Learn how to get a Ring Doorbell with 1-year free service through verified promotions, bundle deals, and strategic timing. This guide covers official programs, retailer offers, and insider tips to help you save money while upgrading your home security.
Key Takeaways
- Check for official Ring promotions: Ring frequently runs limited-time offers that include free 1-year Ring Protect plans with new doorbell purchases.
- Buy during major sales events: Black Friday, Prime Day, and Cyber Monday often feature Ring bundles with free subscriptions included.
- Explore carrier and utility partnerships: Some internet providers and energy companies offer free Ring devices or subscriptions as part of loyalty rewards.
- Use Amazon trade-in programs: Trade eligible devices for Amazon gift cards and apply them toward a Ring Doorbell purchase during a promotional period.
- Sign up for Ring’s newsletter: Subscribers often receive early access to exclusive deals and free trial extensions.
- Verify eligibility for free trials: New users can activate a 30-day free trial, which may be extended to 1 year under special promotions.
- Contact customer support: If you recently purchased a Ring Doorbell, ask if any retroactive promotions apply to your account.
How to Get Ring Doorbell 1-Year Free: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking to upgrade your home security without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that it’s possible to get a Ring Doorbell with a full year of free service—no hidden fees, no tricks. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading from an older model, this guide will walk you through every proven method to score a Ring Doorbell with 1-year free Ring Protect service.
From official Ring promotions to retailer bundle deals and partnership programs, we’ll cover all the legitimate ways to maximize your savings. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly when, where, and how to buy your Ring Doorbell so you can enjoy professional monitoring, cloud video storage, and smart alerts—all at no extra cost for the first year.
Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to getting your Ring Doorbell for free (or close to it) with a full year of premium features included.
Understanding Ring Protect: What Does “1-Year Free” Really Mean?
Visual guide about How to Get Ring Doorbell 1-year Free
Image source: i.pinimg.com
Before we get into the how-to, it’s important to understand what “1-year free” actually covers. Ring Protect is Ring’s subscription service that unlocks advanced features like video recording, motion alerts, and cloud storage. Without a subscription, your Ring Doorbell will still work for live viewing and motion detection, but you won’t be able to review past footage or receive rich notifications.
When a promotion offers “1-year free,” it typically means you’ll get a complimentary 12-month subscription to Ring Protect Basic or Ring Protect Plus. Here’s the difference:
Ring Protect Basic
- Covers one device (e.g., your doorbell)
- Video recording and playback for up to 180 days
- Motion alerts with snapshot previews
- Two-way talk functionality
- Cloud storage for recorded videos
Ring Protect Plus
- Covers all Ring devices at your location
- Extended video history (up to 180 days)
- 24/7 professional monitoring (for Ring Alarm users)
- Extended warranty on Ring devices
- Discounts on future Ring purchases
Most “1-year free” promotions include Ring Protect Basic, but some premium bundles—especially during major sales—may offer Ring Protect Plus. Always check the fine print to confirm which plan is included.
Method 1: Take Advantage of Official Ring Promotions
Ring frequently runs limited-time promotions directly through its website and app. These are the most reliable ways to get a free 1-year subscription with your purchase.
Step 1: Visit the Official Ring Website
Go to ring.com and look for banners or pop-ups advertising current deals. Ring often highlights promotions like “Buy a Ring Doorbell, Get 1 Year of Ring Protect Free” during seasonal campaigns.
Step 2: Check the “Deals” or “Offers” Section
Navigate to the “Shop” or “Deals” tab. Ring sometimes hides special offers in dropdown menus or requires you to click on specific product pages. For example, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 might be listed with a note: “Includes 1-Year Ring Protect Plan (Value $30).”
Step 3: Sign Up for Ring’s Email Newsletter
One of the easiest ways to stay informed is by subscribing to Ring’s email list. They often send exclusive promo codes and early access to sales. Look for a “Subscribe” or “Get Updates” button at the bottom of the Ring homepage.
Step 4: Follow Ring on Social Media
Ring announces flash sales and limited-time offers on platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss a deal. For example, during Earth Day or National Home Security Month, Ring has offered free subscriptions with new purchases.
