Connecting your Ring doorbell to MyCloud allows you to store video footage securely and access it remotely. This guide walks you through the setup process, troubleshooting, and best practices for a smooth experience.
Key Takeaways
- Understand compatibility: Not all Ring models support direct MyCloud integration; check your device and firmware version first.
- Use the Ring app: The official Ring app is essential for initial setup and linking to cloud services like MyCloud.
- Enable cloud recording: Subscribe to Ring Protect or use third-party tools to enable video backups to MyCloud.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi: A stable internet connection is critical for reliable streaming and uploads.
- Configure MyCloud settings: Set up shared folders and permissions on your MyCloud device before linking.
- Troubleshoot common issues: Learn how to fix connection drops, login errors, and sync problems.
- Maintain security: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on both Ring and MyCloud accounts.
Introduction: Why Connect Your Ring Doorbell to MyCloud?
So, you’ve got a Ring doorbell—great choice! It’s one of the most popular smart doorbells on the market, known for its motion detection, two-way audio, and real-time alerts. But what if you want to store your video footage beyond Ring’s cloud? That’s where connecting your Ring doorbell to MyCloud comes in.
MyCloud is Western Digital’s personal cloud storage solution. It lets you store files, photos, and videos on a device in your home—accessible from anywhere. By linking your Ring doorbell to MyCloud, you gain more control over your video data, reduce reliance on subscription services, and enjoy private, local storage.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to connect your Ring doorbell to MyCloud. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned smart home user, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn how to set up the connection, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your system running smoothly.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Visual guide about How to Connect My Ring Doorbell to Mycloud
Image source: m.media-amazon.com
Before diving into the setup, make sure you have the following:
- A compatible Ring doorbell: Most Ring Video Doorbells (like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell 2, 3, 3 Plus, 4, and Ring Doorbell Elite) support cloud recording. However, direct integration with MyCloud isn’t native—so you’ll need a workaround (more on that later).
- A MyCloud device: This could be a My Cloud EX2 Ultra, My Cloud Home, or any WD MyCloud NAS (Network Attached Storage) device.
- Stable Wi-Fi network: Both your Ring doorbell and MyCloud device must be connected to the same network for smooth communication.
- Ring app installed: Download the Ring app on your smartphone (iOS or Android).
- My Cloud app or web interface access: You’ll need to log in to your MyCloud dashboard to configure settings.
- Ring Protect subscription (optional but recommended): While not required for local storage, a Ring Protect plan enables video recording and cloud backups, which you can then transfer to MyCloud.
Step 1: Set Up Your Ring Doorbell
If you haven’t already installed your Ring doorbell, start here. Even if it’s already working, double-check that it’s properly connected and receiving power.
Install the Ring Doorbell
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mount your doorbell. Most models come with a mounting bracket, screws, and a level. Make sure it’s angled correctly to capture your front door and walkway.
Connect to Power
Ring doorbells can be powered in two ways:
- Hardwired: Connect to existing doorbell wiring (16–24V AC).
- Battery-powered: Use the rechargeable battery (great for rentals or homes without wiring).
If using a battery, charge it fully before installation.
Download and Open the Ring App
Search for “Ring” in your app store and download the official app. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
Add Your Device
Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner, then select “Set up a device.” Choose “Doorbells” and follow the on-screen prompts. The app will guide you through connecting your doorbell to Wi-Fi and naming it (e.g., “Front Door”).
Test the Connection
Once set up, test the live view, motion detection, and two-way audio. Make sure everything works before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Set Up Your MyCloud Device
Now that your Ring doorbell is ready, it’s time to prepare your MyCloud storage.
Connect MyCloud to Your Network
Plug your MyCloud device into a power outlet and connect it to your router using an Ethernet cable. Wait a few minutes for it to boot up.
Access the MyCloud Dashboard
Open a web browser and go to http://mycloud.com or enter the device’s IP address (usually found on the bottom of the device or via your router’s admin page). Log in with your WD account or create one.
Create a Shared Folder for Ring Videos
Once logged in:
- Go to “Shares” or “Shared Folders.”
- Click “Add Share” and name it “Ring Videos” or something similar.
- Set permissions to “Read/Write” for your user account.
- Enable “Public Access” if you want to access it from outside your network (not recommended for security).
Enable FTP or SMB Access (Optional)
For advanced users, enabling FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SMB (Server Message Block) allows other devices to upload files directly to MyCloud. This is useful if you plan to use third-party tools to transfer Ring footage.
To enable FTP:
- Go to “Settings” > “Network” > “FTP.”
- Toggle “Enable FTP Server” to ON.
- Note the FTP address (e.g.,
ftp://192.168.1.100).
Step 3: Enable Cloud Recording on Ring
Ring doesn’t natively support direct uploads to MyCloud. Instead, you’ll record videos to Ring’s cloud first, then transfer them to MyCloud. Here’s how:
Subscribe to Ring Protect (Recommended)
Ring Protect is Ring’s subscription service that enables video recording. Without it, your doorbell only sends live alerts—no saved footage.
