You probably trust your Ring doorbell camera to watch over your home, just like millions of users around the world. Yet, this little home security tool can still be hacked through weak passwords, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, or data breaches. Like other smart home devices, it’s catching more and more heat over security concerns.
The good news is that with the right precautions, you can keep your Ring secure and still enjoy all its features. But before we get to the how, let’s start with what a Ring doorbell hack is.
What is a Ring doorbell hack?
A Ring doorbell hack is when someone accesses your Ring device or account without your permission. This usually happens when attackers exploit weak passwords, stolen logins, Wi-Fi vulnerabilities, or security flaws in the device or app.
Once hacked, malicious actors could:
- Watch live feeds or recorded clips without your knowledge;
- Listen in on conversations through the built-in microphone;
- Monitor your daily routine or track when you come and go;
- Copy and spread your videos, leak them online, or use them for extortion;
- Use the speaker to scare, harass, prank, or talk to you or anyone nearby;
- Change device settings or disable your security cameras to hide their activity;
- Gain access to other connected devices or linked accounts on the same network.
Real-life examples of Ring doorbell hacks
Ring doorbell hacks are far more than a simple glitch — instead, they’ve turned a home security tool into a potential threat. Below are some notable security incidents that made headlines.
Fake images (2019)
In older versions of the Ring app, a system flaw let anyone on the same Wi-Fi intercept the unencrypted video stream and eavesdrop on conversations. Even worse, hackers could inject fake images into the feed. In one test, researchers showed how these doctored images could trick Ring users into unlocking their front door. Ring patched the vulnerability in later updates.
Florida swatting (2019)
In 2019, Florida police got a call from a man making violent threats, triggering a school lockdown and massive police response. The entire thing turned out to be a hoax, and the hacker even mocked officers through a Ring camera. Investigators later found he had hacked the home’s Wi-Fi network to seize control of the Ring doorbell camera.
Swatting: a form of criminal harassment where a malicious actor calls in a fake emergency — often claiming a violent crime. The goal is usually to trick armed police officers or SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams into storming someone’s home or workplace.
Swatting spree (2020)
Two men in the US hijacked more than a dozen Ring doorbells, called police with false emergencies, and watched the chaos unfold through the cameras. They even taunted officers and livestreamed the entire ordeal on social media. In one notable instance, they posed as a young child reporting her parents drinking and firing guns inside the house.
FTC settlement (2023)
According to the US FTC (Federal Trade Commission), Ring let its employees and contractors access customer videos and used some for algorithm training without consent. The company’s lax security practices also enabled hackers to compromise over 55,000 accounts between 2019 and 2020. Amazon, which owns Ring, agreed to pay $5.6 million in refunds and step up protections.
How do hackers access Ring doorbells?
Ring doorbells might feel like stalwart guardians of your property, but like webcams and similar devices, they’re often more vulnerable than most people think. Let’s explore the different ways hackers can breach them.
Weak or recycled passwords
Weak passwords are a common crack hackers use to worm into Ring devices. Obvious choices like “password123” or “myringdoorbell1” are easy prey for brute force tools that cycle through millions of guesses until one works. Using something tied to personal, identifying details — like “number15wallabydrive” or “thatyellowhouse” — won’t slow attackers down either.
Recycling the same password across multiple accounts is just as risky. Hackers often use a trick called credential stuffing, where they grab leaked logins from breaches and test them on multiple sites. If you’ve used the same password on things like email, social platforms, or online stores, a single breach could give hackers the credentials to access your Ring account.
Wi-Fi vulnerabilities
Your Ring doorbell relies entirely on your Wi-Fi connection to stream video and audio. If your network isn’t secured properly, it becomes the weakest link.
When your home Wi-Fi is unsecured, hackers could:
- Intercept traffic: even though Ring encrypts its data, hackers on the same network can still capture packets, study traffic patterns, or access any data that isn’t fully protected;
- Launch MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) attacks: hackers can insert themselves between your Ring and the internet, messing with or redirecting data — like delaying the feed or dropping packets so the video freezes;
- Exploit device vulnerabilities: once inside your Wi-Fi, hackers can target unpatched flaws in your Ring devices, which is easier than attacking from the outside.
