You Were Gifted a Ring Device for the Holidays, Now What? How to Start Building Your Ring of Security

By Ring on January 17, 2020

The new year is already in full swing, which means you're probably focused on keeping your resolutions, planning that spring cleaning, and reconnecting with family and friends. For many, that to-do list also includes finally setting up tech gadgets you received for the holidays. If you got a Ring device as a gift, it's time to open that box, install it, and learn a little more about everything it can do.

We've got some helpful hints about all the ins and outs of Ring products — whether you got a Video Doorbell, Security Camera, Ring Alarm, or more — so you can start 2020 off right. Here's how to start building a Ring of Security and give yourself the peace of mind you’ve been looking for.

1. Install the device yourself with our DIY guide (or get some help if you prefer)

One of the great benefits of Ring devices is that most are designed to be easily installed. Screws, wires, and anything else you will need to get your new smart device set up are already in the box so no lengthy trip to the hardware store is required. If you need help along the way, there are online guides and installation videos to walk you through the process. If even more questions arise, don't hesitate to reach out to us at support.ring.com where you can speak to customer service agents or ask questions on Ring’s community forum.

And while most of our products are intended to be easy to install, we know that sometimes things get complicated or you simply run out of time. In that case, you can always have Ring devices professionally installed by trusted technicians in your area.

2. Choose your power source

At Ring, we want you to have the device that best suits your needs and your home. Having the right power source can make all the difference, which is why we offer a variety of power options: from battery-powered to hardwired to solar-powered.

If you received a hardwired device but prefer a battery-operated (or solar-powered) one, you can exchange the product within 30 days for a new device that better fits your needs and your home.

3. Control your device from the Ring App

With the Ring App on your smartphone or tablet, you’re in complete control of your home’s security. You can utilize all the functions of your Ring device, add Shared Users, and control the security of your account. This is made even easier with the Control Center, coming later this month, which is a new, dedicated section of the Ring App where users will be able to manage their account privacy and security settings.

You can also pair as many WiFi-enabled smartphones and tablets as you'd like to your Ring device and add the other members of your home as Shared Users so that everyone has secure access to your Ring devices.

4. Record and store videos from your device¹

If you have a Ring Video Doorbell or one of our Security Cameras, you're able to record video from the device. But in order to save and share them, you need a subscription to a Ring Protect Plan. Starting at just $3.99 a month per device, Ring Protect Plans save all of your videos for up to 180 days (in the U.S.) and give you the option to download the videos to your phone or computer and share them.

5. Personalize your settings

Once your Ring device is set up, you can customize it to fit your unique needs. Set motion-detection zones to pick up (or ignore) motion from certain areas, ensuring that your device is protecting your home and doesn't have any blind spots. You can also adjust your notifications so you receive alerts whenever it’s most important to you.

And, if you have a battery-powered device, another way to ensure your home is always protected is with an extra Quick Release Battery Pack. That way you never have to wait for your battery to charge; just swap it out of the device and pop in the new pack to guarantee that your device always has power. (Extra battery packs are compatible with Ring Video Doorbell 2, Peephole Cam, Spotlight Cam Battery and Solar, and Stick Up Cam Battery and Solar.)

5. Have fun with your Ring device!

Now that your device is up and running, it’s time to accessorize! For starters, the Ring Video Doorbells have interchangeable faceplates that can be removed and swapped at any time, with a security screw that helps keep your faceplate secure. And now, Ring is excited to announce 16 new faceplates for your Ring Video Doorbell 2, Video Doorbell Pro, and Peephole Cam. From Firecracker Red to Ice Blue to Gold Metal, you can choose a color that matches your home and style (and switch it out as often as you'd like!).

If you have a Ring Chime Pro, you can change your Chime Tones to match the season. We've got special tones for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah that will give you something festive for every season. You can add these tones to your Ring Chime Pro from your phone (here’s how) and swap them out as often as you'd like.

6. Expand your Ring of Security

We hope you'll love the smart device you received, and there are lots of ways to further expand your Ring of Security. Ring products are meant to seamlessly work together, so it's easy to add more Ring devices to your home, allowing you to build a complete home security system that you can access from anywhere with the Ring app.

If you have a Ring Video Doorbell, think about adding a Spotlight Cam to provide more security in your driveway or backyard. If you love the Ring Alarm security system, add the Alarm Smoke & CO Listener to receive alerts when your existing Smoke & CO Alarm detects smoke and carbon monoxide in your home. Whatever your security needs are, Ring has a lineup of products to fit your home and budget and provide peace of mind wherever you are.

Now that your device is set up, secured, and customized, you can start sharing and receiving local crime and safety updates with other residents in your community by using the Neighbor’s feature of the Ring App. This allows you to share videos and photos and receive real-time alerts from your neighbors and official local sources. Check out this page to learn more and see how others are using the Neighbors App to keep themselves and their neighborhoods safe.

And to start building the Ring of Security around your home, discover more Ring devices here. With Ring, you’re always home.

Updated on June 1, 2022.

¹ To keep videos beyond your trial, subscribe to Ring Protect, which allows videos to be stored in the cloud temporarily, up to 180 days. Video storage defaults to 60 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting. Check Ring Protect Subscription Plans (https://ring.com/protect-plans) for more information about your plan’s retention period.