Timeline Security Snapshots Using Snapshot Capture

Snapshot Capture takes still frame photos from your Video Doorbell or Security Camera at selected time intervals, and uploads them to the Ring cloud. Regardless of the Snapshot Capture frequency, Snapshots are uploaded and added to the timeline in batches of 15 minutes to 1 hour.

This feature requires a compatible Ring Home subscription.

What is Snapshot Capture?

Not everything important that happens in front of your cam or video doorbell will trigger a notification. Snapshot Capture is an app feature that takes snapshots at certain intervals. This allows you to review what has happened in front of your devices in between events.

The images taken by the Snapshot Capture feature will be integrated into your Event Timeline along with the videos taken during motion events and Live View. That way you can scan through a single timeline and get a good overview of what’s happening around your home.

Note: Please use Snapshot Capture in compliance with applicable laws and respect the privacy of others.

How does it work?

Snapshot Capture works by taking still frame photos at selected time intervals and uploading them to the Ring cloud. You can then view these snapshots on your Event Timeline, just like you do for events.

Note: Snapshot Capture is a feature from the Event History Timeline, which is a Ring mobile app-exclusive feature. You will be unable to view your Snapshots from the Ring website or Ring desktop app. Snapshot Capture must be enabled in the Ring app in order for the snapshots to record and be stored in the cloud. If you disable this feature, you will lose any previous snapshots that were stored in the cloud and on the device.

Learn how to enable Snapshot Capture

Learn more about the Event Timeline

How long are snapshots stored for viewing?

Snapshot Capture photos in the cloud can be stored up to 14 days. Storage options vary based on your Ring Home Subscription Plan.

If you change the Snapshot Capture storage time, the new setting will only apply to photos captured after the setting has been changed in the Ring app or on Ring.com.

What happens if my device falls offline?

Your device will continue to take snapshots at regular intervals and store the snapshots in your device’s local flash memory. Once your device goes back online, snapshots stored locally on your device will be automatically uploaded to the cloud.

Note: Once the flash memory’s storage limit has been reached, the oldest snapshots will be overwritten by newer ones.

What if my snapshots are missing?

• Make sure the Snapshot Capture feature is enabled in the device’s settings.
• Check a time period where there were no other events in the timeline.
• If events are close enough together, there isn’t enough time to take a snapshot. It is normal for events that are close in time will appear back to back without snapshots in between.
• Snapshots are not added to the timeline immediately. Snapshots upload in batches of 15 minutes - 1 hour regardless of the Snapshot Capture frequency setting.
• For example, if you set your Snapshot settings to once every 5 minutes, you wont see the group of snapshots be added to the timeline until up to an hour later.

What if my snapshots are frozen?

• It is normal for snapshots to appear similar or unchanging for a period of time.
• Depending on your Ring device position and motion settings, if enough had changed within range of your Ring device, you would see a motion event in the timeline instead of snapshots.
• Wait until a different time of day to see elements of the snapshot change like the lighting that changes outdoors across the day.
• Alternatively, deliberately change something in front of the camera, like moving something in view of the camera to see how it moves in the snapshots. Be sure to wait up to an hour for the new batch to appear in the timeline.

How can I delete a specific snapshot from my timeline?

Yes. Snapshot containers can be deleted within timed sections. When footage has been deleted, a semi-transparent patterned bar appears in the Event Timeline.

Learn how to delete a snapshot

What is the resolution of the snapshots?

The snapshots are saved at 640 x 360.

Can I download the snapshots?

Yes, they can be downloaded to mobile devices.

Learn how to download a snapshot

Can I change the frequency with which this feature takes snapshots?

Yes. You can change the snapshot frequency under Snapshot Capture in the Ring app to determine how often your device will capture images.

Learn how to change your snapshot frequency

Can I use the Snapshot Capture feature with 24/7 Recording?

No, while 24/7 Recording is enabled on an eligible camera, Snapshot Capture is automatically turned off as it's replaced by continuous video recording.

Learn more about 24/7 Recording