Ring Shared Users and Alexa Configuration Guide

Purpose

Shared Users allow family members or other household occupants to access selected Ring devices using their own Ring account. Shared Users can view cameras, use Two-Way Talk, access video history, and interact with certain Ring features, but they have limited Alexa permissions compared to the account owner.

When to Use This Procedure

Use this procedure when a customer wants to:

• Add a spouse or family member to Ring
• Share access to Ring cameras or doorbells
• Allow another household member to arm or disarm Ring Alarm
• Troubleshoot Shared User access
• Understand Shared User Alexa limitations

Add a Shared User

1. Open the Ring app.
2. Select Menu.
3. Select Devices.
4. Choose the Ring device.
5. Select Shared Access.
6. Enter the email address of the person being added.
7. Send the invitation.
8. Confirm the recipient accepts the invitation.
9. Verify the recipient has an active Ring account.

If the recipient does not have a Ring account, they must create one before access can be granted.

Shared User Permissions

Shared Users can:

• View Live View
• Use Two-Way Talk
• View Event History
• View recorded videos within the Ring app
• Enable or disable alerts on their own devices
• Control supported Ring Smart Lighting devices
• Arm and disarm Ring Alarm systems

Shared User Limitations

Shared Users cannot:

• Add or remove other Shared Users
• Delete Ring devices
• Rename Ring devices
• Modify motion settings
• Delete recorded videos
• Receive Alexa doorbell announcements
• Receive Alexa motion announcements
• Answer Ring notifications through Alexa
• View recent Ring recordings within the Alexa app

Alexa Behavior

The primary Ring account owner retains certain Alexa privileges that are not available to Shared Users.

If a customer reports:

• Alexa is not announcing doorbell presses
• Alexa is not announcing motion events
• Alexa cannot answer Ring notifications

Verify whether the affected person is a Shared User. These limitations are expected behavior and do not indicate a malfunction.

Troubleshooting Shared User Access

If a Shared User cannot access Ring devices:

1. Verify the invitation was accepted.
2. Confirm the correct email address was invited.
3. Verify Shared Access is enabled for the device.
4. Have the Shared User sign out and back into the Ring app.
5. Confirm the Shared User is using the correct Ring account.
6. Remove and re-add the Shared User if necessary.
7. Test device access after re-inviting.

Expected Outcome

The Shared User should be able to:

• View cameras
• Use Two-Way Talk
• Access video history
• Control permitted Ring features
• Arm and disarm Ring Alarm

Alexa announcement and notification features remain available only to the primary Ring account owner.