What Ring is and how it connects to Amazon

Ring is a line of video doorbells and security cameras owned by Amazon. When you buy a Ring device, you set it up through the Ring app on your phone, and it connects to your home Wi-Fi. The device records video and sends alerts to your phone when someone rings the doorbell or motion is detected.

Ring is not a separate company anymore — Amazon bought it in 2018. This means your Ring account and your Amazon account can work together. You don't have to use an Amazon account to use Ring (you can create a Ring-only account), but linking them gives you access to more features, like storing video in Amazon's cloud storage or controlling Ring through Alexa devices.

Ring makes several types of devices: video doorbells that replace your existing doorbell, standalone security cameras for indoors and outdoors, and floodlight cameras. All of them work the same basic way: they record video, detect motion, and send notifications to your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Ring devices connect to your home Wi-Fi and send video and alerts to your phone through the Ring app.
  • You can create a Ring account without an Amazon account, but linking them unlocks features like cloud video storage and Alexa control.
  • Ring offers video doorbells, indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and floodlight cameras, all controlled from the same app.
  • Most Ring devices require a paid subscription (Ring Protect) to store video in the cloud, though you can view live video without paying.
  • Ring video is encrypted and stored on Amazon's servers, not on your device or your home network.

Setting up a Ring device on your home network

When you unbox a Ring device, you'll need to read the Ring app to your phone (available on iOS and Android). Open the app, create a Ring account or sign in, and follow the setup wizard. The app will ask you to connect the device to your home Wi-Fi by scanning a code on the device or entering your Wi-Fi password.

Ring devices need a strong, stable Wi-Fi connection. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak where you want to place the device, you may see lag in the video feed or miss motion alerts. Some Ring devices (like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro) need a dedicated power source, while others (like the Ring Video Doorbell) run on batteries that you charge with a USB cable.

Once the device is connected, you can test it by pressing the doorbell button or waving your hand in front of the camera. You should see live video in the Ring app within a few seconds. If you don't, check that your Wi-Fi password is correct and that the device is within range of your router.

Linking Ring to your Amazon account and Alexa

If you have an Amazon account, you can link it to Ring in the Ring app settings. Go to Control Center, select your Ring device, tap Device Settings, and look for the Amazon Account option. Sign in with your Amazon credentials. This step is optional — Ring works without it — but it unlocks features.

Once linked, you can control Ring through Alexa. If you have an Echo device (Amazon's smart speaker), you can ask Alexa to show you your Ring video on the Echo Show, or ask Alexa to unlock a Ring Smart Lock if you have one. You can also create Alexa routines that trigger when Ring detects motion — for example, turning on outdoor lights when someone approaches your door.

Linking also makes it easier to manage your Ring subscription. Your Ring Protect plan (the paid storage service) will appear in your Amazon account, and you can manage billing there instead of in the Ring app.

Understanding Ring Protect and video storage

Ring Protect is a monthly subscription that stores your Ring video in Amazon's cloud. Without it, you can still view live video from your Ring device and get motion alerts, but video is not saved. If someone steals a package or breaks into your home, you won't have a recording unless you paid for storage.

Ring Protect comes in two tiers. Ring Protect Basic covers one device and costs a set monthly fee (the price varies by region and changes over time). Ring Protect Plus covers all Ring devices at your home for a higher monthly fee. Both plans store video for 60 days, and you can read clips to your phone to keep them longer.

Video is stored on Amazon's servers, not on your device or in your home. This means you can view recordings from anywhere — at work, on vacation, or from another country — as long as you have internet access. It also means if your Ring device is stolen or damaged, your video is still safe.

Privacy and who can see your Ring video

Only people you invite to your Ring account can see your video. In the Ring app, you can add family members or trusted friends by their email address. You control what each person can see — you can let someone view video only, or give them permission to unlock a Ring Smart Lock or disarm your Ring Alarm.

Ring video is encrypted, which means Amazon employees cannot watch it without your permission. However, Ring does share some data with Amazon for product improvement — for example, how often motion is detected or whether people press the doorbell. You can turn off some of this data sharing in the Ring app privacy settings, though some sharing is required for the service to work.

If you use Alexa to view Ring video, that video stream goes through Amazon's servers. If you're concerned about privacy, you can choose not to link Ring to Alexa, and instead view video only in the Ring app.

Common issues and troubleshooting

The most common problem is a weak Wi-Fi signal. If your Ring device keeps disconnecting or the video is choppy, move your router closer or add a Wi-Fi extender. Ring devices need at least 2 Mbps read speed to work reliably.

If you're not getting motion alerts, check that notifications are turned on in the Ring app and in your phone's settings. Some phones (especially Android) have aggressive battery-saving features that block notifications from apps. You can also adjust motion sensitivity in the Ring app — if it's set too low, you'll miss alerts; if it's too high, you'll get alerts from passing cars or trees blowing in the wind.

If you forget your Ring password, you can reset it through the Ring app by tapping "Forgot Password" on the login screen. If you're locked out of your Amazon account, you'll need to reset that separately on Amazon's website.

Ring devices and your home insurance

Some homeowners insurance companies offer discounts if you have a monitored security system, but Ring is not monitored — it only records video and sends you alerts. You still have to call the police yourself if something happens. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer discounts for video doorbells or cameras, as policies vary widely.

Having Ring video can help with an insurance claim if your home is damaged or items are stolen. You can read clips from the Ring app and provide them to your insurance company as evidence. Keep your Ring Protect subscription active if you want to may support you have video available when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Amazon account to use Ring?

No. You can create a Ring-only account and use all Ring features without an Amazon account. However, linking to Amazon unlocks Alexa control and makes billing easier if you subscribe to Ring Protect.

Can I view my Ring video if my internet goes down?

No. Ring devices need internet to send video to your phone. If your home internet is down, you won't be able to see live video or recorded clips. The device will resume working once your internet is back up.

What happens to my Ring video if I cancel my subscription?

Your existing video clips are deleted 60 days after you cancel Ring Protect. You can read any clips you want to keep before that important date. After cancellation, you can still view live video and get alerts, but new video won't be saved.

Can I use Ring without Wi-Fi?

No. Ring devices require a Wi-Fi connection to your home network. They cannot use cellular data or work on their own.

Is Ring video available in other countries?

Ring is available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several other countries, but not everywhere. Check the Ring website to see if service is available in your location before you buy a device.