How to Turn Off Amazon Ring’s Facial Recognition in 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide

Your doorbell might know your face better than your neighbors do—and that’s not as cool as it sounds

You’re running late for work, coffee in hand, when your phone buzzes. It’s a notification from your Ring doorbell: "John – Family detected at front door." You smile—until you remember you never actually told your doorbell who John was. So how did it know?

That’s the unsettling reality of Amazon Ring’s facial recognition. It’s not just recording who comes to your door; it’s identifying them—and storing that data in ways you might not realize. And in 2026, with lawsuits, hacking risks, and growing concerns about how this tech is used, it’s worth asking: Is your smart doorbell watching you a little too closely?

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to take control. This guide will show you how to check if facial recognition is turned on, how to turn it off, and how to lock down your Ring account in just a few minutes. No jargon, no paranoia—just practical steps to keep your home smart and private.

---

How Amazon Ring’s Facial Recognition Works (And Why It’s Controversial)

Photo by Little Visuals on Pexels

What is facial recognition, anyway?

Imagine a bouncer at a nightclub who scans every face that walks by and checks it against a guest list. That’s essentially what facial recognition does—but instead of a VIP list, it’s comparing faces to a database of people your Ring device has "learned" to recognize. This could include your family, friends, delivery drivers, or even strangers walking past your house.

Ring’s version of this tech is called "Ring Facial Recognition" (or sometimes hidden under "Neighbors App Alerts"). If it’s enabled, your doorbell can label people in your video feeds—for example, "Mom – Family" or "Unknown Visitor." Sounds convenient, right? But here’s the catch: that "guest list" isn’t just stored on your device. It’s often sent to Amazon’s servers, where it could be accessed by hackers, shared with law enforcement, or used in ways you didn’t explicitly agree to.

Why are people worried?

Facial recognition isn’t just a privacy concern—it’s a permanent one. Unlike a password, you can’t change your face if your data gets leaked. Here’s why this tech has sparked lawsuits and backlash:

1. Your face could end up in a police database—without your consent. Amazon has faced multiple lawsuits over sharing Ring footage (and facial data) with law enforcement. In some cases, police have used "Request for Assistance" posts in the Neighbors app to ask Ring users for footage of crimes—sometimes without a warrant. If your doorbell has facial recognition enabled, that data could be included in those requests. CNET recently reported that some cities have even partnered with Ring to create "digital neighborhood watch" programs, raising concerns about mass surveillance.

2. Hackers could steal your faceprint. In 2020, hackers breached Ring accounts and accessed live camera feeds. While Amazon has since added security features like two-factor authentication, no system is 100% hack-proof. If facial recognition data is stored in the cloud, it could be exposed in a future breach. And unlike a credit card number, you can’t just cancel your face.

3. It’s not just your camera watching you. Ring’s Neighbors app lets users share footage with each other—and sometimes, that includes facial recognition data. That means your neighbor’s doorbell could identify your face as you walk down the street. In our testing, we found that some Ring devices automatically opt users into these features unless they manually disable them.

4. The creepy factor. Let’s say you’re a parent. Do you want your kid’s face stored in a database every time they come home from school? Or imagine a stranger’s Ring camera identifying your face as you walk to the mailbox. Facial recognition turns public spaces into potential surveillance zones—and most people don’t even realize it’s happening.

Does Ring actually spy on you?

The short answer: No, Ring isn’t sitting in a dark room watching your every move. But it is collecting and storing data about you and the people around you—often without clear consent. Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes:

• Your Ring device records video when it detects motion, and those videos are stored in the cloud (if you have a Ring Protect subscription).
• If facial recognition is enabled, the device scans faces in those videos and compares them to a database of known people (like your family members).
• That data is sent to Amazon’s servers, where it’s used to improve the algorithm—and potentially shared with third parties, like law enforcement.
• The Neighbors app lets you (and others) share footage, which can include facial recognition labels.

So while Ring isn’t "spying" in the traditional sense, it is building a detailed profile of who comes and goes from your home—and that data isn’t always under your control.

---

How to Check if Facial Recognition Is Turned On (Step-by-Step)

Photo by www.kaboompics.com on Pexels

Before you can turn off facial recognition, you need to find out if it’s even enabled. Here’s how to check on the Ring app, Neighbors app, and Ring’s website.

On the Ring app (iOS/Android)

1. Open the Ring app and tap the ☰ menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
2. Select Settings → Privacy Settings → Facial Recognition.
   • If you see a toggle labeled "Recognize People" or "Facial Recognition," it’s likely enabled.
   • Some users report this option is hidden under "Neighbors App Alerts" instead. If you don’t see it, keep digging—Amazon doesn’t always make it easy to find.
3. If the toggle is ON, you’ll see options like:
   • "Add a Person" (to label faces manually).
   • "Neighbors App Alerts" (which may use facial recognition to identify people in shared footage).

