When you add Ring shared users, people you invite to view your Ring doorbell or camera feeds through the app. Also known as family members, it lets others check in on your home without giving them full control. This sounds simple—until someone accidentally deletes a video, changes settings, or shares access with someone you didn’t mean to. Ring shared users aren’t just a convenience; they’re a security decision. And if you’re not careful, you’re opening your home to risks you didn’t even know existed.
Most people think adding a spouse or kid to their Ring account is harmless. But what happens when that kid shares their login with a friend? Or when your elderly parent accidentally turns off motion alerts? Ring shared users can have different permission levels—view-only, live view, or full control—but the app doesn’t make it obvious which is which. You might think you’re giving someone "access," but you’re actually handing them the keys to your security system. That’s why it’s critical to understand how Ring app sharing, the feature that lets you invite others to your Ring devices works behind the scenes. It doesn’t just show video—it connects to your Wi-Fi, stores data, and can trigger alerts that go to multiple phones. One wrong setting, and your entire system becomes vulnerable.
Then there’s the issue of Ring security settings, the controls that determine who sees what and when. If you don’t set up shared user permissions correctly, someone might see footage from your backyard camera while you’re away—and you won’t even know they’re watching. Some users report that shared users can still access live streams even after being removed from the account. That’s not a glitch—it’s a design flaw. And while Ring says you can delete shared users anytime, the app doesn’t always notify you when someone else added them. You need to manually check your account settings every few months. Most people don’t. That’s why so many homes end up with ghost users lingering in their systems.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered: "Can I trust my neighbor with access?" Or "Should I let my cleaning lady see the front door feed?" The answer isn’t yes or no—it’s about control. Ring shared users work best when you limit access strictly to people who need it, assign the lowest permission level possible, and review activity logs regularly. You don’t need to give someone full access just because they live in the house. A view-only invite is enough for most cases. And if you’re worried about privacy, don’t add anyone at all. Use the app’s alert notifications instead. That way, you stay in charge—without handing out digital keys.
What you’ll find below are real stories and practical fixes from people who’ve been there: the mom who accidentally gave her teenager full control, the business owner who found a stranger watching his cameras, the couple who fixed their Ring setup after a break-in. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re lessons learned the hard way. Whether you’re trying to stop false alarms, lock down access, or just understand what shared users can really do, the posts here cut through the marketing noise and show you exactly how to make Ring work for you—not against you.
Yes, you can connect a Ring Doorbell to two or more phones using the Shared User feature. No extra cost. No complicated setup. Just invite others through the app and they'll get alerts and live video on their own devices.
