How to Transfer Ownership of a Ring Device
- Hannah Schramm
- Nov 20
- 6 min read
Step-by-Step Guide on how to transfer or take over ownership of a Ring doorbell, camera, or Chime.
Smart home devices have become standard in today’s housing market, and one of the most common is the Ring™ Video Doorbell. Whether you’re selling your home and leaving your Ring device, moving into a new place with an existing device, or simply giving away or receiving a Ring doorbell, it's easy to transfer ownership to a new owner or take over ownership from a previous owner. Knowing how to properly remove yourself from a Ring device is essential for privacy, security, and a smooth transition.
As a trusted real estate team in St. Charles, IL, The McKay Group works with many homeowners who leave or receive a Ring device at closing. To help make your move as seamless as possible, we’ve created this clear, step-by-step guide to ensure the Ring doorbell is transferred correctly, protecting both the outgoing owner and the new one. Here’s our guide on how to change the owner of a Ring doorbell.
Learn How to Transfer (or Take Over) Ownership of a Ring Doorbell, Camera, or Chime.
Below is a simple breakdown for both home sellers and buyers, based on Ring’s official guidelines, explained in a clear, easy-to-follow way.
Part 1: Remove Ring Device From An Account
If you’re the previous owner (the seller), the first step is to remove the Ring device, whether it’s a doorbell, camera, or Chime, from your account in your Ring app. This must be done before the new owner (the buyer) can set up the device under their account. Here’s how to complete the removal:
✔ Step-by-Step Instructions for the Previous Owner:
Open the Ring App to the main dashboard on your smartphone or tablet.
Make sure you are logged into the account connected and associated with the Ring doorbell you wish to transfer.
Open Menu by tapping the Menu Bar (☰) and then select Devices.
Choose the Ring doorbell or camera you want to remove.
Tap the name or Tap more (•••) on the doorbell or camera you want to access.
Go to Device Settings → Tap General Settings → Remove This Device.
Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap Remove This Device.
Tap Confirm to remove the device.
Once completed, the device is instantly released and ready to be set up by the new owner.
⚠ Important Notes
If you receive a transfer request from the buyer, you can simply follow the prompts or steps above to remove the device from your account and allow the new owner to set up the device.
If you are not able to remove the device from your account, you will not need to do anything, and the device will be removed after 15 days.
Deleting the Ring app, physically uninstalling a device, or cancelling your Ring subscription plan does not remove or release ownership of a Ring device. You must remove the device from the app. You can only remove devices in the Ring app, not on Ring.com.
Once a device removed, all data and video history tied to that device is permanently deleted. If you want to save recordings, be sure to download them first.
If you need help contact Ring for additional support.
Part 2: Transfer Ring Device to a New Owner: How To Take Over Ownership of A Device
If you're buying a home and the previous owner left a Ring Device (doorbell, camera, etc) installed, you may need to either set it up normally, or take over ownership if the prior owner didn’t remove it.
Option A: The Previous Owner Has Already Removed the Device
After the previous owner removes the device from their account, the new owner can register the Ring doorbell under their own Ring account. Here’s how to finish the transfer process:
✔ How to Set Up Your Newly Transferred Ring Device
Download the Ring app from the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play™Store.
Create a new account Ring account or login to account.
Tap Set Up a Device.
Choose your device type, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Scan the QR code or MAC ID barcode on the Ring device or its packaging.
Follow the prompts to complete the setup and connect your device to Wi-Fi.
Complete any required software updates.
Once setup is complete, the device is officially yours and the previous owner will no longer have access to the device or recordings. You can also customize your settings in the Ring app to turn on motion zones, sharing with family members, and more.
Option B: The Previous Owner Did Not Remove the Device Or You Can’t Contact The Previous Owner:
If the previous owner didn't remove the device from their account, try reaching out the original owner and ask them to uninstall the device from their Ring app.
If you can’t contact the prior owner (moved or unresponsive), you can still claim ownership of the device. This is very common during real estate closings, especially when sellers forget to disconnect the device.
✔ How to Request Ownership Transfer and Take Over Ownership Without the Previous Owner
Open the Ring app to the main dashboard.
Tap Set Up a Device at the bottom of the screen.
Select the device category.
Scan the QR code on your Ring device.
If the device does not have a QR code. Tap Other Options during setup, then tap Device has a barcode instead?, then scan the barcode.
When you see the device transfer screen, tap I want to transfer this device.
Ring will automatically begin the official 15-day transfer process. No action from the previous owner is required. If you get stuck, Ring Customer Support can manually assist.
What Happens Next?
If your transfer request goes through, you’ll see a message that says “Device transfer is in progress.”
From there, Ring will send the previous owner several emails notifying them that someone is attempting to take ownership of their device.
The device will remain tied to the previous owner's account for up to 15 days, during which they’ll receive 3 emails regarding the transfer request.
If the owner does not respond within that timeframe, the device will be removed from their account.
A confirmation email will be sent to you once the device is ready to set up.
If the device is currently online when you're attempting to transfer, you’ll get a message stating that it must be taken offline before you can set it up.
Power off the device by disconnecting the power or removing the battery.
It may take up to 24 hours after powering it down before it's ready to be setup.
If the device transfer cannot be completed for any other reason, reach out to Ring Customer Support for assistance.
Final Tips for a Smooth Ring Transfer
Always remove the device from the app before unplugging it.
Tell your buyers in advance whether the Ring doorbell is staying with the home.
Leave the QR code or packaging if possible.
Make sure your Wi-Fi information is removed before closing day.
If you forget to remove it, respond quickly to Ring’s transfer request email.
Why Transferring Ownership of a Ring Device Matters
Smart devices are now part of the modern home. Buyers increasingly expect technology to be properly transferred, just like keys, garage remotes, or HOA documents.
When you sell your home but leave your Ring doorbell installed, the device is still tied to your personal account until you officially remove it. This means:
The new owner cannot set it up until it’s released
You may still receive motion alerts or stored footage
Your private recordings may remain in the cloud
You could unintentionally retain access to a property that’s no longer yours
For security and peace of mind, it’s important to complete the transfer properly before (or right after) your home sale closes.
By understanding how to remove yourself from your Ring system before you sell, you’ll:
Protect your personal privacy
Give your buyers a smoother experience
Present your home as well-maintained and thoughtfully prepared
Avoid delays or confusion during closing
At The McKay Group, we help sellers and buyers across St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and all of Kane County streamline the selling process by ensuring every detail, including technology, is handled correctly.
Contact The McKay Group for Expert Guidance on Selling or Buying a Home.
Transferring or taking over ownership of a Ring doorbell is simple once you know the steps, and doing it correctly protects your privacy, boosts home security, and ensures a smooth handoff between seller and buyer.
If you’re getting ready to sell your home in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, or the surrounding Fox Valley area, The McKay Group is here to guide you every step of the way, from preparing your home to navigating smart home technology.
Ready to get started? Contact Debora and Roger today!