Can Ring cameras be hacked? Our research says yes. Is it likely? Probably not if you take some precautions. Here’s what you need to know about the risk of someone hacking into your Ring devices.
Can Ring Cameras Be Hacked in 2025?
3 min read
Reviewed ByRebecca EdwardsWhy you can trust SafeWise
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For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Learn more.
With 20+ years in tech journalism, Alina blends safety expertise with her passion for simplifying technology. Alina is also trained as a first responder and worked as a volunteer firefighter.
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Can Ring cameras be hacked?
Technically, yes. In 2020, a class-action lawsuit of more than 30 people was filed against Ring when their Ring doorbell camera was hacked by malicious actors.¹ The suit claimed that the company’s security protection allowed hackers to control their smart cams. Around that time, there were several other news stories about Ring hacking issues, as well.
What is hacking?
Though hacking has been glamorized in movies as some major high-tech stuff, it’s actually any activity that lets someone gain unauthorized access to your accounts or internet-connected device. Hackers usually find a weakness in a home’s network to access devices. Typically, they’ll target weak passwords or passwords that have been used on your other accounts that have been leaked.
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Are Ring devices secure?
Ring expanded its end-to-end encryption to protect its users on many of its devices. Since the encryption has been added, we didn’t find a lot of real-world instances where others have been hacked.
But it’s important to remember, just like any other device connected to the internet, Ring devices can be hacked if you don’t use proper security measures.
How can I protect my Ring devices from being hacked?
First, strengthen your network by making strong passwords for your device accounts and router and consider getting a VPN. Check out more tips for making your home’s internet more secure.
Now, let’s focus on a Ring-specific protection. Ring already has two-factor authentication on your Ring app to make it harder for someone to access your account, but you should also set up video end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Video encryption ensures that no one has access to your Ring videos, not even Amazon.
Composite image: Negative Space, Pexels, Ring, SafeWise
Do all Ring devices have video end-to-end encryption?
Nope. Some Ring devices do not have end-to-end encryption for videos. According to Ring, its Video Doorbell (1st Gen), Video Doorbell Wired, Stick Up Cam (1st Gen), and the Spotlight Cam (1st Gen) aren't compatible with end-to-end encryption.
Many Ring devices do support video E2EE:
- Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro and Ring Floodlight Cam (1st Gen)
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, and Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
- Ring Spotlight Cam Wired
- Ring Spotlight Cam Mount
- Stick Up Cam Elite (2nd Gen), Stick Up Cam Wired (2nd Gen), Stick Up Cam Plug-in (3rd Gen), Stick Up Cam Wired (3rd Gen), and Stick Up Cam Solar (3rd Gen)
- Indoor Cam
Video: How to Set Up Ring End-to-End Encryption | Is it Worth It?
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How do you set up video end-to-end encryption on Ring Devices?
We have in-depth Ring security camera E2EE instructions (along with some things to watch out for), but here are the basics:
- Make sure the Ring app is updated to the latest version.
- Go to the Control Center page in the Ring app. It’s located in the menu.
- Tap Video Encryption.
- Tap Video End-to-End Encryption.
- Select Enable End-to-End Encryption.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish enrolling in Ring’s video end-to-end encryption.
Once these steps are complete, you’ll only be able to view videos on the device that you enrolled in the encryption process. This means shared users, as well as hackers, won’t be able to see the videos. This is an inconvenience, but it’s worth it if you’re concerned about privacy.
Sources
- BBC, “Hacked Home Cams Used to Livestream Police Raids in Swatting Attacks,” December 31, 2020. Accessed March 10, 2025.
Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
†Google, Google Nest Secure, Google Home, Google Nest Protect, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
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