Sharing access to your Ring Doorbell is easy and secure when you follow the right steps. This guide walks you through inviting users, managing permissions, and troubleshooting common issues—so you can keep your home safe while giving trusted people control.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to invite users: Only the primary account holder can send invitations via the Ring mobile app.
- Choose the right permission level: Assign “Owner,” “Admin,” or “User” roles based on how much control you want the person to have.
- Ensure the invitee has a Ring account: The person receiving access must sign up for a free Ring account before accepting the invitation.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove someone’s access instantly from the app if needed.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Protect shared accounts by turning on 2FA for added security.
- Test shared access after setup: Confirm the new user can view live video, receive alerts, and use features as intended.
- Use Shared Users for limited access: For temporary or restricted access (like a dog walker), use the Shared Users feature instead of full account sharing.
How to Give Someone Access to Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve got a Ring Doorbell—great choice! It keeps your home secure, sends real-time alerts, and lets you see who’s at the door even when you’re miles away. But what if you want your spouse, roommate, nanny, or trusted neighbor to also get alerts and view live footage? That’s where sharing access comes in.
Giving someone access to your Ring Doorbell isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for true home security. Whether you’re on vacation, at work, or just want peace of mind knowing someone else is watching your front door, sharing access ensures you’re never the only line of defense.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of giving someone access to your Ring Doorbell. You’ll learn how to invite users, set permission levels, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your account secure. By the end, you’ll be a pro at managing shared access—and your home will be safer for it.
Let’s get started.
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why you might want to share access in the first place.
Imagine you’re out of town, and a package gets delivered. Without shared access, only you would get the alert—and by the time you check, the package might already be stolen. But if your neighbor or family member has access, they can check the live feed, talk to the delivery person, or even step outside to grab the package.
Or maybe you have a dog walker who comes every afternoon. With shared access, they can confirm they’ve arrived, and you can monitor the visit remotely. It’s not about distrust—it’s about transparency and safety.
Sharing access also helps in emergencies. If your doorbell detects motion at 3 a.m., and you’re asleep, a trusted person with access can check the footage and call the police if needed.
In short, sharing access turns your Ring Doorbell from a solo security tool into a team effort. It’s smarter, safer, and gives everyone peace of mind.
Understanding Ring User Roles and Permissions
Not all access is created equal. Ring offers different user roles, each with specific permissions. Knowing the difference is key to giving the right level of access.
There are three main roles:
Owner
The Owner is the person who originally set up the Ring device and account. Only one person can be the Owner. This person has full control—they can add or remove users, change settings, delete devices, and manage subscriptions.
Visual guide about How to Give Someone Access to Ring Doorbell
Image source: en-uk.ring.com
Admin
An Admin has almost all the same permissions as the Owner, except they can’t remove the Owner or transfer ownership. Admins can add or remove other users, adjust device settings, view live video, and respond to alerts. This role is ideal for spouses, partners, or trusted family members who need full access.
User
A User has limited access. They can view live video, receive motion and doorbell alerts, and talk through the doorbell (if enabled). However, they can’t change settings, add other users, or manage subscriptions. This role works well for roommates, nannies, or temporary helpers.
Shared Users (Limited Access)
For even more control, Ring offers a feature called “Shared Users.” This allows you to give someone access to a single device—like your doorbell—without giving them access to your entire Ring account. Shared Users can only view that one device and receive its alerts. They can’t see other cameras or change settings. This is perfect for dog walkers, house sitters, or neighbors who only need to monitor the front door.
Choosing the right role depends on your needs. For family members, Admin or User roles work best. For temporary helpers, Shared Users is the way to go.
Step-by-Step: How to Invite Someone to Your Ring Doorbell
Now that you understand the roles, let’s walk through the process of inviting someone to your Ring Doorbell. We’ll cover both full account access (Admin/User) and limited Shared Users access.
Method 1: Invite as Admin or User (Full Account Access)
This method gives the person access to your entire Ring account, including all devices. Use this for family members or trusted individuals who need broad access.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged in as the Owner.
Step 2: Go to the Main Menu
Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-left corner to open the main menu.
Step 3: Select “Users”
Scroll down and tap “Users.” This will show a list of people who already have access to your account.
Step 4: Tap “Add User”
Tap the “+ Add User” button at the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 5: Enter the Invitee’s Email
Type in the email address of the person you want to invite. Make sure it’s correct—this is where they’ll receive the invitation.
Step 6: Choose the User Role
Select whether you want to make them an Admin or a User. Remember: Admins have more control, while Users have limited access.
Step 7: Send the Invitation
Tap “Send Invitation.” The person will receive an email with a link to accept the invite.
Step 8: The Invitee Accepts
The person must open the email and click the link. They’ll be prompted to create a Ring account (if they don’t have one) or log in. Once they accept, they’ll have access to your Ring devices based on the role you assigned.
Method 2: Share Access to a Single Device (Shared Users)
This method is ideal for giving limited access to one device—like your doorbell—without sharing your entire account.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the app and log in as the Owner.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell
Tap on your Ring Doorbell from the device list on the home screen.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to open settings.
Step 4: Tap “Shared Users”
Scroll down and select “Shared Users.”
