How To Add Shared Users To Your Ring Camera

Understanding Ring Camera Shared Users and Account Permissions

Ring cameras allow multiple people to view and manage the same device through a feature called shared users or shared access. This means that beyond the primary account owner, other people in your household or trusted contacts can receive video feeds, respond to motion alerts, and even control certain camera settings. Understanding how this sharing system works helps you decide who should have access and what level of control each person needs.

When you add someone as a shared user, they connect to your Ring account rather than creating their own separate account. This is different from inviting someone to use Ring's social features. The person you invite becomes part of your device's ecosystem and can see what the camera sees in real time. They receive notifications when motion is detected or someone rings the doorbell, depending on the notification settings you establish for them.

Ring offers different levels of access for shared users. Some shared users might only be able to view video footage, while others can unlock doors, disarm security systems, or adjust recording preferences. The amount of control depends on which Ring products you own and how you configure the permissions during the invitation process. For example, if you have a Ring Video Doorbell, a shared user might be able to see who is at your door but may not be able to unlock a smart lock if one is connected to your system.

The shared user feature works through the Ring mobile app or the Ring website. Both the primary account owner and shared users need access to one of these platforms to use the feature. The person you invite doesn't need to own their own Ring device—they simply need to download the Ring app or access the website and log in with the invitation credentials you provide.

Practical Takeaway: Before inviting shared users, think about what tasks they actually need to perform. Do they need to view camera feeds only, or do they also need to control locks and alarms? Understanding these needs in advance makes the setup process more straightforward and ensures you don't grant unnecessary permissions.

Preparing Your Ring Account for Adding Shared Users

Before you can add shared users to your Ring camera, your primary account needs to be in good standing and properly set up. This means your Ring device should already be installed, connected to your Wi-Fi network, and functioning correctly. You should also have the Ring mobile app installed on your smartphone or tablet, or be ready to use the Ring website from a computer browser.

Check that you are logged into your Ring account as the primary owner. The primary owner is the person who originally set up the Ring device and created the Ring account. Only the primary account owner can add or remove shared users. If someone else in your household set up the device, you may need to ask them to make the changes, or they may need to transfer ownership of the device to you through Ring's account settings.

Verify that your account information is current and accurate. This includes your email address and phone number. These details may be used in the sharing process or for notification purposes. If you've recently changed your email address or phone number, log into your Ring account and update these details in the account settings before inviting shared users.

Make sure the people you plan to invite have their own email addresses. Ring uses email addresses as the primary way to send invitations to shared users. The email address you provide should be one that the other person actually uses and checks regularly. Avoid using shared family email addresses if possible, as this can create confusion about who has access and who receives notifications.

Consider how many shared users you need to add. Ring typically allows multiple shared users on a single device, but there may be limits depending on your Ring subscription level or the specific device model. Check your Ring account or the device settings to see how many additional users you can invite.

Practical Takeaway: Gather the email addresses of everyone you want to invite before you start the process. Having this information ready in advance means you won't need to stop midway through to look up contact details, making the entire process faster and less prone to errors.

Steps to Invite Shared Users Through the Ring App

The Ring mobile app provides the most straightforward way to add shared users to your camera. Start by opening the Ring app on your phone or tablet and signing in with your primary account credentials. Once logged in, you should see your Ring devices listed on the main screen. Tap on the device you want to share—for example, your Ring Video Doorbell or Ring Indoor Cam.

Look for a settings or options menu within that device's view. This is usually represented by three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu), a gear icon, or a three-dot menu button. The exact location varies depending on your Ring device model and which version of the app you have installed. Tap this menu to open the device settings.

Within the device settings, search for an option labeled "Shared Users," "Share This Device," "Add Users," or something similar. Select this option to begin the invitation process. The app will likely show you a list of any shared users already added to the device, along with a button or option to add a new user.

When you choose to add a new shared user, you'll be prompted to enter their email address. Type the email address carefully, as this is how the invitation will be delivered. After entering the email, the app typically shows you permission options. These might include choices such as:

• View video footage only
• Receive motion alerts and notifications
• Control smart locks (if you have them)
• Disarm or arm security systems
• Unlock doors remotely

Select the permissions that match what this person needs to do. Remember that you can change these permissions later if needed. Once you've selected the appropriate permissions, review your choices and tap a button like "Send Invitation" or "Add User" to complete the process.

Practical Takeaway: Take a screenshot of the permission options before you send the invitation. This helps you remember what each person can do and makes it easier to explain to them what they should expect to see in their Ring app once they accept the invitation.

Steps to Invite Shared Users Through the Ring Website

If you prefer to use a computer, you can also add shared users through the Ring website. Open your web browser and go to ring.com, then sign in with your primary account email and password. Once you're logged in, look for your account settings or device management area. This is typically found in a menu at the top right of the page, often represented by your profile picture or a username dropdown.

Find the section related to devices or device settings. On the Ring website, this might be labeled "Devices," "My Devices," or "Device Management." Click on this section to see a list of all your Ring devices. Locate the specific camera or doorbell you want to share and click on it to open its detailed settings page.

On the device's settings page, look for an option like "Shared Users," "Share Device," "Manage Sharing," or "Add Members." Click this link to access the sharing management area. You should see a list of anyone who already has access to this device, along with an option to add someone new.

Select the option to add a new shared user. You'll be asked to enter the email address of the person you want to invite. Type their email address exactly as they would use it to log into their own accounts, since this is how they'll receive and use their invitation. After entering the email, the website will present you with permission settings.

The website interface typically shows permissions in a similar way to the app, but the layout might differ slightly. You might see a series of checkboxes for different capabilities, or a dropdown menu where you select a permission level (such as "Viewer Only," "Standard," or "Full Access"). Review each permission option carefully and choose the ones that match the person's needs.

Once you've selected all appropriate permissions, look for a button like "Send Invitation," "Add User," or "Share" to finalize the invitation. The website will confirm that the invitation has been sent to the email address you provided.

Practical Takeaway: The website method works well if you're managing permissions for multiple people. You can open a notepad or spreadsheet on your computer, list each person and the permissions they need, and then work through the invitations one by one without switching between windows and your phone.

What Happens After You Send an Invitation

Once you send an invitation to add