How to Link Ring Doorbell to New Account

This guide walks you through how to link your Ring Doorbell to a new account, whether you’re setting it up for the first time or transferring ownership. We’ll cover everything from unlinking the old account to completing the setup on your new device.

Key Takeaways

Unlink from the old account first: Before linking to a new account, the Ring Doorbell must be removed from the previous owner’s app to avoid connection issues.
Use the Ring app for setup: The official Ring app is required to add your doorbell to a new account—no web browser or third-party tools needed.
Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal: A stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection is essential during setup; 5 GHz networks are not supported by most Ring Doorbells.
Reset the device if needed: If the doorbell was previously registered, perform a factory reset to clear old settings and allow re-registration.
Verify device compatibility: Confirm your Ring model supports account transfers—most current models do, but older versions may have limitations.
Follow in-app prompts carefully: The Ring app guides you through each step; skipping or rushing can cause setup failures.
Contact support if stuck: If you encounter persistent errors, Ring’s customer support can help resolve account or device issues quickly.

So, you’ve got a Ring Doorbell—maybe it’s brand new, or perhaps you’ve bought a used one and want to make it yours. Either way, linking your Ring Doorbell to a new account is a straightforward process, but it does require a few key steps to ensure everything works smoothly. Whether you’re setting up your first smart doorbell or transferring ownership, this guide will walk you through every detail, from unlinking the old account to testing your new setup.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to link your Ring Doorbell to a new account, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your home security system running reliably. We’ll keep things simple, friendly, and easy to follow—no tech jargon overload. Let’s get started!

Why You Might Need to Link to a New Account

Visual guide about How to Link Ring Doorbell to New Account

Image source: usermanual.wiki

There are several common reasons why someone might need to link their Ring Doorbell to a new account:

Buying a used Ring Doorbell: If you purchased a second-hand device, it’s likely still linked to the previous owner’s account. For security and functionality, you’ll need to transfer it to your own Ring account.
Moving to a new home: If you’re taking your Ring Doorbell with you to a new house, you may want to update the account details, location, and notification settings.
Changing phone or email: If you’ve created a new Ring account with a different email or phone number, you’ll need to re-register your device.
Gifting the device: If you’re giving your Ring Doorbell to a family member or friend, they’ll need to link it to their own account to receive alerts and manage settings.

No matter your reason, the process is similar. The most important thing to remember is that only one account can be linked to a Ring Doorbell at a time. That means if the device is still registered to someone else, you’ll need to unlink it first—either by the original owner or through a factory reset.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

Before diving into the setup, make sure you have the following ready:

A smartphone or tablet: You’ll need a mobile device with the Ring app installed. The app is available for both iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android.
Your new Ring account credentials: Make sure you’ve created a Ring account using your email and password. If you don’t have one yet, download the app and sign up for free.
Access to your Wi-Fi network: Your Ring Doorbell connects to your home Wi-Fi, so you’ll need your network name (SSID) and password handy.
A stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal: Most Ring Doorbells only support 2.4 GHz networks, not 5 GHz. Make sure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz signal and that it’s strong near your doorbell’s location.
The Ring Doorbell itself: Whether it’s a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Elite, the setup process is similar.
A screwdriver (if needed): If you’re installing the doorbell for the first time or re-mounting it, you may need a screwdriver to secure the mounting bracket.

Having these items ready will save you time and frustration during the setup process.

Step 1: Unlink the Doorbell from the Old Account

If your Ring Doorbell is already registered to another account—especially if it’s a used device—you must remove it from the previous owner’s account before you can link it to yours. There are two ways to do this:

Option A: Ask the Previous Owner to Remove It

The cleanest and most reliable method is to have the original owner unlink the device from their Ring app. Here’s how they can do it:

Open the Ring app on their phone.
Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner.
Select Devices from the menu.
Find the doorbell in the list and tap on it.
Tap the gear icon (⚙️) to open Device Settings.
Scroll down and select Remove Device.
Confirm the removal when prompted.

Once removed, the doorbell will no longer be linked to any account and will be ready for a new setup.

Option B: Perform a Factory Reset (If You Can’t Contact the Previous Owner)

If you can’t reach the previous owner—or if you’re unsure whether the device is still linked—you’ll need to perform a factory reset. This will erase all previous settings and allow you to register the doorbell to your new account.

The reset process varies slightly depending on your Ring model:

For Ring Video Doorbell (1st Gen), Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, and Ring Doorbell 3 Plus:

Remove the doorbell from the mounting bracket (if installed).
Locate the orange reset button on the back of the device.
Press and hold the reset button for 15 seconds using a paperclip or small tool.
The LED on the front will flash red, then turn solid white when the reset is complete.

For Ring Doorbell Pro and Ring Doorbell Pro 2:

Locate the small reset button on the right side of the device.
Press and hold it for 15 seconds using a paperclip.
The LED will flash red, then turn solid white when done.

For Ring Doorbell Elite:

Power off the device by disconnecting the Ethernet cable or power source.
Press and hold the reset button (located near the Ethernet port) for 15 seconds.
Reconnect power. The LED will flash red, then white when reset is complete.

