This guide walks you through how to give family member access to Ring Doorbell safely and efficiently. You’ll learn to add users, manage permissions, and troubleshoot common issues—all while keeping your home secure.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to invite family members: The process starts in the Ring app under the “Device Sharing” section.
- Set custom permissions: Choose whether family members can view live video, receive alerts, or access recorded footage.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi and updated firmware: A stable connection and latest software prevent access issues.
- Verify email addresses before sending invites: Incorrect emails cause failed invitations and delays.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove users instantly if needed for security or privacy.
- Use two-factor authentication: Adds an extra layer of protection for shared devices.
- Test access after setup: Confirm the family member can view the doorbell feed and receive notifications.
How to Give Family Member Access to Ring Doorbell
If you’ve installed a Ring Doorbell, you already know how convenient it is to see who’s at your door—even when you’re not home. But what if your spouse, teen, or elderly parent also wants to check the camera? That’s where sharing access comes in. Giving a family member access to your Ring Doorbell is simple, secure, and gives everyone peace of mind.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to give family member access to Ring Doorbell step by step. Whether you’re adding your partner, a college student, or a caregiver, we’ll cover everything from sending invites to managing permissions and fixing common problems. No tech degree required—just follow along, and you’ll have your loved ones connected in minutes.
Why Share Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Give Family Member Access to Ring Doorbell
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why sharing access makes sense. A Ring Doorbell isn’t just a camera—it’s a security tool. When multiple family members can see who’s at the door, respond to motion alerts, or check recorded footage, your home becomes safer and more connected.
For example, imagine your teen comes home from school while you’re at work. With access, they can see the delivery person drop off a package and know it’s safe. Or if your elderly parent lives with you, they can check the camera before answering the door, reducing the risk of scams or unwanted visitors.
Sharing access also helps during emergencies. If you’re traveling and someone rings the doorbell, your spouse can answer the live feed and communicate with the visitor. It’s like having a second set of eyes on your home—24/7.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell installed and connected: Your device should be working and linked to your Ring account.
- The Ring app installed on your phone: Available for iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated.
- Your family member’s email address: They’ll need a valid email to receive the invite.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection: Both your phone and the doorbell should have good signal strength.
- Your Ring account login details: You’ll need to be logged in to send invites.
Having these ready will make the process smooth and avoid delays.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone. If you haven’t used it in a while, you might need to log in with your email and password.
Once you’re in, you’ll see your dashboard—a screen that shows all your Ring devices. Look for your doorbell in the list. It should display a live preview or the last recorded clip.
Tap on your doorbell to open its settings. This will take you to the device control panel, where you can adjust motion zones, view recordings, and manage sharing.
Step 2: Navigate to Device Sharing
Now, look for the “Device Sharing” option. It’s usually found in the device settings menu, often under a gear icon or “More” section.
Tap on “Device Sharing.” You’ll see a list of people who already have access (if any) and an option to add a new user.
This is where you’ll invite your family member. The system will ask for their email address and the permissions you want to grant.
Step 3: Enter Your Family Member’s Email
Type in your family member’s email address carefully. Double-check for typos—this is a common mistake that prevents invites from going through.
For example, if your spouse’s email is “[email protected],” make sure you don’t type “[email protected]” or “[email protected].” Even a small error will block the invitation.
Once you’ve entered the email, tap “Send Invite.” The system will send a notification to that address with a link to accept access.
Step 4: Choose Permissions
Here’s where you decide what your family member can do. Ring offers several permission levels, so you can customize access based on trust and need.
The main options include:
- Live View: Allows them to see the camera feed in real time.
- Motion Alerts: Sends notifications when motion is detected.
- Recorded Video Access: Lets them view past clips from the Ring cloud.
- Two-Way Talk: Enables them to speak through the doorbell.
- Device Settings: Gives control over motion zones, sensitivity, and more (use with caution).
For most family members, we recommend enabling Live View, Motion Alerts, and Two-Way Talk. Avoid giving Device Settings access unless they’re tech-savvy and responsible.
For example, your teenager might only need Live View and Motion Alerts to check for packages. But your spouse might benefit from full access, including Two-Way Talk, so they can greet visitors.
Step 5: Send the Invitation
After setting permissions, tap “Send Invite.” The app will confirm the action and notify you that the invite has been sent.
Your family member will receive an email with a link. They’ll need to click it and follow the instructions to accept access.
If they don’t have the Ring app, they’ll be prompted to download it and create a free Ring account. This is required to view the shared device.
Step 6: Family Member Accepts the Invite
Once your family member clicks the link, they’ll be taken to the Ring app or website. They’ll need to:
- Log in to their Ring account (or create one).
- Confirm the device sharing request.
- Accept the permissions you’ve granted.
After accepting, the doorbell will appear in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.” They can now view live feeds, receive alerts, and use the features you’ve allowed.
Step 7: Test the Connection
It’s important to test access right away. Ask your family member to:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap on the shared doorbell.
