Setting up a Ring Doorbell subscription unlocks essential features like cloud video recording, motion alerts, and extended history. This guide walks you through choosing the right Ring Protect plan, signing up, and troubleshooting common issues—so you can keep your home secure with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Ring subscriptions are optional but highly recommended: Without a Ring Protect plan, you’ll miss out on video recording, extended event history, and advanced motion detection.
- Two main plans available: Ring Protect Basic covers one device, while Ring Protect Plus covers all Ring devices at your location for a better value.
- Subscription setup is done via the Ring app: You can sign up directly in the app after installing your doorbell—no need to visit a website.
- Free trial often included: New users typically get a 30-day free trial, giving you time to test features before committing.
- Cancel anytime: Ring subscriptions are month-to-month, so you can cancel without long-term contracts or penalties.
- Ensure your doorbell is connected: A stable Wi-Fi connection and properly installed device are required before subscribing.
- Troubleshooting is simple: Most issues—like payment errors or activation problems—can be fixed with a few quick steps in the app or on Ring’s support page.
How to Get Subscription for Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell—great job! Now, you’re probably wondering: Do I really need a subscription? The short answer? Not technically. But if you want to get the most out of your smart doorbell, a Ring Protect subscription is almost essential.
Without a subscription, your Ring Doorbell will still send motion alerts and let you see who’s at the door in real time. But you won’t be able to save or review past videos. That means if a package gets stolen or someone rings the bell while you’re asleep, you’ll have no record of it. That’s where a Ring subscription comes in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a subscription for your Ring Doorbell—from choosing the right plan to activating it and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you’re a first-time user or upgrading from a free account, this guide has you covered.
Why You Should Consider a Ring Doorbell Subscription
Visual guide about How to Get Subscription for Ring Doorbell
Image source: doorbellexpert.com
Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why should you pay for a Ring subscription when the doorbell works without it?
The truth is, Ring’s free tier is quite limited. You get live view, motion alerts, and two-way talk—but that’s about it. Once the motion event ends, the video disappears forever. No playback. No downloads. No evidence.
With a Ring Protect subscription, you unlock:
– Cloud video recording: Save videos of every motion event and doorbell press.
– Extended event history: View recordings from the past 180 days (with Plus) or 60 days (with Basic).
– Video sharing: Easily share clips with neighbors, police, or family.
– Advanced motion detection: Customize motion zones and sensitivity.
– Snapshot capture: Get still images between motion events.
– People Only Mode: Reduce false alerts by filtering out animals and vehicles.
For less than the cost of a streaming service, a Ring subscription adds serious value to your home security setup. It turns your doorbell from a simple notification tool into a full-fledged surveillance system.
Understanding Ring Protect Plans: Basic vs. Plus
Ring offers two subscription tiers: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Choosing the right one depends on how many Ring devices you have and your budget.
Ring Protect Basic
This plan is ideal if you only have one Ring doorbell or camera.
– Price: $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year (saves about 17%)
– Covers: One Ring device (e.g., one doorbell or one camera)
– Features: Video recording, 60-day event history, video sharing, motion zones, and People Only Mode
Best for: Homeowners with a single Ring doorbell who want basic recording and alerts.
Ring Protect Plus
This is the more popular and cost-effective option—especially if you have multiple Ring devices.
– Price: $10 per month or $100 per year (saves about 17%)
– Covers: All Ring devices at one location (doorbells, cameras, alarms, etc.)
– Features: Everything in Basic, plus 180-day event history, extended warranty on devices, and 10% off select Ring products
Best for: Families, renters, or homeowners with multiple Ring devices who want comprehensive coverage and extra perks.
Pro Tip: Even if you only have one doorbell now, consider Plus if you plan to add more Ring products later. It’s often cheaper than upgrading from Basic later.
Step 1: Install and Set Up Your Ring Doorbell
Before you can subscribe, your Ring Doorbell must be properly installed and connected to the Ring app. If you’ve already done this, skip to Step 2. If not, here’s a quick rundown.
Choose the Right Model
Ring offers several doorbell models, including:
– Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)
– Ring Video Doorbell Pro
– Ring Video Doorbell Wired
– Ring Video Doorbell Battery
– Ring Video Doorbell Elite
Make sure your model is compatible with Ring Protect (all current models are).
Install the Doorbell
Follow the instructions in the Ring app or the included manual. Most models can be installed in 15–30 minutes.
– Turn off power at the breaker (for wired models).
– Remove your old doorbell.
– Mount the Ring bracket using screws or adhesive.
– Attach the doorbell and secure it.
– Turn power back on (if wired) or insert batteries (if battery-powered).
Connect to the Ring App
Download the Ring app (available on iOS and Android) and create an account if you don’t have one.
– Open the app and tap “Set Up a Device.”
– Select “Doorbells” and follow the on-screen prompts.
– Scan the QR code on your doorbell or enter the serial number.
– Connect to your Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz recommended for better range).
– Complete the setup and test the live view.
Once your doorbell is online and working, you’re ready to subscribe.
Step 2: Sign Up for a Ring Protect Subscription
Now for the main event: getting your subscription. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes—all within the Ring app.
Open the Ring App
Launch the app on your phone or tablet and log in to your account.
Go to the Device Dashboard
Tap on your doorbell from the home screen. This opens the live view and control panel.
Tap the Gear Icon (Settings)
In the top-right corner of the live view, tap the gear icon to access device settings.
Select “Subscription”
Scroll down and tap “Subscription.” You’ll see your current plan (likely “No Plan” if you haven’t subscribed yet).
Choose Your Plan
You’ll see two options: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus.
– Tap the plan you want.
– Review the features and pricing.
– Tap “Continue” or “Subscribe Now.”
