How to Get Ring Video Doorbell for Free

Learn how to get a Ring Video Doorbell at no cost through official trade-in deals, community programs, and special promotions. This guide walks you through every legal and practical method, so you can boost your home security without spending a dime.

Key Takeaways

• Trade in an old doorbell: Ring offers free or discounted devices when you exchange a working wired doorbell through their official trade-in program.
• Check local government or nonprofit programs: Some cities and safety organizations provide free smart doorbells to eligible residents, especially seniors or low-income households.
• Look for seasonal promotions: Ring often runs holiday or back-to-school giveaways where you can win a free device by entering online contests.
• Use referral rewards: Invite friends to join Ring Protect plans and earn credits that can cover the full cost of a new doorbell.
• Monitor Amazon or retailer deals: During major sales events like Prime Day, Ring sometimes bundles free doorbells with other purchases.
• Avoid scams: Only use official Ring channels—never pay “processing fees” or share sensitive info for a “free” doorbell.
• Consider refurbished models: While not always free, certified refurbished Ring doorbells cost significantly less and often come with warranties.

How to Get Ring Video Doorbell for Free: A Complete Guide

If you’ve been eyeing a Ring Video Doorbell but haven’t pulled the trigger because of the price tag, you’re not alone. These smart security devices offer peace of mind with features like live video streaming, motion alerts, two-way audio, and cloud recording—but they typically cost anywhere from $60 to $300 depending on the model. The good news? There are several legitimate ways to get a Ring Video Doorbell for free—or close to it—without falling for scams or wasting money.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every proven method to score a free (or nearly free) Ring doorbell. Whether you’re upgrading from an old wired doorbell, participating in a community safety initiative, or simply timing your purchase right during a sale, you’ll find actionable steps here. We’ll also help you avoid common pitfalls and red flags so you can protect your home—and your wallet.

Let’s dive in!

Method 1: Use Ring’s Official Trade-In Program

One of the most reliable and straightforward ways to get a Ring Video Doorbell for free is through Ring’s own Trade-In Program. This initiative allows you to exchange your existing wired doorbell for credit toward a new Ring device—sometimes covering the entire cost.

How the Trade-In Program Works

Ring launched this program to encourage homeowners to upgrade their outdated doorbells to smart, connected versions. If you currently have a traditional wired doorbell (not battery-powered), you may qualify for a trade-in credit ranging from $30 to $100—or even more during special promotions.

Here’s how it works:

1. Visit the official Ring Trade-In page (ring.com/trade-in).
2. Answer a few questions about your current doorbell (e.g., brand, condition, wiring).
3. If eligible, you’ll receive a prepaid shipping label to send in your old doorbell.
4. Once Ring receives and verifies your device, they’ll issue a digital gift card or discount code.
5. Use that credit toward any Ring Video Doorbell on their website.

Tips to Maximize Your Trade-In Value

– Act fast during promotions: Ring occasionally boosts trade-in values during holidays like Black Friday or Prime Day. For example, in past years, users received up to $100 off when trading in a working wired doorbell.
– Ensure your old doorbell is functional: Ring only accepts doorbells that are in working condition. If it’s broken or missing parts, you likely won’t qualify.
– Check compatibility: Your home must have existing doorbell wiring (low-voltage, typically 8–24V). Battery-only setups don’t qualify.
– Combine with other deals: Sometimes, you can stack your trade-in credit with a sale price or bundle offer for extra savings.

Real-world example: Maria from Ohio traded in her 10-year-old wired doorbell during a summer promotion and received a $75 credit. She used it to buy a Ring Video Doorbell 4 for just $24.99 out of pocket—essentially getting it for free after tax.

Method 2: Look for Government or Nonprofit Assistance Programs

Believe it or not, some local governments, police departments, and nonprofit organizations offer free smart doorbells as part of community safety initiatives. These programs aim to reduce crime, improve neighborhood surveillance, and support vulnerable populations like seniors or victims of burglary.

Types of Programs to Watch For

– Police Department Giveaways: Many U.S. cities run “Safe Neighborhood” campaigns where residents can apply for free security devices. For instance, the Austin Police Department partnered with Ring in 2020 to distribute hundreds of free doorbells to high-risk areas.
– Senior Safety Initiatives: Organizations like AARP or local Area Agencies on Aging sometimes fund smart doorbell distributions to help older adults stay safe at home.
– Domestic Violence Shelters & Support Groups: Some nonprofits provide Ring doorbells to survivors to enhance their security after leaving abusive situations.
– Low-Income Housing Programs: Public housing authorities in cities like Chicago and Seattle have piloted programs offering free Ring devices to tenants.

How to Find These Opportunities

1. Search locally: Google “free Ring doorbell [your city name]” or “smart doorbell giveaway [your state].”
2. Contact your local police non-emergency line: Ask if they have any current or upcoming security device programs.
3. Check community boards: Libraries, senior centers, and neighborhood Facebook groups often share info about free tech giveaways.
4. Sign up for city newsletters: Many municipalities announce safety initiatives via email updates.

Pro tip: Even if your area doesn’t have an active program, consider reaching out to your city council member or local law enforcement to suggest one. Community demand can spark new initiatives!

Method 3: Enter Ring’s Official Giveaways and Contests

Ring frequently hosts online contests, social media giveaways, and seasonal promotions where you can win a free Video Doorbell—no purchase necessary. These are 100% legitimate and hosted directly by Ring or trusted partners like Amazon.

