Ring Doorbell Rules: Camera Etiquette Your Neighbors Will Appreciate
Ring doorbells and other video-based surveillance doorbells have become a staple in homes for security and functionality purposes, but there may be those neighbors who may not appreciate having a camera watching their house every second of every day.
With owning a Ring doorbell, it’s common courtesy to follow best practices for respecting your neighbors’ privacy. With that comes a lot of questions. Can you point it toward a neighbor's yard? Do you have to tell people you're recording? And how do you prevent it from being more annoying than helpful? This guide will help you install and use your Ring Doorbell in a way that’s secure, legal, and neighborly.
Proper Placement: Where to Aim (and Not Aim) Your Ring Doorbell
As best you can, only aim the camera at parts of your property such as the porch, front walkway, or driveway. Pointing it at your property avoids the biggest complaint from other people: that their being watched. In a time where customers don’t know what’s being done with their data and when hackers are running rampant, people like to know they have a little bit of privacy. It is legal to capture footage in public. However, private dwellings are not subject to the same laws.
Tips to Avoid Pointing Your Camera at Neighbors’ Property
Use a wedge kit to angle the doorbell down toward your doorstep.
Mount the doorbell at about 48 inches high for optimal face and package visibility.
Check your video feed: if a neighbor’s window is in view, reposition.
Use the Ring app to set Privacy Zones that block out areas outside your property.
Examples of Ring Doorbell Privacy Laws From 5 Different States
California: All-party consent for audio. Illegal to record video in private areas without explicit consent.
Florida: Requires all-party audio consent. Video must not invade private property.
Illinois: Very strict—both video and audio require clear consent.
Texas: One-party consent. Video is legal as long as it doesn't invade privacy.
Oregon: Permits recording in public spaces, but private areas require notification or consent.
Let People Know They’re Being Recorded
Not every state required it, but it's a good neighborly gesture to let people know you have a Ring doorbell and they’re property has the potential to appear on the footage. Consider posting a small sign or sticker near your doorbell that says, “Recording in Progress.” Ring also offers optional voice alerts like “Hi, you are currently being recorded” when motion is detected.
Avoiding Neighbor Disputes
Even if you’re within legal bounds, the quickest way to lose goodwill with your neighbors is by making them feel watched. Misplaced Ring cameras have been the source of countless neighborhood disputes. Fortunately, these situations are often preventable.
Customize Ring Motion Settings for Better Alerts
You can actually avoid a lot of headaches by simply changing some of your settings. While the Ring doorbell may have the potential to be on at all times, you can change the sensitivity for the doorbell to start recording happenings around your home. Settings like motion zones, motion sensitivity, smart alerts, and motion schedule help to make sure only your property appears on your footage, and any neighbors simply enjoying their day outside do not.
Balancing Privacy and Protection
Installing a Ring Doorbell can boost your sense of safety and even prevent crime, but only if it’s done responsibly. Remember that legality doesn’t always equal courtesy. A well-placed camera, a simple heads-up to neighbors, and fine-tuned settings go a long way in maintaining peace while keeping your home secure.