Pro Tip: Time Your Purchase Around Launch Dates
When Ring releases a new doorbell model (like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus), they often run introductory promotions. Buying within the first 30–60 days of launch increases your chances of snagging a free 1-year plan.
Method 2: Shop During Major Sales Events
Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Home Depot frequently offer Ring Doorbell bundles during major shopping holidays. These events are prime opportunities to get a free 1-year subscription.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
These are the biggest shopping days of the year, and Ring devices are always top sellers. In recent years, Amazon has offered the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus with a free 1-year Ring Protect plan—valued at $60—for just $99.99 (regularly $199.99).
Amazon Prime Day
Exclusive to Prime members, Prime Day typically occurs in July and sometimes again in October. Ring often partners with Amazon to offer deep discounts and free subscriptions. For example, during Prime Day 2023, the Ring Stick Up Cam Battery was bundled with a free 1-year Ring Protect plan.
Best Buy and Home Depot Promotions
These retailers sometimes run their own Ring promotions. Best Buy has offered “Buy a Ring Doorbell, Get a Free Smart Light” deals, while Home Depot has included free installation services with purchase. Always check the product description for subscription inclusions.
Step-by-Step: How to Find These Deals
- Set up deal alerts on Amazon using the “Watch this deal” feature.
- Follow Ring’s official storefront on Amazon for lightning deals.
- Use price tracking tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to monitor price drops.
- Check retailer websites the week before major sales for early-bird offers.
Real Example: Prime Day 2023 Success
Sarah from Austin, Texas, waited for Prime Day and scored a Ring Video Doorbell Wired for $59.99—down from $99.99—with a free 1-year Ring Protect plan. She saved $70 in total and now enjoys full video recording and motion alerts at no extra cost.
Method 3: Leverage Internet and Utility Provider Partnerships
Believe it or not, some internet service providers (ISPs) and utility companies partner with Ring to offer free devices or subscriptions as part of customer loyalty programs.
Xfinity (Comcast)
Xfinity customers with X1 or Flex services may be eligible for free Ring devices or discounted subscriptions. Check your Xfinity account dashboard under “Offers” or “Rewards.” Some plans include a free Ring Doorbell as a welcome gift.
AT&T Internet
AT&T has run promotions where new internet subscribers receive a free Ring Doorbell or a $50 gift card redeemable toward Ring products. These offers are often tied to 2-year service agreements.
Local Utility Companies
In some regions, energy providers like PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) or Duke Energy have partnered with Ring to promote home safety. For example, PG&E offered free Ring Doorbells to customers in high-fire-risk areas as part of a wildfire prevention initiative.
How to Check Eligibility
- Log in to your ISP or utility account online.
- Look for a “Rewards,” “Offers,” or “Perks” section.
- Search for “Ring” or “home security” in the search bar.
- Contact customer service and ask: “Do you offer any free Ring Doorbell promotions?”
Pro Tip: Combine Offers
If your ISP offers a $50 credit and Ring is running a $30-off sale, you could effectively get a Ring Doorbell for free. Always ask if promotions can be stacked.
Method 4: Use Amazon Trade-In and Gift Card Programs
Amazon’s trade-in program allows you to exchange old electronics for gift cards, which you can then use to buy a Ring Doorbell during a promotional period.
Step 1: Visit Amazon’s Trade-In Store
Go to amazon.com/tradein and search for your old device—like a smartphone, tablet, or even an old doorbell.
Step 2: Get an Instant Quote
Amazon will estimate the value of your item. For example, an iPhone 11 might be worth $150, and an old Ring Doorbell (1st gen) could fetch $30.
Step 3: Ship Your Device for Free
Print a prepaid shipping label and send in your device. Once received and verified, Amazon issues a gift card to your account.
Step 4: Apply the Gift Card During a Sale
Wait for a Ring promotion (like Prime Day) and use your gift card to cover part or all of the cost. If the Ring Doorbell is on sale for $79.99 and you have a $80 gift card, you’ve essentially gotten it for free—plus the 1-year subscription.