After the reset, the doorbell will be in setup mode and ready to be linked to your new account.

Step 2: Download and Open the Ring App

If you haven’t already, download the official Ring app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android).

Once installed:

Open the app.
Tap Sign Up if you don’t have an account, or Log In if you already do.
Enter your email, create a password, and verify your account via email if prompted.
Grant the app permission to access your camera, microphone, and location—these are required for setup and functionality.

The Ring app is your central hub for managing all Ring devices, so make sure it’s up to date by checking for updates in your app store.

Step 3: Add Your Doorbell to the New Account

Now it’s time to link your Ring Doorbell to your new account. Follow these steps:

Step 3.1: Start the Setup Process

Open the Ring app and tap the + (plus) icon in the top-right corner.
Select Set Up a Device.
Choose Doorbells from the list of device types.
Tap Ring Video Doorbell (or your specific model if listed).

Step 3.2: Scan the QR Code

Each Ring Doorbell comes with a QR code sticker (usually on the back or in the box).

Hold your phone’s camera over the QR code to scan it.
If the scan fails, tap Enter Code Manually and type in the 16-digit code printed near the QR code.

Scanning the QR code tells the app which device you’re setting up and ensures compatibility.

Step 3.3: Connect to Wi-Fi

The app will prompt you to connect your doorbell to Wi-Fi.
Select your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network from the list.
Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully—case-sensitive and no extra spaces.
Tap Connect.

Tip: If your Wi-Fi network doesn’t appear, make sure your phone is connected to the same network and that the signal is strong near the doorbell. Move closer to your router if needed.

Step 3.4: Wait for the Doorbell to Connect

The app will now communicate with your doorbell over Wi-Fi. This may take 1–3 minutes.

You’ll see a progress bar and status updates like “Connecting to device” or “Updating firmware.”
Do not close the app or turn off your phone during this process.
If the connection fails, check your Wi-Fi password and signal strength, then retry.

Step 3.5: Name Your Doorbell and Set Location

Once connected:

Give your doorbell a name (e.g., “Front Door,” “Back Porch”).
Set the location (e.g., “Home,” “Office”)—this helps organize multiple Ring devices.
Tap Continue.

Step 3.6: Complete the Setup

The app will finalize the setup:

You may be asked to enable motion zones, adjust sensitivity, or set up notifications.
Review and customize these settings based on your preferences.
Tap Done or Finish Setup when complete.

Your Ring Doorbell is now successfully linked to your new account!

Step 4: Test Your Doorbell

After setup, it’s important to test your doorbell to ensure everything is working:

Test the Live View

Open the Ring app.
Tap on your doorbell from the device list.
Tap Live View to see the camera feed in real time.
Check the video quality, audio, and field of view.

Test Motion Alerts

Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion detection.
You should receive a push notification on your phone within a few seconds.
Open the notification to view the event recording.

Test the Doorbell Button

Press the doorbell button (if installed).
You should hear a chime (if connected to a mechanical or digital chime) and receive a notification.
Answer the call from the app to speak with the visitor.

If any of these tests fail, check your Wi-Fi connection, power source, or app settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:

“Device Not Found” or “Unable to Connect”

Ensure the doorbell is in setup mode (LED flashing white).
Double-check that you’re using a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
Move your phone closer to the doorbell during setup.
Restart your router and try again.

Wi-Fi Connection Drops Frequently

Check Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell location using a Wi-Fi analyzer app.
Consider installing a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to improve coverage.
Reduce interference from other devices (microwaves, cordless phones, etc.).

Doorbell Not Receiving Power

For wired models: Ensure the transformer provides 8–24V AC and is properly connected.
For battery models: Charge the battery fully before installation.
Check wiring connections and tighten any loose screws.

Notifications Not Working

Check app notification settings and enable alerts for your doorbell.
Ensure “Do Not Disturb” mode is off on your phone.
Verify that motion and ring alerts are enabled in the Ring app.

Can’t Remove from Old Account

If the previous owner is unresponsive, perform a factory reset as described earlier.
Contact Ring Support with proof of purchase if the device remains locked.

Tips for a Smooth Setup

To make the process even easier, keep these tips in mind:

Charge the battery fully: If using a battery-powered model, charge it for at least 4–6 hours before setup.
Use a strong Wi-Fi password: Avoid special characters that might cause connection issues.
Update the app regularly: Ring frequently releases updates with bug fixes and new features.
Install during daylight: It’s easier to see wiring and alignment in good lighting.
Keep the manual handy: The quick start guide includes model-specific tips and diagrams.

Conclusion

Linking your Ring Doorbell to a new account is a simple process when you follow the right steps. Whether you’re setting up a brand-new device or transferring ownership of a used one, the key is to unlink from the old account first, perform a factory reset if necessary, and use the Ring app to complete the setup.

With a stable Wi-Fi connection, the correct app permissions, and a little patience, you’ll have your doorbell up and running in under 15 minutes. Once linked, you can enjoy features like live video, motion alerts, two-way talk, and cloud recordings—all from the convenience of your smartphone.

If you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ring’s customer support or consult the in-app help section. And remember: your home security is worth the effort.

Now go ahead, link that doorbell, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your front door is always in view.