Smart doorbells are convenient, but they also sit at the edge of your home network and collect sensitive video, audio, motion, and location-related data. If your Ring account is weak, your Wi-Fi is poorly secured, or your sharing settings are too open, someone could gain access to footage or device controls.
The good news is that most Ring doorbell security problems can be reduced with a few practical changes. This guide explains how to secure your Ring doorbell from hackers without making the device difficult to use.
1. Use a strong, unique Ring account password
Your Ring doorbell is tied to your Ring account. If that account uses a reused or weak password, attackers may be able to log in with credentials leaked from another website.
- Use a unique password for Ring.
- Make it long and hard to guess.
- Do not reuse your email, shopping, or social media password.
- Store it in a password manager if possible.
If you are unsure whether browser-saved passwords are enough, read our guide on whether saving passwords in your browser is safe.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds a second step when someone logs into your account. Even if your password leaks, the extra verification step can block unauthorized access.
Use an authenticator app when available, or at minimum use SMS-based verification. Authenticator apps are usually safer than text messages because they are less exposed to SIM-swap attacks.
3. Secure the email account connected to Ring
Your Ring account is only as secure as the email account attached to it. If someone controls your email, they may be able to reset your Ring password.
- Use a strong password for your email account.
- Enable two-factor authentication on email.
- Review account recovery options.
- Remove old devices or sessions you do not recognize.
4. Review shared users
Ring lets you share access with family members or trusted people. That is useful, but old shared access can become a security risk.
- Remove people who no longer need access.
- Avoid sharing your main password.
- Use separate invited accounts instead.
- Review shared users after moving, changing roommates, or ending a relationship.
5. Lock down your home Wi-Fi
Your smart doorbell depends on your Wi-Fi network. Weak router security can expose smart devices, cameras, laptops, and phones.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 security.
- Change the default router admin password.
- Use a strong Wi-Fi password.
- Update router firmware.
- Consider a separate guest network for smart home devices.
For broader home network protection, see our guide on how to secure smart home devices.
6. Keep the Ring app and device updated
Updates often fix security bugs. Keep the Ring app updated on your phone and make sure your phone itself is also up to date.
7. Limit privacy-sensitive features
Review motion zones, recording settings, audio recording, and notification preferences. Only collect what you actually need. More recording is not always better if it exposes unnecessary personal or neighbor activity.
Ring doorbell security checklist
| Step | Priority |
|---|---|
| Unique Ring password | High |
| Two-factor authentication | High |
| Secure linked email | High |
| Review shared users | Medium |
| Update Wi-Fi/router security | High |
| Review privacy settings | Medium |
FAQ
Can a Ring doorbell be hacked?
Yes, but many incidents involve weak passwords, reused credentials, insecure email accounts, or poor Wi-Fi security rather than a direct device attack.
Should Ring be on a guest Wi-Fi network?
Using a separate network for smart devices is a good idea if your router supports it. It can reduce the impact if one device is compromised.
Does changing my Wi-Fi password help?
Yes, especially if you shared your Wi-Fi password widely or used a weak one. Remember to update connected devices after changing it.
Bottom line
The best way to secure your Ring doorbell is to protect the account, protect your email, lock down Wi-Fi, review sharing, and keep everything updated. These steps greatly reduce the most common risks.
How Hackers Target Ring Doorbells
Ring doorbells are among the most popular smart home devices, with over 15 million units sold. But their popularity makes them a target. There are four main ways attackers compromise Ring devices: weak passwords, credential stuffing, network intrusion, and phishing of Ring account credentials.
Risk 1: Weak or Reused Passwords
The most common way Ring doorbells get hacked is through weak or reused passwords. If you use the same password for your Ring account as you use for other services, a breach on any of those services gives attackers your Ring credentials.
How to fix it:
- Go to ring.com and log in
- Navigate to Account > Security
- Change your password to a strong, unique one (16+ characters)
- See our guide to creating strong passwords for a simple method
Risk 2: Missing Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the single most effective security measure for your Ring account. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot log in without the second factor.
How to enable 2FA on Ring:
- Open the Ring app on your phone
- Tap the three lines (menu) in the top left
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification
- Enable it and choose either SMS or authenticator app
- We recommend using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS
Risk 3: Shared Ring Account Credentials
If you share your Ring login with family members, each person who has the password is a potential leak point. Ring offers a better way: Shared Users.
