Using Ring to Open for your Ring Intercom

Some building intercom systems only allow the entrance to unlock while there is an active call from the entrance panel to your apartment. This behavior is called Ring-to-Open. With Ring-to-Open, Ring Intercom needs an active call from your building entrance before it can unlock the door. This is based on how your building’s intercom system works. It is not something Ring can directly control.

How Ring-to-Open works

If your Ring Intercom is set to Ring-to-Open, unlocking works differently from a standard remote unlock.

To unlock your entrance:

1. Open the Ring app to the main dashboard
2. Tap

   Unlock

   .
3. A countdown timer will start in the Ring app while Ring Intercom waits for an incoming call from your entrance.
4. Press the physical call button at your building entrance.
5. Ring Intercom will detect the incoming call and automatically unlock the entrance.

Important: You do not need to answer or place a call in the Ring app. Ring Intercom will unlock automatically when it detects the active entrance call to your apartment. Your entrance must be calling your apartment unit for Ring Intercom to unlock the door.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my building require Ring-to-Open?

Some building intercom systems only allow unlock when there is an active call from the entrance panel. In these buildings, the door may not unlock if you try to unlock directly from the Ring app without a call. This is expected behavior for certain building intercom systems. Ring-to-Open helps Ring Intercom work with these systems by waiting for the entrance call before unlocking.

Why is Ring-to-Open turned on for my Ring Intercom?

Ring might turn on Ring-to-Open when your building or intercom system appears to require an active call before unlocking.

Ring-to-Open can be used for:

• Certain intercom makes or models
• Buildings where direct unlock does not work reliably
• Multi-door buildings where the entrance being unlocked depends on which entrance is calling

For multi-door buildings, Ring-to-Open might be the default unlock mode because it helps make sure the correct entrance is unlocked during the active call.

What if my building does not require Ring-to-Open?

If your building can unlock directly from the Ring app without an active entrance call, you can switch your unlock mode to Direct Unlock.

To change your unlock mode:

1. Open the Ring app to the main dashboard
2. Select your Ring Intercom device.
3. Tap

   Device Settings

   .
4. Tap

   Unlock Settings

   .
5. Tap

   Unlock Type

   .
6. Select

   Direct Unlock

   .

After switching to Direct Unlock, you can try unlocking from the Ring app without pressing the entrance call button first.

What is the difference between Ring-to-Open and Direct Unlock?

• Ring-to-Open

  :

  Use this mode if your building requires an active call from the entrance before the door can unlock.
• Direct Unlock

  :

  Use this mode if your building can unlock directly from the Ring app without an active entrance call.

How do I know which mode to use?

Use Ring-to-Open if:

• The door only unlocks during an active entrance call.
• Tapping

  Unlock

  in the Ring app does not open the door unless the entrance is calling your apartment.
• Your building has multiple entrances and unlock depends on which entrance is calling.

Use Direct Unlock if:

• Your entrance unlocks from the Ring app without an active call.
• You can unlock the door anytime from the Ring app.

Can I still receive normal calls?

Yes. Ring-to-Open only changes how unlock works when you start an unlock from the Ring app. You can still receive entrance calls through Ring Intercom as usual.

What should I do if unlock still does not work?

If Ring-to-Open does not unlock your entrance:

• Verify you are pressing the correct entrance call button.
• Make sure the call is placed to your apartment unit.
• Try the unlock flow again before the countdown timer ends.
• Confirm your Unlock Mode by navigating to Unlock Settings through Device Settings and reviewing Unlock Type.

If your building can unlock without an active call, switch to Direct Unlock and try again.

Need help? Contact the Ring Intercom Support team.