Buying a Ring Doorbell plan is simple and essential for accessing cloud video storage, advanced alerts, and 24/7 professional monitoring. This guide walks you through every step—from comparing plans to completing your purchase—so you can protect your home with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Ring offers two main plans: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus, each with different features and pricing.
- You can purchase a plan directly through the Ring app or website, with options for monthly or annual billing.
- Ring Protect Basic covers one device, while Plus covers all Ring devices at your address.
- Plans include video recording, motion alerts, and extended video history, which are not available without a subscription.
- Free trials are often available, letting you test features before committing.
- Cancel or change your plan anytime through your Ring account settings.
- Professional monitoring is included in Ring Protect Plus, adding an extra layer of security for your home.
How to Purchase Ring Doorbell Plan: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve installed a Ring Doorbell, you’ve taken a great first step toward smarter home security. But to unlock the full power of your device—like saving video clips, getting smarter alerts, and reviewing past footage—you’ll need a Ring Doorbell plan. Without a subscription, your Ring Doorbell will still notify you of motion and let you see live video, but you won’t be able to save recordings or access advanced features.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing a Ring Doorbell plan. Whether you’re a first-time user or upgrading from a free account, this step-by-step tutorial will help you choose the right plan, sign up easily, and make the most of your Ring experience. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to protect your home with confidence.
Why You Need a Ring Doorbell Plan
Visual guide about How to Purchase Ring Doorbell Plan
Image source: i.ytimg.com
Before diving into the purchase process, it’s important to understand why a Ring Doorbell plan is worth the investment. While your Ring Doorbell works right out of the box for live viewing and motion alerts, a subscription unlocks essential features that enhance security and convenience.
For example, without a plan, you can’t save video recordings when someone rings the doorbell or triggers motion. That means if a package is stolen or a suspicious person lingers at your door, you won’t have evidence unless you’re watching live at that exact moment. With a Ring plan, every event is recorded and stored in the cloud, so you can review it later from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Additionally, Ring plans offer features like:
– Extended video history (up to 180 days with Plus)
– Person and motion detection alerts
– Snapshot capture every 5 minutes
– 24/7 professional monitoring (with Plus)
– Shared access for family members
These tools don’t just improve security—they give you peace of mind. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just relaxing at home, you’ll know exactly what’s happening at your front door.
Understanding Ring Doorbell Plans: Basic vs. Plus
Ring offers two main subscription plans: Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus. Choosing the right one depends on how many Ring devices you have and what features matter most to you.
Ring Protect Basic
This plan is ideal if you only have one Ring Doorbell or security camera. It costs $3.99 per month or $39.99 per year (billed annually). With Ring Protect Basic, you get:
– Video recording for one device
– Up to 180 days of video history
– Motion and person alerts
– Snapshot capture every 5 minutes
– Shared access for up to 4 users
This plan is perfect for most homeowners who want reliable cloud storage and smart alerts without paying for features they don’t need.
Ring Protect Plus
If you have multiple Ring devices—like a doorbell, indoor camera, and spotlight cam—Ring Protect Plus is the better choice. It costs $10 per month or $100 per year (billed annually) and covers all Ring devices at a single location.
In addition to everything in the Basic plan, Plus includes:
– Coverage for unlimited Ring devices
– 24/7 professional monitoring
– Extended video history (up to 180 days)
– Snapshot capture every 3 seconds (faster than Basic)
– Shared access for up to 4 users
The professional monitoring feature is a standout. If your Ring Alarm system is triggered, Ring’s monitoring center will contact you and, if needed, dispatch emergency services. This adds a critical layer of protection, especially if you’re away from home.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
Ask yourself:
– Do you have more than one Ring device?
– Do you want 24/7 monitoring?
– Is faster snapshot capture important to you?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, Ring Protect Plus is likely the better fit. But if you only have a doorbell and don’t need monitoring, Basic offers excellent value.
Step 1: Open the Ring App or Visit the Website
The easiest way to purchase a Ring Doorbell plan is through the Ring app, which is available for free on iOS and Android. You can also sign up via the Ring website, but the app offers a smoother, more intuitive experience.
Using the Ring App
1. Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Log in with your Ring account. If you don’t have one, tap “Create Account” and follow the prompts.
3. Once logged in, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top-left corner.
4. Select “Account” from the menu.
5. Tap “Protect Plans” under the “Subscription” section.
You’ll now see your current plan status (likely “No Plan” if you haven’t subscribed yet) and options to add a plan.
Using the Ring Website
1. Go to ring.com in your web browser.
2. Click “Sign In” in the top-right corner.
3. Log in with your Ring account credentials.
4. Hover over your profile name and select “Account Dashboard.”
5. Click “Protect Plans” from the left-hand menu.
Both methods lead to the same subscription page, so choose whichever is more convenient for you.
Step 2: Choose Your Plan
Once you’re on the Protect Plans page, you’ll see both Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Plus options. Each plan displays its monthly and annual pricing, along with a list of features.
Compare the Plans Side by Side
Take a moment to review the differences. Ring makes this easy by showing a comparison chart. Pay attention to:
– Number of devices covered
– Video history length
– Snapshot frequency
– Monitoring services
If you’re unsure, start with Ring Protect Basic. You can always upgrade later if needed.
