If you’ve just set up a Ring doorbell, the first thing you’ll do is open the app. Inside, you’ll see a clean dashboard that shows the status of your device, recent activity and quick buttons for the most used tools. No jargon, just what you need to keep an eye on your front door.
Tap the live view tile and you instantly get a real‑time video stream. The picture adjusts to low light automatically, so you can see who’s at the door after dark without fiddling with settings. When the motion sensor spots movement, a push notification pops up on your phone. You can swipe to watch the clip, or hit the talk button to speak through the built‑in speaker. It’s handy for telling a delivery driver to leave a package or scaring off a stray cat.
Each motion zone can be customized in the app. Drag the green boxes on the preview image to include the driveway and exclude the street, for example. Narrowing the zones reduces unnecessary alerts and saves you from constantly checking the app for harmless pass‑by traffic.
Ring keeps video clips for a limited time unless you have a subscription. Without a plan, each recording disappears after 60 days, and you can only view the most recent 60‑day window. A Ring Protect Plan extends storage to 30 or 60 days and adds features like video editing and instant download.
If you decide you don’t want a monthly fee, you can still save important clips manually. Open a video, tap the download icon, and store it on your phone or computer. It takes a few extra seconds, but you keep the footage forever.
Sharing is straightforward. In the video view, select the share button and choose a contact or a social app. The recipient gets a secure link that works for 24 hours, so you can show a neighbor a suspicious visitor without giving away your entire camera feed.
Other useful features include the “Visitor History” log, which lists every doorbell ring and motion event with timestamps, and the “Favorites” button that pins videos you want quick access to. Both help you spot patterns, like a neighbour’s dog that always drops by at the same time.
Remember to keep the app updated. Ring pushes bug fixes and new tools, such as a floodlight mode that turns on a connected smart light when motion is detected. Updating ensures you get the latest security tweaks and keeps your doorbell running smoothly.
In short, the Ring app gives you live video, instant alerts, two‑way talk, flexible storage options and easy sharing—all from the palm of your hand. Play with the settings, test the motion zones, and decide if a subscription adds value for you. With those basics covered, you’ll feel confident that your front door is watched over day and night.
Wondering how much you'll pay for a Ring subscription in the UK? This article breaks down the actual monthly and yearly costs, explains what's included, and helps you decide if it's worth it for your smart doorbell setup. You'll learn about the differences between Basic and Plus plans, tips to get more value, and some surprising features you might not know about. Find out how to make the most of your Ring doorbell and what happens if you skip the subscription. This guide gives you the straightforward info you need before spending a penny.