Learn how to invite Ring Doorbell users to share access to your device. This guide covers setup, permissions, troubleshooting, and best practices for secure sharing.
Key Takeaways
- Invite via the Ring app: Use the “Shared Users” feature to send an invitation directly from your smartphone.
- Choose the right permission level: Decide whether guests get live view only or full control over settings and recordings.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi and power: A stable connection and consistent power are essential for reliable Ring Doorbell performance.
- Verify email and phone number: Invited users must have a verified Ring account to accept the invitation.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove shared users instantly from the app if needed.
- Use two-factor authentication: Boost security by enabling 2FA on your Ring account before sharing access.
- Test after inviting: Confirm the new user can view live feeds and receive alerts to ensure everything works.
How to Invite Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell, set it up, and now you want to share access with family members, roommates, or trusted neighbors. Maybe your spouse wants to see who’s at the door while you’re at work, or your teenager needs to monitor deliveries after school. Whatever the reason, inviting someone to use your Ring Doorbell is simple—but it’s important to do it correctly to maintain security and functionality.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to invite Ring Doorbell users step by step. You’ll learn how to send invitations, manage permissions, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your smart home secure. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Elite, the process is nearly identical. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a pro at sharing access while keeping full control over your device.
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Invite Ring Doorbell
Image source: cdn.manomano.com
Before diving into the technical steps, let’s talk about why you might want to invite others to use your Ring Doorbell. Sharing access isn’t just convenient—it can also enhance your home’s safety.
For example, if you’re away on vacation, a trusted neighbor could monitor your front door and alert you to suspicious activity. Or, if you have elderly parents living with you, they can see who’s visiting without having to answer the door. Roommates can take turns checking for packages, and parents can keep an eye on kids coming home from school.
But sharing access also means trusting others with your security system. That’s why Ring gives you control over what each user can do. You can limit their access to just viewing live video, or give them full control to change settings, review recordings, and respond to motion alerts.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you invite someone to your Ring Doorbell, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring account: You must be the primary owner of the device.
- The Ring app installed: Available on iOS and Android.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and the Ring Doorbell need good Wi-Fi.
- The email address of the person you’re inviting: They’ll need this to accept the invitation.
- Two-factor authentication (recommended): For added security, enable 2FA on your Ring account.
It’s also a good idea to confirm that the person you’re inviting has downloaded the Ring app and created their own Ring account. If they haven’t, they’ll need to do that first before they can accept your invitation.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Select Your Device
The first step in inviting someone to your Ring Doorbell is to open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
Launch the Ring App
Tap the Ring app icon on your home screen. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, you’ll also need to enter the verification code sent to your phone or email.
Navigate to Your Device
Once you’re in the app, you’ll see a dashboard with all your Ring devices. Look for your Ring Doorbell—it might be labeled “Front Door,” “Doorbell,” or whatever name you gave it during setup.
Tap on the device to open its live view or settings menu.
Access Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open the device settings. This is where you’ll find options for motion detection, alerts, and—most importantly—shared users.
Step 2: Go to Shared Users
Now that you’re in the device settings, it’s time to invite someone.
Find the Shared Users Option
Scroll down the settings menu until you see a section labeled “Shared Users” or “People with Access.” Tap on it to open the shared users menu.
Here, you’ll see a list of anyone who already has access to your Ring Doorbell. If this is your first time sharing, the list will be empty.
Tap “Add Person” or “Invite User”
Look for a button that says “Add Person,” “Invite User,” or “+ Invite.” Tap it to start the invitation process.
Step 3: Enter the Invitee’s Email Address
This is where you’ll send the actual invitation.
Type the Email Address
A new screen will appear asking for the email address of the person you want to invite. Make sure you enter it correctly—typos are a common reason invitations fail.
For example, if you’re inviting your spouse, type their email exactly as it appears in their Ring account. If they use a different email for Ring than their personal one, use the Ring email.
Double-Check the Email
Before sending, double-check the email address. If the person doesn’t receive the invitation, it might be because the email was entered incorrectly.
Tap “Send Invitation”
Once you’ve entered the email, tap “Send Invitation” or “Invite.” The app will send an email to that address with a link to accept the invitation.
Step 4: Choose Permission Levels
One of the best features of Ring is the ability to control what shared users can do. When you send an invitation, you can choose from two permission levels:
Live View Only
This is the most restricted option. Users with “Live View Only” access can:
- See who’s at the door in real time
- Receive motion and doorbell alerts
- View live video when they open the app
But they cannot:
- Change device settings
- View past recordings
- Delete or download videos
- Respond to the doorbell (e.g., talk through the speaker)
This level is ideal for children, elderly family members, or neighbors who just need to see who’s visiting.
Full Access
Users with “Full Access” can do almost everything you can, including:
- View live and recorded video
- Change motion zones and sensitivity
- Adjust alert settings
- Delete recordings
- Respond to the doorbell (talk and listen)
- View event history
Only grant full access to people you fully trust—like a spouse or live-in partner.
