How to Configure Ring Video Doorbell for Two Smartphones

Setting up your Ring Video Doorbell for two smartphones allows multiple users to receive alerts, view live video, and manage settings. This guide walks you through sharing access, syncing devices, and troubleshooting sync issues so you and a family member or roommate can stay connected.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple users can access the same Ring device: You can invite a second smartphone user via the Ring app to share control and notifications.
• Sharing requires an invitation: The primary account holder must send an invite through the Ring app to add another user.
• Both users get full access: Once accepted, the second user can view live video, receive motion alerts, and adjust settings.
• Ensure both phones have the latest Ring app: Outdated apps may cause sync or login issues.
• Use the same Wi-Fi network during setup: This helps ensure a smooth connection between the doorbell and both smartphones.
• Troubleshoot login or notification issues: Common fixes include restarting the app, checking permissions, and re-inviting the user if needed.
• Manage user permissions easily: You can remove or edit access at any time from the Ring app’s user settings.

How to Configure Ring Video Doorbell for Two Smartphones

So you’ve installed your Ring Video Doorbell and it’s working great—now you want to share access with your partner, roommate, or family member. Maybe you want your spouse to get doorbell alerts when you’re at work, or your teen to see who’s at the door after school. Whatever the reason, setting up your Ring doorbell for two smartphones is simple, secure, and totally doable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to configure your Ring Video Doorbell so that two smartphones can receive notifications, view live video, and manage settings. We’ll cover how to invite a second user, sync both devices, manage permissions, and troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you and your co-user will be fully connected to your smart doorbell—no technical headaches required.

Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?

Sharing access to your Ring Video Doorbell isn’t just convenient—it’s smart. When two people can monitor the same device, you double your awareness of who’s at the door, when packages arrive, or if something suspicious happens. It’s especially useful for families, roommates, or couples who share a home but have different schedules.

For example, if you’re at work and your partner is home with the kids, they can answer the door remotely or check who rang the bell. Or if you’re traveling, your roommate can keep an eye on things and alert you if needed. With shared access, you’re never out of the loop.

Plus, Ring makes it easy to manage who has access. You’re always in control—you can add or remove users anytime, and you decide what level of access they get. It’s secure, flexible, and perfect for modern households.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you begin configuring your Ring doorbell for two smartphones, make sure you have the following ready:

• A fully installed and working Ring Video Doorbell: Your doorbell should already be set up, connected to Wi-Fi, and functioning properly.
• Two smartphones: One is likely already set up (the primary user). The second is the one you want to add.
• The Ring app installed on both phones: Download the free Ring app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if it’s not already installed.
• Your Ring account login details: The primary user must be logged in to their Ring account.
• The second user’s email address: You’ll need this to send the invitation.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection: Both phones should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network during setup for best results.

Having everything ready will make the process smooth and frustration-free. If your doorbell isn’t working yet, check our Doorbell Fixes section for installation help before proceeding.

Step 1: Open the Ring App on the Primary Phone

The first step is to open the Ring app on the smartphone that’s already connected to your doorbell—this is the primary user’s device. Make sure you’re logged in to your Ring account. If you’re not, tap “Sign In” and enter your email and password.

Check Your Connection

Once logged in, look at the home screen. You should see your Ring Video Doorbell listed with a live preview or recent activity. If you don’t see it, tap the menu icon (three lines) and select “Devices” to find your doorbell.

If your doorbell isn’t showing up, make sure it’s powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. You can check this by going to “Device Health” in the app. A green checkmark means it’s online. If it’s offline, follow the troubleshooting steps at the end of this guide.

Ensure App Is Updated

Before adding a second user, make sure your Ring app is up to date. Outdated apps can cause sync issues or prevent invitations from being sent. To update:

• On iPhone: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll down to see if the Ring app has an update.
• On Android: Open Google Play Store, search for “Ring,” and tap “Update” if available.

Updating ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes, which is especially important when sharing access.