Data breaches
Attackers don’t always need to hack your Ring directly to compromise it. Often, they just piggyback on breaches that have already hit other platforms, like social networks, shopping sites, or even smaller services.
These breaches can expose long lists of usernames, email addresses, and passwords. Millions of records often end up for sale — or sometimes, even freely shared — on underground forums and the dark web. Even if your Ring account itself hasn’t been hacked, using the same password elsewhere could put it at risk.
Signs your Ring doorbell has been hacked
Some Ring doorbell hackers broadcast their exploits to the world, while others stay under the radar. Regardless of their approach, here are some red flags that can tip you off that something’s up with your Ring:
- Suspicious account access: if you see unknown devices under Authorized Client Devices or logins from unfamiliar locations, it’s a strong sign someone else has access to your Ring;
- Unexpected login alerts: if you get notifications about logins from unrecognized devices, locations, or IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, chances are someone is trying to get into your Ring account;
- Random camera movements or sound feedback: sudden camera pans, odd echoes, or unexplained lights and chimes are often indicators that someone may be messing with your Ring doorbell remotely;
- Unauthorized settings changes: altered passwords, new shared users, disabled 2FA (Two-factor Authentication), or switched notification preferences often signal a hacker is trying to lock you out or cover their tracks;
- Live view anomalies: flickering video, abrupt disconnections, or strange voices on the speaker are all strong indicators that your feed has been compromised;
- Rapid battery drain: if your Ring’s battery starts depleting faster than usual, it may be because the device is streaming or uploading video without your knowledge.
What to do if your Ring doorbell has been hacked
If your Ring doorbell has been hacked, it’s vital to act immediately. Fast action can cut off intruders and minimize damage. Below are the steps to help you regain control.
1. Disconnect your Ring
The first thing you want to do is pull the plug on your Ring doorbell or remove its battery if it’s battery-powered. Alternatively, you can temporarily disable your Wi-Fi connection or block the device from your router. Either way, this cuts off the hacker’s live access and buys you time to secure your account.
2. Reset your Ring password
From a trusted device, log in and change your Ring password right away to kick the hacker out. While you’re at it, turn on 2FA to force any hackers to clear an extra hurdle before they can claw their way back in. And if you’ve been using the same password elsewhere, update those accounts too — chances are the attackers will try the same credentials across multiple services.
3. Notify the authorities
Next, reach out to Ring’s support team to report the hack. The company will review any suspicious activity and help secure your user account. If the hacker harassed, spied on, or threatened you in any way, be sure to also file a report with your local authorities.
4. Reset the device
Once you’ve done the steps above, it’s time to factory reset your doorbell to wipe out any malicious settings.
Here’s how you do it:
- Look for your device’s setup button:
- Internal battery models: on the back of the device;
- Removable battery models: under the faceplate, on the front of the device;
- Wired models: under the faceplate, on the right side of the device.
- Hold the setup button down for 20 seconds, then release.
Steps to secure your Ring doorbell
No device is completely foolproof, and with Ring doorbells, the stakes are especially high since they’re meant to protect your home. That’s why it’s important to take proper security measures to minimize the chances of something going wrong. Here are some simple ways to protect yourself.
Set a strong and unique password
A complex, unique password is one of the best defenses for Ring security cameras. Skip common words and combinations like “abc123,” “homeRing111,” or “password000.” Weak swaps like “p@ssw0rd” or “R!ng” aren’t any better, either. These may be less taxing on the brain, but they’re just as easy for hackers to crack.
Instead, follow these quick tips to create a stronger password for your Ring doorbell:
- Aim for at least 12–16 characters;
- Mix upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters;
- Don’t reuse passwords from other sites;
- Update your password yearly;
- Use a password manager if you have trouble remembering them.
Enable 2FA
Make sure to enable 2FA on your Ring app to protect your user account from unauthorized access. Once activated, you’ll need a second code in addition to your password to log in. You can choose to receive this six-digit verification code via text message or an authenticator app.
This way, even if your password gets leaked, guessed, or cracked, hackers still can’t get into your account without clearing the second verification step. You’ll also receive alerts for suspicious login attempts, giving you a chance to quickly secure your account. Think of it as adding a digital deadbolt to your password.
