This guide shows you how to forward a Ring Doorbell video quickly and securely. Whether you’re sharing with neighbors or reporting an incident, we cover every method and common issue.
Key Takeaways
- Forward videos directly from the Ring app: Use the share or forward option in the event timeline to send clips via text, email, or social media.
- Save videos to your phone first: Download the clip to your device, then use your phone’s native sharing tools for more control.
- Use Ring’s Neighbors app for community alerts: Share non-emergency events with your local neighborhood to increase safety awareness.
- Ensure you have a Ring Protect Plan: Without a subscription, you can’t save or share recorded videos—only live views are available.
- Check privacy and legal considerations: Always blur faces or license plates before sharing publicly to protect others’ privacy.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If forwarding fails, check your internet connection, app updates, or storage settings.
- Forward to authorities when needed: Use the “Request Assistance” feature or download and email videos to law enforcement with proper context.
How to Forward a Ring Doorbell Video: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever captured something important on your Ring Doorbell—like a package delivery, a suspicious person, or a funny moment with your dog—and wanted to share it with someone else? Maybe you’re trying to alert your neighbor about a missing pet, report a crime to the police, or just show your family a cute visitor. Whatever the reason, knowing how to forward a Ring Doorbell video is a valuable skill that can help keep your community safe and connected.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every method available to share your Ring Doorbell footage. You’ll learn how to forward videos directly from the Ring app, save clips to your phone for manual sharing, use the Neighbors app for community alerts, and even send footage to law enforcement when necessary. We’ll also cover common troubleshooting tips, privacy best practices, and important legal considerations. By the end, you’ll be able to share your Ring videos confidently, quickly, and responsibly.
Why You Might Want to Forward a Ring Doorbell Video
Before diving into the how-to steps, it’s helpful to understand when and why you’d want to forward a Ring video. These moments often fall into a few key categories:
Visual guide about How to Forward a Ring Doorbell Video
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- Safety and Security: If you spot suspicious activity—like someone loitering near your home or attempting to break in—you may want to share the footage with neighbors or local law enforcement.
- Package Theft Prevention: A Ring Doorbell can capture porch pirates in action. Forwarding that video to the delivery company or police can help recover stolen items.
- Community Awareness: Sharing non-emergency events (like a lost dog or a fallen tree) via the Neighbors app helps keep your neighborhood informed.
- Personal Sharing: Sometimes, it’s just fun to share a video of your kid’s first trick-or-treat or a raccoon dancing on your porch with family and friends.
- Evidence Collection: In rare cases, Ring footage may serve as evidence in legal matters, such as vandalism or trespassing.
No matter your reason, Ring makes it relatively easy to share your videos—but only if you know where to look and what steps to follow. Let’s break it down.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Forwarding a Video
Before you can forward a Ring Doorbell video, there are a few things you need to have in place. Skipping these steps could leave you frustrated when the “share” button is grayed out or missing.
1. A Ring Protect Subscription
This is the most common hurdle. Ring Doorbell devices can record video, but you cannot save or share recorded videos without a Ring Protect Plan. Without a subscription, you can only view live footage when someone rings the doorbell or triggers motion.
There are two tiers of Ring Protect:
- Ring Protect Basic: Covers one device. Costs around $3.99/month or $39.99/year. Allows video saving, sharing, and 180 days of cloud storage.
- Ring Protect Plus: Covers all Ring devices at your location. Costs $10/month or $100/year. Includes extended video history, 180-day storage, and additional features like 60-day video export.
If you don’t have a subscription, you’ll need to sign up through the Ring app before you can forward any recorded videos. Go to Menu > Protect Plans > Subscribe to get started.
2. A Stable Internet Connection
Forwarding videos requires uploading data to the cloud and then sharing a link or file. If your Wi-Fi is slow or unstable, the process may fail or take a long time. Make sure your Ring Doorbell is connected to a strong signal—ideally within 30 feet of your router or using a Wi-Fi extender.
3. Updated Ring App
Using an outdated version of the Ring app can cause bugs or missing features. Always keep your app updated. On iPhone, go to the App Store > Updates. On Android, open Google Play Store > Menu > My apps & games > Updates.
4. Sufficient Storage on Your Phone
If you plan to download videos before sharing, ensure your phone has enough free space. A 30-second HD clip can take up 50–100MB. Check your storage under Settings > General > iPhone Storage (iOS) or Settings > Storage (Android).
