This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get a Ring Doorbell plan, including choosing the right Ring Protect subscription, setting it up via the app, and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you’re a first-time user or upgrading your current plan, we’ve got you covered with clear, simple instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Protect Plans are optional but highly recommended: They unlock video recording, cloud storage, and smart alerts that aren’t available with the free version.
- Two main plan tiers are available: Ring Protect Basic covers one device, while Ring Protect Plus covers all your Ring devices at home.
- You can sign up directly in the Ring app: No need to visit a website—everything is handled within the app after setup.
- Plans start at $3.99/month: Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts, and you can cancel anytime.
- Free trial available: New users get a 30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus to test features before committing.
- Payment is automatic: Once activated, your plan renews monthly or annually unless canceled.
- Customer support is accessible: Ring offers help via chat, phone, and community forums if you run into issues.
How to Get Ring Doorbell Plan: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell—great! Now you’re probably wondering: How do I get a Ring Doorbell plan? You’re not alone. Many new Ring users don’t realize that while the doorbell itself works right out of the box, you’ll need a Ring Protect plan to unlock its full potential.
Without a plan, your Ring Doorbell can still send motion alerts and let you talk to visitors through live view—but it won’t record videos, save clips, or let you review past events. That’s where Ring Protect comes in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get a Ring Doorbell plan, from understanding your options to activating your subscription and troubleshooting common problems. By the end, you’ll be set up with the right plan for your needs—whether you have one doorbell or a whole smart home system.
Let’s get started.
What Is a Ring Doorbell Plan?
Visual guide about How to Get Ring Doorbell Plan
Image source: diysmarthomehub.com
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what a “Ring Doorbell plan” actually is.
A Ring Doorbell plan—officially called Ring Protect—is a subscription service that adds powerful features to your Ring devices. Think of it as the premium upgrade that turns your basic doorbell into a full-featured security system.
With Ring Protect, you get:
– Video recording (motion-triggered and on-demand)
– Cloud storage for recorded clips
– Extended video history (up to 180 days)
– Person detection and smart alerts
– Snapshot capture
– Sharing and downloading videos
– 24/7 professional monitoring (with Ring Alarm, if applicable)
Without a plan, your doorbell still works—but it’s like having a smartphone with no apps. The hardware is there, but you’re missing the best features.
Types of Ring Protect Plans
Ring offers two main subscription tiers. Choosing the right one depends on how many Ring devices you have and how much coverage you want.
Ring Protect Basic
- Price: $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year (save 17%)
- Covers: One Ring doorbell or security camera
- Best for: Homeowners with a single Ring device
This plan is perfect if you only have one Ring Doorbell and don’t plan to expand your system. You’ll get all the core recording and storage features for that one device.
Ring Protect Plus
- Price: $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year (save 15%)
- Covers: All Ring devices at a single location (up to 10 devices)
- Best for: Families, smart home enthusiasts, or anyone with multiple Ring products
This is the most popular plan. It covers every Ring doorbell, camera, and alarm sensor in your home. If you have a Ring Doorbell, a couple of Stick Up Cams, and a Ring Alarm system, this plan saves you money and simplifies billing.
Ring Protect Pro (Limited Availability)
- Price: $20/month or $200/year
- Features: Includes everything in Plus, plus 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, and extended warranty
- Best for: High-security homes or businesses (currently available in select U.S. regions)
Note: Ring Protect Pro is not available everywhere and requires a Ring Alarm system. Most homeowners will find Plus sufficient.
How to Choose the Right Plan for You
Still not sure which plan to pick? Here’s a quick decision guide:
- One Ring Doorbell only? Go with Ring Protect Basic.
- Two or more Ring devices? Choose Ring Protect Plus—it’s more cost-effective.
- Want peace of mind with monitoring? Consider Ring Protect Pro (if available).
- Testing the waters? Start with the 30-day free trial of Plus.
Pro Tip: Even if you start with Basic, you can upgrade to Plus anytime in the app. So don’t stress—you can always change your mind later.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Ring Doorbell Plan
Now that you understand your options, let’s walk through the actual process of getting your Ring Doorbell plan. It’s simple, takes less than 5 minutes, and happens entirely within the Ring app.
Step 1: Download and Set Up the Ring App
If you haven’t already, download the Ring app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). It’s free and required to manage your Ring devices.
Once installed:
- Open the app and tap “Create Account” or “Sign In” if you already have one.
- Enter your email, create a password, and verify your account via email.
- Follow the prompts to add your Ring Doorbell (if not already set up).
If your doorbell is already connected, skip to the next step.
Step 2: Open the Ring App and Go to Your Device
Once logged in:
- Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-left corner.
- Select Devices from the menu.
- Choose your Ring Doorbell from the list.
You’ll now see a dashboard with live view, motion settings, and other options.
Step 3: Navigate to the Subscription Section
To sign up for a plan:
- On your doorbell’s device page, scroll down and tap Device Subscription.
- You’ll see a screen explaining Ring Protect and the available plans.
- Tap See Plans or Start Free Trial (if eligible).
