Can Ring Cameras Be Hacked?

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.

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.

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.

If you see the infrared light turn on at night while the security camera is in Disarm Mode, someone else may be viewing your live feed. Change your router’s password and ensure that video encryption is enabled on your Ring Camera.

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. 

Nope. The Ring devices with batteries do not have end-to-end encryption for videos. There are many Ring devices that 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

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We have in-depth Ring security camera E2EE instructions (along with some things to watch out for), but here are the basics:

1. Make sure the Ring app is updated to the latest version.
2. Go to the Control Center page in the Ring app. It’s located in the menu.
3. Tap Video Encryption.
4. Tap Advanced Settings.
5. Tap Video End-to-End Encryption.
6. Tap Get Started.
7. 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. 

• Ring Home Security System Review
• Ring FAQ
• Ring Camera Troubleshooting
• Protect Your Cameras from Hackers
• How to Keep Your Smart Home Safe from Hacking
• What Is the Ring Doorbell and How Does It Work?

1. BBC, “Hacked Home Cams Used to Livestream Police Raids in Swatting Attacks,” December 31,  2020. Accessed June 27, 2022.