Select Monthly or Annual Billing
Both plans offer monthly and annual payment options. While monthly billing gives you flexibility, annual billing saves you money:
– Ring Protect Basic: $3.99/month vs. $39.99/year (save $8)
– Ring Protect Plus: $10/month vs. $100/year (save $20)
If you’re confident you’ll use the service long-term, annual billing is the smarter choice.
Step 3: Add Payment Information
After selecting your plan and billing cycle, you’ll be prompted to enter payment details.
Enter Your Payment Method
1. Choose a payment method: credit card, debit card, or PayPal.
2. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV code.
3. Fill in your billing address.
4. Review the information for accuracy.
Ring uses secure encryption to protect your payment data, so you can enter your details with confidence.
Set Up Auto-Renewal (Optional)
By default, Ring plans auto-renew to ensure uninterrupted service. You can disable this in your account settings if you prefer to renew manually, but we recommend keeping it on to avoid losing access unexpectedly.
Step 4: Confirm Your Purchase
Once your payment information is entered, review your order summary. This will show:
– Plan name (Basic or Plus)
– Billing cycle (monthly or annual)
– Total cost
– Next billing date
If everything looks correct, tap “Subscribe” or “Confirm Purchase.” You’ll receive a confirmation email within minutes.
What Happens After Purchase?
Your plan activates immediately. Your Ring Doorbell will begin recording video clips and storing them in the cloud. You’ll also gain access to advanced features like person detection and extended video history.
Step 5: Manage Your Plan in the Ring App
After purchasing, you can manage your Ring Doorbell plan anytime through the app.
View or Change Your Plan
1. Open the Ring app and go to “Account.”
2. Tap “Protect Plans.”
3. Here, you can:
– View your current plan
– Upgrade or downgrade
– Cancel your subscription
– Update payment method
Upgrade from Basic to Plus
If you start with Basic but later buy more Ring devices, upgrading is simple:
1. Go to “Protect Plans” in the app.
2. Tap “Upgrade to Plus.”
3. Confirm the change.
Your billing will adjust automatically, and all your devices will be covered immediately.
Cancel Your Plan
You can cancel anytime without penalties:
1. Go to “Protect Plans.”
2. Tap “Cancel Plan.”
3. Follow the prompts.
Note: Once canceled, you’ll lose access to cloud recordings and advanced features at the end of your current billing period.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Plan
Now that you’ve purchased your plan, here are some practical tips to maximize its value.
Enable Smart Alerts
Go to your device settings in the Ring app and turn on “Person Detection” and “Motion Zones.” This reduces false alerts from passing cars or animals and ensures you’re only notified of relevant activity.
Share Access with Family
Add up to four users to your plan so family members can view recordings and receive alerts. This is especially useful if you have kids or roommates.
Check Video History Regularly
Even if nothing seems suspicious, reviewing your video history weekly can help you spot patterns—like a delivery person always arriving at the same time or a neighbor walking their dog late at night.
Use Snapshot Capture
With Ring Protect, your device takes snapshots every few minutes (every 5 minutes with Basic, every 3 seconds with Plus). These images appear in your event timeline, giving you a quick visual overview of activity—even if no motion was detected.
Test Professional Monitoring (Plus Only)
If you have Ring Protect Plus and a Ring Alarm system, test the professional monitoring feature. Trigger a false alarm (like opening a door when the system is armed) and confirm that Ring contacts you. This ensures the service works when you need it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a plan, you might run into occasional issues. Here’s how to solve the most common ones.
“No Plan” Message in the App
If your app still shows “No Plan” after purchasing:
1. Force close the Ring app.
2. Reopen it and wait 1–2 minutes.
3. Check your internet connection.
4. Log out and log back in.
If the issue persists, contact Ring Support.
Payment Failed
If your payment is declined:
1. Check that your card details are correct.
2. Ensure your card has sufficient funds.
3. Try a different payment method.
4. Contact your bank to confirm there are no blocks on online purchases.
Can’t Access Video History
If you can’t view past recordings:
1. Confirm your plan is active in “Protect Plans.”
2. Check that your device is online (green dot in the app).
3. Restart your Ring Doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery or turning off power for 10 seconds.
Upgraded but Still Seeing Basic Features
After upgrading to Plus, it may take up to 24 hours for all features to activate. If not resolved, restart the app and check your plan status again.
Final Thoughts: Is a Ring Doorbell Plan Worth It?
Yes—especially if you value security and convenience. While your Ring Doorbell works without a plan, you’re missing out on the features that make it truly powerful. Cloud storage, smart alerts, and professional monitoring transform your doorbell from a simple viewer into a comprehensive security tool.
The cost is minimal compared to the peace of mind it provides. For less than the price of a coffee each month, you gain 24/7 surveillance, evidence in case of incidents, and the ability to check in on your home from anywhere.
Whether you choose Ring Protect Basic or Plus, purchasing a plan is a smart, simple step toward a safer home. And with flexible billing, easy management, and no long-term contracts, there’s no risk in trying it.
Conclusion
Purchasing a Ring Doorbell plan is quick, easy, and essential for unlocking your device’s full potential. From comparing plans to entering payment details, this guide has walked you through every step. Remember to choose the plan that fits your needs, take advantage of annual savings, and manage your subscription through the Ring app.
With your plan active, you’ll enjoy cloud recordings, smarter alerts, and enhanced security—all from the palm of your hand. So don’t wait. Protect your home today by subscribing to a Ring Doorbell plan and taking control of your safety.