Want a second phone to view your Ring doorbell? You can easily share access with family members or trusted users through the Ring app. This guide walks you through adding users, adjusting permissions, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring both phones stay connected in real time.
Key Takeaways
- Share access via the Ring app: Use the “Shared Users” feature to invite others to view your doorbell feed.
- Ensure both phones have the Ring app installed: Download and log in with the correct credentials on each device.
- Check Wi-Fi and app permissions: Strong internet and proper app settings are essential for smooth streaming.
- Use two-factor authentication for security: Protect your account while allowing shared access.
- Test the connection after setup: Confirm both phones receive live video and motion alerts.
- Adjust notification settings per user: Customize alerts so each person gets only what they need.
- Troubleshoot common sync issues: Restart apps, update software, or re-invite users if problems arise.
How to Have Second Phone View Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve got a Ring doorbell—great choice! It keeps your home secure, lets you see who’s at the door even when you’re not home, and sends instant alerts. But what if you want your partner, roommate, or family member to also see the live feed from their phone? Maybe you’re at work and your teen is home—shouldn’t they be able to answer the doorbell too?
The good news? You can absolutely have a second phone view your Ring doorbell. Ring makes it simple to share access with others, so multiple people can receive alerts, view live video, and even talk to visitors. Whether you’re setting this up for safety, convenience, or peace of mind, this guide will walk you through every step—clearly, simply, and without tech jargon.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
– How to invite a second user to your Ring doorbell
– How to install and set up the Ring app on another phone
– How to customize notifications and permissions
– How to troubleshoot common connection issues
– Tips for keeping your shared access secure and reliable
By the end, both you and your trusted person will be able to see who’s knocking—anytime, anywhere.
Why Share Your Ring Doorbell Access?
Visual guide about How to Have Second Phone View Ring Doorbell
Image source: ringdoorbellinstallationguy.com
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why sharing your Ring doorbell with a second phone is such a smart move.
First, it increases home security. If you’re away and someone rings the doorbell, your partner or older child can see who it is and respond—even if they’re in another room or outside. No more missed deliveries or surprise visitors slipping through the cracks.
Second, it improves convenience. Imagine you’re cooking dinner and your phone is across the house. With a second phone connected, your spouse can check the doorbell feed without interrupting you. Or maybe you’re traveling and want your neighbor to keep an eye on things—sharing access lets them help out without needing physical keys.
Third, it strengthens family communication. Parents can monitor who’s coming and going when kids are home alone. Roommates can coordinate package deliveries. It’s all about making life easier and safer.
And the best part? Ring’s sharing feature is built right into the app. No complicated setups, no extra hardware. Just a few taps, and you’re done.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- A working Ring doorbell: Whether it’s a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, or Ring Video Doorbell Wired, it must be installed and connected to Wi-Fi.
- The primary Ring account: You must be the owner of the Ring account linked to the doorbell.
- A second smartphone or tablet: This is the device you want to give access to. It should be compatible with the Ring app (iOS 12.0+ or Android 7.0+).
- Wi-Fi connection: Both phones should have a stable internet connection.
- Email address for the second user: You’ll need this to send the invitation.
Once you’ve confirmed these items, you’re ready to get started.
Step 1: Install the Ring App on the Second Phone
The first step is making sure the second phone has the Ring app installed. Even if the person already uses Ring for another device, they’ll need the app to view your doorbell.
Download the Ring App
Go to the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android) on the second phone. Search for “Ring” and download the official Ring app by Ring LLC. It’s free and takes just a minute to install.
Create or Log In to a Ring Account
Once the app is installed, open it. You’ll see two options: “Log In” or “Create Account.”
– If the second user already has a Ring account (for their own devices), they should log in with their existing email and password.
– If they don’t have an account, they should tap “Create Account” and follow the prompts. They’ll need to enter their name, email, phone number, and create a password.
Important: The second user does not need to buy a Ring device. They only need an account to receive shared access.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (Recommended)
For security, Ring recommends enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a code sent to the user’s phone when logging in from a new device.
To enable 2FA:
– Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner.
– Go to Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication.
– Toggle it on and follow the instructions.
This step is optional but highly recommended—especially when sharing access with others.
Step 2: Invite the Second User from Your Phone
Now that the second phone is ready, it’s time to send the invitation from your primary Ring account.
Open the Ring App on Your Phone
Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the doorbell. This is the account you used when setting up the device.
Go to Device Settings
Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner. Scroll down and select Devices. Then, tap on your Ring doorbell from the list.
Select “Shared Users”
Inside the doorbell settings, look for the Shared Users option. Tap it. You’ll see a list of people who already have access (if any) and an option to “Add Shared User.”
Enter the Second User’s Email
Tap “Add Shared User” and enter the email address associated with the second user’s Ring account. Make sure it’s spelled correctly—this is how they’ll receive the invitation.
Choose Permissions
Ring lets you control what the second user can do. You can choose from three permission levels:
- View Only: They can see live video and recorded clips but can’t change settings or talk to visitors.
- Standard: They can view video, talk to visitors, and receive alerts, but can’t change device settings.
- Admin: Full access—same as the owner. They can change settings, add other users, and manage the device.
For most cases, Standard is the best choice. It gives them full functionality without risking accidental changes.
Tap “Send Invitation” when you’re done.
Confirm the Invitation Was Sent
You’ll see a confirmation message. The second user will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation. They must click it and log in to their Ring account to complete the process.
