This guide walks you through how to look at previous month Ring Doorbell footage using the Ring app, web portal, and subscription plans. Whether you’re checking motion alerts or reviewing past events, we’ll show you exactly where to find your recordings and how to save or share them.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Protect Plan Required: Access to previous month recordings requires an active Ring Protect subscription (Basic or Plus).
- Use the Ring App or Website: View past footage via the Ring mobile app or Ring.com using your account login.
- Timeline View Simplifies Search: The timeline feature lets you jump to specific dates and times within the past 60 days.
- Download and Share Easily: Save clips to your device or share them via email, text, or social media directly from the app.
- Motion Zones Affect Recordings: Only motion detected in your set zones will trigger recordings, so adjust zones if you’re missing footage.
- Troubleshoot Missing Videos: Check Wi-Fi, power, and subscription status if past recordings aren’t appearing.
- Export Long-Term Backups: For legal or personal use, manually download important clips since Ring doesn’t store them indefinitely.
How to Look at Previous Month Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever missed a delivery, noticed suspicious activity, or just wanted to see who rang your doorbell last week? With a Ring Doorbell, reviewing past events is not only possible—it’s easy. But many users don’t realize that accessing recordings from the previous month requires a few specific steps and the right subscription plan.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to look at previous month Ring Doorbell footage using the Ring app, the Ring website, and even third-party tools. We’ll walk you through everything from setting up your account to downloading and sharing clips. Whether you’re a new Ring user or just need a refresher, this guide ensures you never miss a moment again.
Why You Might Want to Review Previous Month Footage
There are many reasons you might want to look back at your Ring Doorbell recordings from the previous month:
Visual guide about How to Look at Previous Month Ring Doorbell
Image source: lihpao.com
- Security incidents: Review footage after a break-in, package theft, or vandalism.
- Missed deliveries: Confirm when a package was dropped off or if it was stolen.
- Neighbor disputes: Provide evidence in case of noise complaints or property damage.
- Curiosity or nostalgia: See fun moments like kids playing, pets greeting visitors, or holiday decorations.
- Insurance claims: Submit video evidence to support a claim.
Whatever your reason, Ring makes it possible—as long as you have the right tools and settings in place.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Getting Started
Before you can access recordings from the previous month, make sure you meet these requirements:
1. Active Ring Protect Subscription
The most important requirement is an active Ring Protect plan. Without it, your Ring Doorbell will only save live views and motion alerts—not recorded footage.
- Ring Protect Basic: Starts at $3.99/month per device. Saves recordings for up to 60 days.
- Ring Protect Plus: Starts at $10/month for unlimited devices. Includes 60-day video history, extended warranties, and discounts.
If you don’t have a subscription, you can sign up directly in the Ring app under More > Protect Plans.
2. Ring Doorbell Properly Installed and Connected
Your doorbell must be:
- Powered (hardwired or with a fully charged battery)
- Connected to Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz recommended)
- Linked to your Ring account
Check the device status in the Ring app under Devices > [Your Doorbell] > Device Health. A green checkmark means it’s online and recording.
3. Motion and Recording Settings Enabled
Ensure your doorbell is set to record when motion is detected:
- Open the Ring app
- Tap your doorbell
- Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings
- Make sure Motion Alerts and Motion Recording are turned on
You can also customize Motion Zones to focus on areas like your front walkway and ignore busy streets.
Step-by-Step: How to Look at Previous Month Ring Doorbell Footage
Now that you’re set up, here’s how to access your past recordings.
Method 1: Using the Ring Mobile App (iOS or Android)
The Ring app is the easiest way to view past footage. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the correct account.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell
On the home screen, tap the image of your Ring Doorbell. This opens the live view.
Step 3: Access the Timeline
At the bottom of the screen, tap the Timeline icon (it looks like a calendar with a clock). This shows all recorded events from the past 60 days.
Step 4: Navigate to the Previous Month
Use the date picker at the top to jump to the month you want. For example, if it’s June, tap the arrow to go back to May.
You’ll see a list of events—each represented by a thumbnail and timestamp. Events include:
- Motion detected
- Doorbell pressed
- Live view initiated
Step 5: Play the Recording
Tap any event to play the video. You can:
- Pause, rewind, or fast-forward
- Zoom in on the video
- Turn on audio (if your model supports it)
Step 6: Download or Share the Clip
While playing the video, tap the Share icon (arrow pointing up). Choose to:
- Save to your phone’s camera roll
- Send via text, email, or social media
- Upload to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
Pro Tip: Download important clips immediately. Ring only stores them for 60 days, after which they’re permanently deleted.
Method 2: Using the Ring Website (Ring.com)
If you prefer a larger screen, use the Ring website:
Step 1: Go to Ring.com
Open your browser and navigate to ring.com. Click Log In in the top-right corner.
Step 2: Sign In to Your Account
Enter your email and password. Use two-factor authentication if enabled.
Step 3: Access Your Dashboard
Once logged in, you’ll see your devices. Click on your Ring Doorbell.
Step 4: Open the Timeline
Click the Timeline tab near the top of the page. This shows all recorded events.
