Can I use a Ring alarm without a subscription?

Author: Dr. Lincoln Rowe  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

You can still get live video, real-time alerts, and keypad arming/disarming (for Ring Alarm) without a monthly subscription.

Does Ring Alarm work without a subscription?

Do I have to subscribe to the Ring Home Premium Plan to use my Ring Alarm? No. You will still be able to use and self-monitor your Ring Alarm. However, Alarm Professional Monitoring1 is not included if you do not have the Ring Home Premium Plan.

Does Ring still record without a subscription?

According to Ring's official website, their doorbell cameras have internal storage that can store video footage for up to 60 days. However, this feature is only accessible with a subscription plan. Without a subscription, Ring doorbells offer basic video recording, two-way audio, and live view functionalities.

Can you bypass Ring subscription?

Without a subscription, you can use makeshift methods like screen recording to save footage. However, subscribing unlocks valuable features such as saved video recordings, advanced motion detection, and smart alerts.

Can you use the Ring app for free?

Note: The Ring app is free, but you may need your username and password for your device's store page to download the app. If you would rather go directly to the app page for your device, use one of the links below for your operating system: Android. iOS.

Ring Devices Without A Subscription: What Still Works (Hint: Not Much)

What happens without a Ring subscription?

Without a subscription, you can view real-time video for Ring doorbells and security cameras and answer doorbell notifications as they happen. With a compatible Ring subscription plan, you can save, review, and share video recordings from your Ring devices to your Ring account.

Can you arm Ring alarm from phone without subscription?

Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a compatible Ring subscription (sold separately) for digital arming/disarming and certain other in-app features.

How can I record my Ring without paying?

You can use the screen recording features on your Android, iPhone, or iPad to record and save your Ring camera or doorbell's Live View. If you're using a computer, you can record Live View at Ring.com using the built-in screen recording tools in Windows and macOS.

How do I not pay for my Ring subscription?

How to cancel your Ring subscription on Ring.com. Log in to your account on Ring.com. Select your plan information on the top menu. Select the plan you want to cancel.

Is Ring constantly recording?

With 24/7 Recording, compatible Ring Security Cameras can record audio and video continuously, day and night — not just when motion occurs. This feature requires a Ring Home Premium subscription. Note: 24/7 Recording is limited to 10 devices at one location.

Does Blink require a subscription?

Is a Blink Subscription Plan required to use my Blink products? No. Your Blink products provide their standard features (such as motion alerts, live view, and two-way audio) without any subscription. Blink Subscription Plans offer additional features for those who want them.

How long does a Ring battery last?

If you opt for the battery-powered one, you'll have to uninstall the entire doorbell to charge it and reinstall it after it's fully charged. Ring says the battery should last between 6 to 12 months on a single charge, but it still depends on how much activity your video doorbell is recording.

Are Ring cameras useless without subscription?

If you don't subscribe to Ring Home, your camera or doorbell won't suddenly become useless: you'll still get alerts when something happens, and you'll still be able to view a live video feed at any time. You'll also be able to use two-way audio – to talk to a delivery driver at the door, for example.

What is the difference between Ring free and paid?

Without a Ring Home Plan, you can still answer alerts and live video on Ring doorbells and cameras as they happen. Reviewing previously recorded video on your Ring cameras and doorbells requires a Ring Home subscription.

Do you need a Ring subscription to get alerts?

Without a Ring Home plan, you can still answer alerts and live video on Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras as they happen. Reviewing previously recorded video on your Ring Video Doorbells and Security Cameras requires a Ring Home subscription.

What can Ring do without a subscription?

Without a subscription, you can view real-time video for Ring doorbells and security cameras and answer doorbell notifications as they happen. With a compatible Ring subscription plan, you can save, review, and share video recordings from your Ring devices to your Ring account.

Do you need a subscription for Ring Alarm?

Do I need a Ring subscription to use my Ring Alarm? No, you will still be able to use and self-monitor your Ring Alarm. Will my 10% discount from my Ring subscription apply to the Ring Alarm? Yes.

What do I lose if I cancel my Ring subscription?

Download any videos you want to keep.

When you cancel a Ring subscription, all of your recorded videos will be permanently deleted. To save any videos, you must download them before cancelling your plan. Learn how to download your Ring videos.

How long can Ring record without a subscription?

New devices with a Ring subscription or trial will default to 60 days. Devices that are set up with a new owner will default to 60 days. If a Ring subscription plan is cancelled and later reinstated, the device will keep the selected storage time.

Is it illegal to record someone on Ring?

That said, some states have an all-party consent law, which means all parties in the conversation should give their consent when conversations are being recorded. Those states include California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, and Maryland, among others.

Why does Ring not record everything?

Ring cameras typically store recorded footage in their cloud storage service, which has a finite capacity. If this capacity is reached or if you haven't subscribed to a plan that offers enough storage space, your camera may stop recording new events.

When did Ring start requiring a subscription?

As of March 29, 2023, the Home/Away modes feature will also require a subscription. For new users, Ring Protect will be required in order to use Ring Alarm via the mobile app, otherwise the system may only be controlled with the physical keypad.

Can I use a Ring alarm without monitoring?

Without a subscription

You can also self-monitor your Alarm without a Ring Home Plan. You can Arm or Disarm your Alarm from the Ring Keypad only. If your Ring Alarm is triggered, it's siren will sound, but you and your Shared Users will not receive digital notifications2 and emergency response will not be requested1.

Do you need a Ring subscription per device?

No. Your Ring products provide certain features (such as Live View, Real-Time Notifications, and Keypad Arming and Disarming) without a plan. We recommend subscribing to a plan to get the most out of your devices with video recording and other advanced features.

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