Getting a Ring Doorbell subscription is simple and unlocks powerful features like video recording, cloud storage, and smart alerts. This guide walks you through choosing the right Ring Protect plan, signing up, and managing your subscription with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Protect plans start at $3.99/month: Choose between Basic and Plus tiers based on your needs and number of devices.
- Subscription enables video recording: Without a plan, your Ring Doorbell only sends live alerts—no saved footage.
- Easy setup via Ring app: Sign up, link your device, and activate your plan in minutes from your smartphone.
- Cancel or change anytime: Ring subscriptions are flexible with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- Works with multiple devices: Ring Protect Plus covers all Ring cameras and doorbells at one location under one plan.
- Free trial available: New users often get a 30-day free trial to test features before paying.
- Customer support is accessible: Use the Ring app or website to get help with billing, activation, or technical issues.
How to Get Ring Doorbell Subscription: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell—great choice! It’s sleek, smart, and keeps an eye on your front door. But here’s the thing: without a Ring Doorbell subscription, you’re only getting half the experience. You’ll see live alerts when someone’s at your door, but you won’t be able to review past events, save videos, or use advanced features like person detection or extended video history.
That’s where a Ring Protect subscription comes in. Think of it as the key that unlocks your doorbell’s full potential. Whether you’re a first-time Ring user or upgrading from a free plan, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Ring Doorbell subscription—from choosing the right plan to activating it and managing your account.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to sign up, what features you’ll gain, how much it costs, and how to troubleshoot common issues. Let’s get started!
What Is a Ring Doorbell Subscription?
Visual guide about How to Get Ring Doorbell Subscription
Image source: 9to5mac.com
A Ring Doorbell subscription is part of Ring’s Protect Plan service. It’s a monthly or annual fee that gives you access to cloud storage, video recording, and smart alerts for your Ring devices. Without a subscription, your doorbell still works—you’ll get motion alerts and live video—but you can’t save or review past footage.
With a subscription, you can:
– Record and store videos when motion is detected or when someone rings the doorbell
– Review past events in a timeline
– Download or share videos
– Use advanced features like person detection, package alerts, and extended video history
Ring offers two main subscription tiers: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. We’ll break down the differences shortly, but first, let’s talk about why you might want one.
Why You Need a Ring Doorbell Subscription
You might be thinking, “Can’t I just use my Ring Doorbell for free?” Technically, yes—but you’ll miss out on the most valuable features. Here’s why a subscription is worth it:
1. Save and Review Video Footage
Imagine someone rings your doorbell while you’re at work. Without a subscription, you get a notification and can see live video—but once you close the app, that moment is gone. With a Ring Protect plan, the video is automatically saved to the cloud. You can go back anytime and watch what happened.
This is especially useful for:
– Verifying package deliveries
– Checking if a visitor left a note
– Reviewing suspicious activity
– Providing evidence to law enforcement if needed
2. Get Smarter Alerts
Ring’s AI-powered alerts can distinguish between people, packages, vehicles, and animals. With a subscription, you’ll get customized notifications like “Motion detected: Person at front door” instead of just a generic alert. This reduces false alarms and helps you focus on what matters.
3. Extended Video History
Free users only get access to live video. Subscribers can review footage from the past 180 days (depending on the plan). That means you can look back weeks or even months to see who came to your door.
4. Peace of Mind
Knowing your home is being monitored 24/7—even when you’re not watching—gives you confidence. Whether you’re on vacation or just downstairs, you can check in anytime.
Ring Protect Plans: Which One Is Right for You?
Ring offers two subscription tiers. Let’s compare them so you can pick the best fit.
Ring Protect Basic
– Cost: $3.99/month or $39.99/year per device
– Covers: One Ring doorbell or camera
– Features:
– Video recording and cloud storage
– 180-day video history
– Person and package detection
– Download and share videos
– Snapshot capture
Best for: Homeowners with one or two Ring devices who want core features at a low cost.
Ring Protect Plus
– Cost: $19.99/month or $199.99/year per location
– Covers: All Ring devices at one address (up to 10 devices)
– Features:
– Everything in Basic, plus:
– Extended video history (up to 180 days)
– 10% discount on select Ring devices
– Extended warranty on Ring products
– 24/7 professional monitoring (optional add-on)
Best for: Families, multi-device users, or anyone who wants full coverage and extra perks.
Which Should You Choose?
If you have only one Ring Doorbell, Basic is a great starting point. But if you have multiple Ring cameras (like a doorbell, floodlight cam, and indoor camera), Plus is the smarter choice. You save money and get more features.
For example:
– 1 device: Basic = $3.99/month
– 3 devices: Basic = $11.97/month vs. Plus = $19.99/month (but covers all devices)
Even with three devices, Plus is only $8 more per month—and you get extra benefits like device discounts and warranty coverage.
How to Get a Ring Doorbell Subscription: Step-by-Step
Now that you know the options, let’s walk through how to get your Ring Doorbell subscription. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes.
Step 1: Download the Ring App
If you haven’t already, download the Ring app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). You’ll need this to manage your devices and subscription.
Step 2: Set Up Your Ring Doorbell
Before you can subscribe, your doorbell must be installed and connected to Wi-Fi. Follow the in-app setup guide to:
– Charge or wire your doorbell
– Connect it to your home network
– Test the live view and motion detection
Once your doorbell is online and working, you’re ready to subscribe.
Step 3: Open the Ring App and Go to Your Device
Launch the app and tap on your Ring Doorbell from the home screen. This will open the device dashboard.