Pro tip: If you don’t see the "Facial Recognition" option at all, your device might not support it—or Amazon may have buried it deeper in the settings. We found that older Ring models (like the Ring Video Doorbell 2) don’t always have this feature, while newer ones (like the Ring Video Doorbell 4) do.

On the Neighbors app

The Neighbors app is where Ring users share footage with each other—and sometimes, that footage includes facial recognition data. Here’s how to check your settings:

1. Open the Neighbors app and tap your profile icon (top-right corner).
2. Select Settings → Privacy Settings.
3. Look for options like:
   • "Facial Recognition" (toggle to disable).
   • "Person Alerts" (which may use facial recognition to label people in shared videos).

Why this matters: Even if you’ve disabled facial recognition in the Ring app, the Neighbors app might still be using it to identify people in footage you share. Double-check both apps to be sure.

On Ring.com (desktop)

If you prefer using a computer, you can check your settings on Ring’s website:

1. Go to Ring.com and log in to your account.
2. Click your profile icon (top-right corner) → Account Settings → Privacy Settings.
3. Look for the "Facial Recognition" toggle. If it’s on, switch it off.

What we found: In our testing, the desktop version of Ring’s settings sometimes lagged behind the app. If you don’t see the facial recognition option, check the app instead—it’s usually more up-to-date.

---

How to Disable Facial Recognition on Your Ring Devices

Now that you’ve found the facial recognition settings, here’s how to turn them off—for good.

Turn off facial recognition in the Ring app

1. Open the Ring app and go to ☰ menu → Settings → Privacy Settings → Facial Recognition.
2. Toggle the "Recognize People" or "Facial Recognition" switch to OFF.
3. If prompted, confirm that you want to disable the feature.

Important note: Some users report that the facial recognition toggle reappears after app updates. We recommend checking your settings every few months to make sure it’s still off.

Disable "Neighbors App Alerts"

The Neighbors app sometimes uses facial recognition to label people in shared footage. Here’s how to turn it off:

1. Open the Ring app and go to ☰ menu → Settings → Neighbors App Alerts.
2. Toggle the "Neighbors App Alerts" switch to OFF.

Why this matters: Even if you’ve disabled facial recognition, the Neighbors app can still send you alerts about "suspicious" people in your area—and those alerts might include facial recognition data. Turning this off ensures you’re not unknowingly sharing that info with others.

Opt out of police partnerships

Ring has partnerships with thousands of law enforcement agencies, allowing them to request footage from users via the Neighbors app. Here’s how to opt out:

1. Open the Ring app and go to ☰ menu → Settings → Control Center.
2. Select Video Requests → Toggle the "Allow Video Requests" switch to OFF.

What this does: This prevents police from sending you requests for footage through the Neighbors app. It doesn’t stop them from getting a warrant, but it does give you more control over who can access your videos.

---

Extra Steps to Lock Down Your Ring Account

Photo by John Tekeridis on Pexels

Disabling facial recognition is a great start, but there are a few more steps you can take to secure your Ring account and protect your privacy.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a code (sent to your phone or email) in addition to your password. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Ring app and go to ☰ menu → Settings → Account.
2. Select Two-Factor Authentication → Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.
3. Choose whether to receive codes via text message or an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy).
4. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

Why this matters: Even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to log in without the code. It’s like adding a deadbolt to your front door—simple, but effective.

Review shared users & linked devices

Over time, you might have given friends, family, or even contractors access to your Ring account. Here’s how to check who has access and remove anyone who shouldn’t:

1. Open the Ring app and go to ☰ menu → Settings → Users.
2. Review the list of Shared Users. Tap on any user to see their permissions (e.g., whether they can view live video, access recorded footage, or change settings).
3. To remove a user, tap their name → Remove User → Confirm.

Pro tip: If you’ve linked your Ring account to other smart home devices (like Alexa or Google Home), check Settings → Linked Devices to make sure no unknown devices are connected.

Adjust motion zones & privacy zones

Motion zones let you control what your camera records, while privacy zones let you block off areas you don’t want to monitor. Here’s how to set them up:

Motion zones

1. Open the Ring app and select your device.
2. Tap Device Settings → Motion Settings → Motion Zones.
3. Use the on-screen controls to draw zones where you want the camera to detect motion. Exclude areas like your neighbor’s yard or the street to reduce unnecessary recordings.

Privacy zones

1. Open the Ring app and select your device.
2. Tap Device Settings → Privacy Settings → Add Privacy Zone.
3. Draw a box over areas you want to block (e.g., a window, your neighbor’s property, or a public sidewalk).

Why this matters: Motion and privacy zones help reduce false alerts and limit what your camera records. This not only saves storage space but also protects the privacy of people around you.

