This guide walks you through the process of transferring your primary phone to a different Ring Doorbell device. Whether you’ve upgraded your doorbell or need to switch control between users, we’ll show you how to do it safely and efficiently without losing your settings or notifications.
Key Takeaways
- Primary phone controls key settings: The primary phone on a Ring Doorbell has full access to device settings, sharing, and ownership features.
- Only the current primary can transfer ownership: You must be logged in as the primary user to reassign the primary phone to another device.
- Use the Ring app for all changes: All steps are completed within the Ring mobile app—no web browser needed.
- Ensure both devices are online: Both your old and new Ring Doorbells must be connected to Wi-Fi before transferring.
- Notify shared users: Shared users will still receive alerts, but only the primary can manage device settings.
- Keep firmware updated: Always check for firmware updates after making changes to ensure optimal performance.
- Backup recordings if needed: Consider saving important videos before switching devices, especially if you’re removing the old doorbell.
Introduction: Why Move Your Primary Phone to Another Ring Doorbell?
If you’ve recently upgraded your Ring Doorbell—say, from a Ring Video Doorbell 2 to a Ring Doorbell Pro 2—or if you’re setting up a new doorbell at a different location, you might want to move your primary phone to the new device. The primary phone is the one that controls the doorbell’s core settings, including motion zones, notification preferences, and user sharing. It’s also the only device that can transfer ownership or remove the doorbell from your account.
Moving your primary phone doesn’t mean you’re losing access to your old doorbell. Instead, it allows you to designate which device is “in charge” of your smart home security setup. This is especially useful if you have multiple Ring devices and want to streamline management or if you’re handing off control to a family member or property manager.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of moving your primary phone to another Ring Doorbell—step by step. You’ll learn how to prepare both devices, use the Ring app to reassign control, and troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll have full confidence in managing your Ring devices like a pro.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Visual guide about How to Move Primary Phone to Another Ring Doorbell
Image source: storables.com
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A smartphone with the Ring app installed: Available for both iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Your Ring account login credentials: You’ll need your email and password to access your account.
- Both Ring Doorbells powered on and connected to Wi-Fi: The old and new doorbells must be online for the transfer to work.
- Access to the primary phone currently linked to the old doorbell: Only the primary user can initiate the transfer.
- A stable internet connection: Use Wi-Fi or strong cellular data to avoid interruptions.
It’s also a good idea to charge your phone and ensure your doorbells have sufficient battery (if battery-powered) or are properly wired.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Log In
Start by opening the Ring app on your smartphone. If you’re not already logged in, tap “Log In” and enter your email and password. If you’ve enabled two-factor authentication (which we highly recommend), complete the verification step.
Once logged in, you’ll see the home screen with a list of your Ring devices. Look for the doorbell you currently use as your primary—this is the one you’ll be transferring control from.
Tip: Check Your Current Primary Device
To confirm which device is currently set as primary, tap on the doorbell icon. Then go to Device Settings > Device Ownership. Here, you’ll see “Primary Owner” listed with your name and phone number. This confirms you’re logged in as the primary user.
Step 2: Add the New Ring Doorbell to Your Account
If you haven’t already set up your new Ring Doorbell, you’ll need to add it to your Ring account first. Here’s how:
Open the Ring App and Tap the Menu
Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-left corner to open the menu. Select Set Up a Device.
Choose “Doorbells”
Scroll through the list of devices and select Doorbells. Then choose your specific model (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, Ring Doorbell Wired, etc.).
Follow the On-Screen Setup Instructions
The app will guide you through the physical installation and Wi-Fi connection process. This includes:
- Scanning the QR code on the doorbell
- Connecting to your home Wi-Fi network
- Testing the video and audio
- Setting up motion zones (optional during setup)
Once the new doorbell is successfully added, it will appear on your home screen alongside your existing devices.
Important: Name Your New Doorbell Clearly
Give your new doorbell a descriptive name like “Front Door – New” or “Back Door – Pro” to avoid confusion later.
Step 3: Transfer Primary Ownership to the New Doorbell
Now that both doorbells are on your account, it’s time to move your primary phone to the new device.
Go to Device Settings for the Old Doorbell
Tap on the old doorbell (the one currently set as primary). Then tap the gear icon to open Device Settings.
Select “Device Ownership”
Scroll down and tap Device Ownership. You’ll see your name listed as the Primary Owner.