Method 1: Forward a Ring Video Directly from the App
The easiest and most straightforward way to forward a Ring Doorbell video is using the built-in sharing feature in the Ring app. This method generates a shareable link that others can view without needing a Ring account.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account linked to your doorbell.
Step 2: Go to the Event Timeline
Tap the History or Timeline tab at the bottom of the screen. This shows all recorded events—motion alerts, doorbell rings, and live views.
Step 3: Select the Video You Want to Share
Scroll through the timeline and tap on the specific event you’d like to forward. This will open the video player with playback controls.
Step 4: Tap the Share Icon
Look for the Share button—usually represented by an arrow pointing out of a box or three connected dots. It’s typically located below the video or in the top-right corner.
Step 5: Choose Your Sharing Method
The app will present several options:
- Copy Link: Copies a secure URL to your clipboard. You can paste it into a text, email, or messaging app.
- Message: Opens your default texting app with the link pre-filled.
- Email: Launches your email client with the link attached.
- Social Media: Options like Facebook, Twitter, or WhatsApp may appear depending on your installed apps.
- More: Opens a system menu with additional sharing apps (e.g., Telegram, Signal, Notes).
Select the method that works best for your recipient. For example, if you’re alerting a neighbor, a text message with the link is quick and effective.
Step 6: Add a Message (Optional)
Before sending, you can add a note like “Check this out—someone was at my door at 3 PM” or “Possible porch pirate—can you keep an eye out?” This provides context and encourages action.
Step 7: Send the Link
Tap Send or Share. The recipient will receive a link that opens the video in a web browser. They don’t need a Ring account to view it.
Pro Tip: The shared link expires after 30 days. If you need long-term access, download the video first (see Method 2).
Method 2: Download and Share the Video Manually
Sometimes, you may want more control over how the video is shared—especially if you’re sending it to authorities or posting it online. Downloading the video to your phone gives you that flexibility.
Step 1: Open the Video in the Ring App
Navigate to the event in your timeline and tap to play it.
Step 2: Tap the Download Icon
Look for a downward arrow or “Download” button, usually near the share icon. Tap it to save the video to your phone’s camera roll or gallery.
Note: If you don’t see a download option, make sure you have a Ring Protect Plan active. Also, some older Ring models may not support direct downloads—only sharing via link.
Step 3: Wait for the Download to Complete
The app will show a progress bar. Depending on video length and internet speed, this may take a few seconds to a minute.
Step 4: Access the Video on Your Phone
Once downloaded, the video will appear in your Photos app (iPhone) or Gallery (Android). You can now share it like any other video file.
Step 5: Use Your Phone’s Sharing Tools
Open the video in your photo app and tap the share icon. Choose from options like:
- Text message (MMS)
- Email attachment
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Social media platforms
- Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
This method is ideal when you need to send the actual file—not just a link—such as when submitting evidence to police or insurance companies.
Example: You notice a car parked suspiciously in front of your house for over an hour. You download the video and email it to your local police non-emergency line with a note: “Possible suspicious vehicle—license plate partially visible at 2:15 PM.”
Method 3: Share via the Ring Neighbors App
Ring’s Neighbors app is designed specifically for community safety. It allows you to share non-emergency events with people in your area—without revealing your exact address.
Step 1: Download the Neighbors App
If you don’t already have it, download “Neighbors by Ring” from the App Store or Google Play. It’s free and separate from the main Ring app.
Step 2: Link Your Ring Account
Open the app and sign in with the same credentials you use for your Ring Doorbell. Grant permission to access your device events.
Step 3: Choose the Event to Share
Go to the Posts tab and tap Share from Ring. Select the video you want to share from your timeline.
Step 4: Add a Description and Location
Write a brief description like “Lost dog—small brown terrier, last seen near Maple and 5th.” The app will automatically blur your exact location and show only a general area (e.g., “Within 0.5 miles of your home”).
Step 5: Choose Privacy Settings
You can choose to share publicly (visible to all Neighbors users in your area) or privately (only to trusted contacts). For safety alerts, public sharing is usually best.
Step 6: Post the Video
Tap Post. Your video will appear in the Neighbors feed, where others can view, comment, or share it further.
Important: Only share non-emergency events. For crimes in progress, call 911 instead. Also, avoid posting videos that show private property, children, or identifiable faces without consent.