Plans start at $3.99/month per device or $10/month for all devices. Sign up via the Ring app:
- Go to “More” > “Protect Plan.”
- Choose a plan and enter payment details.
- Activate recording for your doorbell.
Enable Motion and Live View Recording
In the Ring app:
- Tap your doorbell device.
- Go to “Device Settings” > “Video Recording.”
- Toggle “Record Motion” and “Record When Live View is Activated” to ON.
Now, every time motion is detected or you open live view, a video clip is saved to Ring’s cloud.
Step 4: Transfer Ring Videos to MyCloud
Since Ring doesn’t directly integrate with MyCloud, you’ll need a method to move videos from Ring’s cloud to your MyCloud device. Here are two reliable options:
Option 1: Manual Download and Upload
This is the simplest method, though it’s time-consuming for large amounts of footage.
Download Videos from Ring
- Open the Ring app.
- Go to “History” or “Timeline.”
- Find the video you want to save.
- Tap the three dots (⋮) and select “Download.”
- The video saves to your phone’s gallery or downloads folder.
Upload to MyCloud
- Open the My Cloud mobile app or go to the web interface.
- Navigate to the “Ring Videos” folder you created.
- Tap “Upload” and select the video from your phone.
- Wait for the upload to complete.
Tip: Do this regularly to avoid losing footage if Ring’s cloud storage fills up.
Option 2: Use Third-Party Automation Tools
For a hands-off approach, use tools like IFTTT (If This Then That) or custom scripts to automate transfers.
Using IFTTT
IFTTT connects apps and devices using “applets.” While Ring doesn’t have a direct MyCloud applet, you can use a workaround:
- Create an IFTTT account and link your Ring and Google Drive accounts.
- Use an applet like “Save Ring video to Google Drive.”
- Then, use another applet to move files from Google Drive to MyCloud (if supported).
Note: This method may require a Google Drive intermediary and isn’t fully direct.
Using Custom Scripts (Advanced)
Tech-savvy users can write scripts (e.g., in Python) to:
- Access Ring’s API (via unofficial libraries like
ring_doorbell). - Download videos automatically.
- Upload them to MyCloud via FTP or SMB.
This requires programming knowledge and careful handling of login credentials.
Step 5: Access Your Videos Remotely
Once videos are on MyCloud, you can access them from anywhere.
Using the My Cloud App
Download the My Cloud app on your phone or tablet. Log in and navigate to the “Ring Videos” folder. You can view, download, or share clips.
Using a Web Browser
Go to https://mycloud.com, log in, and browse your files. Enable remote access in MyCloud settings if you haven’t already.
Set Up a Personal Cloud Link (Optional)
Some MyCloud devices allow you to create a personal cloud link (e.g., yourname.mycloud.com). This makes accessing files easier without remembering IP addresses.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful setup, problems can arise. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Ring Doorbell Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
- Move closer to your router during setup.
- Ensure your Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz (Ring doesn’t support 5 GHz on most models).
- Restart your router and doorbell.
- Reset the doorbell by holding the setup button for 20 seconds.
MyCloud Not Appearing on Network
- Check Ethernet connection.
- Restart the MyCloud device.
- Log in to your router and confirm the device has an IP address.
- Update MyCloud firmware via the dashboard.
Videos Not Uploading to MyCloud
- Verify folder permissions (must be Read/Write).
- Check available storage space on MyCloud.
- Ensure your phone or computer has a stable internet connection.
- Try uploading a small test file first.
Slow Upload Speeds
- Use a wired connection for MyCloud if possible.
- Limit background downloads on your network.
- Upload videos during off-peak hours.
Login Errors on MyCloud
- Reset your MyCloud password via WD’s website.
- Clear browser cache or try a different browser.
- Disable VPN or firewall temporarily.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
To get the most out of your Ring-to-MyCloud setup, follow these best practices:
- Name your videos clearly: When downloading, rename files with dates and times (e.g., “Ring_2024-06-15_14-30.mp4”) for easy sorting.
- Back up regularly: Don’t wait weeks to transfer footage—do it weekly to avoid data loss.
- Use strong passwords: Protect both your Ring and MyCloud accounts with unique, complex passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor storage space: MyCloud devices have limited capacity. Delete old videos or expand storage with external drives.
- Keep firmware updated: Regularly check for updates on both Ring and MyCloud devices to ensure compatibility and security.
Conclusion: Enjoy Secure, Private Video Storage
Connecting your Ring doorbell to MyCloud gives you the best of both worlds: the smart features of Ring and the privacy of local storage. While the process isn’t fully automated, the steps are straightforward once you understand the workflow.
You now know how to set up your devices, enable cloud recording, transfer videos, and troubleshoot issues. Whether you’re protecting your home or just want peace of mind, this setup ensures your footage is safe, accessible, and under your control.
Remember, technology works best when it’s reliable and secure. Take the time to configure everything properly, and you’ll enjoy years of smooth operation. Happy monitoring!