How to Set Permissions
When you send the invitation, the app will ask you to choose the permission level. Simply tap the option you prefer before sending.
You can always change permissions later by going back to the Shared Users menu and editing the user’s access.
Step 5: The Invitee Accepts the Invitation
Once you’ve sent the invitation, the next step happens on the other person’s end.
Check Their Email
The person you invited will receive an email from Ring with the subject line “You’ve been invited to share a Ring device.” The email will include a link that says “Accept Invitation.”
Open the Link
They should tap the link, which will open the Ring app (if installed) or redirect them to download it.
Log In or Create an Account
If they already have a Ring account, they’ll log in. If not, they’ll need to create one using the same email address you invited.
Confirm Access
After logging in, they’ll see a confirmation screen showing the device they’ve been invited to. They’ll tap “Accept” to gain access.
Once accepted, the Ring Doorbell will appear in their app under “Shared Devices.”
Step 6: Test the Connection
After the invitation is accepted, it’s important to test that everything is working.
Have the User Open the App
Ask the person you invited to open the Ring app and look for your doorbell under “Shared Devices.”
Check Live View
They should be able to tap the device and see a live video feed. If the screen is black or says “Connecting,” there may be a connectivity issue.
Test Alerts
Walk to the door and press the doorbell button (or trigger motion). The user should receive a notification and be able to see the event in their app.
Verify Permissions
If you gave them full access, ask them to try changing a setting (like motion zones). If they can, permissions are working. If not, double-check the permission level you selected.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful setup, things can go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Invitation Not Received
If the person doesn’t get the email:
- Check the spam or junk folder.
- Confirm the email address was entered correctly.
- Resend the invitation from the Shared Users menu.
- Make sure the email isn’t blocked by a filter.
“Invalid Email” Error
This usually means the email isn’t associated with a Ring account. Ask the person to create a Ring account using that email first.
Can’t See Live Video
If the shared user can’t view live footage:
- Check your Wi-Fi signal at the doorbell.
- Restart the Ring Doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (if battery-powered).
- Ensure the user has the latest version of the Ring app.
- Confirm they’re logged into the correct account.
Permissions Not Working
If someone can’t access features they should have:
- Go back to Shared Users and verify the permission level.
- Remove and re-invite the user with the correct settings.
- Log out and back into the app on both devices.
Device Not Showing Up
If the doorbell doesn’t appear in the shared user’s app:
- Make sure the invitation was accepted.
- Check that both devices are connected to the internet.
- Restart the Ring app on both phones.
- Re-sync the device in the Ring app.
How to Remove a Shared User
If you no longer want someone to have access, you can remove them at any time.
Go to Shared Users
Open the Ring app, go to your doorbell settings, and tap “Shared Users.”
Find the User
Tap on the person’s name.
Remove Access
Tap “Remove User” or “Revoke Access.” Confirm when prompted.
The user will immediately lose access to the device. They won’t receive a notification, but they’ll notice the device is gone from their app.
Best Practices for Sharing Your Ring Doorbell
To keep your home secure and your Ring Doorbell running smoothly, follow these best practices:
Only Invite Trusted People
Think carefully before sharing access. Even with limited permissions, shared users can see who comes and goes at your home.
Use Strong Passwords
Make sure both you and your shared users have strong, unique passwords for your Ring accounts.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
This adds an extra layer of security. Go to Account Settings > Two-Factor Authentication and turn it on.
Regularly Review Shared Users
Check your Shared Users list every few months. Remove anyone who no longer needs access—like a former roommate or guest.
Keep the App Updated
Always use the latest version of the Ring app to avoid bugs and security issues.
Monitor Activity
You can see when shared users view your doorbell by checking the event history. Look for “Viewed Live View” entries.
Advanced Tips for Power Users
If you’re managing multiple Ring devices or sharing with several people, here are some advanced tips:
Use Groups for Multiple Devices
If you have several Ring devices (like a doorbell, spotlight cam, and indoor cam), you can create a “Group” in the app. Then, invite users to the group instead of individual devices. This saves time and keeps permissions consistent.
Set Custom Motion Zones
Before sharing, adjust motion zones to avoid false alerts. For example, exclude a busy street or a tree that moves in the wind.
Use Smart Alerts
Enable “People Only” mode to reduce notifications from animals or passing cars. This makes it easier for shared users to focus on real visitors.
Schedule Quiet Hours
Set “Do Not Disturb” hours so shared users don’t get alerts late at night—unless it’s urgent.
Conclusion
Inviting someone to use your Ring Doorbell is a simple process that can greatly enhance your home’s security and convenience. By following the steps in this guide, you can share access safely, choose the right permission levels, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Remember, the key to successful sharing is trust and communication. Only invite people you trust, keep your app updated, and review access regularly. With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell can be a powerful tool for your entire household—not just you.
So go ahead, send that invitation, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected—and your loved ones are in the loop.