Can Ring Package Alerts keep your online orders safe from local thieves? It can, and we’ll show you how to set it up.

Here’s the backstory

Package Alerts allow you to designate a package area within your Ring camera’s view. It will notify you when it detects a package has been delivered. First, you’ll need to ensure that Motion Detection is turned on via the Ring app. Now it’s time to turn on Package Alerts. Here’s how:

Open your Ring app.Go to Devices and select a compatible device.Select Motion Settings > Smart Alerts.Under the Package section:To turn on and record your package deliveries, select the video icon.Follow the instructions and create your Package Zone.To start getting package alerts, make sure you select the alert icon.Customize your Package Zone by following the on-screen prompts.Customize your Package Sensitivity by following the on-screen prompts.

After you’ve finished doing this, you’ll be able to review any Package Events captured by the device on your smartphone or computer. You should find these events in your Timeline when you get an alert. Note: Deliveries must be left within your Package Zone to be detected. Packages are detected most reliably when left within seven feet of your Ring device. To use Package Alerts, you’ll need to use the most recent version of the Ring app. It’s also worth noting that you can create multiple Package Zones on multiple devices. To start using Package Alerts, you will need a Ring Protect subscription. Pricing begins at $3.99 monthly. You’ll also need one of the following devices:

Video Doorbell (2nd Generation).Video Doorbell 2.Video doorbell Wired.Video Doorbell Pro.Video Doorbell Pro 2.Video Doorbell 3.Video Doorbell 3 Plus.Video Doorbell 4.Video Doorbell Elite.

Setting Package Alerts up is probably one of our biggest holiday shopping tips this season. Who knew it would be so easy?

More tips for keeping online purchases safe

The last thing you want this holiday season is an empty sack of gifts. Keep packages out of the wrong hands using this tip, as well as a few more:

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