Connecting your Ring and Alexa devices allows you to control your home security with simple voice commands. This guide will walk you through the setup process, troubleshooting tips, and the various features you can unlock by integrating these two powerful systems.
Connecting Ring and Alexa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before you begin, ensure your Ring and Amazon accounts use the same email address. A shared email is crucial for successful integration. If you’ve enabled the Ring Skill on an unrelated Amazon account, your devices won’t connect.
Adding the Ring Skill to Alexa:
- Open the Alexa app on your mobile device or tablet.
- Navigate to “More” and select “Skills & Games.”
- Search for “Ring” in the search bar.
- Tap the Ring logo and select “Enable to Use.”
- Log in using your Ring account credentials. This links your Ring and Amazon accounts. If your accounts are already linked, simply tap “Enable Skill.”
- Authorize Alexa to access your Ring data by tapping “Authorize.”
- Tap “Close” and then “Discover Devices.” Alexa will now detect your Ring devices. To disable Alexa on a specific device, tap “Forget” next to its name.
Troubleshooting Device Discovery:
If your Ring devices aren’t found after tapping “Discover Devices,” try saying, “Alexa, discover my devices,” or manually refresh the device list in the Alexa app. Low battery levels on your Ring device can also cause delays in device discovery.
Enabling Notifications and Announcements on Alexa
Once connected, customize your Alexa device to receive notifications for doorbell presses and motion detection:
- Open the Alexa app and tap the “Devices” icon.
- Select your Ring device from the list.
- Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner.
- Enable “Doorbell Press Notifications” and/or “Motion Announcements.”
Important Note: Ensure “Communications and Announcements” are enabled and “Do Not Disturb” is off for each Alexa device receiving Ring notifications.
Using Alexa to Answer Your Door and Ring Intercom
With your Ring doorbell or Intercom linked to Alexa, answer the door and speak to visitors using voice commands:
- “Alexa, talk to [Ring Doorbell Name].”
- “Alexa, answer [Ring Doorbell Name].”
- “Alexa, speak to [Ring Intercom Name].”
- “Alexa, talk to [Ring Intercom Name].”
Live View on Echo Show, Fire TV, and Fire Tablet
View a live feed from your Ring camera on compatible Alexa devices with screen displays:
- To start Live View: “Alexa, show [Ring Device Name]” or “Alexa, show my [Front Door].”
- To stop Live View: “Alexa, hide [Ring Device Name],” “Alexa, hide [Front Door],” “Alexa, stop,” or “Alexa, go Home.”
Arming and Disarming Ring Alarm Modes with Alexa
Control your Ring Alarm system using voice commands: You can ask Alexa to arm and disarm your Ring Alarm and cameras. For more detailed instructions on setting this up, refer to Ring’s official documentation.
Controlling Live View Access for Alexa Devices
Manage which Alexa devices can access your Ring’s Live View:
- Open the Ring app, tap the menu (≡), and select “Control Center.”
- Choose “Amazon Account Linking.” If not linked, tap “Link” and follow the prompts.
- Ensure the “Ring skill” box is checked.
- Use the toggles to enable or disable Live View access for each connected Alexa device.
Troubleshooting Ring and Alexa Integration
If you encounter issues, double-check that your Ring and Amazon accounts use the same email. Ensure your Ring device has sufficient battery life and that your chosen Alexa devices have the necessary permissions enabled. For persistent problems, consult Ring’s support resources for detailed troubleshooting guides.
