Secure your Ring account by enabling two-factor authentication

Smart doorbells and cameras are a great way to add a sense of security to your home and give you extra attention to things even when you’re away. But cameras and doorbells can also be deeply disturbing when accessed by the wrong people. You’ve probably read about online intruders hacking into people’s connected cameras and even using two-way audio to intimidate residents on the other end. Many times, “hackers” simply exploit weak passwords. As a result, Ring will require users to enable two-factor authentication starting in February 2020. So let’s not delay any longer. We’ll show you how to enable two-factor authentication on your Ring account to fully protect your device.

how Enable 2FA from your phone

Two-factor authentication is an absolute must these days, especially Something as private as a live cam. Enabling it from the Ring app on your phone takes just a few simple steps. The Ring app offers two ways to verify your identity – SMS and the authenticator app. If you’re not sure which method to choose, we’ve got some explanations below to help you. The process for enabling 2FA is the same, you just choose how to secure your Ring account.

Swipe from the left, or tap the three lines in the upper left corner to access the side panel, then Click Account Settings.
Under Account Security, Click on Two-Factor Authentication.
Choose your two-factor authentication method by Click the option next to SMS & Authenticator app.
To authenticate via SMS, enter your telephone number Receive verification code.
enter your password.
enter verification code on the next page.
To enable 2FA for the authenticator app, click button next to the option.
tap continue After reading the information.
enter your Ring password and click continue.
If your authenticator app is not on the device where you set up 2FA, Scan QR code use that device. otherwise, copy and paste Enter the setup key into your authenticator app and press continue.
enter verification code From your authenticator app go to the Ring app and tap verification code.

That’s it! When two-factor authentication is enabled, you will need to receive and enter a verification code whenever you log in to your Ring account. You can choose whether you would like to receive this code via SMS via the email associated with your account or via SMS via the phone number associated with your account. This is an account-based security job that works on older Ring products up to the latest Ring Video Doorbell 4.

Ring has added the option to use app-based 2FA to lock down your account more securely. While this isn’t the absolute best authentication method, it’s better than using SMS. But if you don’t want to use another app to further secure your Ring account, a text-based option is better than nothing.

With Ring now requiring two-factor authentication, any time new login to your account and you will receive an email reminder. If the login was made by you or someone you know and trust, you can ignore it. However, if the login source is unknown, you will be prompted to change your password immediately.

how Enable 2FA from your computer

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

Sign in to Ring, hover over Account, and Click Manage Account from the drop down menu.
Click to open Next to Two-Factor Authentication and select your method – Test Message or Authenticator App.
For text messages, enter your password on the confirmation screen.
enter your telephone number Receive verification code.
enter verification code on the next page.
if you choose Authenticator app For your 2FA method, click continue After reading the information.
enter your password and click continue.
Scan QR code Use a device with your authenticator app or type the setup key in your authenticator app and press continue.
enter verification code From the Authenticator app on the web, then click verification code.

SMS and app-based authentication

Let’s say it’s not clear to you why text-based authentication is not as good as app-based authentication. In this case, we have a complete explainer to generalize the concept of 2FA. The downside, though, is that text messages are more likely to be intercepted by malicious but smart people.

When it comes to SMS, attackers with sufficient expertise can set up number forwarding, spoof nearby cell towers, or even simply impersonate you at a carrier store to gain access to your wireless account and thus access your phone number. There are too many variables in SMS-based captcha, and most cases can be avoided by using the generated code. Some password managers (like 1Password) even have a built-in code generator, which you should absolutely use for any site that allows it.

Unfortunately, while Ring didn’t initially support app-based authentication, it ended up being helpful for users. While Ring makes some of the best security cameras and doorbells, you can never be too careful. Remember, adding an extra layer of security to your account (Ring or otherwise) is always a good plan. Even SMS verification codes are much better than just having a password, and it’s safer and better to use them.

Products used in this guide

The most versatile ring

Ring Video Doorbell 4 – Enhanced wifi – 2021 version

$200 at Amazon $200 at Best Buy $200 at Kohl’s

Runs on hardwired or battery power.

Ring has higher-end options in its lineup, but the Video Doorbell 4 is the best camera that can run from wired power or Removable battery. With it, you get 1080p video, night vision, two-way audio, and front-facing footage to see what’s going on before motion triggers an alarm.