Enter Payment Information
You’ll be prompted to enter a credit or debit card. Ring accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
– Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV.
– Confirm billing address.
– Tap “Subscribe.”
Confirm Activation
Once payment is processed, your subscription activates immediately. You’ll see a confirmation message and your plan details in the app.
Note: If you’re a new user, you may see a “Start Free Trial” option. This gives you 30 days of full access before billing begins. You can cancel anytime during the trial to avoid charges.
Step 3: Verify Your Subscription Is Active
After subscribing, it’s smart to double-check that everything is working.
Check the Subscription Status
Go back to the “Subscription” section in your doorbell settings. You should now see your plan name (e.g., “Ring Protect Plus”) and the next billing date.
Test Video Recording
Trigger a motion event (walk in front of the doorbell) or press the button. Wait a few seconds, then go to the “History” tab in the app.
You should see a new event with a video thumbnail. Tap it to play the recording. If it plays, your subscription is active and working.
Check Event History
With a subscription, you can scroll back through past events. Try going to the “History” tab and swiping left to see older recordings.
If you only see live view and no past events, your subscription may not be active—double-check your payment and plan status.
Step 4: Manage Your Subscription
Once you’re subscribed, you can manage your plan anytime through the Ring app or website.
Change Your Plan
Want to upgrade from Basic to Plus? Or downgrade to save money?
– Go to “Subscription” in the app.
– Tap “Change Plan.”
– Select the new plan and confirm.
Changes take effect at the next billing cycle.
Update Payment Method
If your card expires or you want to switch payment methods:
– Tap “Payment Method” in the subscription section.
– Add a new card or edit existing details.
– Save changes.
Cancel Your Subscription
No long-term contracts here—you can cancel anytime.
– Go to “Subscription.”
– Tap “Cancel Subscription.”
– Confirm your choice.
Your plan will remain active until the end of the current billing period. After that, you’ll lose access to cloud recordings and advanced features.
Important: Canceling does not delete your account or device. You can still use live view and motion alerts.
Troubleshooting Common Subscription Issues
Even with a simple process, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
“Subscription Not Activating”
If you’ve paid but your plan isn’t showing up:
– Check your internet connection: A weak Wi-Fi signal can delay updates. Restart your router and phone.
– Restart the Ring app: Close it completely and reopen.
– Log out and back in: Sometimes a fresh login refreshes your account status.
– Wait 10–15 minutes: Payment processing can take a few minutes, especially during peak times.
If the issue persists, contact Ring Support.
“Payment Declined”
Your card was rejected? Try these fixes:
– Verify card details: Make sure the number, expiration, and CVV are correct.
– Check with your bank: Some banks block recurring payments from new merchants. Call to authorize Ring.
– Use a different card: Try another credit or debit card.
– Update billing address: Mismatched addresses can cause declines.
“Free Trial Not Showing”
New users should see a 30-day trial. If you don’t:
– Ensure you’re a new user: Trials are only for first-time subscribers.
– Check your device eligibility: Some older models or refurbished units may not qualify.
– Contact Ring Support: They can manually apply the trial if eligible.
“Can’t Access Past Recordings”
You’re subscribed but can’t view old videos?
– Confirm your plan: Basic offers 60 days; Plus offers 180. If it’s older than that, it’s deleted.
– Check storage limits: Ring doesn’t limit storage, but very old events may be overwritten.
– Update the app: Outdated apps can cause glitches. Update via the App Store or Google Play.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Subscription
Now that you’re subscribed, here are some pro tips to maximize your experience.
Use Motion Zones
Reduce false alerts by customizing motion zones. In the app, go to your doorbell settings > Motion Settings > Motion Zones. Draw areas where you want alerts (e.g., driveway) and ignore others (e.g., busy street).
Enable People Only Mode
This feature uses AI to detect only human movement. Great for reducing alerts from cars, animals, or blowing leaves. Turn it on in Motion Settings.
Set Up Chime Pro (Optional)
If your Wi-Fi is weak near the doorbell, the Ring Chime Pro extends your network and acts as a doorbell chime. It’s especially helpful for battery doorbells.
Share Access with Family
Add trusted family members as “Shared Users” in the app. They can view live feeds, receive alerts, and manage recordings—without needing their own subscription.
Download Important Videos
If you capture something important (like a break-in or lost pet), download the video to your phone. Tap the video in History > three dots > “Save to Phone.”
Review Your Billing
Check your subscription every few months. If you no longer use Ring devices, consider canceling to save money.
Is a Ring Subscription Worth It?
Let’s be honest: $4–$10 a month adds up. So, is it worth it?
For most people, yes—especially if you value security and peace of mind.
Think of it like insurance. You hope you never need it, but when you do, you’re glad it’s there. A Ring subscription gives you proof when it matters—whether it’s a stolen package, a suspicious visitor, or a neighbor dispute.
And with features like 180-day history and video sharing, it’s more than just a recorder—it’s a tool for safety, evidence, and convenience.
That said, if you live in a very safe area and rarely get visitors, the free tier might be enough. But for most households, the small monthly cost is a smart investment.
Final Thoughts
Getting a subscription for your Ring Doorbell is simple, affordable, and highly beneficial. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can unlock powerful features that turn your doorbell into a full home security system.
Whether you choose Ring Protect Basic or Plus, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing you can review past events, share videos, and customize alerts to fit your lifestyle.
And if you run into any issues—payment problems, activation delays, or missing features—the troubleshooting steps above will help you get back on track quickly.
So don’t wait. If you’ve got a Ring Doorbell, take the next step and subscribe today. Your future self will thank you when you need that video evidence or just want to see who dropped off a package while you were at work.
Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy the full power of your Ring Doorbell.