Note: If you’re a new Ring user, you’ll likely see a 30-day free trial offer for Ring Protect Plus. This is the best way to test the service risk-free.
Step 4: Choose Your Plan
You’ll now see a comparison of Ring Protect Basic and Plus. Here’s what to look for:
- Basic: $3.99/month, covers one device
- Plus: $10.99/month, covers all devices at one location
Tap the plan you want. If you choose Plus, you’ll see a confirmation that it covers all your current and future Ring devices at that address.
Step 5: Start the Free Trial (Optional but Recommended)
If you’re eligible for the free trial:
- Tap Start Free Trial.
- Enter your payment method (required, but you won’t be charged during the trial).
- Confirm your selection.
The trial lasts 30 days. You can cancel anytime before it ends to avoid charges.
Step 6: Enter Payment Information
Even if you’re on a free trial, you’ll need to add a payment method:
- Tap Add Payment Method.
- Enter your credit or debit card details (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover).
- Confirm your billing address.
- Tap Save.
Ring uses secure encryption to protect your payment info. You can update or remove your card anytime in the app.
Step 7: Confirm Your Subscription
After entering payment details:
- Review your plan summary (plan type, price, billing cycle).
- Tap Subscribe or Start Subscription.
- You’ll see a confirmation message and receive an email receipt.
Your plan is now active! You can start recording videos and accessing cloud storage immediately.
How to Manage Your Ring Doorbell Plan
Once your plan is active, you can manage it anytime through the Ring app.
View or Change Your Plan
- Go to the Ring app menu > Account.
- Tap Protect Plan.
- Here, you can see your current plan, billing date, and payment method.
- To change plans, tap Change Plan and select a new option.
Update Payment Method
- Go to Account > Protect Plan.
- Tap Payment Method.
- Add a new card or edit existing details.
Cancel Your Subscription
You can cancel anytime:
- Go to Account > Protect Plan.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Follow the prompts to confirm.
Note: Canceling stops auto-renewal, but you’ll keep access until the end of your current billing period.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a simple process, things can go wrong. Here are solutions to common problems.
“I Don’t See the Subscription Option in the App”
- Make sure your Ring app is updated to the latest version.
- Restart the app and your phone.
- Ensure your doorbell is online and connected to Wi-Fi.
- If still missing, contact Ring Support.
“My Free Trial Isn’t Showing Up”
- Free trials are only for new Ring users or devices not previously subscribed.
- If you’ve had a plan before, you may not qualify.
- Check your account status under Protect Plan.
“Payment Failed or Card Declined”
- Double-check card details (number, expiration, CVV).
- Ensure your card supports recurring payments.
- Try a different card or contact your bank.
- Update payment method in the app.
“I’m Being Charged but Don’t Have Recording”
- Confirm your plan is active under Protect Plan.
- Check that recording is enabled in your device settings.
- Restart your doorbell and app.
- Contact Ring Support if the issue persists.
“Can I Use Ring Protect on Multiple Homes?”
- No. Ring Protect Plus covers one location only.
- If you have Ring devices at a second home, you’ll need a separate subscription.
- Each location requires its own account or a shared household setup.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Doorbell Plan
Now that you’re subscribed, here’s how to make the most of your plan:
Enable Smart Alerts
Go to your device settings and turn on Motion Zones and Person Detection. This reduces false alerts and ensures you only get notified when it matters.
Download Important Clips
If someone rings your doorbell or motion is detected, save the video to your phone. Tap the clip in the app and select Download. This keeps a local copy even if cloud storage is full.
Share Access with Family
Add family members as Shared Users in the app. They can view live feeds and recordings without needing their own subscription.
Check Storage Regularly
Ring Protect stores videos for up to 180 days, but older clips are automatically deleted. Review your history monthly to save important footage.
Use the Ring Neighbors App
Pair your Ring plan with the Neighbors app to share alerts with your community and stay informed about local safety.
Is a Ring Doorbell Plan Worth It?
Let’s be honest: Is it worth paying for a Ring Doorbell plan?
For most people, yes.
Here’s why:
- Peace of mind: You can review who came to your door, even if you missed the alert.
- Evidence: Recorded clips can help with police reports or insurance claims.
- Smart features: Person detection, extended history, and sharing make life easier.
- Affordable: At $3.99–$10.99/month, it’s cheaper than most streaming services.
If you only want live view and basic alerts, you can skip the plan. But for full functionality, Ring Protect is essential.
Final Thoughts
Getting a Ring Doorbell plan is quick, easy, and well worth it. Whether you choose Ring Protect Basic for one device or Plus for your entire smart home, the process takes just a few taps in the Ring app.
Remember:
- Use the 30-day free trial to test features.
- Choose Plus if you have multiple Ring devices.
- Manage your plan anytime in the app.
- Contact support if you run into issues.
With your plan active, your Ring Doorbell becomes a powerful security tool—not just a doorbell. You’ll never miss a visitor, package delivery, or unexpected event again.
So go ahead—get your Ring Doorbell plan today and take full control of your home’s safety.