To remove a Ring doorbell account, you must delete the account entirely through the Ring app or website—there is no way to simply unlink a single device from an existing account. The process permanently erases your account data, video history, and device associations, and it cannot be undone. Below is the complete step-by-step procedure, what to do before you delete, and what happens afterward.
What Deleting Your Ring Account Actually Does
Deleting your Ring account is a permanent action. According to Ring’s official support documentation, the deletion removes:
- All video recordings stored in your Ring cloud (even if you have a subscription, those clips are not recoverable).
- All devices linked to the account (doorbells, cameras, alarms, and accessories) are unlinked and must be set up again from scratch if you ever create a new account.
- Your personal information, including name, email address, and payment details.
- Any shared users or guests you had granted access to your devices.
If you only want to stop using a single doorbell but keep other Ring products, you should not delete the account—instead, remove just that device (steps below). Deleting the account is irreversible, and Ring does not offer a way to restore it.
Before You Delete: What to Prepare
Take a few minutes to save anything you might want later, because once the account is gone, the data is gone.
- Download your videos: In the Ring app, open the device, go to the event history, and tap the share/download icon on any clip you want to keep. There is no bulk download option in the app, so do this for each clip individually.
- Cancel your Ring Protect subscription: If you pay for a plan, cancel it first to avoid being billed after your account is deleted. You can cancel in the app under Account > Ring Protect, or on the website under the same menu.
- Remove shared users: If you have given family or friends access, they will lose access automatically when you delete the account, but it is cleaner to remove them beforehand if you plan to keep the devices with a new account.
- Write down device serial numbers: If you plan to re-add the doorbell to a new account, you will need the serial number (found on the device itself or its box). Once the account is deleted, you cannot look it up in the app.
Step-by-Step: How to Delete Your Ring Account
You can delete the account from either the Ring mobile app or the Ring website. The steps are essentially the same.
- Open the Ring app (or go to ring.com and log in).
- Tap the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
- Select Account.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete Account.
- Ring will ask you to confirm by entering your password and then tapping Continue.
- A confirmation screen will appear warning that this is permanent. Tap Delete Account again.
- You will receive an email to confirm the deletion. Click the link in that email to finalize the process.
After the email confirmation, your account is scheduled for deletion. Ring typically processes it within a few days, but you will be logged out immediately.
What If You Only Want to Remove One Doorbell?
If your goal is to stop using a specific doorbell but you still have other Ring devices, do not delete the whole account. Instead, remove just that device:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap the menu (three lines) and select Devices.
- Choose the doorbell you want to remove.
- Tap the gear icon (Device Settings) in the top-right.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Remove Device.
- Confirm the removal. The doorbell will be unlinked from your account, but your account and other devices remain intact.
If you are selling or giving away the doorbell, also perform a factory reset on the device itself (press and hold the setup button for about 15 seconds) so the next owner can set it up without any of your data.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Users often run into a few issues when trying to delete their Ring account:
- Can’t find the Delete Account option: Make sure you are on the latest version of the Ring app. If you are on the website, clear your browser cache or try a different browser. The option is always under Account, not under a specific device.
- Forgot your password: Use the “Forgot password?” link on the login screen to reset it. You cannot delete the account without logging in.
- Email confirmation not arriving: Check your spam/junk folder. If it doesn’t appear within 10 minutes, request a new confirmation by repeating the deletion steps.
- Account still active after deletion: Ring may take up to 7 days to fully process the deletion. If you log in during that period, the deletion may be cancelled. To avoid this, don’t log in for at least a week after confirming.
What Happens to Your Ring Devices After Deletion?
Once your account is deleted, your Ring doorbell and any other devices are no longer associated with any account. They will not function (no live view, no recordings, no notifications) until they are set up with a new or different Ring account. To reuse the device, you must factory reset it (press and hold the setup button for 15 seconds) and then go through the setup process in the Ring app with the new account. If you are selling the device, this is exactly what the buyer will need to do.
Alternatives to Deleting Your Account
If your goal is to stop using Ring but you don’t necessarily want to erase all your data, consider these options:
- Pause the subscription: You can cancel your Ring Protect plan but keep the account and devices. You will lose cloud recording, but the devices will still work for live view and alerts.
- Disable the doorbell: You can simply power off the doorbell (remove the battery or turn off the breaker) and leave the account as is. This is the least disruptive option.
- Transfer ownership: If you are moving and want to leave the doorbell for the new homeowner, you can contact Ring support to transfer the device to their account. This is a manual process and requires both parties to cooperate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting my Ring account cancel my subscription?
Deleting the account does not automatically cancel your Ring Protect subscription. You must cancel the subscription separately before deleting the account, otherwise you may continue to be billed. Go to Account > Ring Protect and cancel it first.
Can I recover my videos after deleting the account?
No. Once the account is deleted, all cloud recordings are permanently erased. There is no way to recover them. Download any clips you want to keep before starting the deletion process.
How long does it take for Ring to delete the account?
Ring sends a confirmation email and then processes the deletion, which can take up to 7 days. During that time, if you log in to the account, the deletion may be cancelled. After the processing period, the account and all data are gone.
Can I use the same email to create a new Ring account after deletion?
Yes, after the deletion is complete, the email address is released and you can use it to create a new Ring account. However, any devices you want to use will need to be factory reset and set up again from scratch.
What if I have a Ring Alarm or other devices—will they be deleted too?
Yes, deleting the account unlinks all Ring devices associated with it, including alarms, cameras, and doorbells. They will not work until you set them up with a new account.
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