the settings menu until you see the “Transfer Device” option. Tap on it.
A warning message will appear, explaining that transferring ownership will remove the device from your account. This is normal—just tap “Continue” to proceed.
Step 5: Enter the New Owner’s Email
You’ll now be prompted to enter the email address of the new owner. Make sure it’s the exact email they used to create their Ring account.
Double-check for typos. If the email is incorrect, the transfer invitation won’t reach the right person, and the process will fail.
Step 6: Confirm the Transfer
After entering the email, tap “Send Transfer Request.” The app will send an invitation to the new owner’s email address.
At this point, the doorbell is still on your account, but the transfer process has begun. The new owner now has 7 days to accept the invitation.
Step 7: Notify the New Owner
Let the new owner know they’ve received an email from Ring with a transfer invitation. They should check their inbox (and spam folder, just in case).
The email will contain a link to accept the transfer. They must click it and follow the instructions in the Ring app.
Step 8: New Owner Accepts the Transfer
The new owner should open the Ring app, log in to their account, and look for a notification or banner about the pending transfer.
They’ll tap “Accept” and follow the prompts to add the doorbell to their account. The app will guide them through setup, including naming the device and configuring settings.
Step 9: Verify the Transfer
Once the new owner accepts, the doorbell will automatically disconnect from your account and connect to theirs.
You can confirm this by going back to your Devices list in the Ring app. The doorbell should no longer appear. If it does, wait a few minutes—sometimes it takes a moment to update.
Step 10: Test the Doorbell
The new owner should test the doorbell by pressing the button or triggering motion. They should receive alerts and be able to view live video in the app.
If everything works, the transfer is complete!
What Happens to Ring Protect Plans?
One important thing to know: Ring Protect subscription plans do not automatically transfer with the device.
If you have an active Ring Protect plan (Basic or Plus), it remains linked to your account—even after transferring the doorbell. This means:
– You’ll continue to be charged unless you cancel the plan.
– The new owner won’t have access to cloud recordings unless they subscribe separately.
How to Handle Subscriptions
If you want to cancel your plan, go to the Ring app, tap the menu (☰), select “Protect Plan,” and choose “Cancel Plan.” You can do this before or after the transfer.
Alternatively, you can contact Ring support to request a partial refund for unused time, though this isn’t guaranteed.
The new owner can sign up for their own Ring Protect plan after accepting the device. They’ll get a 30-day free trial when they add the doorbell to their account.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful steps, things can go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Issue 1: Transfer Invitation Not Received
If the new owner doesn’t get the email, check the following:
- Was the correct email entered? Double-check for typos.
- Is the email associated with an active Ring account? The new owner must have a verified account.
- Check the spam or junk folder. Sometimes Ring emails get filtered.
- Try resending the invitation from the original account.
Issue 2: Doorbell Doesn’t Appear in New Owner’s App
If the new owner accepts the transfer but the doorbell doesn’t show up:
- Close and reopen the Ring app.
- Ensure the doorbell has power and is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Restart the doorbell by removing the battery (if battery-powered) or flipping the breaker (if hardwired).
- Wait 5–10 minutes—sometimes the app takes time to sync.
Issue 3: “Device Not Found” Error
This usually means the doorbell lost connection during the transfer. Try this:
- Make sure the doorbell is within range of the Wi-Fi router.
- Move closer to the doorbell with your phone.
- Reconnect the doorbell to Wi-Fi using the Ring app’s setup mode.
- If all else fails, perform a factory reset (see below).
Issue 4: Old Owner Still Sees the Doorbell
If the doorbell still appears in your app after the transfer:
- Force-close the Ring app and reopen it.
- Log out and log back in to refresh the account.
- Check if the new owner has fully accepted the transfer.
- If the issue persists, contact Ring support with your account details.
When to Perform a Factory Reset
If the transfer fails repeatedly or the doorbell becomes unresponsive, a factory reset may be necessary.
A factory reset erases all settings and returns the doorbell to its original state—like it’s fresh out of the box. This can resolve stubborn connectivity or ownership issues.
How to Factory Reset a Ring Doorbell
The method varies slightly by model, but here’s the general process:
For Battery-Powered Models (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2/3/4):
- Remove the battery from the back of the doorbell.
- Press and hold the orange button on the back for 20 seconds.
- Reinsert the battery. The light on the front will flash, indicating a reset.
For Hardwired Models (e.g., Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Elite):
- Locate the reset button on the back or side of the device.
- Use a paperclip or pin to press and hold the button for 15–20 seconds.
- The LED will flash, signaling the reset is complete.
After the Reset
Once reset, the doorbell will no longer be linked to any account. The new owner can then set it up as if it were brand new—using the Ring app’s “Set Up a Device” option.
This method is a last resort but highly effective when other steps fail.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
To make the ownership change as seamless as possible, keep these tips in mind:
Communicate Clearly
Let the new owner know what to expect. Share this guide with them so they understand the steps on their end.
Do It Together (If Possible)
If you’re nearby, consider doing the transfer in person. This way, you can troubleshoot in real time and ensure everything works.
Remove Other Devices
If you’re moving and transferring multiple Ring devices (like cameras or alarms), remove them all at once to avoid confusion.
Check for Firmware Updates
Before transferring, make sure the doorbell has the latest firmware. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
Keep Your Info Secure
Never share your Ring login credentials. The transfer process is designed to work without giving anyone your password.
Final Thoughts
Changing the owner of a Ring Doorbell might seem complicated at first, but it’s actually a straightforward process—when you know the steps. By following this guide, you can ensure a secure, hassle-free transfer that protects your privacy and gives the new owner full control.
Remember: only the current owner can initiate the transfer, both parties need the Ring app, and the device must have power and Wi-Fi. Take your time, double-check details, and don’t hesitate to use a factory reset if needed.
Whether you’re moving, selling, or gifting your Ring Doorbell, doing the transfer right means peace of mind for everyone involved.
Need Help? Contact Ring Support
If you run into issues you can’t solve, Ring’s customer support team is available to help.
You can reach them via:
– The Ring app (tap the menu ☰ > Help & Support)
– Phone: 1-800-656-1918 (U.S.)
– Online chat at support.ring.com
Have your account email, device model, and a description of the issue ready to speed up the process.
With the right approach, changing the owner of a Ring Doorbell is simple, safe, and stress-free.