How to set up Ring’s end-to-end video encryption

Ring has launched its end-to-end encryption (E2EE) service worldwide. Now, as well as using authentication methods such as SMS, customers can use a compatible authenticator app as a second method of verification when logging in to their Ring account.

Ring has more information about authenticator apps in the support section of its website.

E2EE is not available on all devices and it’s not compatible with all the ways you may use your Ring security system, so – for the moment, at least – it’s an opt-in service.

Bear in mind that if you use E2EE, you won’t be able to share videos, watch your videos on other platforms including the Ring desktop app for Mac and the Ring Windows app. You also won’t be able to use some of the advanced features.

To see the full list of features that’ll be affected, visit the Ring website. Ring plans to enable some of these features for use with E2EE in the future, but we don’t know when.

Here’s how to set it up.

Which Ring devices are compatible with the new E2EE?

First off, Ring battery-powered video doorbells and cameras won’t support E2EE.

 Only these devices will:

• Ring Video Doorbell Pro
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
• Ring Video Doorbell Elite
• Ring Video Doorbell Wired
• Ring Spotlight Cam Wired
• Ring Spotlight Cam Mount
• Stick Up Cam Elite (2nd Generation)
• Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In (3rd Generation)
• Indoor Cam
• Ring Floodlight Cam
• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus

What do I need to set up the new E2EE?

As well as one of the devices in the list above AND the Ring app, you’ll need a mobile phone that’s running at least iOS 12 or Android 8.

How to set up E2EE

1. Get the latest version of the app

Start by making sure you’ve got the latest version of the app. E2EE is supported on version 5.34 and above.

If you don’t know how to update the app, Ring has an explainer on its website but here are the basics for Android and iPhone users.

If you’re an iPhone user, got to Apple’s App Store, click the ID icon in the top right corner and scroll down to check the available updates. If Ring is on the list, click the update button to make sure you have the newest version.

Android users should go to the Google Play Store, click on the three lines in the upper left corner, then choose ‘My Apps & Games’, then ‘Updates’. Find Ring on the list and give the update button next to it a tap.

2. Find the E2EE option

1. Go to the Control Centre
2. Choose Video Management
3. Then Advanced Settings
4. Then End-to-End Encryption
5. Then choose Got it on the disabled features list.

3. Set up encryption

Choose Get Started and follow the in-app instructions to set up E2EE on your account.

The next stage is to generate a new passphrase. It’s really important that you make a note of your new passphrase or store it in a password manager. If you lose your passphrase, you may lose access to videos you’ve already stored and you won’t be able to add more mobile devices to E2EE without starting the process from the beginning. The passphrase must be in all lowercase letters – you must include all hyphens and don’t add any spaces.

4. Add your mobile device

Choose Resume Setup and follow the in-app instructions.

5. Add your Ring devices

Again, choose Resume Setup and follow the in-app instructions.

6. Test E2EE

Once the update and setup are complete, press your doorbell or trigger your camera to initialise your Ring device.

7. Turning off E2EE

1. In the Control Centre, choose Video Management
2. Choose Advanced Settings
3. Choose End-to-End Encryption
4. Choose Got it on the enabled features list.

If you need more support, visit the help section on the Ring website.

If you’re looking for a new smart doorbell, check out our round-up of the best we’ve tested, with reviews and ratings. And for more Ring advice, here’s how to install the Ring doorbell app on an Amazon Fire Tablet.