Learn how to invite someone to access your Ring Doorbell quickly and securely using the Ring app. Whether it’s a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor, this guide walks you through the entire process—from sending the invitation to managing permissions—so you can share access without compromising your home’s security.
Key Takeaways
- Invite users via the Ring app: You can send access invitations directly from your smartphone using the Ring app’s “Shared Users” feature.
- Set custom permissions: Choose whether guests can view live video, receive motion alerts, or control device settings.
- Use email or phone number: Invitations are sent via email or SMS, so the recipient just needs a valid contact method to accept.
- Revoke access anytime: You can remove a user’s access instantly if they no longer need it or if you suspect unauthorized use.
- Ensure two-factor authentication: For added security, enable 2FA on your account before sharing access.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the invitation fails, check internet connection, app updates, or resend the invite.
- Only share with trusted individuals: Always verify the identity of anyone you invite to protect your privacy and home security.
How to Invite Someone to Access Your Ring Doorbell
Sharing access to your Ring Doorbell is a smart way to keep your home secure while allowing trusted people—like family members, roommates, or caregivers—to monitor your front door. Whether you’re going on vacation, have a new roommate, or want your partner to check the porch for deliveries, inviting someone to access your Ring device is simple and secure.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to invite someone to access your Ring Doorbell step by step. We’ll cover everything from preparing your account to sending the invitation, managing permissions, and troubleshooting common problems. By the end, you’ll feel confident sharing access without compromising your privacy or security.
Let’s get started!
Why Share Access to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Invite Someone to Access Your Ring Doorbell
Image source: lifewire.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why you might want to share access in the first place. Ring Doorbells are designed to give you peace of mind, but sometimes one person isn’t enough to monitor everything.
For example:
– A family member might need to check who’s at the door while you’re at work.
– A pet sitter or house cleaner may need to verify their arrival time.
– A roommate might want to see if a package has been delivered.
– A neighbor could help keep an eye on your home while you’re traveling.
By inviting someone to access your Ring Doorbell, you’re extending your security network without giving out your login credentials. This keeps your account secure while empowering others to help protect your home.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you invite someone, make sure you have the following:
A Ring Account with Admin Access
You must be the primary account holder (admin) of the Ring device. Only admins can invite shared users.
The Latest Version of the Ring App
Download the most recent version of the Ring app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Updates often include security improvements and new features.
Your Guest’s Email or Phone Number
You’ll need either the person’s email address or phone number to send the invitation. Make sure it’s accurate—otherwise, they won’t receive the invite.
Stable Internet Connection
Both you and the recipient should have a reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection to complete the process.
Two-Factor Authentication (Recommended)
For added security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Ring account. This prevents unauthorized access even if someone gets your password.
Step-by-Step: How to Invite Someone to Access Your Ring Doorbell
Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through the process of inviting someone to access your Ring Doorbell.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account that owns the doorbell.
Step 2: Go to the Device You Want to Share
On the home screen, tap the Ring Doorbell you’d like to share. If you have multiple devices, select the correct one.
Step 3: Access Device Settings
Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the device screen. This opens the settings menu for that specific doorbell.
Step 4: Select “Shared Users”
Scroll down and tap on “Shared Users”. This is where you manage who has access to the device.
Step 5: Tap “Add Shared User”
You’ll see a list of current shared users (if any). Tap the “Add Shared User” button, usually located at the top or bottom of the screen.
Step 6: Enter the Recipient’s Information
You’ll be prompted to enter either:
– The person’s email address, or
– Their phone number (with country code)
Choose the method that’s most convenient for them. Most people prefer email because it’s easier to access on multiple devices.
Step 7: Set Permissions
This is a crucial step. You can customize what the invited user can do. Ring offers three main permission levels:
- Live View Only: The user can see live video but cannot receive alerts or change settings.
- Live View + Motion Alerts: The user can view live video and receive notifications when motion is detected.
- Full Access: The user can view live video, receive alerts, and adjust device settings (like motion zones or chime settings).
Choose the level that fits your needs. For most people, “Live View + Motion Alerts” is a good balance of access and control.
Step 8: Send the Invitation
After setting permissions, tap “Send Invitation”. The recipient will receive an email or text message with a link to accept the invite.
Step 9: Recipient Accepts the Invitation
The invited person must:
1. Open the email or text.
2. Tap the link to accept.
3. Log in to their Ring account (or create one if they don’t have one).
4. Confirm access to your doorbell.
Once accepted, they’ll see your doorbell in their Ring app under “Shared Devices.”
