Ring Customers in California Could Get Paid in New Protect Plan Settlement – If you bought a Ring device in California and didn’t pay for a subscription plan, you might be owed money. A recent class action lawsuit against Ring has resulted in a settlement that could see customers receiving up to $9 — not a massive amount, but a symbolic win for consumer rights. The Ring Protect Plan settlement claims Ring didn’t clearly tell buyers that certain features would require a paid subscription. Now, eligible buyers can file for compensation — but only if they act fast.
This article will walk you through who qualifies, how much you can get, how to claim it, and what this means for smart device consumers in general.
Ring Customers in California Could Get Paid in New Protect Plan Settlement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who’s eligible? | California residents who bought specific Ring devices before certain cutoff dates and did not subscribe to a Ring Protect Plan for over 30 days. |
| Payment amount | $3 to $9 depending on the number of qualifying devices. |
| Claim deadline | May 22, 2025 |
| Payment methods | PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, virtual card, or paper check. |
| How to claim | File online or by mail using a Notice ID and Confirmation Code. |
| Official site | https://ringcaliforniaprotectplansettlement.com |
The Ring Protect Plan settlement is a small but meaningful step in holding tech companies accountable for transparency in their marketing and product packaging. If you purchased a Ring device in California and weren’t told you needed a paid subscription for basic features, now’s your chance to get compensated. It’s easy to file, the process is online, and there’s no need for receipts — just make sure to act before May 22, 2025.
What Is the Ring Protect Plan Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit, filed in California, alleges that Ring LLC failed to properly disclose that its popular home security devices would not include key features like video recording, event history, and snapshot viewing unless users also purchased a Ring Protect Plan, which costs $3/month or $30/year per device.
Customers say they weren’t warned that these features weren’t included out of the box. As a result, they argue they were misled and wouldn’t have purchased the devices without knowing the full cost. Ring, owned by Amazon, denies wrongdoing but has agreed to pay a settlement to resolve the issue without going to trial.
Who Is Eligible for the Ring Settlement?
You may be eligible if you meet all of the following conditions:
1. You live in California.
Only California residents are part of this class action. That’s because the lawsuit was filed under California consumer protection laws.
2. You bought a qualifying Ring device in-store.
You must have purchased one of the following Ring products at a physical store (not online) in California before these dates:
- Ring Video Doorbell 2 — by October 6, 2020
- Ring Video Doorbell 3 / 3 Plus — by October 15, 2020
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro Wired — by October 30, 2020
- Ring Floodlight Cam — by November 24, 2020
- Ring Peephole Cam — by November 2, 2020
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite — by May 12, 2021
3. You didn’t use a Protect Plan for more than 30 days.
If you had a Ring Protect Plan subscription active for more than 30 days when you set up your device, you’re not eligible.
4. You received a Notice ID and Confirmation Code.
This was likely sent to your email or postal address. If you didn’t receive it, don’t worry — the settlement site lets you look it up.
Visit https://ringcaliforniaprotectplansettlement.com to check your eligibility.
How Much Will You Get?
Depending on how many devices you bought, and if they were all set up around the same time, here’s what you could receive:
- $3 — For one eligible device
- $6 — For two eligible devices set up within 30 days of each other
- $9 — For three or more eligible devices, all set up within 30 days
Important: Even if multiple people in your household qualify, only one payment is allowed per household. So if your family bought three qualifying devices — you’re still limited to one payout, up to $9.
How to Claim Your Payment For Ring Settlement?
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Go to the Official Settlement Website
Visit https://ringcaliforniaprotectplansettlement.com
Step 2: Enter Your Notice ID and Confirmation Code
Use the information sent to you or search for it using their lookup tool.
Step 3: Choose Your Payment Method
You can receive your compensation via:
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Zelle
- Virtual prepaid Mastercard
- Paper check
Step 4: Submit Before May 22, 2025
Don’t miss the deadline, or you’ll lose your right to claim anything from the settlement.
When Will You Get Paid?
Once the claims are reviewed and approved, payments will be made approximately 75 days after the deadline. That means you can expect your money by August 2025, assuming there are no appeals or delays in court approval.
The Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for July 11, 2025. After that, the process moves forward unless any objections arise.
Why This Settlement Matters?
While the payout is relatively small, the impact is significant. This lawsuit sends a clear message:
Companies must clearly disclose all associated costs — especially when features customers expect to be included are hidden behind a paywall.
For everyday users, this highlights the importance of reading the fine print when purchasing smart devices. If you bought a Ring expecting full functionality out-of-the-box, and only later realized you needed a subscription, you’re not alone — and now, you’re being compensated for that oversight.
Lessons for Smart Device Consumers
This case reinforces a broader trend in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry: products often require recurring subscriptions for full functionality. Here’s how you can protect yourself as a smart consumer:
- Always read the product box and website descriptions carefully.
- Search for product reviews and Reddit discussions before buying.
- Be cautious of “hidden paywalls” on features that are advertised but not included.
- Compare products side-by-side to see what’s included without a subscription.
Impact on Ring’s Business and Reputation
Ring, an Amazon subsidiary, has already faced scrutiny for privacy issues and partnerships with law enforcement agencies. This settlement adds another layer to the brand’s trust issues. Experts suggest that as competition from brands like Google Nest, Eufy, and Arlo grows, companies like Ring will need to become more transparent to retain customer loyalty.
Official Documents and Sources
You can read the full legal settlement and court filings on the official settlement website:
- Settlement Agreement PDF
- Claim form
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Details of the final hearing
- Contact info for the claims administrator
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FAQs About Ring Customers in California Could Get Paid in New Protect Plan Settlement
Is the Ring settlement real or a scam?
It is 100% real and officially approved by the court.
Do I need a receipt or proof of purchase?
No. You only need your Notice ID and Confirmation Code — no receipts required.
What if I didn’t receive a Notice Code?
You can use the lookup tool on the official site to check your eligibility.
Can I still use my Ring device if I claim the money?
Yes. Claiming the settlement does not affect your ownership or the use of your Ring device.
Why is it only for California residents?
The lawsuit was filed under California law.
Can I get more than $9?
No. The maximum amount per household is $9, regardless of the number of devices.
How long does it take to receive the payment?
Payments will be distributed around 75 days after May 22, 2025.