Where to Find Active Giveaways

– Ring’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages: Follow @Ring on social media and turn on post notifications. They often run “comment to win” or “share to enter” contests.
– Ring’s official blog and newsletter: Subscribe to Ring’s email list for exclusive early access to contests and flash giveaways.
– Amazon’s Ring Store: During Prime Day, Amazon Live events, or holiday sales, Ring sometimes gives away free doorbells to random participants.
– Partner promotions: Ring collaborates with brands like Alexa, Blink, or even home improvement stores for joint giveaways.

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning

– Enter every contest you see: The more entries, the better your odds.
– Follow all entry rules exactly: Missing a hashtag or failing to tag a friend can disqualify you.
– Engage regularly: Accounts that interact often with Ring’s posts are sometimes prioritized.
– Set reminders: Use calendar alerts for known promotion periods (e.g., Black Friday, National Night Out in August).

Example: During National Night Out 2023, Ring gave away 500 free Video Doorbells to participants who shared photos of their block parties using #RingNightOut. Winners were selected randomly and notified via direct message.

Method 4: Earn Credits Through Ring Referral Programs

Ring doesn’t have a traditional referral program for hardware, but you can earn significant credits toward a free doorbell by referring friends to Ring Protect—the subscription service that enables cloud video storage and advanced features.

How the Referral Credit System Works

When you sign up for a Ring Protect plan (starting at $3.99/month), you gain access to a unique referral link. Share this link with friends or family. If they sign up for Ring Protect using your link, both you and your friend receive a credit—usually $10–$20 per successful referral.

Here’s the math:
– Refer 5 friends → $50–$100 in credits.
– A basic Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) costs $59.99.
– With 3–5 referrals, you can cover the full cost.

Steps to Start Referring

1. Log into your Ring app.
2. Go to “More” > “Refer Friends.”
3. Copy your unique referral link or share via text/email/social media.
4. Encourage friends to sign up for Ring Protect (they’ll get a discount too!).
5. Credits appear in your account within 7–14 days and can be applied at checkout.

Important note: Credits can only be used for Ring hardware purchases on ring.com—not third-party retailers. Also, there’s usually a limit (e.g., 10 referrals per year), so plan accordingly.

Method 5: Time Your Purchase During Major Sales Events

While not always “free,” you can often get a Ring Video Doorbell for under $20—or even $0—during strategic shopping windows. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart deeply discount Ring products during key sales periods.

Best Times to Buy (or Get Free)

– Prime Day (July): Amazon frequently offers Ring doorbells for 40–50% off. In 2023, the Ring Video Doorbell Wired dropped to $29.99—and some bundles included a free Echo Dot.
– Black Friday / Cyber Monday: Look for “buy one, get one free” deals or doorbells bundled with free installation services.
– Back-to-School (August): Ring sometimes runs student or family safety promotions.
– Ring’s Own Anniversary Sale (September): Celebrating their founding, Ring offers site-wide discounts and occasional free gifts with purchase.

How to Spot a True Free Deal

Watch for bundles where the added value equals or exceeds the doorbell’s price. For example:
– “Buy a Ring Alarm system, get a free Video Doorbell.”
– “Spend $100 on Ring products, receive a $60 doorbell at no extra cost.”

Use price-tracking tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to monitor historical lows and set alerts.

Method 6: Consider Certified Refurbished Models (Nearly Free)

If you can’t find a truly free option, certified refurbished Ring doorbells offer incredible value. These are pre-owned devices inspected, tested, and restored by Ring to like-new condition—and they come with a 1-year warranty.

Prices start as low as $39.99 for a refurbished Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen). Combined with a trade-in or referral credit, this can effectively make your out-of-pocket cost $0.

Where to Buy Refurbished Ring Doorbells

– Ring.com/refurbished: The safest source—direct from the manufacturer.
– Amazon Renewed: Look for “Amazon Renewed” badges and check seller ratings.
– Best Buy Outlet: Occasionally stocks refurbished smart home devices.

Always verify the warranty and return policy before purchasing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with free or discounted doorbells, you might run into hiccups. Here’s how to handle them:

“My trade-in was rejected.”

Double-check that your old doorbell is wired (not battery), functional, and properly packaged. Contact Ring Support with photos of your device and wiring for clarification.

“I didn’t receive my referral credit.”

Ensure your friend completed the full Ring Protect signup (not just added a device). Credits take 7–14 days to process. Reach out to Ring Support with both account emails.

“The giveaway winner wasn’t announced.”

Legitimate contests always publish winners or notify via official channels. If a page claims you’ve won but asks for payment or personal info, it’s a scam—report it.

“My refurbished doorbell won’t connect.”

Reset the device using the orange button, ensure your Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz (not 5GHz-only), and update the Ring app. Most issues are fixable with basic troubleshooting.

Avoiding Scams: Red Flags to Watch For

Unfortunately, scammers exploit the desire for free tech. Never trust offers that:

– Ask for upfront “shipping” or “processing” fees.
– Come from unofficial websites (e.g., “Ring-Free-Doorbell.com”).
– Require your Social Security number, bank details, or credit card for a “free” item.
– Promise instant delivery without verification.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to ring.com, Amazon, or verified local programs.

Final Thoughts: Smart Strategies for Free Security

Getting a Ring Video Doorbell for free isn’t just possible—it’s practical if you know where to look. By leveraging Ring’s trade-in program, tapping into community resources, entering official contests, and timing your purchases wisely, you can secure your home without opening your wallet.

Start by assessing which method fits your situation best. Do you have an old wired doorbell? Great—trade it in. Live in a city with active safety programs? Apply today. Love a good contest? Follow Ring on social media.

Every step brings you closer to smarter, safer living—at zero cost. And once your doorbell is installed, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without real-time alerts, crystal-clear video, and the ability to greet visitors from anywhere in the world.

So what are you waiting for? Your free Ring Video Doorbell is just a few smart moves away.