Step 5: Tap “Add Shared User”
Tap the “+ Add Shared User” button.
Step 6: Enter the Email Address
Type in the email of the person you want to share access with.
Step 7: Choose Permissions
You can choose whether the Shared User can:
- View Live View
- Receive Motion Alerts
- Receive Doorbell Press Alerts
- Talk Through the Doorbell (if supported)
Toggle the permissions you want to grant.
Step 8: Send the Invitation
Tap “Send Invitation.” The person will receive an email with a link to accept.
Step 9: The Invitee Accepts
The person clicks the link, creates or logs into their Ring account, and gains access to your doorbell with the permissions you set.
Tips for a Smooth Sharing Experience
Sharing access is simple, but a few best practices can make it even smoother.
1. Use a Trusted Email Address
Always double-check the email address before sending an invitation. A typo could send access to the wrong person—or no one at all.
2. Explain the Permissions
Let the person know what they can and can’t do. For example, if you’ve set them as a User, tell them they can’t change settings or add other users.
3. Test Access After Setup
Once the invitation is accepted, ask the person to open the Ring app and confirm they can see your doorbell, receive alerts, and use features like Live View.
4. Use Strong Passwords
Encourage the person to use a strong, unique password for their Ring account. This protects both their access and your device.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Go to your Ring account settings and turn on 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone when logging in.
6. Keep Your App Updated
Make sure both you and the invitee are using the latest version of the Ring app. Updates often include security improvements and new features.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, sharing access doesn’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Issue 1: The Invitation Email Isn’t Received
If the person doesn’t get the email, check these steps:
- Confirm the email address was entered correctly.
- Ask the person to check their spam or junk folder.
- Resend the invitation from the Ring app.
- Ensure the email isn’t blocked by a corporate or school filter.
Issue 2: The Invitee Can’t Accept the Invitation
If the link doesn’t work or gives an error:
- Make sure the person is using a supported device (iOS or Android).
- Have them clear their browser cache or try a different browser.
- Ask them to update the Ring app to the latest version.
- If all else fails, remove the pending invitation and send a new one.
Issue 3: The Person Can’t See the Doorbell
If the invitee logs in but doesn’t see your doorbell:
- Confirm they accepted the invitation successfully.
- Check that the correct device was shared (especially if you have multiple Ring devices).
- Restart the Ring app on their device.
- Log out and log back into their Ring account.
Issue 4: Alerts Aren’t Coming Through
If the person isn’t getting motion or doorbell alerts:
- Check that alerts are enabled in the app (go to Device Settings > Motion Settings or Alert Settings).
- Ensure their phone’s notification settings allow Ring alerts.
- Verify that the correct permissions were granted (e.g., “Receive Motion Alerts”).
- Make sure the doorbell’s motion zones are properly configured.
Issue 5: You Want to Remove Someone’s Access
To revoke access at any time:
- Go to the Ring app > Menu > Users (for Admin/User roles) or Device Settings > Shared Users (for Shared Users).
- Find the person’s name and tap “Remove” or “Revoke Access.”
- Confirm the action. They will lose access immediately.
Security Best Practices When Sharing Access
Sharing access is convenient, but it also introduces security risks. Follow these tips to keep your home and data safe.
1. Only Share with Trusted People
Only give access to people you trust completely. Once someone has access, they can see who comes and goes at your home.
2. Use Shared Users for Temporary Access
For short-term needs (like a house sitter), use Shared Users instead of full account access. This limits what they can see and do.
3. Monitor Account Activity
Regularly check the “Users” section in the Ring app to see who has access. Remove anyone who no longer needs it.
4. Avoid Sharing Your Login
Never give someone your Ring username and password. Always use the invitation system so each person has their own account.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Turn on 2FA for your account and encourage others to do the same. This prevents unauthorized access even if a password is compromised.
6. Review Privacy Settings
Go to Device Settings > Privacy and make sure features like “Motion Zones” and “Privacy Zones” are set up to protect sensitive areas (like a neighbor’s yard).
When to Use Shared Users vs. Full Account Access
Choosing between Shared Users and full account access depends on the situation.
Use Shared Users when:
- The person only needs access to one device (e.g., the doorbell).
- It’s a temporary arrangement (e.g., a vacation house sitter).
- You want to limit what they can see and do.
- The person doesn’t need to manage settings or view other cameras.
Use Full Account Access (Admin/User) when:
- The person is a family member or long-term resident.
- They need access to multiple Ring devices (cameras, alarms, etc.).
- They should be able to adjust settings or respond to alerts independently.
- You want them to help manage the account.
For most households, a combination works best: Admin access for spouses, User access for older kids, and Shared Users for temporary helpers.
Conclusion
Giving someone access to your Ring Doorbell is a smart way to enhance home security and share responsibilities. Whether you’re inviting a family member as an Admin or sharing limited access with a dog walker, the process is straightforward when you follow the right steps.
Remember to choose the appropriate user role, use the invitation system instead of sharing passwords, and always prioritize security. Test access after setup, monitor who has control, and revoke access when it’s no longer needed.
With shared access, your Ring Doorbell becomes more than just a camera—it becomes a collaborative tool that keeps your home safe, even when you’re not there. So go ahead, invite that trusted person, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone’s always watching your door.