- Check if the live view loads.
- Trigger a motion alert (e.g., walk in front of the doorbell).
- Verify they receive a notification.
If everything works, great! If not, we’ll cover troubleshooting in a moment.
Managing Shared Access Over Time
Giving access isn’t a one-time task. You may need to adjust permissions or remove users later. Here’s how to manage shared access:
Changing Permissions
If you want to update what your family member can do, go back to the “Device Sharing” section in the Ring app. Tap on their name and modify the permissions. Changes take effect immediately.
For example, if your teen starts driving and needs to answer the door more often, you might enable Two-Way Talk.
Removing Access
If someone no longer needs access—like a college student who moved out—you can remove them instantly.
To do this:
- Go to “Device Sharing” in the Ring app.
- Tap on the person’s name.
- Select “Remove Access.”
- Confirm the action.
They’ll lose all access right away, and the doorbell will disappear from their app.
Tips for Secure Sharing
While sharing access is convenient, it’s important to keep your home secure. Follow these best practices:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Make sure both you and your family members use strong passwords for Ring accounts. Avoid common phrases like “password123” or “ring2024.”
A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example: “Ring!Door2024#Safe.”
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. When enabled, anyone logging into the Ring app must enter a code sent to their phone.
To turn on 2FA:
- Go to the Ring app menu.
- Tap “Account Settings.”
- Select “Two-Factor Authentication.”
- Follow the prompts to set it up.
This prevents unauthorized access, even if someone guesses a password.
Limit Device Settings Access
Only give Device Settings permission to trusted adults. This includes changing motion zones, adjusting sensitivity, or updating firmware.
If a family member accidentally changes a setting, it could affect your doorbell’s performance. For example, lowering motion sensitivity might cause you to miss important alerts.
Review Access Regularly
Every few months, check who has access to your doorbell. Remove anyone who no longer needs it—like a babysitter or temporary guest.
This keeps your security tight and reduces the risk of misuse.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, sharing access doesn’t go as planned. Here are common problems and how to fix them:
Invite Not Received
If your family member doesn’t get the email:
- Check the spam or junk folder.
- Verify the email address was entered correctly.
- Resend the invite from the Ring app.
- Ask them to check if they have a Ring account already—sometimes invites go to a different email.
Live View Not Loading
If the camera feed won’t load:
- Ensure both phones have a strong internet connection.
- Restart the Ring app on both devices.
- Check if the doorbell is online in your app (look for a green dot).
- Update the Ring app to the latest version.
No Motion Alerts
If alerts aren’t coming through:
- Confirm motion alerts are enabled in the Ring app.
- Check the motion zones—make sure they cover the area you want to monitor.
- Ensure the doorbell’s firmware is up to date.
- Restart the doorbell by removing it from the mount and reattaching it.
Two-Way Talk Not Working
If you can’t hear or speak through the doorbell:
- Check the volume on both phones.
- Make sure the doorbell’s microphone and speaker aren’t blocked.
- Test in a quiet environment—background noise can interfere.
- Update the app and firmware.
Access Removed by Mistake
If you accidentally removed someone:
- Simply re-send the invite using the same steps.
- They’ll receive a new email and can accept again.
Advanced Sharing Options
For families with multiple Ring devices, you can share more than just the doorbell.
Sharing Multiple Devices
You can invite the same person to access your Ring security cameras, floodlight cams, or even smart lights—all from the same “Device Sharing” menu.
Just repeat the process for each device, choosing the right permissions.
Creating a Shared Household
Ring doesn’t have a formal “household” feature, but you can simulate it by sharing all devices with the same group of people.
For example, share your front doorbell, backyard camera, and garage door sensor with your spouse and older kids. This creates a unified security system for the whole family.
Using Ring Protect Plan
If you have a Ring Protect subscription, shared users can also access recorded videos—depending on your permissions.
This is especially useful for reviewing footage after a package theft or suspicious activity.
Privacy and Legal Considerations
While sharing access is helpful, it’s important to respect privacy.
Inform All Household Members
Let everyone know who has access to the doorbell. This avoids confusion and builds trust.
For example, if your teen knows their sibling can see the camera, they’re less likely to feel watched.
Follow Local Laws
In some areas, recording audio or video at your door may be regulated. Make sure your setup complies with local privacy laws.
Most Ring doorbells record video only when motion is detected or when someone rings the bell. Audio is recorded during Two-Way Talk.
Respect Guest Privacy
Avoid sharing access with people who don’t live in your home unless necessary. For example, a house cleaner might only need temporary access.
Always revoke access when the need ends.
Conclusion
Giving a family member access to your Ring Doorbell is a smart way to boost home security and keep everyone connected. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can share live views, motion alerts, and even two-way communication.
Remember to choose permissions wisely, keep your app updated, and test access after setup. And if something goes wrong, the troubleshooting tips in this guide will help you fix it fast.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your loved ones can stay safe, informed, and in control—no matter where they are. So go ahead, share that doorbell, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a smarter, safer home.