In today’s digital age, home security has become a top priority for many families. With the rise of smart doorbells and security cameras, it’s easier than ever to keep an eye on your property and loved ones. One popular option is the Ring camera, a Wi-Fi enabled doorbell camera that allows users to see, hear, and speak with visitors from their smartphone, tablet, or computer. But what if you want to share access to your Ring camera with family members or others? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of sharing your Ring camera with family and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Why Share Your Ring Camera with Family?
There are several reasons why you might want to share your Ring camera with family members. For example:
- Increased security: By sharing access to your Ring camera, you can ensure that multiple people are keeping an eye on your property, which can be especially useful if you have a large family or live in a busy neighborhood.
- Convenience: Sharing access to your Ring camera can be convenient for family members who may need to check in on the house or receive notifications while you’re away.
- Peace of mind: Sharing access to your Ring camera can provide peace of mind for family members who may be concerned about the safety and security of your home.
How to Share Your Ring Camera with Family
Sharing your Ring camera with family is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create a Shared User Account
To share your Ring camera with family, you’ll need to create a shared user account. To do this:
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen.
- Tap on “Settings.”
- Tap on “Shared Users.”
- Tap on “Add Shared User.”
- Enter the email address of the family member you want to share access with.
- Choose the level of access you want to grant the shared user (more on this below).
Levels of Access
When creating a shared user account, you’ll need to choose the level of access you want to grant the shared user. There are three levels of access to choose from:
- Admin: This level of access grants the shared user full control over the Ring camera, including the ability to view live footage, receive notifications, and make changes to the camera’s settings.
- Viewer: This level of access grants the shared user the ability to view live footage and receive notifications, but they will not be able to make changes to the camera’s settings.
- Guest: This level of access grants the shared user limited access to the Ring camera, including the ability to view live footage, but they will not receive notifications or be able to make changes to the camera’s settings.
Step 2: Configure Shared User Settings
Once you’ve created a shared user account, you’ll need to configure the shared user settings. To do this:
- Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen.
- Tap on “Settings.”
- Tap on “Shared Users.”
- Tap on the shared user account you created in Step 1.
- Configure the shared user settings as desired, including the ability to receive notifications, view live footage, and make changes to the camera’s settings.
Tips and Tricks for Sharing Your Ring Camera with Family
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when sharing your Ring camera with family:
- Use strong passwords: Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for each shared user account to ensure the security of your Ring camera.
- Limit access: Only grant access to family members who need it, and limit the level of access as necessary.
- Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your Ring camera.
- Keep software up to date: Make sure to keep your Ring camera’s software up to date to ensure you have the latest security features and patches.
Common Issues When Sharing Your Ring Camera with Family
Here are a few common issues you may encounter when sharing your Ring camera with family:
- Shared user account not receiving notifications: If a shared user account is not receiving notifications, check to make sure that notifications are enabled for that account and that the account is configured correctly.
- Shared user account unable to view live footage: If a shared user account is unable to view live footage, check to make sure that the account has the necessary permissions and that the camera is online.
- Shared user account making unauthorized changes: If a shared user account is making unauthorized changes to your Ring camera’s settings, check to make sure that the account has the necessary permissions and consider limiting the level of access.
Conclusion
Sharing your Ring camera with family can be a great way to increase security, convenience, and peace of mind. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily share access to your Ring camera with family members and configure the shared user settings to meet your needs. Remember to use strong passwords, limit access, and keep software up to date to ensure the security of your Ring camera.
What is the purpose of sharing a Ring camera with family members?
Sharing a Ring camera with family members allows them to receive notifications, view live footage, and communicate with visitors through the camera’s two-way audio feature. This can be particularly useful for households with multiple residents, as it ensures everyone is informed and can respond to events at home.
By sharing the camera, family members can also customize their own notification settings and access the camera’s features according to their preferences. This way, each user can control their experience with the shared camera, making it a convenient and collaborative solution for home security.
How do I share my Ring camera with family members?
To share your Ring camera with family members, you’ll need to add them as shared users through the Ring app. Start by opening the app, navigating to the camera you want to share, and tapping on the “Shared Users” option. From there, you can enter the email address or phone number of the family member you want to add, and they’ll receive an invitation to join the shared camera.
Once the family member accepts the invitation, they’ll be able to access the camera’s features and receive notifications. You can also customize the level of access each shared user has, allowing you to control who can view footage, receive notifications, and communicate with visitors.
Can I control what features shared users have access to?
Yes, as the owner of the Ring camera, you have control over the level of access each shared user has. When adding a shared user, you can choose from different permission levels, such as “Viewer” or “Manager.” Viewers can only view live footage and receive notifications, while Managers have more advanced permissions, including the ability to communicate with visitors and customize notification settings.
You can also customize the specific features each shared user has access to, such as motion notifications or live streaming. This allows you to tailor the experience for each shared user, ensuring they only have access to the features they need.
How do I remove a shared user from my Ring camera?
To remove a shared user from your Ring camera, navigate to the “Shared Users” section of the Ring app and find the user you want to remove. Tap on the three dots next to their name, and select “Remove User.” This will immediately revoke their access to the camera, and they’ll no longer receive notifications or be able to view footage.
Keep in mind that removing a shared user will not affect any existing footage or recordings. If you want to delete footage or recordings associated with a specific shared user, you’ll need to do so manually through the Ring app.
Can I share my Ring camera with non-family members, such as neighbors or caregivers?
Yes, you can share your Ring camera with non-family members, such as neighbors or caregivers. The process is the same as sharing with family members: simply add them as shared users through the Ring app, and they’ll receive an invitation to join the shared camera.
However, it’s essential to consider the level of access you grant to non-family members. You may want to limit their permissions to only viewing live footage or receiving notifications, rather than granting them full access to the camera’s features.
Is sharing a Ring camera secure?
Yes, sharing a Ring camera is secure. Ring uses end-to-end encryption to protect footage and recordings, ensuring that only authorized users can access the camera’s features. When you share a camera with someone, they’ll only have access to the specific features and footage you grant them permission to view.
Additionally, Ring requires shared users to create their own account and log in to access the camera, adding an extra layer of security. You can also monitor who has access to your camera and revoke permissions at any time through the Ring app.