Managing Shared Users After Invitation
After someone accepts your invitation, you can manage their access at any time.
View Current Shared Users
Go back to the device settings and tap “Shared Users.” You’ll see a list of everyone with access.
Change Permissions
Tap on a user’s name to edit their permissions. You can upgrade or downgrade their access instantly.
Remove a User
If someone no longer needs access—like a former roommate or temporary helper—tap their name and select “Remove User.” Their access is revoked immediately.
Resend an Invitation
If the recipient didn’t receive the invite or lost the link, you can resend it from the “Shared Users” menu.
Tips for Safe and Effective Sharing
Sharing access to your Ring Doorbell is convenient, but it’s important to do it responsibly. Here are some best practices:
Only Invite People You Trust
Avoid sharing access with strangers, casual acquaintances, or people you don’t fully trust. Remember, they’ll be able to see who comes and goes at your home.
Use Limited Permissions When Possible
Start with “Live View Only” or “Live View + Motion Alerts” instead of full access. You can always upgrade later if needed.
Monitor Activity
Check the “Event History” in your Ring app to see when shared users view your camera or receive alerts. This helps you stay aware of who’s using the device.
Communicate Expectations
Let the person know why you’re sharing access and what you expect. For example, “Please only check the camera when you’re expecting a delivery.”
Update Your Own Security Settings
Even when sharing, keep your account secure:
– Use a strong, unique password.
– Enable two-factor authentication.
– Regularly review shared users and remove inactive ones.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, inviting someone to access your Ring Doorbell doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are solutions to common problems.
Invitation Not Received
If the recipient says they didn’t get the invite:
– Check that you entered the correct email or phone number.
– Ask them to check their spam or junk folder.
– Resend the invitation from the “Shared Users” menu.
Link Expired or Not Working
Invitation links expire after 7 days. If the link doesn’t work:
– Resend the invitation.
– Make sure the recipient is using the correct device (mobile app, not web browser).
Recipient Can’t See the Device
After accepting, the doorbell should appear in their app under “Shared Devices.” If not:
– Have them log out and back into the Ring app.
– Ensure they’re using the same account they used to accept the invite.
– Restart the app or reinstall it if necessary.
Permission Changes Not Taking Effect
If you change a user’s permissions but they still have old access:
– Force close and reopen the Ring app.
– Wait a few minutes—changes can take time to sync.
– Remove and re-invite the user if the issue persists.
Device Not Showing in Shared Users
If your doorbell doesn’t appear in the “Shared Users” menu:
– Confirm you’re the admin of the device.
– Check that the device is online (green status light in the app).
– Update the Ring app to the latest version.
Security Considerations When Sharing Access
While sharing access is useful, it’s important to think about security.
Your Account Is Still the Master
Only you (the admin) can delete the device, change the Wi-Fi settings, or remove other users. Shared users cannot take over your account.
Shared Users Can’t Invite Others
Unless you give them “Full Access,” they cannot invite additional people. This prevents unauthorized sharing.
Data Privacy
Ring stores video footage in the cloud (if you have a Ring Protect plan). Shared users can view recordings, so be mindful of what’s captured—like neighbors, delivery drivers, or passersby.
Revoke Access Immediately if Needed
If you suspect someone is misusing access or if your relationship changes, remove them right away. You can do this in seconds from the app.
Advanced Tips for Power Users
If you’re comfortable with technology, here are some advanced ways to get the most out of shared access:
Use Shared Access for Multiple Devices
You can invite the same person to access multiple Ring devices—like a doorbell, spotlight cam, and indoor camera—all at once.
Create a Family Account
If you have several family members who need access, consider setting up a shared household. This keeps everyone connected without sharing login details.
Integrate with Alexa or Google Home
Shared users can also use voice commands if you’ve linked your Ring devices to Alexa or Google Assistant. Just make sure they have access to those platforms too.
Use Motion Zones to Limit Alerts
If you’re sharing with someone who doesn’t need to know about every squirrel in the yard, adjust the motion zones so they only get alerts for important areas (like the front walkway).
Conclusion
Learning how to invite someone to access your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your home security. Whether you’re sharing with a spouse, roommate, or trusted neighbor, the process is quick, secure, and fully customizable.
By following the steps in this guide, you can send invitations, set appropriate permissions, and manage access with confidence. Remember to only share with people you trust, use limited permissions when possible, and keep your own account secure with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell becomes more than just a camera—it becomes a shared tool for keeping your home safe, connected, and protected.
So go ahead—invite that family member, update those permissions, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is watched over by people you trust.