How to secure your Ring account with two-factor authentication (2FA)

Smart doorbells and cameras are a great way to add a sense of security to your home and keep an extra eye on things, even when you’re away. But when accessed by the wrong person, cameras and doorbells can also be deeply troubling. Even though Ring makes some of the best security cameras and doorbells, you can never be too careful. You’ve probably read articles about online intruders hacking into people’s connected cameras and even using the two-way audio to terrorize residents on the other end. Far too often, the “hacker” simply takes advantage of a weak password. As a result, Ring began requiring users to enable two-factor authentication from February 2020 onward. So let’s not delay any further. We’ll show you how to enable two-factor authentication on your Ring account to fully secure your devices.

How to enable 2FA from your phone

Two-factor authentication is an absolute must these days, especially with something as private as a live camera feed. Enabling it from the Ring app on your phone takes just a few simple steps.

1. Swipe over from the left to access the side panel, then tap Account.
2. Under Enhanced Security, tap Two-Factor Authentication.

3. When asked to confirm on the next page, tap Turn on two-factor.

   

   Source: Hayato Huseman / Android Central

4. Type in your password.
5. Enter your phone number to receive a verification code.
6. Enter the verification code on the next page.

That’s it! Once you’ve enabled two-factor authentication, you’ll be required to receive and enter a verification code any time you sign in to your Ring account. You can select if you prefer to receive this code via the email associated with your account or via SMS at the phone number associated with your account. This is an account-based security effort to work on older Ring products up to the latest Ring Video Doorbell 4.

Recently Ring added the option to use app-based 2FA for an even more secure method of locking down your account. While this isn’t the absolute best method of authentication, it is better than using SMS. However, if you don’t want to go the route of using another app to further secure your Ring account, the text-based option is better than nothing.

With two-factor authentication now required by Ring, any time there’s a new login to your account, you’ll receive an email alert. If the login was by you or someone you know and trust, you could disregard it. But if the login was from an unknown source, you will be prompted to change your password immediately.

How to enable 2FA from your computer

If you prefer, you can just as easily enable two-factor authentication for your Ring account from ring.com on your computer without ever needing to pull out your phone.

1. Sign in to Ring, hover your cursor over your name, and click Account from the drop-down menu.
2. Under Extra Security, click Turn On next to Two-Factor Authentication.
3. Click Turn On Two-Factor on the confirmation screen.
4. Type in your password.
5. Enter your phone number to receive a verification code.
6. Enter the verification code on the next page.

SMS vs. app-based authentication

Suppose you are unclear as to why text-based authentication isn’t as good as app-based. In that case, we have a whole explainer going over the concept of 2FA in general. Still, the short of it is that text messages are much easier for ill-intended but clever people to intercept.

When it comes to SMS, attackers with enough know-how can set up number forwarding, spoof a nearby cell tower, or even just impersonate you at a carrier store to gain access to your wireless account — and in turn, your phone number. There are just too many variables with SMS-based verification codes, most avoidable by using a generated code. Some password managers like 1Password even have built-in code generators, which you should definitely use for any site that allows it.

While Ring, unfortunately, didn’t support app-based authentication initially, it’s helpful for users that it finally got on board. Remember adding extra layers of security to your accounts, Ring or otherwise, is always a good plan. Even SMS verification codes are still far better than just having a password, and you’ll be safer and better off for using them.

Products used in this guide