How to set up shared users instead of sharing your password:
- Open the Ring app
- Go to Settings > Shared Access
- Tap Add User
- Enter the person email address
- Select which devices they can access and what level of control they get
- They will receive an email invitation to create their own account
This way, each person has their own login and you can revoke access at any time without changing your password.
Risk 4: Unsecured Home Wi-Fi
Your Ring doorbell connects to your home Wi-Fi. If your Wi-Fi is not secure, an attacker on your network could intercept the video stream or access the device directly.
Secure your Wi-Fi by:
- Using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption
- Changing the default router admin password
- Disabling WPS
- See our full Wi-Fi security guide for step-by-step instructions
Risk 5: Phishing Emails Targeting Ring Users
Attackers send fake emails that look like they come from Ring, asking you to log in to verify your account or update your payment information. The link goes to a fake Ring login page that steals your credentials.
How to spot fake Ring emails:
- Check the sender email address — real Ring emails come from @ring.com or @amazon.com domains
- Do not click links in emails — go directly to ring.com instead
- Look for spelling errors or unusual formatting
- Ring will never ask for your password in an email
See our guide on how to spot phishing emails for 12 red flags to check.
How to Check if Your Ring Has Been Hacked
Signs your Ring doorbell may have been compromised:
- The camera moves on its own (for models with motion tracking)
- You receive login alerts for logins you did not initiate
- The device settings have changed without your knowledge
- Unknown devices appear in your Ring account
- The LED light behaves unexpectedly (solid blue when idle, or flashing when you are not setting it up)
- You notice unusual data usage on your network from the Ring device
If you notice any of these signs:
- Change your Ring password immediately
- Enable two-factor authentication if not already on
- Check the Shared Users list for unknown accounts
- Remove any unknown devices from your account
- Check the login history in your Ring account settings
- Factory reset the Ring device if needed
Ring Privacy Settings to Change
Beyond security, Ring devices have privacy settings you should review:
- Disable audio recording in certain areas: If your doorbell can hear conversations inside your home, disable audio for those zones.
- Set motion zones carefully: Do not point motion detection at your neighbors property or public sidewalks unless necessary.
- Review video retention: Ring stores video recordings for 30-60 days depending on your plan. Delete old recordings if you do not need them.
- Disable Neighbors feed: The Neighbors feature shares your motion events with other Ring users nearby. Disable it if you do not want to share.
- Check who has access: Review the Shared Users list regularly and remove anyone who should no longer have access.
Ring vs Other Video Doorbells: Security Comparison
| Feature | Ring | Nest Doorbell | Wyze Doorbell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-factor auth | Yes (SMS + app) | Yes (Google account) | Yes (app) |
| End-to-end encryption | No (opt-in for some devices) | No | No |
| Local storage option | No | No | Yes (microSD) |
| Shared user access | Yes | Yes (Google Family) | Limited |
| Data collection | High (Amazon ecosystem) | High (Google ecosystem) | Moderate |
FAQ: Ring Doorbell Security
Can my Ring doorbell be hacked?
Yes, if your account has a weak password, no two-factor authentication, or if your home Wi-Fi is unsecured. Enable 2FA and use a strong unique password to make it extremely difficult.
How do I know if someone is watching my Ring camera?
Check your Ring login history in Account Settings. If you see logins from devices or locations you do not recognize, change your password and enable 2FA immediately.
Does Ring record all the time?
No. Ring doorbells record when motion is detected or when someone presses the doorbell. They do not record continuously unless you have a Ring Protect plan with continuous recording for specific models.
Is Ring end-to-end encrypted?
Ring offers end-to-end encryption as an opt-in feature for some devices. Without it, video is encrypted in transit but Ring (Amazon) holds the decryption keys. Enable E2EE in your Ring app settings if available for your model.
Should I use a different password for my Ring account?
Yes, absolutely. Never reuse your Ring password anywhere else. Use a password manager to generate and store a unique password. See our password manager comparison for recommendations.
How Hackers Target Ring Doorbells
Ring doorbells are among the most popular smart home devices, with over 15 million units sold. But their popularity makes them a target. There are four main ways attackers compromise Ring devices: weak passwords, credential stuffing, network intrusion, and phishing of Ring account credentials.
Risk 1: Weak or Reused Passwords
The most common way Ring doorbells get hacked is through weak or reused passwords. If you use the same password for your Ring account as you use for other services, a breach on any of those services gives attackers your Ring credentials.
