This guide walks you through how to connect a 2nd phone to Ring Doorbell using the Ring app. You’ll learn to invite users, manage permissions, and troubleshoot common issues—ensuring everyone stays connected to your home’s security.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to invite a second user: The primary account holder can send an invitation via email to grant access to another phone.
- Both users need Ring accounts: The second person must create a free Ring account before accepting the invitation.
- Set user permissions carefully: Choose between Admin and Guest roles to control what the second user can do.
- Ensure both phones have the latest Ring app: Outdated apps may cause connection or syncing issues.
- Check Wi-Fi and location settings: Both devices should have stable internet and location services enabled for full functionality.
- Troubleshoot with Ring Support if needed: If the second phone won’t connect, use the app’s help section or contact customer service.
- Shared access improves home security: Multiple users can respond to alerts, view live video, and manage recordings.
How to Connect 2nd Phone to Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve got your Ring Doorbell up and running—great job! It’s sending you motion alerts, letting you talk to visitors, and giving you peace of mind. But what if you want your partner, roommate, or family member to also get those alerts and see who’s at the door? That’s where connecting a second phone comes in.
Whether you’re sharing access with a spouse, teen, or trusted neighbor, adding a second phone to your Ring Doorbell is simple—and totally free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, from sending an invitation to troubleshooting common hiccups. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to connect a 2nd phone to Ring Doorbell so everyone stays in the loop.
Let’s get started!
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Connect 2nd Phone to Ring Doorbell
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Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to connect a second phone. Security isn’t a solo mission—especially when you’re not always home.
Maybe your partner works late and wants to see who’s knocking. Or your teenager needs to know when a package arrives. Perhaps you’re traveling and want a trusted friend to monitor your home. Sharing access means more eyes on your door, faster responses to alerts, and better overall protection.
Plus, Ring makes it easy. You’re not giving away full control—you can choose what the second user can and can’t do. It’s flexible, secure, and designed for real-life households.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell installed and working: Your device should already be set up and connected to your home Wi-Fi.
- The primary Ring account: You must be the admin (the person who originally set up the device).
- The second person’s email address: You’ll need this to send the invitation.
- A smartphone for the second user: They’ll need an iPhone or Android to download the Ring app.
- Stable Wi-Fi connection: Both phones should have good internet access during setup.
Once you’ve checked these off, you’re ready to go.
Step 1: Open the Ring App on Your Phone
Start by opening the Ring app on the phone that’s already connected to your doorbell—this is your admin account.
If you don’t have the app, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Make sure it’s the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
Once the app is open, you’ll see your dashboard with your Ring devices listed. Tap on the doorbell you want to share access to.
Navigate to Device Settings
From the device screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. This opens the device settings menu.
Scroll down until you find the option labeled “Shared Users” or “People”—the exact wording may vary slightly depending on your app version.
Tap on it to proceed.
Step 2: Send an Invitation to the Second User
Now it’s time to invite the second person.
Tap “Add Person”
Inside the Shared Users section, you’ll see a button that says “Add Person” or “Invite User”. Tap it.
You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to invite. This should be the email they’ll use to create their Ring account (if they don’t already have one).
Choose the User Role
Ring offers two types of access levels:
- Admin: Can view live video, receive alerts, manage recordings, add/remove users, and change device settings. This is ideal for partners or family members who need full control.
- Guest: Can view live video and receive alerts, but cannot change settings or manage other users. Great for teens, roommates, or temporary helpers.
Select the role that fits your needs. For most households, “Admin” is the best choice for a second adult.
Send the Invitation
After selecting the role, tap “Send Invitation”. Ring will send an email to the address you entered.
The second user will receive a message with a link to accept the invitation. They’ll need to click it to proceed.
Step 3: The Second User Creates or Logs Into Their Ring Account
Now it’s the second person’s turn to take action.
Open the Invitation Email
They should check their email (including spam/junk folders) for a message from Ring. It will say something like “You’ve been invited to share access to a Ring device.”
Tap the link inside the email. This will open the Ring website or prompt them to download the Ring app if they don’t have it.
Create a Ring Account (If Needed)
If they don’t already have a Ring account, they’ll need to create one. This is free and takes just a minute.
They’ll enter their name, email, and create a password. They may also be asked to verify their email address.
Log In to the App
Once the account is set up, they should open the Ring app on their phone and log in with their new credentials.
After logging in, the app should automatically detect the pending invitation. They’ll see a notification or banner asking if they want to accept access to your doorbell.
Tap “Accept” to complete the process.
Step 4: Confirm the Connection on Both Phones
Once the second user accepts the invitation, both phones should now have access to the same Ring Doorbell.
Check the Device List
On the second phone, open the Ring app and look at the home screen. Your doorbell should now appear in their device list.
They can tap on it to view live video, check motion history, or adjust notification settings (depending on their role).
Test a Live View
To make sure everything’s working, have the second user tap the doorbell and select “Live View”. They should see the camera feed in real time.
If the video loads quickly and clearly, the connection is successful.
Enable Notifications
Make sure the second user has notifications enabled. Go to the device settings in the app, then tap “Motion Settings” or “Alert Settings”.
Toggle on “Motion Alerts” and “Doorbell Press Alerts” so they receive real-time notifications.
They can also customize alert tones or quiet hours if needed.
Managing Shared Access: Tips and Best Practices
Now that the second phone is connected, here are some tips to keep things running smoothly.
Keep the App Updated
Both users should regularly update the Ring app. New versions often include bug fixes, security improvements, and new features.
Go to the App Store or Google Play, search for “Ring,” and tap “Update” if available.
Use Strong Passwords
Encourage the second user to use a strong, unique password for their Ring account. Avoid common passwords like “123456” or “password.”
Consider using a password manager to keep track of login details.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
For extra security, both users should enable two-factor authentication in the Ring app.
Go to More > Settings > Two-Factor Authentication and follow the prompts. This adds a extra layer of protection by requiring a code from their phone when logging in.
Set Quiet Hours
If the second user doesn’t want alerts at night, they can set quiet hours.
In the app, go to the doorbell settings, then “Alert Settings” > “Quiet Hours”. Choose the time range when alerts should be silenced.
This is especially helpful for light sleepers or shift workers.
Review Access Periodically
If you’re sharing access with a roommate or temporary helper, consider removing them when they no longer need access.
Go back to Shared Users in the app, tap on their name, and select “Remove Access”.
This keeps your device secure and prevents unwanted access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, connecting a second phone doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
The Second Phone Doesn’t Receive the Invitation
If the second user doesn’t get the email:
- Double-check the email address you entered. A typo can send the invite to the wrong person.
- Ask them to check their spam or junk folder.
- Resend the invitation from the Ring app. Go to Shared Users > tap the three dots next to the pending invite > “Resend Invitation.”
The Invitation Link Doesn’t Work
If the link in the email is broken or expired:
- Invitations typically expire after 7 days. If it’s been longer, send a new one.
- Make sure the second user is using the correct email address to create their account.
- Try opening the link in a different browser or app.
The Second Phone Can’t See the Doorbell
If the doorbell doesn’t appear in the second user’s app:
- Make sure they’ve accepted the invitation and logged in.
- Restart the Ring app on their phone.
- Check that both phones are connected to the internet.
- Ensure the doorbell is online—look for a green status light in the app.
Live View Won’t Load
If the second user can’t see live video:
- Check their Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.
- Make sure the doorbell has a strong signal—poor Wi-Fi can cause lag or failure.
- Restart the Ring app or reboot their phone.
- Update the app to the latest version.
Notifications Aren’t Coming Through
If the second user isn’t getting alerts:
- Go to the device settings and confirm alerts are enabled.
- Check their phone’s notification settings—make sure Ring is allowed to send alerts.
- Ensure “Do Not Disturb” mode is off.
- Test by pressing the doorbell button to see if an alert appears.
Can’t Remove a Shared User
If you’re having trouble removing someone:
- Only the admin can remove users. Make sure you’re logged in as the primary account holder.
- Go to Shared Users, tap the person’s name, and select “Remove Access.”
- If the option is grayed out, try logging out and back in.
Advanced Tips for Better Shared Access
Want to get even more out of your shared Ring setup? Try these pro tips.
Use Multiple Devices
You can share access with more than one person. Ring allows up to 20 shared users per device—perfect for large families or roommates.
Just repeat the invitation process for each person.
Set Up Motion Zones
Both users can customize motion zones to reduce false alerts.
In the app, go to the doorbell settings, then “Motion Settings” > “Motion Zones”. Draw areas where you want to detect motion (like the front walk) and ignore others (like a busy street).
This helps both phones get relevant alerts without constant notifications.
Enable Smart Alerts
Ring’s Smart Alerts use AI to detect people, packages, and vehicles.
Turn this on in “Motion Settings” > “Smart Alerts”. Then, both users can choose to only receive alerts for specific events—like when a person approaches the door.
This reduces noise and makes alerts more meaningful.
Use the Ring Chime (Optional)
If the second user is often at home, consider getting a Ring Chime. It’s a plug-in device that rings when the doorbell is pressed—even if their phone is on silent.
It’s a great backup for ensuring no one misses a visitor.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Sharing access is convenient, but it’s important to think about security.
Only Share with Trusted People
Remember: anyone with access can see your camera feed and recordings. Only invite people you trust.
Avoid sharing with strangers, delivery drivers, or temporary workers unless absolutely necessary.
Monitor Activity
The admin can see who accessed the device and when.
Go to More > Device Activity to view a log of live views, recordings, and settings changes. This helps you stay informed about who’s using your doorbell.
Disable Access When Needed
If someone moves out or you no longer trust them, remove their access immediately.
Don’t wait—security is time-sensitive.
Conclusion
Connecting a second phone to your Ring Doorbell is a smart, simple way to improve your home’s security. Whether you’re sharing with a partner, teen, or roommate, the process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to connect a 2nd phone to Ring Doorbell—from sending invitations to managing permissions and troubleshooting issues. You now have the tools to keep everyone informed, responsive, and safe.
Remember to keep the app updated, use strong passwords, and review access regularly. With these best practices, your Ring Doorbell will continue to protect your home—no matter who’s holding the phone.
So go ahead—share the access, stay connected, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a smarter, safer home.