Ring Video Doorbells have helped many a homeowner sleep easier when they’re away from home, either for a vacation or simply going to the office. Should the motion sensors be detected, the Wi-Fi connection will immediately alert users that someone has entered their property.
On top of that, should someone ring their doorbell, the built-in camera, and the audio equipment allow you to see and speak to whoever may be at your door in real-time, no matter where you may be.
However, Ring has recently come under some scrutiny after neighbors of Ring users complained that the built-in video cameras were an invasion of their privacy and filmed them when they had no right to do so.
As a result, Amazon, Ring’s owner, is advising its customers to check on two specific settings to ensure the safety and privacy not only of the residents but of their neighbors as well.
What are Privacy Zones in the Ring Doorbell
The first thing Amazon urges Ring customers to consider is setting privacy zones in the vicinity of their cameras. Privacy zones are areas that are within the field of view of the doorbell’s camera which the user can then define as “off-limits”.
As a result, the Ring app won’t display anything in the privacy zones. If you have a Ring video doorbell and the company’s “Ring Protect Plan”, a premium service which offers 24/7 monitoring and allows you to review, store and share all recorded videos, anything in the privacy zones won’t be recorded.
Two privacy zones, formed in a rectangular shape, can be added per device. Amazon describes setting privacy zones like putting small pieces of tape over the lens. While cameras won’t capture anything in privacy zones, motion detectors will still sense anything in the areas and alert Ring users accordingly.
How to set up a Privacy Zone in Ring Doorbell:
- Open the Ring App
- Tap Menu
- Tap Devices
- Choose which device
- Tap Device Settings
- Tap Privacy Settings
- Then Set your Zones
The doors and windows of neighbors, where they might be easily seen and filmed without realizing it, are areas Amazon recommends first and foremost for Privacy Zones.
How to disable recordings in Ring Doorbell
Even though doing so sounds as if it completely defeats the purpose of owning a Ring doorbell, let’s be clear that Amazon’s recommendation is not to disable the camera, merely any recordings it might make.
This means, that you will still be able to get real-time audio and video. As for the footage, you won’t be able to play any footage back. Meaning, no possible chance of catching your neighbors in a vulnerable or compromising position.
To Disable Recording
- Open the Ring App
- Tap Menu
- Tap Devices
- Choose which device
- Tap Device Settings
- Tap Privacy Settings
- Turn off the recording feature
Protect your privacy, not just your neighbors
As we’ve previously said, as is the case with any software, putting your information on the Ring app can make you vulnerable to hackers. Which makes it all the more important to check on your privacy now and again.
How to double-check your privacy settings in Ring Doorbell
- Launch Ring App
- Tap 3 line menu on the top left
- Click on Control Center
When in the control center, you will want to check these three areas.
- Account Verification – Change to Text instead of Email
- Authorized Client Devices – give this list a look over to make sure all of these devices belong to you or someone else you have authorized as a shared user
- Shared Users – review each person listed to make sure you only see who you have granted access
With a frequent wave of porch pirates stealing packages off of patios and front doors, people have never been happier to have a video camera on their front door. As long as you make your privacy and that of your neighbors a priority, Ring will be just the thing to let your mind rest a bit easier this holiday season.
More:
- How to Give Ring a Quick Privacy Checkup
- How to stop Amazon from sharing your Internet with neighbors
- America’s growing porch pirate problem: How to protect yourself
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