How to fix it:
- Go to ring.com and log in
- Navigate to Account > Security
- Change your password to a strong, unique one (16+ characters)
- See our guide to creating strong passwords for a simple method
Risk 2: Missing Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the single most effective security measure for your Ring account. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot log in without the second factor.
How to enable 2FA on Ring:
- Open the Ring app on your phone
- Tap the three lines (menu) in the top left
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification
- Enable it and choose either SMS or authenticator app
- We recommend using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS
Risk 3: Shared Ring Account Credentials
If you share your Ring login with family members, each person who has the password is a potential leak point. Ring offers a better way: Shared Users.
How to set up shared users instead of sharing your password:
- Open the Ring app
- Go to Settings > Shared Access
- Tap Add User
- Enter the person email address
- Select which devices they can access and what level of control they get
- They will receive an email invitation to create their own account
This way, each person has their own login and you can revoke access at any time without changing your password.
Risk 4: Unsecured Home Wi-Fi
Your Ring doorbell connects to your home Wi-Fi. If your Wi-Fi is not secure, an attacker on your network could intercept the video stream or access the device directly.
Secure your Wi-Fi by:
- Using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption
- Changing the default router admin password
- Disabling WPS
- See our full Wi-Fi security guide for step-by-step instructions
Risk 5: Phishing Emails Targeting Ring Users
Attackers send fake emails that look like they come from Ring, asking you to log in to verify your account or update your payment information. The link goes to a fake Ring login page that steals your credentials.
How to spot fake Ring emails:
- Check the sender email address — real Ring emails come from @ring.com or @amazon.com domains
- Do not click links in emails — go directly to ring.com instead
- Look for spelling errors or unusual formatting
- Ring will never ask for your password in an email
See our guide on how to spot phishing emails for 12 red flags to check.
How to Check if Your Ring Has Been Hacked
Signs your Ring doorbell may have been compromised:
- The camera moves on its own (for models with motion tracking)
- You receive login alerts for logins you did not initiate
- The device settings have changed without your knowledge
- Unknown devices appear in your Ring account
- The LED light behaves unexpectedly (solid blue when idle, or flashing when you are not setting it up)
- You notice unusual data usage on your network from the Ring device
If you notice any of these signs:
- Change your Ring password immediately
- Enable two-factor authentication if not already on
- Check the Shared Users list for unknown accounts
- Remove any unknown devices from your account
- Check the login history in your Ring account settings
- Factory reset the Ring device if needed
Ring Privacy Settings to Change
Beyond security, Ring devices have privacy settings you should review:
- Disable audio recording in certain areas: If your doorbell can hear conversations inside your home, disable audio for those zones.
- Set motion zones carefully: Do not point motion detection at your neighbors property or public sidewalks unless necessary.
- Review video retention: Ring stores video recordings for 30-60 days depending on your plan. Delete old recordings if you do not need them.
- Disable Neighbors feed: The Neighbors feature shares your motion events with other Ring users nearby. Disable it if you do not want to share.
- Check who has access: Review the Shared Users list regularly and remove anyone who should no longer have access.
Ring vs Other Video Doorbells: Security Comparison
| Feature | Ring | Nest Doorbell | Wyze Doorbell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-factor auth | Yes (SMS + app) | Yes (Google account) | Yes (app) |
| End-to-end encryption | No (opt-in for some devices) | No | No |
| Local storage option | No | No | Yes (microSD) |
| Shared user access | Yes | Yes (Google Family) | Limited |
| Data collection | High (Amazon ecosystem) | High (Google ecosystem) | Moderate |
FAQ: Ring Doorbell Security
Can my Ring doorbell be hacked?
Yes, if your account has a weak password, no two-factor authentication, or if your home Wi-Fi is unsecured. Enable 2FA and use a strong unique password to make it extremely difficult.
How do I know if someone is watching my Ring camera?
Check your Ring login history in Account Settings. If you see logins from devices or locations you do not recognize, change your password and enable 2FA immediately.
Does Ring record all the time?
No. Ring doorbells record when motion is detected or when someone presses the doorbell. They do not record continuously unless you have a Ring Protect plan with continuous recording for specific models.
Is Ring end-to-end encrypted?
Ring offers end-to-end encryption as an opt-in feature for some devices. Without it, video is encrypted in transit but Ring (Amazon) holds the decryption keys. Enable E2EE in your Ring app settings if available for your model.
Should I use a different password for my Ring account?
Yes, absolutely. Never reuse your Ring password anywhere else. Use a password manager to generate and store a unique password. See our password manager comparison for recommendations.