If you’re a homeowner with a Ring doorbell or camera, you can enable end-to-end encryption on your devices to keep your data safe and secure. End-to-end encryption is a security feature that encrypts all communication between your device and the Ring server. This prevents anyone from reading or tampering with your data while it’s being transmitted. To enable end-to-end encryption on your Ring doorbell or camera, follow these steps:
- Open the Ring app on your device.
- On the main screen, click on the three lines in the top left corner of the screen to reveal the settings for End-to-End Encryption.
- Under “Encryption Type,” select “Standard.” This setting will ensure that all communication between your device and Ring is encrypted using standard security protocols.
What exactly is end-to-end encryption? We have a full guide that goes deep into E2EE, but the basic idea is that your data gets scrambled from the point that it’s recorded until the point that you access it. That way, no one can descramble (decrypt) it during transit. Without it, you’re relying on the security of whatever devices your data passes through before getting to you.
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Ring Video Doorbells and Cameras support end-to-end encryption, but it’s an opt-in feature. You should seriously consider enabling it if you have one of the supported Ring devices. With it enabled, even if Ring servers were compromised, your data would remain secure. Let’s do it.
How to Enable E2EE
First, open the Ring app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. Tap the hamburger menu icon (three vertical lines) and select “Control Center.”
Next, go to “Video Encryption.”
Then, select “Advanced Settings.”
Now, we can go to “End-to-End Encryption.”
On this screen, you’ll see some information about how E2EE works and which features will be disabled after you opt in. Select “Enable End-to-End Encryption” to proceed.
This begins the end-to-end encryption setup process. Tap “Get Started.”
You’ll see more information about which features will be removed. Tap “Agree and Continue” if you want to proceed.
Ring will warn you again about what will be turned off. Tap “Agree and Continue” one last time.
The next thing to do is assign a passphrase. This will ensure that you’re the only one who can change the encryption settings. Tap “Generate a Passphrase.”
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You can tap “Generate New Passphrase” or enter your own. Tap “Confirm and Continue” when you’re done.
The last thing to do is enroll your mobile devices to access the encrypted content and the Ring devices that you want to have E2EE enabled. Tap “Continue,” and follow the steps to select the devices that you want to use.
You’re now all set, with end-to-end encryption on your Ring Video Doorbells and Cameras. It’s unfortunate that you lose so many features when enabling E2EE, but this is an important security feature for those who want it.
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