Ring TAKE Encryption Announced for Greater Control Over Video Data

Ring has announced TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption), a new encryption approach designed to give users greater control over their Ring video recordings while retaining access to the platform’s cloud-based features.

TAKE will begin rolling out to Ring customers in phases from September and will become the default encryption method worldwide once the rollout is complete. Ring’s existing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) option will remain available for users who want an additional level of control.

How TAKE Encryption Works

Ring says its videos are already encrypted while being transferred to the cloud and while stored. TAKE adds another layer of control by using unique, rotating encryption keys for video recordings.

When cloud-based features such as Smart Alerts require access to a video, a temporary copy of the encryption key is held inside a secure cloud enclave. Ring can access the key only under specific conditions to provide the features enabled on the customer’s account.

Once the required processing is complete, Ring says the temporary key is deleted. The customer then retains control of the encryption keys on enrolled devices, such as smartphones, tablets and computers. Shared Users can also be given access when enabled by the account owner.

The approach is designed to balance privacy with access to Ring’s cloud-based features. Unlike E2EE, TAKE allows users to continue using features that require cloud processing while retaining greater control over their video encryption keys.

E2EE Remains Available

Ring introduced video E2EE in 2021 as an optional security feature. It will continue to be available alongside TAKE.

With E2EE enabled, encryption keys are accessible only by the customer’s enrolled devices. However, because cloud access is restricted, some Ring features are unavailable, including Shared Users and certain cloud-based functionality. Core features such as live view, video playback and video sharing remain available.

Users will be able to manage their encryption settings through the Ring app on a per-device basis and switch between TAKE and E2EE where supported.

TAKE Will Become the Default

Ring says TAKE will be introduced gradually beginning in September 2026. Once the global rollout is complete, it will become the default encryption setting for Ring customers worldwide.

The company says the new system is intended to provide stronger default encryption while allowing customers to continue using Ring’s broader range of smart security features.

Users who prefer the stricter access controls offered by end-to-end encryption will still have the option to enable E2EE through the Ring app.

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