Updated April 2026  |  By Eric Engelbert

Welcome to Your New Home!

Congratulations on your new home in beautiful Orange County, CA! As you settle in, you may discover that the previous owner left behind a Ring Doorbell or other Ring security devices. The good news: transferring ownership is straightforward, as long as you follow the right steps in the right order.

This guide walks through exactly what both the new owner and the previous owner need to do, plus what happens if you simply can't reach the previous owner.

⚠️ Important: What Does NOT Release a Ring Device

Before anything else, note this common mistake: physically removing the Ring device from the wall, canceling a Ring subscription, or deleting the Ring app does not release ownership. The device stays linked to the previous owner's account until it is formally removed through the Ring app. Skipping this step is the #1 reason new homeowners get stuck.

If You Are the Previous Owner

How to change ownership of a Ring doorbell

If you installed the Ring device and are now selling or leaving the home, follow these steps to release the device so the new owner can claim it.

  1. Download or re-open the Ring app. If you've already deleted it, download it again from the App Store or Google Play and log in with your Ring credentials.
  2. Open the Device menu. Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner of the app dashboard, then tap Devices and select the specific device you want to release.
  3. Use Transfer Ownership (preferred). Tap Device Settings > General Settings > Transfer Ownership. You can enter the new owner's email address directly, which notifies them to complete setup on their end. This is the smoothest path if you know the buyer's email.
  4. Or: Remove the Device. If you don't have the new owner's email, tap Device Settings > General Settings > Remove this Device at the bottom of the screen. This disassociates the device from your account entirely. Note: removing the device will permanently delete all saved videos and recordings tied to your account, so download anything you want to keep first.
  5. Repeat for each device. If you have multiple Ring devices (cameras, floodlights, etc.), repeat the process for every one you are leaving behind.

Tip: You can only manage Ring devices through the Ring mobile app. Device removal is not available on ring.com.

If You Are the New Owner

Once the previous owner has removed or transferred the device, you can claim it as your own in just a few minutes.

  1. Download the Ring app. Get the Ring app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Create a new Ring account or log into an existing one.
  2. Tap "Set Up a Device". From the app dashboard, tap Set Up a Device and choose your device type (Video Doorbell, Camera, etc.).
  3. Scan the QR code or MAC ID. Follow the on-screen prompts. You'll be asked to scan the QR code or MAC ID barcode found on the device itself or on its original packaging.
  4. Connect to Wi-Fi. Follow the prompts to connect the Ring device to your home Wi-Fi network. Make sure you are standing near the device during setup for the best signal.
  5. Complete any firmware updates. The app may prompt you to install a software update. Allow it to finish before testing the device.
  6. Test the doorbell. Give it a press to confirm it rings your app and any indoor chime. You're all set!

What If You Can't Reach the Previous Owner?

This is a common situation, especially when purchasing a home through a sale where communication with the former owner is limited. Here's how Ring handles it:

  1. Start the setup process in the Ring app. Open the app and attempt to set up the device normally. The app will detect that the device is still linked to another account and prompt you to initiate a transfer request.
  2. Submit the transfer request. Follow the in-app prompts to submit your request. Ring will automatically notify the previous owner by email and push notification.
  3. Wait up to 15 days. Ring sends the previous owner three notification emails over a 15-day window. If they do not respond or object, the device is automatically released to you at the end of that period. Do not attempt to re-initiate setup while the 15-day window is active, as this can reset the clock.
  4. Contact Ring Support if needed. If the 15-day process does not resolve the issue, contact Ring Community Support directly. They can assist with edge cases, including situations involving deceased owners or lost credentials.

In Case of Bereavement

If a family member or loved one has passed away and left a Ring device behind, Ring's support team has a process for transferring ownership in these circumstances. You will likely need to provide documentation (such as proof of property ownership or a death certificate). Contact Ring Community Support for compassionate, case-by-case assistance.

Quick Reference: Ring Ownership Transfer at a Glance

Scenario Who Acts Where Time
Previous owner cooperates Previous owner Ring app > Device Settings > Transfer or Remove Minutes
Previous owner unreachable New owner Ring app > Set Up Device > Transfer Request Up to 15 days
Bereavement / special case New owner Ring Community Support Varies

Wrapping Up

Whether you're a new homeowner in Orange County eager to lock down your security, or a seller making sure you leave a clean handoff, getting Ring ownership transferred correctly protects everyone. The key takeaway: always use the Ring app to remove or transfer a device. Nothing else will do it.

If you're buying or selling a home in Orange County and have questions about smart home devices, home inspections, or anything in between, the team at OC Real Estate Inc. is here to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Last updated: April 2026. Ring app interface and transfer process details are based on Ring's current support documentation.