Tap “Transfer Ownership”
Tap the Transfer Ownership button. The app will ask you to confirm that you want to transfer primary control to another device.
Choose the New Doorbell
A list of your other Ring devices will appear. Select the new doorbell you just installed. Confirm your choice when prompted.
Complete the Transfer
The app will process the request. This may take a few seconds. Once complete, you’ll see a confirmation message: “Ownership transferred successfully.”
Verify the Change
Go back to your home screen and tap the new doorbell. Open Device Settings > Device Ownership. You should now see your name listed as the Primary Owner for this device.
Step 4: Update Settings on the New Primary Doorbell
Now that your primary phone is linked to the new doorbell, take a moment to customize its settings to match your preferences.
Adjust Motion Zones
Tap Motion Settings > Motion Zones. Draw zones where you want the doorbell to detect motion (e.g., your driveway or front walkway). Avoid areas like busy streets to reduce false alerts.
Set Notification Preferences
Go to Device Settings > Notifications. Choose when you want to receive alerts—such as “All Motion” or “Only When Person Detected.” You can also schedule quiet hours.
Enable Smart Alerts (Optional)
If your doorbell supports it, turn on Smart Alerts to reduce notifications for animals, vehicles, or packages.
Check Video Quality and Night Vision
Tap Video Settings to adjust resolution, field of view, and night vision. For best results, keep resolution on “High” if your Wi-Fi supports it.
Test the Doorbell
Press the doorbell button (or simulate a press in the app) to ensure video, audio, and notifications are working correctly.
Step 5: Manage the Old Doorbell (Optional)
After transferring primary ownership, you have a few options for your old doorbell:
Keep It as a Shared Device
The old doorbell will remain on your account but will no longer be primary. You can still view live video, receive motion alerts, and review recordings. However, you won’t be able to change core settings unless you reassign ownership.
Remove It from Your Account
If you no longer need the old doorbell, you can remove it:
- Go to Device Settings for the old doorbell
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Remove Device
- Confirm the removal
Note: This will delete all recordings associated with that device unless you’ve saved them to the cloud.
Transfer It to Another User
If you’re giving the old doorbell to a family member or neighbor, you can transfer ownership to their Ring account. Go to Device Ownership > Transfer Ownership and enter their email address. They’ll receive an invitation to accept.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful steps, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:
Issue: “Transfer Ownership” Option Is Grayed Out
This usually means you’re not logged in as the primary user. Double-check your login and ensure you’re using the correct account. If you’re a shared user, only the primary can transfer ownership.
Issue: New Doorbell Not Showing Up in Transfer List
Make sure the new doorbell is fully set up and online. Go to the Ring app home screen and check if it appears. If not, restart the setup process or reboot the doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (if applicable).
Issue: Notifications Not Working on New Doorbell
Check your phone’s notification settings for the Ring app. Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Ring > Notifications and ensure they’re enabled. Also, verify motion and alert settings in the app.
Issue: Poor Video Quality or Lag
This could be due to weak Wi-Fi. Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender. You can also reduce video resolution in Video Settings to improve performance.
Issue: Can’t Log In to Ring App
Try resetting your password using the “Forgot Password” link. If two-factor authentication is blocking you, check your authenticator app or SMS for the code.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Transition
To make the process even easier, keep these tips in mind:
- Do the transfer during the day: Better lighting helps with QR code scanning and video testing.
- Use the same Wi-Fi network: Both doorbells should be on the same network for seamless integration.
- Keep the old doorbell active for a few days: This lets you compare performance and ensure the new one works as expected.
- Download important recordings first: If you’re removing the old doorbell, save any critical videos to your phone or cloud storage.
- Update firmware after setup: Go to Device Health in the app and check for updates. Updated firmware improves security and features.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Primary Ring Doorbell
Moving your primary phone to another Ring Doorbell is a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. By using the Ring app to transfer ownership, you maintain full control over your smart home security while ensuring your new doorbell is optimized for your needs.
Remember, only the primary user can make this change, so always log in with the correct account. Once the transfer is complete, take time to customize settings like motion zones and notifications to get the most out of your device.
Whether you’re upgrading, relocating, or sharing access with a family member, this guide ensures a smooth and secure transition. Your home stays protected, and you stay in control—exactly how smart home technology should work.
With your new Ring Doorbell now set as primary, you’re ready to enjoy crystal-clear video, instant alerts, and peace of mind—right from your phone.