A Virtual Security Guard reviewing a camera event on their desktop computer

Requirements for Virtual Security Guard

With Virtual Security Guard1, trained guards from Rapid Response will monitor events when a person is detected by Ring's person detection feature on an enrolled device and act accordingly on your behalf.

A subscription includes 175 events for $99/month per location. Events don’t roll over to the next month, but instead reset each month at the start of each billing cycle. Once you’ve used all your current billing cycle’s included events, Virtual Security Guard will stop monitoring for the remainder of your billing cycle unless you have opted in to Extra Events.

To use Virtual Security Guard, you’ll need all of the following:

Scroll down to learn more about each requirement.

Compatible Alarm Systems

If needed, you can purchase required devices you might be missing here.

Compatible Security Cameras

Ineligible devices

  • Any Ring Cameras not mentioned in the Compatible Security Cameras section above.
  • Cameras using
    .
  • Cameras using
    .
  • .
    When devices are linked in a Ring security system, the entire group begins functioning if any of them are activated. At this time, this is not supported by Virtual Security Guard.

Alarm Professional Monitoring

Alarm Professional Monitoring2 is included in the Virtual Security Guard1 add-on service. However, to use Virtual Security Guard, you must first enroll in Alarm Professional Monitoring.

  • With
    Alarm Professional Monitoring
    , Rapid Response guards can initiate monitoring when certain Ring Alarm sensors are triggered.
  • With
    Virtual Security Guard monitoring
    , Rapid Response guards will only monitor camera motion events when the service is active and a person is detected by Ring's person detection feature on an enrolled device. They can see what's happening on your cameras and take action if needed.
  • If your Ring Alarm goes off when Virtual Security Guard is active, the Alarm monitoring agent will follow the response settings you've customized in your Monitoring Settings. Ring treats this as an Alarm event, and it won’t count against your monthly event limit.

Additional eligibility requirements

Once you’ve completed setup, make sure you have all the required settings to use the service.

  1. at your monitored location.
  2. Video
    End-to-End Encryption
    turned
    off
    for enrolled devices.
  3. Text message alerts
    from Virtual Security Guard. You can easily opt in from the Virtual Security Guard Control Center.
  4. Motion detection turned on
    for your enrolled devices.
  5. for your enrolled devices.
  6. set to Regularly or Frequently.
  7. Virtual Security Guard number (+1-424-300-8338)
    added to your phone contacts, so you don’t miss any text alerts or event-related calls.
  8. and emergency contacts’ information added as indicated in the Ring app during enrollment.

Optimizing camera placement

Placing your camera in optimal areas is important for Virtual Security Guard.

  1. Your cameras should be
    so that guards can see your Live View when motion is detected.
  2. Depending on ambient noise and surroundings, the audio range your device can record may vary. This can also affect the effectiveness of Two-Way Talk.
  3. Keep your cameras pointed at your own property and away from other people’s private spaces, or
    .
  4. Place cameras in areas where you need extra coverage, such as entry or access points.
  5. Motion detection and visual monitoring work best when cameras are placed so that visitors pass through their view horizontally, not vertically.

Other things to note

  • Virtual Security Guard is available only within the U.S. (all 50 states but not U.S. territories).
  • Rapid Response is the seller and provider of the camera motion person detection monitoring service and guards. Ring bills your Ring account for this service.
  • Ring Alarm sensors are not monitored by Virtual Security Guard.

Need more help with Virtual Security Guard?

Contact us at 1-866-894-8282 and we’ll be happy to assist. This Customer Support line is dedicated to Virtual Security Guard customers.

Last updated 1 week ago

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    1
    Virtual Security Guard sold by Rapid Response. Virtual Security Guard is an add-on plan that requires a compatible Ring Home subscription and an eligible device. All sold separately. Virtual Security Guard available within the U.S. (all 50 states, but not U.S. territories). Purchasing Virtual Security Guard will give you access to Ring Smoke and CO Monitoring (not available for business or commercially zoned addresses) and Ring Alarm Professional Monitoring, both of which are sold by Ring and may also be purchased as separate add-on plans. Ring does not own its monitoring center. See Ring Alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction.
    2
    Professional Monitoring is an add-on plan that first requires a compatible Ring Home subscription. Both sold separately. Service available within the U.S. (all 50 states, but not U.S. territories) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for business or commercially zoned addresses. See Ring Alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction.
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