Connecting a second phone to your Ring Doorbell allows multiple users to receive alerts and view live video. This guide walks you through sharing access via the Ring app, managing permissions, and troubleshooting common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Share Access via the Ring App: Use the “Shared Users” feature to invite a second phone without sharing your login credentials.
- Set User Permissions: Choose between “Owner,” “Admin,” or “Viewer” roles to control what the second user can do.
- Ensure Both Devices Have the Ring App: The second phone must have the Ring app installed and be logged into a valid Ring account.
- Check Wi-Fi and App Updates: Both devices should be on a stable network and running the latest version of the Ring app.
- Accept Invitations Promptly: The invited user must accept the sharing request within 24 hours or it expires.
- Troubleshoot Connection Issues: If the second phone doesn’t receive alerts, check notification settings and device permissions.
- Revoke Access When Needed: You can remove a shared user anytime from the Ring app’s device settings.
How to Connect a Second Phone to Ring Doorbell
If you’ve installed a Ring Doorbell, you already know how convenient it is to see who’s at your door—even when you’re not home. But what if you want your partner, roommate, or family member to also get alerts and view live video? That’s where connecting a second phone comes in. Whether you’re sharing access with a spouse, teen, or trusted neighbor, Ring makes it easy to add multiple users to your doorbell system.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to connect a second phone to Ring Doorbell using the built-in sharing features. We’ll walk you through every step—from sending an invitation to managing user permissions—and help you troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll be able to share your Ring Doorbell with confidence, knowing everyone who needs access has it.
Why Share Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Connect a Second Phone to Ring Doorbell
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Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why sharing your Ring Doorbell is a smart move. Modern smart doorbells are more than just cameras—they’re part of your home security system. When someone rings the doorbell or triggers motion detection, you get an instant alert on your phone. But if you’re the only one receiving these alerts, important visitors or packages might be missed.
Sharing access ensures that:
- Your partner can answer the door when you’re in the shower or on a call.
- Your teen can see who’s at the door before opening it.
- A trusted neighbor can keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
- Multiple family members stay informed about deliveries or unexpected visitors.
Best of all, you don’t have to share your login information. Ring’s sharing feature lets you grant access securely, so your account stays private.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell installed and working: Your device should be connected to Wi-Fi and functioning properly.
- The Ring app installed on your phone: This is where you’ll manage sharing settings.
- The second phone with the Ring app: The person you’re sharing with must have the Ring app downloaded and set up with their own Ring account.
- A stable internet connection: Both phones should be connected to Wi-Fi or have strong cellular data.
- The email address of the person you’re inviting: You’ll need this to send the sharing invitation.
If any of these are missing, take a moment to set them up before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect a Second Phone
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get started. Follow these steps to connect a second phone to your Ring Doorbell.
Step 1: Open the Ring App on Your Phone
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the doorbell. You should see your device listed on the home screen.
If you don’t see your doorbell, tap the menu icon (usually three lines in the top-left corner) and select “Devices.” Your Ring Doorbell should appear there.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell Device
Tap on your Ring Doorbell from the list of devices. This will open the device dashboard, where you can view live video, check motion history, and adjust settings.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap it to open the device settings menu.
Step 4: Find the “Shared Users” Option
Scroll down until you see the “Shared Users” section. Tap on it. This is where you’ll manage who has access to your doorbell.
Step 5: Send an Invitation
Tap the “Add Shared User” button. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address associated with the Ring account of the person you want to invite.
Make sure you enter the correct email. If the person doesn’t have a Ring account yet, they’ll need to create one using that email address before they can accept the invitation.
Step 6: Choose User Permissions
After entering the email, you’ll see options for user roles:
- Owner: Full control, including the ability to add or remove other users. Only the original account holder should have this role.
- Admin: Can view live video, receive alerts, and adjust most settings—but cannot remove the owner or change ownership.
- Viewer: Can only view live video and recorded clips. Cannot change settings or receive motion alerts.
For most second phones, “Admin” is the best choice. It gives the user full functionality without compromising your control.
Tap the role you want to assign, then confirm your selection.
Step 7: Send the Invitation
Once you’ve chosen the role, tap “Send Invitation.” The person will receive an email with a link to accept the sharing request.
Step 8: Have the Second User Accept the Invitation
The person you invited must open the email on their phone or computer and click the link. This will redirect them to the Ring app or website.
If they’re not already logged in, they’ll need to sign in to their Ring account. Then, they’ll see a prompt to accept the shared access.
Once they accept, the Ring Doorbell will appear in their app under “Shared Devices.”
Step 9: Verify the Connection
Go back to your Ring app and check the “Shared Users” section. You should see the new user listed with the role you assigned.
On the second phone, open the Ring app and confirm that the doorbell is visible. They should now be able to receive alerts, view live video, and access recordings—depending on their permissions.
Tips for a Smooth Setup
To make the process even easier, keep these tips in mind:
- Use the same Wi-Fi network: If both phones are on the same network during setup, it can help avoid connection issues.
- Check app versions: Make sure both phones are running the latest version of the Ring app. Outdated apps can cause compatibility problems.