Method 4: Forward to Law Enforcement or Authorities
In serious situations—like a break-in, assault, or vandalism—you may need to forward your Ring video to police or other officials. Here’s how to do it properly.
Step 1: Download the Video
Use Method 2 above to save the video to your phone. Authorities often prefer receiving actual files rather than links.
Step 2: Contact Local Police
Call your local non-emergency number or visit the police station. Explain the situation and ask how they prefer to receive video evidence.
Step 3: Email or Upload the Video
Many departments accept digital evidence via email or secure upload portals. Attach the video file and include:
- Date and time of the incident
- Your address (optional, but helpful)
- Description of what happened
- Your contact information
Example Email Subject: “Ring Doorbell Video – Possible Burglary Attempt – 123 Main St – June 5, 2024”
Step 4: Use Ring’s “Request Assistance” Feature (Optional)
Ring offers a built-in tool for reporting crimes. In the Ring app, go to Menu > Request Assistance. Follow the prompts to send a report directly to local law enforcement partners. This feature is available in select U.S. areas and requires a Ring Protect Plus subscription.
Note: Always call 911 for emergencies. Don’t rely solely on digital submissions during active threats.
Privacy and Legal Considerations When Forwarding Videos
While sharing Ring videos can be helpful, it’s important to do so responsibly. Here are key privacy and legal tips:
Blur Faces and License Plates
If your video shows strangers, children, or vehicles, consider blurring identifying details before sharing publicly. Use photo editing apps like Snapseed (free) or Adobe Photoshop Express to pixelate faces or plates.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Locations
Don’t post videos that clearly show your home’s interior, safe, or security system. This could make you a target for future crimes.
Respect Others’ Privacy
Never share videos of people without their consent—especially in private spaces like driveways or backyards. In some states, this could violate wiretapping or privacy laws.
Check Local Laws
Laws about recording and sharing video vary by state. In general, it’s legal to record public areas (like sidewalks), but not private conversations without consent. When in doubt, consult a legal professional.
Use Secure Sharing Methods
Avoid posting videos on public social media unless necessary. Instead, use private messages, encrypted apps (like Signal), or direct emails to trusted individuals.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when forwarding Ring videos.
Problem: “Share” Button Is Grayed Out
Solution: This usually means you don’t have a Ring Protect Plan. Subscribe to Basic or Plus to unlock sharing features. Also, ensure the video isn’t from a live view—only recorded events can be shared.
Problem: Video Won’t Download
Solution: Check your internet connection. Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa. Also, restart the Ring app and your phone. If the issue persists, contact Ring Support.
Problem: Recipient Can’t Open the Shared Link
Solution: The link may have expired (they last 30 days). Reshare the video or download and send the file directly. Also, ensure the recipient has a modern browser and stable internet.
Problem: Video Quality Is Poor
Solution: Ring videos are compressed to save bandwidth. For higher quality, download the original file before sharing. Also, check your doorbell’s video settings—higher resolution uses more data but improves clarity.
Problem: Neighbors App Won’t Let Me Post
Solution: Make sure your location services are enabled and your address is verified in the app. Also, avoid posting too frequently—the app may limit spammy behavior.
Best Practices for Sharing Ring Videos
To get the most out of your Ring Doorbell and keep everyone safe, follow these best practices:
- Only share what’s necessary: Don’t overpost. Share only events that are relevant or potentially helpful.
- Act quickly: The sooner you share a video, the more useful it is for investigations or alerts.
- Keep records: Save copies of shared videos and correspondence in case you need them later.
- Educate your family: Teach household members how to forward videos safely—especially teens who may use the app.
- Review footage regularly: Check your timeline weekly to catch important events you might have missed.
Conclusion
Knowing how to forward a Ring Doorbell video is more than just a handy trick—it’s a powerful way to protect your home, support your community, and respond effectively to unexpected events. Whether you’re sharing a funny moment with family, alerting neighbors to a lost pet, or providing evidence to police, the process is simple once you know the steps.
Remember to subscribe to Ring Protect, keep your app updated, and always consider privacy and safety when sharing. With the methods outlined in this guide—direct sharing, manual downloads, Neighbors posts, and official reports—you’ll be prepared for any situation.
Your Ring Doorbell is more than a camera—it’s a tool for connection and security. Use it wisely, share responsibly, and stay safe.