My new place has a ring doorbell camera and, for now, I can’t get rid of it. What are my options for keeping it operable but not streaming to big brother 24/7? The easier the better.
I’ve heard you can flash and self host some models but I’d be happy with something as crude as a remote privacy flap that I can cover/uncover independently.
Edit: Removing/modifying it isn’t an issue, but my household wants to use it since it’s there.
I’m not personally opposed to a camera but would need to be in full control of the feed. My main goal is keeping it simple and cheap for now, so not replacing a functional camera is very tempting. Later on I can look into real alternatives but an afternoon project will do for now.


I don’t know that there are any options. You should know that these cameras are creating an insanely powerful surveillance network. The cops have access to them. And now they’re partnering with Flock to add 80k more cameras to their surveillance network. They’re not just a danger to you, but everyone around you.