- Double-check email addresses: A typo in the email can delay or prevent the invitation from being received.
- Explain the features: Walk the second user through how to use the app, especially if they’re not tech-savvy.
- Test the alerts: Ring the doorbell or trigger motion to confirm the second phone receives notifications.
Managing Shared Users
Once you’ve connected a second phone, you might want to adjust permissions or remove access later. Here’s how to manage shared users.
Changing User Permissions
To change a user’s role:
- Go to the Ring app and select your doorbell.
- Tap the gear icon to open settings.
- Select “Shared Users.”
- Tap on the user you want to modify.
- Choose a new role (Admin or Viewer).
- Save your changes.
Note: You cannot change a user’s role to “Owner” unless you’re transferring full ownership of the device.
Removing a Shared User
If someone no longer needs access:
- Open the Ring app and go to your doorbell settings.
- Tap “Shared Users.”
- Select the user you want to remove.
- Tap “Remove User” and confirm.
Once removed, the user will no longer receive alerts or be able to view the doorbell in their app.
Viewing Shared User Activity
Ring doesn’t provide detailed logs of who viewed what, but you can see when a shared user last accessed the device. This appears in the “Shared Users” section under each user’s name.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Issue: The Second Phone Doesn’t Receive Alerts
If the invited user isn’t getting notifications:
- Check notification settings: On the second phone, open the Ring app, go to Settings > Notifications, and make sure alerts are enabled for the shared device.
- Verify device permissions: Ensure the Ring app has permission to send notifications. Go to the phone’s Settings > Apps > Ring > Notifications and enable them.
- Test with a live ring: Have someone press the doorbell to see if the alert comes through.
- Restart the app: Close and reopen the Ring app on the second phone.
Issue: The Invitation Email Isn’t Received
If the second user doesn’t get the email:
- Check the spam folder: Sometimes invitation emails end up in spam or junk mail.
- Resend the invitation: Go back to “Shared Users” and tap “Resend Invitation.”
- Confirm the email address: Double-check that you entered the correct email.
- Try a different email: If the person has multiple emails, try sending to another one.
Issue: The Doorbell Doesn’t Appear in the Second App
If the shared device isn’t showing up:
- Log out and back in: On the second phone, log out of the Ring app and sign back in.
- Update the app: Make sure the Ring app is updated to the latest version.
- Check account status: Ensure the second user’s Ring account is active and not restricted.
- Re-send the invitation: Sometimes the first invitation fails. Try sending a new one.
Issue: Poor Video Quality on the Second Phone
If the live view is laggy or blurry:
- Check Wi-Fi strength: Both phones should have a strong connection. Weak signals can cause buffering.
- Reduce video quality: In the Ring app, go to Device Settings > Video Quality and select a lower resolution.
- Close other apps: Too many apps running in the background can slow down performance.
Issue: Shared User Can’t Access Recordings
If the second user can see live video but not past recordings:
- Check subscription status: Access to recordings requires a Ring Protect Plan. Make sure your account has an active subscription.
- Verify user role: Only “Admin” and “Owner” roles can view recordings. “Viewer” users cannot.
- Update app permissions: Ensure the app has access to storage and media on the second phone.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Sharing your Ring Doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to think about security and privacy.
Who Should You Share With?
Only share access with people you trust. This includes:
- Family members living in your home.
- Roommates or partners.
- Trusted neighbors (for temporary access).
Avoid sharing with strangers, delivery drivers, or people you don’t know well.
Use Strong Passwords
Make sure both your Ring account and the second user’s account have strong, unique passwords. Avoid using common phrases or personal information.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
For added security, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) on both accounts. This requires a code from your phone when logging in from a new device.
Monitor Access Regularly
Periodically review your shared users list. Remove anyone who no longer needs access—like a former roommate or guest.
Advanced Tips for Multiple Users
If you have more than one person to share with, here are some advanced tips:
Create a Family Group
If multiple family members need access, consider creating a shared household. This makes it easier to manage permissions and ensures everyone stays connected.
Use Different Roles for Different Needs
Assign roles based on responsibility:
- Give “Admin” access to adults who need full control.
- Use “Viewer” for kids or guests who only need to see who’s at the door.
Set Up Motion Zones
Customize motion detection areas so shared users only get alerts for important activity. This reduces unnecessary notifications.
Use Smart Alerts
Enable person detection or package alerts so shared users only get notified about relevant events.
Conclusion
Connecting a second phone to your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your home security. By sharing access, you ensure that important alerts aren’t missed and that multiple people can respond to visitors or deliveries.
With the Ring app’s built-in sharing feature, you can invite family, roommates, or trusted neighbors in just a few taps. Choose the right user role, send the invitation, and let the second user accept it on their phone. Once connected, both devices will receive alerts and have access to live video—depending on the permissions you set.
Remember to manage shared users carefully, keep your apps updated, and troubleshoot any issues promptly. And always prioritize security by using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
Now that you know how to connect a second phone to Ring Doorbell, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is monitored by more than one set of eyes. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just in another room, your Ring Doorbell keeps you—and your loved ones—connected and protected.