Learn About Privacy Zones
Use Privacy Zones to black out areas you want to exclude from Live View or video recording, such as a neighbor’s apartment door.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Privacy Zone?
A Privacy Zone is an area within your Ring device camera's field-of-view that you can define as off-limits. The Ring app won't display anything in that area in Live View and that area won't be video recorded.
Why would I use a Privacy Zone?
Privacy Zones are designed to allow you to designate an area in your Ring device camera’s field of view as off-limits, so as to help you control what you want to see or record. You may, for example, cover your neighbor's apartment door or window with a privacy zone.
What do Privacy Zones look like on the Ring app or in a video recording?
Privacy Zones appear as black rectangles in the Ring app and on video. Note the image below with a privacy zone around it.
How many Privacy Zones can I create?
You can create up to 2 Privacy Zones.
If something happens in a Privacy Zone that I need to see, can those images be recovered?
No. The Privacy Zone is literally a dead zone in the image production process of the camera. Nothing that happens in them can be viewed or recovered.
What's the smallest Privacy Zone I can create?
Each Privacy Zone has a minimum size of approximately 15% of the screen.
Can I draw privacy zones in a particular shape?
No. Privacy Zones can only be rectangular.
If I move my device, for example, change its orientation or (for a Peephole Cam) open the door, will the Privacy Zone stay where it is?
No. If you change your device's field of view orientation, it will change what area the Privacy Zone covers. Each zone can be thought of as a small piece of tape over the lens. As a result, if you move the Peephole Cam, the Privacy Zone will shift with the Peephole Cam while the door is opening or closing.
Note: All of the Ring devices are capable of enabling the Privacy Zone feature except for the Ring Video Doorbell (1st Generation) and the Ring Stick Up Camera (1st Generation).