Update device firmware regularly
Keeping your Ring software up to date is one of the simplest yet most helpful ways to keep it secure. Updates don’t just bring new features to users — they often also include bug fixes and patches for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
Additionally, updates ensure your doorbell works smoothly with the latest Ring app and cloud security systems. This allows your device to take advantage of new security features as they roll out and maintain protection against emerging threats.
Secure Wi-Fi network
Your Ring doorbell is only as safe as the Wi-Fi it’s connected to. Here’s how to secure your network:
- Use WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) encryption if your router supports it, or WPA2 as the next best option;
- Avoid outdated standards like WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), which hackers can crack easily;
- Create a strong Wi-Fi passphrase at least 12-16 characters long with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols;
- Change the default SSID (Service Set Identifier) to something unique that doesn’t reveal your router model or internet provider;
- Set up a separate guest network for smart and home security devices like your Ring to isolate them from your main network and contain any potential breaches.
How a VPN can help prevent Ring doorbell hacks
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can add a crucial additional layer of security, even if it might not directly stop Ring doorbell hacks. A reliable service like Surfshark VPN can help because it:
- Encrypts all your internet traffic, scrambling video and audio. Even if hackers on the same Wi-Fi intercept it, all they see is unreadable data;
- Protects you on public Wi-Fi by stopping attackers from hijacking your session, injecting malicious code, or stealing your logins on unsecured networks;
- Hides your real IP, making it harder for attackers to identify your home network and target your Ring doorbell;
- Obscures your login activity, disrupting credential stuffing attacks since hackers can’t easily match stolen passwords to your Ring account.
Pro tip: Most smart home devices, including Ring doorbells, don’t support VPN apps natively. The easiest way to protect your entire network — and every connected device — is to set up the VPN on your router.
Stay proactive to avoid Ring doorbell hacks
Ring doorbell cameras aren’t immune to hacks — just like any other smart device out there. A weak password, an unsecured Wi-Fi network, or a data breach could all put your account at risk. That’s why it’s important to take every step you can to keep your Ring as secure as possible.
Start with the basics: use a strong, unique password. Then, double down by enabling 2FA. At the same time, regularly update your device firmware and keep your Wi-Fi network secured. For an extra layer of protection, use Surfshark VPN to encrypt traffic and protect your home network.
FAQ
Can Ring security cameras get hacked?
Yes, Ring security cameras can be hacked. More often than not, it’s not due to an innate flaw in the device or its security system.
Rather, it usually comes down to weak security practices by users, like using a common or reused password, skipping 2FA, and connecting over an insecure Wi-Fi network. Hacks can also happen if your login details get leaked in a data breach.
How do I know if my Ring has been hacked?
If your Ring has been hacked, you’ll usually notice red flags like strange voices coming through the speaker, the security camera panning and tilting on its own, or settings changing without you touching them. You might also spot unfamiliar logins in your account history or receive notifications about suspicious activity.
How can you tell if someone is watching your Ring security camera?
You can tell if someone is watching your Ring security camera by checking the app — you’ll see a small red Live icon whenever live view is active. On the device itself, most Ring security cameras light up blue while the feed is streaming. You can also check the Event History log in the app, which shows when live view was used and by which account.
Has the Ring doorbell been hacked?
Yes, the Ring doorbell has been hacked before. However, there haven’t been any confirmed cases showing that the device or Ring’s system itself was compromised. In most cases, attackers broke in through weak or reused passwords, leaked login details from data breaches, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Can someone else control my Ring doorbell?
Yes, someone else can control your Ring doorbell if they gain access to your account. Once inside, the intruder could watch live video feeds, eavesdrop through the two-way audio, or speak through the doorbell to those nearby. They could also tweak settings, remove shared users, turn off notifications, or delete recorded events.
Can burglars disable the Ring doorbell?
Yes, burglars can disable the Ring doorbell, but only if they have physical access to the device or your account. Physically, they could remove or damage the doorbell, cut its power, or simply cover the camera. And if they get into your account, they could turn off notifications or delete recordings to cover their tracks.
How can you tell if someone is watching you on a Ring camera?
You can tell if someone is watching you on a Ring camera by looking for the small light that turns on when the camera is streaming. Beyond that, there’s no definite way to know, since only the owner of the security camera can see live view activity in the app.