Step 4: Tap on “Protect Plan”
In the device menu, look for the “Protect Plan” option. It’s usually near the top, under settings or device options.
Step 5: Choose Your Plan
You’ll see two options: Basic and Plus. Tap the one you want. The app will show you the monthly and annual pricing.
Tip: Annual plans save you about 17% compared to monthly. If you’re sure you’ll use it long-term, go annual.
Step 6: Create or Sign In to Your Ring Account
If you’re new, you’ll need to create a Ring account. Enter your email, create a password, and verify your email address.
If you already have an account, just sign in.
Step 7: Enter Payment Information
Add a credit or debit card. Ring accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal.
You’ll be charged immediately unless you’re in a free trial period.
Step 8: Confirm and Activate
Review your plan details and tap “Subscribe.” Your subscription is now active!
You’ll see a confirmation message, and your device will start recording and saving videos.
Step 9: Test Your Subscription
To make sure everything’s working:
– Ring your doorbell or trigger motion
– Wait a few seconds
– Go to the “Event History” tab in the app
– You should see a new video recording
If you don’t see it, check your Wi-Fi connection or restart the app.
How to Manage Your Ring Subscription
Once you’re subscribed, you’ll want to know how to manage your plan—change it, cancel it, or update payment info.
Accessing Your Subscription Settings
Open the Ring app and go to the main menu (three lines in the top-left corner). Tap “Account” > “Protect Plans.” Here, you’ll see:
– Active plans
– Billing details
– Renewal date
– Option to upgrade or cancel
Upgrading from Basic to Plus
If you start with Basic but later add more devices, you can upgrade to Plus anytime.
In the Protect Plans section, tap “Upgrade to Plus.” You’ll be charged the difference, and all your devices will be covered.
Changing Payment Method
In the same section, tap “Payment Method” to update your card or switch to PayPal.
Canceling Your Subscription
You can cancel anytime with no penalty. Go to “Protect Plans,” select your plan, and tap “Cancel Subscription.”
Your plan will remain active until the end of the current billing cycle. After that, your doorbell will revert to live-only mode.
Tip: If you cancel during a free trial, you won’t be charged.
Free Trial: How to Get One
Ring often offers a 30-day free trial for new users. Here’s how to get it:
Check for Trial Offers
When you first set up your Ring Doorbell, the app may prompt you to start a free trial. If not, go to “Protect Plan” and look for a “Start Free Trial” button.
Eligibility
Free trials are usually available to:
– New Ring users
– Users who haven’t had a subscription before
– Those purchasing a new Ring device
If you’ve had a subscription in the past, you may not qualify.
What Happens After the Trial?
At the end of 30 days, your subscription will automatically renew unless you cancel. You’ll get a reminder email a few days before billing starts.
To avoid charges, cancel before the trial ends.
Troubleshooting Common Subscription Issues
Even with a smooth process, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
“Subscription Not Activating”
If your plan isn’t working after signing up:
– Check your internet connection
– Restart the Ring app
– Force close and reopen the app
– Ensure your device is online (green status light)
If it still doesn’t work, contact Ring support.
“Payment Failed”
This usually means your card was declined. Check:
– Is the card expired?
– Is there a typo in the card number?
– Does your bank allow online subscriptions?
Update your payment method in the app or try a different card.
“Can’t See Recorded Videos”
If you’re not seeing saved footage:
– Confirm your subscription is active (check Protect Plans)
– Make sure motion or doorbell events triggered recording
– Check your Wi-Fi signal—weak connections can prevent uploads
Try moving your router closer or using a Wi-Fi extender.
“Billing Questions”
If you see unexpected charges:
– Log in to your Ring account online
– Go to “Billing History”
– Review past transactions
If something looks wrong, contact Ring customer support.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Subscription
Now that you’re subscribed, here are some pro tips to maximize your Ring Doorbell experience:
1. Enable Smart Alerts
Go to your device settings and turn on “Person Detection” and “Package Alerts.” This reduces false alarms and helps you focus on real events.
2. Set Motion Zones
Customize where your doorbell detects motion. For example, exclude the street or sidewalk to avoid unnecessary alerts.
3. Use the Timeline View
The “Event History” tab shows a timeline of all recordings. Use it to quickly find specific events.
4. Share Access with Family
Add family members to your Ring account so they can view videos and receive alerts. Go to “Shared Users” in the app.
5. Download Important Videos
If you capture something important (like a delivery or suspicious activity), download the video to your phone or cloud storage for safekeeping.
6. Check Battery Levels
For battery-powered doorbells, low power can affect recording. Charge regularly or consider a solar charger.
Is a Ring Doorbell Subscription Worth It?
Let’s be honest—$3.99 to $19.99 a month might seem like an extra expense. But consider what you’re getting:
– Peace of mind knowing your home is monitored
– Ability to review past events
– Smarter, more accurate alerts
– Potential evidence in case of theft or vandalism
For most homeowners, the value far outweighs the cost. Think of it like home insurance—you hope you never need it, but you’re glad it’s there when you do.
And with flexible plans, no contracts, and a free trial, there’s little risk in trying it.
Final Thoughts
Getting a Ring Doorbell subscription is a smart move if you want to unlock the full power of your smart doorbell. It’s easy to set up, affordable, and packed with features that enhance your home security.
Whether you choose Basic for one device or Plus for full coverage, the process is straightforward—just a few taps in the Ring app. And with options to upgrade, cancel, or manage your plan anytime, you’re always in control.
So don’t wait. Sign up today, start your free trial, and start protecting your home the smart way.