Is the Ring Camera Compatible with Vivint?
By Trae Jacobs,
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Vivint and Ring are some of the biggest names in the world of smart home security. Ring offers a range of excellent smart home security cameras, while Vivint has customizable security systems and 24/7 monitoring services at an affordable monthly rate. But can they work with one another?
Ring cameras are not compatible with the Vivint home security system. While it is possible to link other smart home devices with the Z-wave feature, only Vivint-designed cameras are compatible with the Vivint security system and covered by its professional monitoring service.
In the remainder of this article, you’ll learn more about Vivint and Ring compatibility, and whether other devices between the two companies can work with one another.
Is Ring and Vivint Compatible?
Ring and Vivint are both leaders in the world of smart home security systems in the US, but the brands—specifically Ring cameras and the Vivint home security system—are not compatible with one another.
Although the Vivint security system isn’t compatible with Ring devices exclusively, it is compatible with several third-party smart devices, including:
Vivint’s Z-wave technology feature makes it compatible with a variety of Z-wave smart home devices like smart locks, smart thermostats, smart outlets, smart lighting, smart speakers, and smart doors. Just know, however, that you won’t be able to take advantage of Vivint’s monitoring services with them.
In other words, users can only pair Vivint devices with the Vivint security system to be completely covered under their monitoring service.
What Cameras Will Work with Vivint?
Unfortunately, as you may have guessed from above, Vivint does not allow for the use of third-party cameras with its home security systems. Currently, only Vivint-designed cameras can work seamlessly with the Vivint home security system.
Across its available packages, Vivint allows you to add up to four monitoring security cameras—including outdoor, doorbell, and indoor cameras. If you are looking to purchase a security camera for your home, Vivint offers three different cameras:
Aside from the cost of purchasing the above listed Vivint compatible cameras, you will need to pay additional money for a monthly monitoring service. If you need a professional video monitoring service, you may have to shell out $5 for each of your Vivint cameras installed.
Can I Use Vivint Sensors with Ring?
One of the upsides to a Ring device is that it can work with several third-party sensors, but there is a caveat: they must possess the Z-wave technology or be Z-wave sensors.
Since Vivint equipment comes with the Z-wave technology, you can use its sensors with a Ring device because Ring uses Z-wave to communicate with its sensors and devices.
However, according to the Ring website, while third-party sensors like a Vivint sensor may be able to pair with a Ring system, you will not be able to receive any manual or professional monitoring of your sensor.
Connecting Vivint Sensors with Ring
If you are considering using your Vivint sensors with a Ring system, below is a detailed method to help you connect the devices:
- On the Ring mobile app, click on the Menu icon at the top left corner.
- Tap on Devices from the drop-down menu list.
- Select the “+” sign at the lower right corner.
- Then tap on Security Devices.
- On the new screen, tap on Sensors.
- A pop-up list will appear with a list of available Ring system sensors but click on Add Manually to allow you to add a third-party sensor.
- Select Z-wave and then Add on the next pop up screen.
- Now that your Ring Alarm is set to the Z-wave Learn Mode, you can simply follow the steps your system provides to enroll your Vivint sensor.
- Once the Ring system identifies your sensor, it will show up on your device list of available sensors.
Note: While using your Vivint sensors with a Ring alarm system may save you money, you won’t be able to enjoy the full benefit of a smart sensor or smart alarm system. You won’t be able to receive professional monitoring services, nor will your Vivint sensor set off your Ring alarm system if it is opened or armed.
Final Thoughts
Vivint and Ring offer superb services and smart security devices, but their incompatibility creates a gap for users looking to incorporate their existing security devices instead of purchasing a new one. Before purchasing a Vivint or Ring security system, you should assess the pros and cons to find out which provider is more likely to solve your home security needs.