Step 3: Accept the Invitation on the Second Phone
Now it’s the second user’s turn to complete the setup.
Check Email for the Invitation
The second user should open their email (the one linked to their Ring account) and look for an email from Ring with the subject “You’ve Been Invited to Share a Device.”
Click the Accept Link
Inside the email, there’s a button that says “Accept Invitation.” They should tap it. This will open the Ring app (if installed) or redirect them to download it.
Log In to Their Ring Account
If they’re not already logged in, they’ll be prompted to enter their email and password. Once logged in, the doorbell will appear in their device list.
Verify Access
They should now see your Ring doorbell in the app. They can tap it to view live video, check motion history, and receive alerts—just like you.
Step 4: Test the Connection on Both Phones
After setup, it’s important to test that everything works correctly.
Trigger a Test Ring
Have someone press the doorbell button (or simulate motion if your model supports it). Both phones should receive a notification within a few seconds.
Open the Live View
On both phones, open the Ring app and tap the doorbell. You should see the live video feed. Try talking through the doorbell (if it has two-way audio) to confirm audio works.
Check Notification Settings
Make sure both users are receiving alerts. If not, go to Device Settings > Motion Settings or Doorbell Press Alerts and ensure notifications are enabled.
Test at Different Times
Try testing in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Internet speeds can vary, and you want to ensure consistent performance.
Customizing Notifications and Permissions
Once both phones are connected, you can fine-tune the experience.
Adjust Notification Preferences
Each user can customize their alerts:
– Go to the doorbell in the app.
– Tap Device Settings > Motion Settings or Doorbell Press Alerts.
– Toggle on/off alerts, choose notification sounds, or set quiet hours.
For example, you might want motion alerts during the day but only doorbell press alerts at night.
Set Motion Zones (Optional)
If your doorbell supports it, you can define specific motion zones. This helps reduce false alerts (like from passing cars) and ensures both users only get relevant notifications.
Manage Shared User Permissions
As the owner, you can change or remove access at any time:
– Go to Shared Users in the doorbell settings.
– Tap the user’s name.
– Choose “Edit Permissions” or “Remove User.”
This is useful if someone moves out or you no longer want them to have access.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Second Phone Not Receiving Alerts
If the second user isn’t getting notifications:
– Check that notifications are enabled in the Ring app and in the phone’s settings (Settings > Notifications > Ring).
– Ensure the user hasn’t silenced the app or enabled “Do Not Disturb.”
– Restart the Ring app and phone.
– Re-send the invitation if needed.
Live View Not Loading
If the video won’t load on the second phone:
– Check Wi-Fi strength. Move closer to the router or restart the Wi-Fi.
– Close and reopen the Ring app.
– Update the app to the latest version.
– Ensure the doorbell has a strong signal (check the signal strength in the app under Device Health).
Invitation Not Received
If the second user didn’t get the email:
– Check the spam or junk folder.
– Confirm the email address was entered correctly.
– Resend the invitation from your phone.
– Have the user log out and back into their Ring account.
Audio Not Working
If two-way audio isn’t working:
– Make sure the doorbell’s microphone and speaker aren’t blocked.
– Check that the app has microphone permissions (Settings > Privacy > Microphone > Ring).
– Restart both phones.
– Update the Ring app and doorbell firmware.
App Crashes or Freezes
If the app keeps crashing:
– Force close the app and reopen it.
– Clear the app cache (Android: Settings > Apps > Ring > Storage > Clear Cache).
– Reinstall the app if problems persist.
Tips for a Smooth Shared Experience
To keep things running smoothly, follow these best practices:
- Keep apps updated: Regularly check for Ring app updates to ensure compatibility and security.
- Use strong Wi-Fi: A weak signal can cause delays or dropped video. Consider a Wi-Fi extender if needed.
- Name your devices clearly: If you have multiple Ring devices, give them descriptive names (e.g., “Front Door,” “Back Gate”) so users know which is which.
- Communicate about changes: If you adjust settings or remove access, let the other user know.
- Monitor battery life (for wireless models): If your doorbell is battery-powered, check the battery level in the app and recharge when needed.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Sharing access is convenient, but it’s important to do it safely.
Only Share with Trusted People
Only invite people you trust—family, roommates, or close friends. Anyone with access can see your home’s activity, so choose wisely.
Use Strong Passwords
Both you and the second user should use strong, unique passwords for your Ring accounts. Avoid common passwords like “123456” or “password.”
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
As mentioned earlier, 2FA adds a critical layer of security. It prevents unauthorized access even if someone gets your password.
Review Shared Users Regularly
Periodically check who has access to your doorbell. Remove users who no longer need it (e.g., former roommates or guests).
Be Mindful of Location Data
Ring may collect location data to improve services. You can manage this in the app under Account Settings > Privacy Settings.
Conclusion
Having a second phone view your Ring doorbell is not only possible—it’s easy, secure, and incredibly useful. Whether you’re sharing access with a partner, teen, or trusted neighbor, Ring’s built-in sharing feature makes it simple to stay connected and keep your home safe.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to:
– Install the Ring app on a second device
– Invite and accept shared access
– Customize notifications and permissions
– Troubleshoot common issues
– Keep your setup secure
Now, both you and your trusted user can enjoy peace of mind, knowing you’ll never miss a visitor, delivery, or unexpected event at your door.
So go ahead—send that invitation, test the connection, and enjoy the added security and convenience of shared access. Your Ring doorbell is more powerful when everyone who matters can see it.