A Ring Video Doorbell owner applying settings to their Ring account in the Ring app.

Transfer Ownership of a Ring Device

Learn how to transfer or take over ownership of a Ring device.

If your Ring device is currently registered to someone else:

  • If you purchased your device from a retailer, request to return and exchange it. And if unable, contact
    for assistance.
  • If you purchased the device from someone or received it as a gift, ask the person you got it from to follow the steps below to
    remove a device from the Ring app
    .
  • If the previous owner is unavailable, you can follow the steps below to
    take over ownership of a device if you can't contact the previous owner
    .
  • If you are the owner and you receive an email that someone is trying to set up your device, contact Ring Customer Support if you would like to contest the setup attempt.

How to remove a device from the Ring app

Important: Cancelling a Ring subscription plan, physically uninstalling a device or deleting the Ring app will not release ownership of a Ring device. You can only remove devices in the Ring app, not on Ring.com. Note: Once a device is removed, all its data and videos will be deleted. Learn how to download videos before removing a device.

  1. Open the Ring app and tap the
    menu (≡)
    on the top left.
  2. Tap
    Devices.
  3. Tap the device that you want to release.
  4. Tap
    Device Settings.
  5. Tap
    General Settings.
  6. Tap
    Remove this Device
    on the bottom of the screen.

The device will immediately become available for a new owner to set up. Follow the steps for each device you wish to remove. We also recommend completing this process if you move home and leave your device behind. Note: Removing a device in the app will not cancel any subscription plan associated with the device.

How to take over ownership of a device if you can’t contact the previous owner

To take over ownership of a Ring device from someone else, including someone who is deceased or medically incapacitated:

  1. Tap the
    menu (☰)
    .
  2. Tap
    Set Up a Device
    in the Ring app.
  3. Select the device category.
  4. Scan the QR code on your Ring device.
  5. When you see the device transfer screen, tap
    I want to transfer this device
    .

If the device does not have a QR code. Tap "Other Options" during setup, then tap "Device has a barcode instead?", then scan the barcode.

What happens next?

If your request to transfer ownership is successful, you’ll see a message saying Device transfer is in progress.

  • We send the previous owner a series of emails to tell them someone is attempting to take over their Ring device.
  • The device will remain on the previous owner's account for up to 15 days. Within that time, they will be sent 3 emails about the transfer request. If this time elapses with no response from the owner, the device will be removed from their account.
  • We will send you a confirmation email once the device is ready to set up.

If the device you’re trying to transfer is currently online, you’ll see a message saying it must be taken offline before you can set it up.

  • Power off the device by disconnecting the power or removing the battery.
  • It may take up to 24 hours after powering off before it is ready to be set up.

If the device has been reported stolen or can’t be transferred for another reason, contact Ring Customer Support.

Note: Ring Customer Support cannot expedite requests to release devices.

Last updated 2 months ago