Step 2: Invite the Second User

Now it’s time to invite the second smartphone user. This is done through the Ring app’s user management feature. Here’s how:

Go to User Settings

From the home screen of the Ring app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner. Scroll down and select “Users.” This is where you manage who has access to your Ring devices.

Send an Invitation

Tap “Add User” or “Invite User” (the wording may vary slightly depending on your app version). You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to invite. Make sure it’s the email they use for their Ring account—or the one they’ll create if they don’t have one yet.

After entering the email, tap “Send Invitation.” Ring will send an email to that address with a link to accept the invite.

Choose Access Level (Optional)

Some Ring plans allow you to set permission levels—like “Owner,” “Admin,” or “User.” The primary account holder is usually the “Owner.” When inviting a second user, you can typically choose whether they have full access or limited access.

For most households, giving “Admin” or “User” access is sufficient. This allows them to view video, receive alerts, and adjust settings—but not delete the device or change billing info.

If you’re unsure, go with “User” access. You can always change it later.

Step 3: Accept the Invitation on the Second Smartphone

Once the invitation is sent, the second user needs to accept it on their smartphone. Here’s what they should do:

Check Their Email

The second user should open their email app and look for a message from Ring with the subject “You’ve been invited to share a Ring device.” If they don’t see it, check the spam or promotions folder.

Tap the Invitation Link

Inside the email, there will be a button or link that says “Accept Invitation” or “Join Ring.” They should tap this link. It will open the Ring app if it’s installed, or take them to the app store to download it.

Create or Log In to a Ring Account

If the second user doesn’t have a Ring account, they’ll be prompted to create one. They’ll need to enter their name, email, and create a password. If they already have an account, they’ll just log in.

After logging in or signing up, the app will confirm that they’ve been added as a user to your Ring doorbell. They may see a welcome message or be taken directly to the device feed.

Verify Access

Once accepted, the second user should see your Ring doorbell in their app. They can tap on it to view live video, check motion history, or adjust settings—depending on the access level you granted.

To test it, have them tap the doorbell icon and see if the live feed loads. They should also receive a test notification if you trigger motion or press the doorbell.

Step 4: Sync Both Smartphones with the Doorbell

After the invitation is accepted, both smartphones should be synced with the doorbell. But sometimes, especially after a new setup, one phone might not show the device right away. Here’s how to ensure both are properly connected.

Restart the Ring App

On both phones, close the Ring app completely and reopen it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom and swipe the app away. On Android, go to Recent Apps and swipe the Ring app away. Then reopen it.

Check Device List

Both users should now see the doorbell in their device list. If one phone doesn’t, try refreshing the screen by pulling down on the home screen.

Ensure Both Phones Are on the Same Wi-Fi

While the doorbell connects to your home Wi-Fi, the smartphones don’t need to be on the same network to access it remotely. However, being on the same Wi-Fi during setup can help with initial syncing and reduce delays.

If one phone is on mobile data and the other on Wi-Fi, it’s still fine—just make sure both have a strong internet connection.

Test Notifications

To confirm everything is working, have one person walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion. Both phones should receive a push notification within a few seconds.

If only one phone gets the alert, check notification settings on the second phone (see troubleshooting section).

Step 5: Customize Settings for Both Users

Now that both smartphones are connected, you can customize settings so each user gets the experience they want. Here are some key settings to adjust:

Notification Preferences

Each user can choose what types of alerts they receive. To adjust:

• Open the Ring app and tap the doorbell.
• Tap the gear icon (settings).
• Select “Motion Settings” or “Alert Settings.”
• Toggle on or off motion alerts, doorbell rings, or rich notifications.

For example, one user might want alerts only during certain hours, while the other wants all notifications. Customizing this prevents alert fatigue.

Motion Zones

You can set up motion zones so alerts only trigger when someone enters a specific area—like the front walkway, not the sidewalk. Both users will see the same zones, but each can adjust sensitivity.

Shared or Individual Settings

Some settings, like motion sensitivity or video quality, are shared between users. If one person changes them, it affects both. Others, like notification sounds, are individual.

Talk to the second user about preferences to avoid confusion. For instance, if one likes loud alerts and the other prefers silent vibrations, they can adjust their phone’s notification settings separately.

Managing User Access Over Time

Sharing access doesn’t have to be permanent. You can add, remove, or change user permissions anytime. Here’s how to manage it:

Remove a User

If you no longer want someone to have access:

• Go to the Ring app menu and tap “Users.”
• Find the user you want to remove and tap their name.
• Select “Remove User” and confirm.

Their access will be revoked immediately, and they’ll no longer receive alerts or see the device.

Change Access Level

To change a user’s permissions:

• Go to “Users” and tap the user’s name.
• Select “Edit Access” or “Change Role.”
• Choose a new level (e.g., from “User” to “Admin”).

This is useful if you want to give someone more control—or less—over time.

Re-invite a User

If a user accidentally deletes the app or loses access, you can re-send an invitation using the same steps as before. They’ll go through the acceptance process again.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best setup, things can go wrong. Here are common problems and how to fix them:

Second Phone Doesn’t Receive Notifications

If the second user isn’t getting alerts:

• Check that notifications are enabled in the Ring app: Go to Settings > Notifications and make sure alerts are on.
• Check phone settings: On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > Ring and ensure alerts are allowed. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Notifications.
• Make sure “Do Not Disturb” or “Focus Mode” isn’t blocking alerts.
• Restart the phone and reopen the Ring app.

Doorbell Not Showing Up on Second Phone

If the second user can’t see the doorbell:

• Confirm the invitation was accepted. Have them check their email for the acceptance confirmation.
• Log out and back into the Ring app on the second phone.
• Ensure both phones are using the same Ring account email (if shared) or that the invite was sent to the correct email.
• Try removing and re-inviting the user.

Live Video Won’t Load on One Phone

If one phone can’t view live video:

• Check internet connection—both phones need a stable connection.
• Close and reopen the Ring app.
• Update the app to the latest version.
• Restart the smartphone.
• If the problem persists, check if the doorbell itself is online in the primary user’s app.

Delayed Alerts or Sync Issues

If alerts are slow or out of sync:

• Ensure both phones have good signal strength.
• Move closer to the Wi-Fi router if indoors.
• Reduce the number of devices on your network during testing.
• Check for app updates or reinstall the Ring app if needed.

“User Already Added” Error

If you get an error saying the user is already added:

• The second user may have already accepted an invite or created an account.
• Have them log in to the Ring app and check if the doorbell appears.
• If not, remove them from the user list and re-invite.

Tips for a Smooth Dual-User Experience

To make sharing your Ring doorbell as seamless as possible, follow these tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords: This keeps your account secure, especially when multiple people have access.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Adds an extra layer of security to your Ring account.
• Name your doorbell clearly: If you have multiple Ring devices, give your doorbell a name like “Front Door” so both users know which one to check.
• Communicate about settings changes: If one person adjusts motion zones or sensitivity, let the other know to avoid confusion.
• Regularly check device health: Both users can monitor battery life, Wi-Fi strength, and firmware updates in the app.
• Use shared calendars for alert schedules: If one person is away, the other can take over monitoring—coordinate using a shared digital calendar.

Conclusion

Configuring your Ring Video Doorbell for two smartphones is a smart way to keep your home secure and your family connected. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to invite a second user, sync both devices, customize settings, and troubleshoot common issues. Whether you’re sharing with a partner, roommate, or teen, dual access means no one misses a visitor, package, or potential security concern.

Remember, you’re always in control. You can add or remove users anytime, adjust permissions, and ensure your home stays protected. With the Ring app’s user-friendly design and robust features, managing shared access is simple and secure.

Now that your doorbell is set up for two smartphones, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with always knowing who’s at the door—no matter where you are.