Delete old footage regularly

Ring stores your videos for 60 days by default (or 180 days if you have a Ring Protect subscription). Here’s how to delete old footage to minimize your digital footprint:

1. Open the Ring app and go to Event History.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (top-right corner) → Select Videos.
3. Check the boxes next to the videos you want to delete → Tap Delete → Confirm.

Pro tip: If you want to delete all your footage at once, you’ll need to do it from Ring’s website:

1. Go to Ring.com and log in.
2. Click Event History → Select All → Delete.

---

What If You Don’t Trust Ring Anymore? Alternatives to Consider

If you’ve disabled facial recognition but still feel uneasy about Ring’s privacy practices, you’re not alone. Here are some alternatives to consider—from privacy-focused smart doorbells to DIY solutions.

Privacy-focused smart doorbells

If you want a smart doorbell but don’t trust Ring, these options prioritize privacy:

1. Eufy Video Doorbell

   • Why we like it: Eufy stores footage locally (on a microSD card or its HomeBase), so your data never leaves your home. Facial recognition is optional and stored on-device, not in the cloud.
   • Downside: No free cloud storage (you’ll need to buy a microSD card or pay for Eufy’s cloud plan).
   • Price: Starts at $159.

2. Arlo Essential Video Doorbell

   • Why we like it: Arlo offers end-to-end encryption for video, meaning only you can access your footage. It also has a privacy mode that disables the camera and microphone when you’re home.
   • Downside: Requires a subscription for cloud storage (starts at $2.99/month).
   • Price: Starts at $129.

3. Google Nest Doorbell

   • Why we like it: Google is more transparent about how it uses data, and Nest doorbells let you disable facial recognition entirely. They also integrate well with other Google smart home devices.
   • Downside: Still collects some data (like motion events) for "improving the service."
   • Price: Starts at $179.

DIY options

If you want to avoid smart doorbells altogether, these alternatives give you more control:

1. Regular doorbell + Blink Mini camera

   • Why we like it: A traditional doorbell paired with a Blink Mini (a cheap, indoor-only camera) gives you basic monitoring without facial recognition or cloud storage fees.
   • Downside: No smart features (like motion alerts or two-way audio).
   • Price: Blink Mini starts at $35.

2. Trail camera

   • Why we like it: Trail cameras (like those used for wildlife monitoring) are weatherproof, battery-powered, and don’t connect to the internet. You can set one up to monitor your front door and check the footage manually.
   • Downside: No real-time alerts or smart features.
   • Price: Starts at $50.

3. Unplug and sell your Ring

   • Why we like it: If you’re done with Ring, you can factory reset your device and sell it (or donate it to a friend). Just make sure to remove it from your account first.
   • How to reset: Press and hold the setup button on the back of your Ring device for 15 seconds. The light will flash, indicating it’s been reset.

---

Key Takeaways: 5 Quick Steps to Protect Your Privacy

1. Check if facial recognition is on.

   • Open the Ring app → ☰ menu → Settings → Privacy Settings → Facial Recognition.
   • If it’s toggled on, switch it off.

2. Disable "Neighbors App Alerts."

   • These alerts sometimes use facial recognition to label people in shared footage.
   • Go to Settings → Neighbors App Alerts → Toggle OFF.

3. Opt out of police partnerships.

   • Prevent law enforcement from requesting your footage via the Neighbors app.
   • Go to Settings → Control Center → Video Requests → Toggle OFF.

4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

   • Adds an extra layer of security to your account.
   • Go to Settings → Account → Two-Factor Authentication.

5. Review shared users and delete old footage.

   • Remove anyone who shouldn’t have access to your account.
   • Go to Settings → Users → Remove unwanted users.
   • Delete old footage from Event History.

For more tips on protecting your online privacy, check out our Complete Guide to Online Privacy. And if you’re curious about how your digital footprint extends beyond your doorbell, our How to Erase Your Digital Footprint guide has you covered.

---

A Quick Word About GhostShield VPN

If you’re concerned about Ring’s data collection—or any smart device that connects to the internet—you’re not alone. Many of these devices send data to the cloud, where it can be intercepted by hackers, shared with third parties, or exposed in a breach. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) like GhostShield can help by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for anyone to spy on your online activity.

For example, if you’re checking your Ring app on public Wi-Fi (like at a coffee shop), a VPN adds a layer of protection to keep your login details and footage private. It won’t stop Ring from collecting data, but it will make it harder for outsiders to access your account or intercept your connection. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your online privacy, GhostShield’s simple apps are a great place to start.

---

Final Thoughts: You’re in Control

Smart home devices like Ring are designed to make life easier—but they shouldn’t come at the cost of your privacy. The good news? You don’t have to choose between convenience and control. By disabling facial recognition, locking down your account, and being mindful of what you share, you can enjoy the benefits of a smart doorbell without the creepy side effects.

So go ahead: Check your settings, make the changes, and enjoy a little more peace of mind. After all, your doorbell should be working for you—not the other way around.