Forwarding your Ring Doorbell allows multiple people to receive motion alerts and answer the door remotely. This guide walks you through sharing access via the Ring app, setting up shared users, and troubleshooting common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Share access easily: Use the Ring app to invite family or roommates to view live feeds and receive alerts.
- Set user permissions: Choose between Owner, Shared User, or Guest access levels for better control.
- Enable notifications for all: Ensure everyone gets motion and doorbell alerts by adjusting settings individually.
- Use Shared Users for households: Ideal for couples, roommates, or co-parents who need full access.
- Guests for limited access: Perfect for babysitters or dog walkers who only need temporary viewing rights.
- Troubleshoot connection issues: Check Wi-Fi, app updates, and device compatibility if forwarding fails.
- Privacy matters: Only share access with trusted individuals and revoke permissions when needed.
How to Forward Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell, and it’s working great—except now your partner, roommate, or family member keeps missing the delivery because they didn’t get the alert. Sound familiar? That’s where forwarding your Ring Doorbell comes in. It’s not about rerouting video like an email; it’s about sharing access so multiple people can see live feeds, receive motion alerts, and even talk to visitors.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to forward Ring Doorbell access to others. Whether you’re setting up a shared household system or giving temporary access to a trusted neighbor, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn how to invite users, manage permissions, troubleshoot issues, and keep your home secure—all while making sure no one misses that important package or visitor.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently share your Ring Doorbell with others, customize notification settings, and maintain full control over who sees what. Let’s get started.
What Does “Forwarding” a Ring Doorbell Mean?
Visual guide about How to Forward Ring Doorbell
Image source: i.ytimg.com
First, let’s clear up a common misconception: you can’t “forward” a Ring Doorbell video stream like an email or text message. Instead, Ring uses a system called user sharing, which allows you to grant access to your device through the Ring app.
When you “forward” your Ring Doorbell, you’re essentially inviting another person to become a user on your Ring account. Once they accept, they can:
– View live video feeds
– Receive motion and doorbell alerts
– Answer the door remotely (if enabled)
– Review past recordings (depending on subscription)
This feature is perfect for households with multiple adults, co-parenting situations, or even small businesses using Ring for front-door monitoring.
Why Share Your Ring Doorbell?
There are plenty of practical reasons to share access:
- Family safety: Kids, spouses, or elderly parents can see who’s at the door even when you’re not home.
- Shared living spaces: Roommates can take turns monitoring deliveries or guests.
- Pet care: Dog walkers or pet sitters can check in without needing your phone.
- Neighborhood watch: Trusted neighbors can alert you to suspicious activity.
- Work-from-home flexibility: You can step away from your desk knowing someone else will catch the doorbell.
Sharing access doesn’t mean giving up control. As the account owner, you decide who gets in—and who gets removed.
How to Share Your Ring Doorbell: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s dive into the actual process. Sharing your Ring Doorbell is simple and takes just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it using the Ring app on your smartphone.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Make sure you’re logged into the Ring app with your primary account (the one used to set up the doorbell). If you’re not already installed, download the Ring app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Once open, you’ll see your dashboard with all your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to share.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
On the device screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the settings menu.
Scroll down until you see the option labeled “Shared Users” or “People” (the exact wording may vary slightly depending on your app version).
Step 3: Invite a New User
Tap “Add Person” or “Invite User”. You’ll be prompted to enter the email address of the person you want to share with.
Make sure you have their correct email—this is how they’ll receive the invitation.
Step 4: Choose Access Level
Ring offers three types of user access:
- Owner: Full control, including billing, device removal, and user management. Only one owner per device.
- Shared User: Can view live feeds, receive alerts, answer the door, and review recordings. Cannot change settings or remove the device.
- Guest: Limited access—can only view live video when you grant temporary permission. Ideal for babysitters or repair workers.
For most households, Shared User is the best choice. It gives full functionality without risking accidental changes.
Step 5: Send the Invitation
After selecting the access level, tap “Send Invitation”. The person will receive an email with a link to join your Ring network.
They’ll need to:
- Click the link in the email
- Create a Ring account (if they don’t have one)
- Log in and accept the invitation
Once accepted, the doorbell will appear in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.”
Step 6: Confirm Access
Return to your Ring app and check the “Shared Users” section. You should now see the new user listed with their access level.
They’ll start receiving alerts and can view live video immediately—no extra setup required.
Managing Shared Users: Permissions and Controls
Just because someone has access doesn’t mean they should have full control. Ring lets you fine-tune permissions to match your needs.
Changing Access Levels
To change a user’s access:
- Go to Device Settings > Shared Users
- Tap the person’s name
- Select a new access level (Shared User or Guest)
- Save changes
Note: You cannot change an Owner’s status. Only the original account holder is the Owner.
Removing a User
If someone no longer needs access (e.g., a former roommate or temporary helper), you can remove them easily:
- Go to Shared Users
- Tap the person’s name
- Select “Remove Access”
- Confirm
Once removed, they’ll lose all access to the device and stop receiving alerts.
Guest Access: Temporary Sharing
For short-term needs, use Guest access. Here’s how:
- Open the Ring app and go to your doorbell
- Tap the “Share Live View” button (usually a camera icon with an arrow)
- Choose “Generate Link”
- Set an expiration time (e.g., 1 hour, 24 hours)
- Send the link via text, email, or messaging app
The recipient can open the link to view live video—no account needed. Perfect for letting a repair person check the door while you’re at work.