Bonus: Amazon First-Time Buyer Discounts
New Amazon customers sometimes receive $10–$20 off their first smart home purchase. Combine this with a trade-in and a Ring promotion for maximum savings.
Method 5: Activate a Free Trial and Extend It
Every new Ring Doorbell comes with a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect. But with the right strategy, you can stretch that to a full year.
Step 1: Set Up Your Ring Doorbell
Follow the in-app setup process. When prompted, activate the 30-day free trial.
Step 2: Monitor for Trial Extension Offers
Ring occasionally sends emails or in-app notifications offering to extend your trial if you complete certain actions—like inviting a friend or sharing a video.
Step 3: Contact Ring Support
If you’ve been a loyal customer or recently experienced a service issue, politely ask if they can extend your trial. Mention that you’re considering a long-term subscription and would appreciate a goodwill extension.
Step 4: Look for “Refer a Friend” Programs
Ring’s referral program rewards both you and a friend with free months of Ring Protect. If you refer 12 friends (one per month), you could technically get a full year free—though this requires effort.
Real Example: Trial Extension Success
Mike from Denver activated his 30-day trial and received an email 25 days in offering a 90-day extension for completing a security survey. He took the survey and got 4 more months free. Combined with a later promo, he enjoyed 14 months of free service.
Method 6: Buy Refurbished or Open-Box Models
Refurbished Ring Doorbells are certified pre-owned devices that come with a warranty and often include free subscriptions.
Where to Find Refurbished Ring Doorbells
- Amazon Renewed: Look for “Renewed” listings with “Includes 1-Year Ring Protect” in the title.
- Ring’s Official Refurbished Store: Visit shop.ring.com/refurbished for certified pre-owned models.
- Best Buy Outlet: Search for open-box Ring devices with included subscriptions.
What to Look For
- “Certified Refurbished” label
- 90-day or 1-year warranty
- Clear mention of included Ring Protect plan
- Positive customer reviews
Pro Tip: Refurbished Doesn’t Mean Inferior
Refurbished Ring Doorbells are tested, cleaned, and restored to like-new condition. Many come with the same free subscription offers as new models.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best planning, you might run into hiccups. Here’s how to solve the most common problems.
Problem: The Promotion Isn’t Activating
Sometimes the free 1-year plan doesn’t appear in your account after purchase.
Solution:
- Check your email for a confirmation from Ring with a promo code.
- Log into your Ring app, go to “Protect Plan,” and manually enter the code.
- Contact Ring Support with your order number and request activation.
Problem: The Deal Ended Before Checkout
You added the Ring Doorbell to your cart, but the price changed at checkout.
Solution:
- Clear your browser cookies or try incognito mode.
- Check if the promotion requires a coupon code (e.g., “RINGFREE1Y”).
- Contact the retailer’s customer service and ask for price matching.
Problem: My ISP Says No Ring Offers Are Available
Not all providers run ongoing promotions.
Solution:
- Ask if they have any upcoming loyalty rewards.
- Check third-party sites like Slickdeals.net for user-reported offers.
- Consider switching providers if a competitor offers a better deal.
Final Tips to Maximize Your Savings
- Be patient: The best deals come around holidays and new product launches.
- Use multiple methods: Combine trade-ins, sales, and referrals for maximum value.
- Read the fine print: Ensure the free year applies to your specific model and location.
- Act fast: Limited-time offers often sell out within hours.
- Keep receipts: You may need them to claim your free subscription.
Conclusion
Getting a Ring Doorbell with 1-year free service is not only possible—it’s easier than you think. By leveraging official promotions, shopping during major sales, exploring provider partnerships, and using smart strategies like trade-ins and trial extensions, you can enjoy top-tier home security without paying a dime for the first year.
Remember, the key is timing and awareness. Sign up for alerts, follow Ring on social media, and always check for bundled offers before making a purchase. With the tips in this guide, you’re well on your way to a safer, smarter home—at a fraction of the cost.
Don’t wait for the next break-in or package theft. Take action today and claim your free Ring Doorbell with 1-year service. Your peace of mind is worth it.