A homeowner sitting in their living room speaking to guests at the door with the Ring app.

Controlling Ring Devices With Shared Users and Guest Users

After setting up a device, you will automatically be assigned the owner user role. As the owner, you can grant additional users access to the device by making them Shared Users or, for Alarm only, Guest Users.

  • Owner:
    In addition to being able to view cameras and view and share videos, the device owner can add new Shared Users, adjust system settings and change account information.
    • If you have a Ring Alarm system, the owner can invite Shared Users and Guest Users.
    • Ring Video Doorbells, Security Cameras and Ring Alarm allow an unlimited number of Shared Users.
  • Shared User:
    A Shared User cannot change system settings or account information but can view cameras and view and share videos. Access to particular cameras can be granted or denied by the owner.
    • If you have a Ring Alarm system, the Shared User can also arm and disarm¹ the Ring Alarm system and unlock any lock they've been given access to by the owner.
  • Guest User:
    If you have a Ring Alarm system and an integrated Z-Wave lock, the Guest User can also arm and disarm¹ the Ring Alarm system and unlock any lock they’ve been given access to by the owner using an access code.

The lists below outline the scope of Owner, Shared User and Guest User abilities.

Roles and Abilities

Owner

Owner is the highest level of device access.

  • For Ring cameras, doorbells, and Ring Alarm, an owner's abilities include:
    • The ability to access a list of Shared Users.
    • Ability to invite an unlimited number of Shared Users.
    • Ability to remove Shared Users.
    • Edit, view, and delete Locations (addresses).
    • Ability to control and configure devices.
    • Authority to change account/payment or address information.
    • Access to Live View.
    • View and share video clips.
      ²
    • Receive and control notifications.¹
    • View Event History.
      ²
  • For Ring Alarm system owners only:
    • Change Ring Alarm monitoring¹ settings (type of monitoring, emergency contacts, verbal password, and permits)
    • Add and delete devices from the Base Station.
    • View and control a Base Station Device.
    • Ability to assign and change others' access codes.
    • Can arm and disarm the Ring Alarm system.¹

Shared User

  • For Ring doorbells, Ring cameras, and Ring Alarm system, Shared Users can:
    • Access Live View.
    • View and share video clips.
      ²
    • View Event History.
      ²
    • Can receive and control notifications.¹
  • For Ring Alarm system, Shared Users can:
    • View and control a Base Station.
    • Lock and unlock¹ connected locks.
    • Arm and disarm¹ the Ring Alarm system.

Guest User

Guest User is only available for the Ring Alarm system and is the lowest level of system access. Guest Users are able to use some aspects of the Alarm system by using an access number provided by the owner, but cannot configure the Ring Alarm or alter account/payment information.

Guest Users can:

  • Lock and unlock connected locks using an access number.
  • Arm and disarm¹ the Ring Alarm system from the Keypad using an access number.

Adding, editing, and deleting users

Shared Users are added to the system by invitation of an Owner. In order to extend an invitation to become a Shared User, an Owner has to know the Shared User's email address.

Once the owner has sent an invitation, the new Shared User will receive an email telling him or her how to verify themselves and gain access to the system.

Note: Shared Users cannot be added to the following Ring devices or Works with Ring products:

  • Smart Lighting Bridge
  • Ring Chime devices
  • Ring Alarm sensors
  • Light Groups
  • Security Cams that are part of a Light Group
  • Level Lock Bolt or Level Lock Touch

Adding a user

  1. Open the Ring app and tap the
    menu (≡)
    on the top left.
  2. Make sure you’re on the right location, then tap
    Settings
    .
    • If you have more than one location with Ring devices, make sure you’re on the correct Location by checking the address in the top left of the
      menu (≡).
  3. Tap
    Shared Access
    or
    Users and Pets
  4. Tap
    Add User
    .
  5. Choose the
    type
    of user you'd like to add.
  6. Follow the in-app instructions to create and send an invite via email.

Note: Shared User invites are only valid for 7 days.

To resend an invitation:

  1. Open the Ring app and tap the
    menu (≡)
    on the top left.
  2. Make sure you’re on the right Location, then tap
    Settings
    .
  3. Tap
    Shared Access
    or
    Users and Pets
  4. Tap the User that you would like to resend the invitation to.
  5. At the top of the User’s profile, tap Resend Invite.

Editing a user

  1. Open the Ring app and tap the
    menu (≡)
    on the top left.
  2. Make sure you’re on the right Location, then tap
    Settings
    .
  3. Tap
    Shared Access
    .
  4. Tap the
    User
    that you would like to edit.
  5. Make the changes you would like to make.
  6. Tap
    Save
     in the top right corner.

Deleting a user

  1. Open the Ring app and tap the
    menu (≡)
    on the top left.
  2. Make sure you’re on the right Location, then tap
    Settings
    .
  3. Tap
    Shared Access
    or
    Users and Pets
  4. Tap the
    User
    that you would like to delete.
  5. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap
    Remove User.
  6. Tap
    Remove
    .

Ring Alarm Access Codes

Each user must assign themselves a unique, 4-digit access code which cannot be duplicated with other users. A user can use their access code to arm and disarm the Ring Alarm system using the Keypad. Access codes can be changed at any time through the Ring app.

Note: Although all users can have access codes, the owner is the only user who can change an access code.

Changing an Access Code

  1. Open the Ring app and tap the
    menu (≡)
    on the top left.
  2. Tap
    Users
    .
  3. Select the User that you would like to change.
  4. In the Protect Access section, tap
    Personal Access Code
    .
  5. Enter a four-digit code, then re-enter the code.
  6. Tap
    Save
    .

Camera access with Ring Alarm

If Ring cameras, doorbells, and Ring Alarm are present at a one location, all Shared Users can access all the cameras and doorbells there by default. This is, however, at the owner’s discretion. An owner can limit any Shared or Guest User’s access to cameras and doorbells at their location.

¹
Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a compatible Ring subscription (sold separately) for digital arming/disarming and certain other in-app features.
²
Your Ring videos in the cloud are stored temporarily, up to 180 days. ​Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting. Check Ring Protect Subscription Plans for more information.
Last updated 1 month ago