Understanding Video End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

Video end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is an optional feature that adds additional layers of protection to video and audio recordings for compatible enrolled Ring devices.

Ring already encrypts your videos by default when they are uploaded to the cloud (in transit) and stored on Ring’s servers (at rest). Video E2EE provides an additional, advanced encryption option to give customers even more control over who can view their videos. With Video E2EE, only your enrolled mobile device has the special key needed to unlock these videos, designed so no one else can view your videos -- not even Ring or Amazon.

Learn how to set up Video End-to-End Encryption

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Video End-to-End-Encryption (E2EE)?

Video E2EE is a feature that encrypts the video and audio recordings produced by your compatible enrolled Ring devices. E2EE is designed to encrypt these E2EE videos so that they can only be viewed on enrolled mobile devices.

Can I view Video E2EE videos on my Ring App?

Yes. Video E2EE is designed to limit viewing of E2EE videos to enrolled mobile devices. You will be able to review these videos on an enrolled mobile device using the Ring App the way you always have.

Is Video E2EE automatically enabled?

No. You will need to opt-in to E2EE through the Ring app. Tap here for information on how to opt-in to E2EE.

How many devices can be enrolled in E2EE?

A maximum of 5 devices can be enrolled in E2EE (for iOS and Android) plus 1 Account Key. 

Why isn’t Video E2EE applied automatically?

We currently use video encryption processes, however, Video E2EE is an enhanced encryption feature. Turning on the Video E2EE feature will automatically disable certain other features of your Ring App with respect to enrolled devices. Every neighbor using Ring products will have to decide for themselves whether using this additional layer of encryption is worth the loss of some app functionality.

Can I still download or export videos that are end-to-end encrypted?

Yes. You can only download end-to-end encrypted videos on an enrolled mobile device. When you share a video link, a decrypted copy of that video is created and stored so that anyone who receives the shared link can watch it.

What happens if I lose my mobile device?

If you lose your E2EE-enrolled mobile device and have the E2EE passphrase, you can enroll another mobile device with the passphrase. All of your previous end-to-end encrypted videos will be accessible on your newly enrolled mobile device.

If you do not know the passphrase, you can remove video End-to-End Encryption from your account and re-enable it on a new mobile device. However, you will not have access to previous end-to-end encrypted videos.

Important: Write your passphrase down or store it in a secure password manager. When creating this passphrase, be sure to enter all lowercase letters, include the hyphens, and don’t add any spaces.

What Ring features does Video E2EE disable?

Enabling Ring’s Video E2EE will disable the following features for enrolled devices:

• Shared Users will not be able to view your videos.
• You will not be able to view encrypted videos on Ring.com, the Windows desktop app or the Mac desktop app.
• You will not be able to use Live View from multiple mobile devices simultaneously.
• You will not be able to see camera previews on the Dashboard.
• You will not be able to share videos or links.
• You will not be able to use the Event Timeline.
• You will not be able to see Video Preview Alerts.
• You will not be able to watch Ring videos on Amazon Echo Show, FireTV, or Fire Tablet.
• You will not be able to watch encrypted videos on third-party devices.
• You will not be able to use Alexa Greetings.
• You will not be able to use Quick Replies.
• You will not be able to use Bird's Eye View.
• You will not be able to use Virtual Security Guard. 

If I disable Video E2EE after turning it on, do I get those features back?

Yes, although you will need to manually turn on certain features after disabling Video E2EE. The following chart will tell you which features will turn on automatically and which ones you’ll need to re-enable manually: