Do you want to be sure that you, and only you, can access the data and footage from your Ring security devices? If so, setting up Ring End-to-End encryption (E2EE) is your best hope, and you are in the right place to know exactly how it works!
In this article, we will cover exactly what Ring End-To-End Encryption is, why it is important, and also guide you through every step of the setup process.
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What is Ring Video End-to-End Encryption?
Ring End-to-end video encryption (E2EE) is a security method of converting your footage from plain, readable data into a coded format that can only be accessed with a specific key or password. With Ring E2EE, the encryption process starts from the sender device and continues until it reaches the recipient device. This provides the maximum security currently available for your Ring devices.
Why is End-to-End Encryption Important for Ring?
Ring End-to-End Encryption provides a higher level of security and privacy protection compared to standard encryption, as the data is guaranteed to be encrypted throughout its entire transmission process.
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With the increasing concerns over online privacy and government surveillance, E2EE provides a layer of security that can help you to maintain privacy and control over your own video footage.
Why Should You Set up E2EE on Your Ring Device?
When your Ring data is transmitted over the internet, it passes through multiple points, such as through your internet service provider, your router, and the cloud servers. At each point, there is a risk that the data could be intercepted, stolen, or manipulated. E2EE greatly reduces these risks.
What to Know Before You Enable E2EE on Ring
I know you are excited to make your Ring devices as secure as possible with extra encryption, but there are some things you should know before getting it done.
Not everything is sunshine and daisies when enabling End-to-End encryption with Ring. Unfortunately, you will lose access to some of the features that you may enjoy using.
Here are some of the features you will no longer have access to once E2EE is enabled:
- Camera Previews on the Dashboard
- Motion Verification
- People Only Mode
- Pre-Roll
- Rich Notifications
- Shared Users
- Sharing Video Links
- Snapshot Capture
- Watching Live Video From a Ring Device on Multiple Devices at Once
There is a good chance you have used at least one of these features before, and this makes the decision to go ahead a little tougher.
If you decide that one or more of these features is not worth giving up for more security, I encourage you to check out Ways to Prevent Your Ring Cameras From Begin Hacked for additional security ideas. However, it is highly recommended that you use E2EE if your devices have the option.
If you are fine with giving up a little convenience for much more security, double-check that your devices are compatible and then start the process of setting up Ring E2Ee.
Ring Devices E2EE Compatibility
Many Ring security devices are compatible, but you may want to be sure that yours is before trying to enable E2EE.
Here are the Ring security cameras and doorbells that currently support End-to-End Encryption:
- Floodlight Cam
- Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
- Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
- Indoor Cam
- Ring Car Cam
- Ring Peephole Cam
- Spotlight Cam Battery, Wired, and Mount
- Spotlight Cam Plus
- Spotlight Cam Pro
- Stick Up Cam Battery, Elite, and Wired (2nd Gen)
- Stick Up Cam Battery, Plug-In, Solar, and Wired (3rd Gen)
- Video Doorbell (2nd Generation)
- Video Doorbell 2
- Video Doorbell 3
- Video Doorbell 4
- Video Doorbell Pro
- Video Doorbell Pro 2
- Video Doorbell Elite
Mobile Software Requirements For Ring E2EE
Setting up E2EE will require using the Ring app on your mobile device. To avoid any issues, it is best to make sure both your phone software and the app itself are updated. You shoul also check for software updates on the security device itself.
Iphone Requirements
You must be on IOS 14, or higher as well as have Ring app version 5.34.0 or newer to set up video E2EE on iPhone.
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Android Requirements
Android 9 or higher and having the Ring app version Android 3.34.0 or newer is required to set up video E2EE on Android.
Helpful Links
How to Enable and Set up Ring End-to-End Encryption
Setting up End-to-End encryption isn't too difficult, but you should pay close attention as there are some crucial steps.
Here are the five steps to follow to set up end-to-end encryption with your compatible Ring security devices.
Step 1. Access Control Panel in the Ring App
- Open the Ring app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the hamburger menu icon (☰) on the top left
- Scroll down and tap on Control Panel
Step 2. Enable End-to-End Encryption
- Scroll down and select Video Encryption
- Tap Advanced Video Encryption and then End-to-End Encryption
- Lastly, tap on Enable End-to-End Encryption
- Tap Get Started and follow the instructions
The app will guide you through the rest of the steps, which we will also cover here.
Step 3. Generate a Passphrase
- Select Generate New Passphrase
A passphrase will be automatically generated for you that you must have to enroll your mobile device and view the encrypted video.
NOTE: Here are a few things you should know about this passphrase before you continue:
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- It's crucial that you either write down your passphrase or save it in a secure password manager.
- While recording or typing the passphrase, be sure all letters are in lowercase, include hyphens, and don't have spaces.
- Is impossible for you or Ring to retrieve this passphrase if it is lost or forgotten.
- You will need to begin the process all over and re-register any additional mobile devices if you lose it.
- There is also a possibility that you may no longer have access to any E2EE videos you have already recorded.
- Tap Confirm And Continue once you have stored your passphrase in a safe place.
Step 4. Enrolling Your Mobile Devices
You will now continue following the guided prompts to add your mobile device to the encryption process. Remember that the mobile device you are currently setting this up on will be able to access your encrypted Ring footage.
- Tap Add This Device
- Enter your unique Passphrase (from step 4)
Remember to type passphrase letters in lowercase and use the included hyphens instead of spaces.
Step 5. Enrolling Your Ring Devices
- Select Continue to move on to Ring device enrollment
- Find and tap on your Ring device under the Eligible Devices section
Any devices found listed under Ineligible Devices are not yet compatible with Ring's End-to-End Encryption service.
- Lastly, select Agree and Continue to finish the Process
Testing Ring E2EE
Now that you are all done setting it up, it is a good idea to test that everything is working.
- Activate your cameras with motion or by pressing the Ring video doorbell
- Check that you can access the footage on your enrolled device
- Use the app on a different mobile device to be sure that it cannot access your encrypted footage
If, for some reason, you need to turn off your E2EE, simply:
- Revisit step 4 and pick Disenroll Video E2EE
- Enter your passphrase to unlink your Ring device
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, setting up end-to-end encryption is like building a high-tech fortress for your messages. You get to be the medieval king or queen and rule over your footage while hackers and even Amazon claw at your walls below to get their hands on it.
Just remember to keep your passphrase safe, or else your kingdom might crumble faster than a Jenga tower. However, all should go well, so you can sit back and relax, knowing that your footage is safe and sound in its digital stronghold. Happy encrypting!
