Ring Doorbell on Two Phones: Shared User Setup
Yes, you can invite a shared user to control a Ring doorbell from two phones. The owner adds the person as a Shared User in the Ring app, and that person then uses their own Ring account on their own phone to view live video, receive alerts, and manage some settings. This article explains exactly how the sharing works, what a shared user can and cannot do, how to set it up, and what to do when it does not work as expected.
How Ring Sharing Works
Ring doorbells are tied to a single owner account, but the owner can grant access to other people. Each shared user must have their own Ring account (email and password). You cannot simply log into the same account on two phones, because Ring limits one active session per account; doing so can cause one phone to be signed out. The proper way is to use the Shared Users feature in the Ring app.
When you add someone as a shared user, they receive an email invitation. Once they accept, the doorbell appears in their app under their own account. They can see live video, talk through the speaker, and receive motion and ring notifications. The owner can remove them at any time, and the shared user cannot remove the owner or transfer ownership.
What a Shared User Can and Cannot Do
Shared users have most of the same controls as the owner, but not all. Here is the breakdown:
- Can do: view live video, use two-way talk, receive push notifications, view recorded events (if a Ring Protect plan is active), turn the doorbell on/off, adjust motion zones and sensitivity, and change notification settings.
- Cannot do: remove the device from the account, change the owner, manage the Ring Protect plan, add or remove other shared users, or change the Wi-Fi network settings on the device.
If you want someone to only see video and not change settings, you can use the Ring Protect plan’s “Location” sharing? Actually, Ring does not offer a read-only role. The only way to limit access is to not share at all and instead give them your login credentials, which is not recommended for security reasons.
How to Add a Shared User (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps in the Ring app on the owner’s phone:
- Open the Ring app and tap the menu (three lines) in the top left.
- Tap Devices and select the doorbell you want to share.
- Tap Device Settings (the gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap Shared Users.
- Tap Add User and enter the person’s email address.
- Tap Send Invite. The person will receive an email with a link to accept.
- After they accept, the doorbell appears in their app automatically.
How to Accept an Invitation
If you are the person being invited, you need to do the following:
- Create a Ring account if you do not have one (you can do this in the Ring app or on ring.com).
- Check the email inbox for the invitation from Ring.
- Click the Accept Invitation button in the email. This will open a browser or the app.
- Log in with your own Ring account credentials.
- Once accepted, the doorbell will show up under your devices.
Common Problems and Fixes
Sometimes sharing does not go smoothly. Here are the most frequent issues and what to do:
- Invitation email not received: Check spam/junk folder. Ask the owner to resend the invite from the Shared Users screen. Make sure the email address is spelled correctly.
- Shared user sees “No Devices”: Ensure the invite was accepted. If it was, try logging out and back in on the shared user’s phone.
- Both phones get signed out: This happens if you use the same login on both phones. Use the shared user feature instead.
- Can’t see recorded events: The owner must have an active Ring Protect plan. Shared users can view recordings only if the owner has a plan.
- Shared user cannot change settings: That is by design. Only the owner can change device settings like Wi-Fi.
Alternative: Using the Same Account on Two Phones
Some people try to use the same Ring account on two phones to avoid setting up sharing. This is possible but not recommended. Ring may allow it temporarily, but it often causes one device to be logged out or notifications to stop working on one phone. Also, both phones would have full owner access, meaning that person could remove the device or change settings. If you trust that person completely, you can do it, but sharing is the safer and more reliable method.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Sharing your Ring doorbell with someone gives them access to live video and recorded clips. Only share with people you trust. If you remove a shared user, they lose access immediately, but they may have saved screenshots or recordings they took while they had access. Also, be aware that shared users can talk through the doorbell, so they could have conversations with visitors. If you are sharing with a neighbor or a service person, consider using a separate device or limiting access to specific times? Actually, Ring does not allow time-based access. You can only grant full access or none.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two phones receive Ring notifications at the same time?
Yes, if both phones are linked to the same doorbell through the owner and shared user setup, both will receive push notifications for motion and rings. Notifications are sent to all devices that have the doorbell added to their account.
Can a shared user see the doorbell’s live view?
Yes, a shared user can view live video just like the owner, as long as they have the Ring app open and are logged in. There is no restriction on live view for shared users.
Can a shared user delete the doorbell from the account?
No, only the owner can remove a device from the Ring account. A shared user can only remove the doorbell from their own app, which does not affect the owner’s access.
What happens if the owner removes a shared user?
The shared user immediately loses access to the doorbell. They will no longer see the device in their app, and they will stop receiving notifications. Any saved clips they had on their phone remain, but they cannot access new ones.
Can a shared user change the doorbell’s Wi-Fi?
No, changing Wi-Fi settings requires owner-level access. Shared users can only change settings like motion zones and notification preferences.
Does the shared user need a Ring Protect plan?
No, the shared user does not need their own plan. The owner’s plan covers all devices on the account, and shared users can view recordings if the owner has a plan.
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