Step 5: Filter by Date
Use the calendar tool to select the previous month. You can also filter by event type (e.g., motion only).
Step 6: Play and Manage Recordings
Click any event to play it. Use the controls to pause, rewind, or download.
Note: The web version offers the same features as the app but with a desktop-friendly interface. Great for reviewing long clips or preparing evidence.
Method 3: Using the Ring Desktop App (Windows/Mac)
Ring offers a desktop app for Windows and Mac users:
Step 1: Download the Ring Desktop App
Visit ring.com/desktop-app and download the app for your operating system.
Step 2: Install and Log In
Install the app and sign in with your Ring account.
Step 3: View Timeline
Navigate to your doorbell and open the Timeline. Use the date selector to go back to the previous month.
The desktop app is ideal for users who want a dedicated interface without using a browser.
Advanced Tips for Finding Specific Footage
Sometimes you need to find a specific moment—like when the mail carrier came or when your dog barked at a stranger. Here’s how to search efficiently:
Use the Search Bar (App Only)
In the Ring app, tap the search icon in the Timeline. You can search by:
- Date (e.g., “May 15”)
- Time (e.g., “8 PM”)
- Event type (e.g., “motion”)
This helps narrow down hundreds of clips quickly.
Enable Smart Alerts (If Available)
Some Ring models support Smart Alerts, which categorize motion as:
- People
- Packages
- Vehicles
- Animals
Turn this on in Device Settings > Motion Settings > Smart Alerts. Then, filter Timeline by “People Only” to see only human activity.
Check Multiple Devices
If you have more than one Ring camera (e.g., doorbell + spotlight cam), switch between them in the app to compare footage from different angles.
Use the “Event History” Export Feature
For legal or insurance purposes, you can export a list of all events:
- Go to Ring.com
- Click Account > Event History
- Select date range and download as CSV
This doesn’t include video, but it shows timestamps and event types—useful for building a timeline.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I See Previous Month Recordings?
If you’re unable to view past footage, don’t panic. Here are common issues and fixes:
Issue 1: No Ring Protect Subscription
Symptom: Timeline is empty or shows “No recordings available.”
Solution: Subscribe to Ring Protect Basic or Plus. Go to More > Protect Plans in the app and choose a plan.
Issue 2: Device Offline or Disconnected
Symptom: Doorbell shows as “offline” in the app.
Solution: Check power and Wi-Fi. For battery models, recharge the battery. For hardwired models, check the transformer and wiring.
Issue 3: Motion Not Detected
Symptom: No recordings even though someone was at the door.
Solution: Adjust motion zones and sensitivity. Go to Device Settings > Motion Settings and expand the zone to cover the area where motion occurred.
Issue 4: Recordings Expired
Symptom: You can see recent clips but not ones from 45 days ago.
Solution: Ring only stores recordings for 60 days. If it’s been longer, the video is gone. Download important clips as soon as possible.
Issue 5: App Glitches or Bugs
Symptom: Timeline won’t load or crashes.
Solution: Update the Ring app, restart your phone, or reinstall the app. Also, check Ring’s support page for outages.
Issue 6: Wrong Account or Location
Symptom: You’re seeing someone else’s doorbell or no devices at all.
Solution: Log out and back in. Make sure you’re using the correct email and that the doorbell is assigned to your location.
How to Save and Back Up Important Recordings
Since Ring only keeps videos for 60 days, it’s smart to back up important clips:
Download to Your Device
While viewing a clip in the app or on the website, tap Share > Save Video. It will be stored in your phone’s gallery or downloads folder.
Upload to Cloud Storage
After saving, upload the video to Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox for long-term storage.
Use Third-Party Tools (Advanced)
Some users use screen recording software (like OBS Studio) to capture live playback. Note: This may reduce quality and isn’t officially supported by Ring.
Create a Local Archive
For frequent users, consider setting up a home server or external hard drive to store downloaded clips. Label files by date and event (e.g., “2024-05-10_Package_Delivery.mp4”).
Privacy and Legal Considerations
When reviewing or sharing Ring footage, keep these points in mind:
- Respect privacy: Avoid sharing videos of neighbors, children, or strangers without consent.
- Follow local laws: In some areas, recording audio or video in public spaces has legal restrictions.
- Use footage responsibly: Only share clips for legitimate purposes like security or insurance.
- Disable audio if needed: If your model records sound, turn it off in Device Settings > Audio Settings to comply with privacy laws.
Conclusion
Knowing how to look at previous month Ring Doorbell footage gives you peace of mind and practical benefits. Whether you’re solving a mystery, protecting your home, or just reliving a funny moment, Ring’s tools make it simple—as long as you have the right setup.
Remember: an active Ring Protect plan is essential, and the Timeline feature in the app or on Ring.com is your best friend. Download important clips quickly, adjust your motion settings, and don’t hesitate to troubleshoot if something’s not working.
With this guide, you’re now equipped to access, review, and save your Ring Doorbell recordings like a pro. Stay safe, stay informed, and never miss a moment at your door.