Ensuring Everyone Receives Alerts
Sharing access is one thing—making sure everyone gets notified is another. Here’s how to ensure no one misses a ring or motion alert.
Check Notification Settings
Each user must enable notifications on their device:
- Open the Ring app
- Go to More > Settings > Alerts
- Toggle on “Motion Alerts” and “Doorbell Press”
- Adjust sensitivity if needed
Also, make sure their phone’s system notifications are enabled for the Ring app.
Customize Alert Zones (Optional)
If your doorbell supports motion zones (like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro or Ring Doorbell 3), you can set custom zones so users only get alerts for specific areas.
For example, you might exclude the sidewalk to reduce false alarms from passing cars.
To set zones:
- Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings
- Tap “Motion Zones”
- Draw zones on the video preview
- Save
All shared users will follow these settings.
Use Linked Devices for Wider Coverage
Ring allows you to link devices like Ring Chimes or Echo speakers to amplify alerts.
If you have a Ring Chime, make sure it’s set up and linked to your doorbell. Then, all users with access will hear the chime when the doorbell is pressed—even if their phone is on silent.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with perfect setup, things can go wrong. Here are solutions to the most common problems when forwarding Ring Doorbell access.
User Can’t See the Doorbell in Their App
Possible Causes:
– Invitation not accepted
– Wrong email used
– App not updated
Solution:
– Confirm the user clicked the invitation link and created an account.
– Resend the invitation if needed.
– Ensure both you and the user have the latest version of the Ring app.
No Alerts Coming Through
Possible Causes:
– Notifications disabled on phone
– Do Not Disturb mode active
– Poor Wi-Fi signal
Solution:
– Check the user’s phone settings: Settings > Notifications > Ring > Allow Notifications.
– Turn off Do Not Disturb or add Ring as an exception.
– Test Wi-Fi strength at the doorbell location using the Ring app’s “Device Health” tool.
Live View Won’t Load
Possible Causes:
– Weak internet connection
– Server issues
– App glitch
Solution:
– Restart the Ring app.
– Reboot your Wi-Fi router.
– Check Ring’s status page (status.ring.com) for outages.
– Try viewing from a different network (e.g., mobile data).
Guest Link Not Working
Possible Causes:
– Link expired
– Browser issue
– Device not compatible
Solution:
– Generate a new link with a longer expiration.
– Open the link in Safari (iOS) or Chrome (Android).
– Ensure the doorbell is online and recording.
User Has Access But Can’t Answer the Door
Possible Causes:
– Two-way audio disabled
– Microphone muted
– App permissions missing
Solution:
– Go to Device Settings > Audio Settings and enable “Two-Way Talk.”
– Check the user’s phone microphone permissions for the Ring app.
– Ensure the doorbell’s microphone isn’t physically blocked.
Privacy and Security Tips
Sharing access is convenient, but it also introduces privacy risks. Follow these best practices to stay secure.
Only Share with Trusted People
Never share your Ring Doorbell with strangers or untrusted individuals. Once someone has access, they can see who comes and goes—potentially compromising your safety.
Use Strong Passwords
Ensure all users have strong, unique passwords for their Ring accounts. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection.
To enable 2FA:
- Go to More > Settings > Two-Factor Authentication
- Follow the prompts to link your phone
Regularly Review Shared Users
Every few months, check who has access to your doorbell. Remove anyone who no longer needs it—like a former roommate or temporary helper.
Disable Cloud Recording for Sensitive Areas
If your doorbell faces a private area (like a backyard or bedroom window), consider disabling motion recording during certain hours.
Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings > Schedule to set quiet hours.
Be Cautious with Guest Links
Guest links are convenient but can be shared further. Always set short expiration times (e.g., 1 hour) and avoid sending links in public forums.
Advanced Tips for Better Sharing
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these pro tips to get more out of your shared Ring Doorbell.
Use Multiple Chimes for Larger Homes
If you live in a big house, place Ring Chimes in different rooms so alerts are heard everywhere. Link them all to your doorbell for full coverage.
Set Up Alexa Announcements
If you have an Echo device, enable “Announcements” so Alexa says, “Someone is at the front door,” when the bell rings.
Go to the Alexa app > Devices > Echo & Alexa > select your device > Doorbell Press Announcements.
Create a Family Group
For families, consider creating a shared Ring account (not recommended for security) or use Shared Users with clear rules about who answers the door.
Use Motion Schedules
Reduce nighttime alerts by setting motion schedules. For example, disable motion alerts from 10 PM to 7 AM unless it’s the front walkway.
Monitor Device Health
Regularly check your doorbell’s Wi-Fi signal, battery level, and firmware in the Ring app. A weak signal can cause delays or missed alerts for all users.
Conclusion
Forwarding your Ring Doorbell isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a safer, more connected home. By sharing access with trusted family, roommates, or helpers, you ensure that someone is always available to see who’s at the door, even when you’re not.
From inviting users and setting permissions to troubleshooting alerts and protecting your privacy, this guide covers everything you need to know. Remember: sharing is caring, but only with the right people and the right settings.
Take a few minutes today to set up shared access. Your future self—and your packages—will thank you.