Changing the sound your Ring doorbell makes is simple and customizable through the Ring app. Whether you want a louder chime, a different tone, or to sync with your indoor chime, this guide walks you through every option clearly and easily.
Key Takeaways
- Ring doorbells offer multiple sound customization options: You can change chime tones, adjust volume, and enable or disable sounds directly from the Ring app.
- Indoor chime settings are separate from the doorbell itself: If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, you’ll need to configure it separately for the best experience.
- Firmware updates can affect sound behavior: Always ensure your device is up to date to access the latest features and fixes.
- Motion alerts and doorbell presses use different sounds: You can customize each type of notification for clarity and convenience.
- Troubleshooting sound issues often starts with app settings: Before checking hardware, verify volume, mute status, and notification preferences in the app.
- Third-party integrations may limit sound options: If using Alexa or other smart home systems, some sound controls may be managed outside the Ring app.
- Factory reset is a last resort: If all else fails, resetting your device can restore default settings and resolve persistent audio problems.
How to Change the Sound My Ring Doorbell Makes
So, your Ring doorbell just chimed with that same old tone—again. Maybe it’s too quiet, too harsh, or just not your style. The good news? You don’t have to live with it. Changing the sound your Ring doorbell makes is easier than you think—and totally customizable. Whether you want a softer chime for nighttime, a louder alert for a busy household, or a fun seasonal tone, Ring gives you full control.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every step to personalize your Ring doorbell’s sound. From adjusting volume and selecting chime tones to syncing with indoor chimes and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll learn how to make your doorbell sound exactly the way you want. No technical skills required—just your smartphone and a few minutes of your time.
Let’s get started.
Understanding Your Ring Doorbell’s Sound Options
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand what kinds of sounds your Ring doorbell can make and how they’re controlled.
Ring doorbells produce two main types of audio alerts:
- Doorbell Press Sound: This is the chime that plays when someone presses the button on your doorbell. It can be heard both outside (from the doorbell itself) and inside (if you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro).
- Motion Alert Sound: This plays when the doorbell detects motion. It’s usually a softer tone and can be customized separately from the doorbell press sound.
Additionally, if you’ve integrated your Ring doorbell with Alexa, you might hear voice announcements like “Someone is at the front door.” These are separate from the chime tones and are managed through Alexa settings.
Your Ring doorbell doesn’t have built-in speakers loud enough to serve as your primary indoor chime—that’s where the Ring Chime or Chime Pro comes in. These devices plug into your wall outlet and play customizable sounds when your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected.
So, to fully customize your sound experience, you may need to adjust settings in multiple places: the Ring app, the Chime device, and possibly Alexa.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Select Your Device
The first step to changing your doorbell’s sound is accessing the right settings in the Ring app. Here’s how:
Launch the Ring App
Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account associated with your doorbell.
Visual guide about How to Change the Sound My Ring Doorbell Makes
Image source: speakerform.com
Navigate to Device Settings
On the home screen, you’ll see a list of your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to customize. This will open the device’s live view or event history.
Access Device Health or Settings
Look for a gear icon (⚙️) or “Device Settings” button, usually in the top-right corner. Tap it to enter the settings menu.
Find the Sound or Chime Options
Scroll down until you see options like “Chime Settings,” “Audio Settings,” or “Notifications.” The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your Ring model and app version.
Once you’re in the right section, you’re ready to start customizing.
Step 2: Adjust the Doorbell Press Chime Tone
Now let’s change the sound that plays when someone presses your doorbell button.
Locate Chime Tone Settings
In the device settings, find the “Chime Tone” or “Doorbell Sound” option. This is where you can pick from a variety of preset tones.
Browse Available Tones
Tap on the current tone to open a list of options. Ring offers a range of sounds, from classic doorbell chimes to modern beeps, seasonal themes (like holiday jingles), and even nature sounds like birds chirping.
Preview and Select a New Tone
Tap on any tone to hear a preview. Take your time—pick one that suits your home’s vibe. For example, a soft “ding-dong” might be perfect for a quiet neighborhood, while a bold “brass fanfare” could stand out in a busy household.
Save Your Selection
Once you’ve chosen a tone, tap “Save” or “Done.” The change will take effect immediately.
Pro Tip: If you don’t hear the new tone right away, try pressing the doorbell button yourself to test it. Sometimes the app takes a moment to sync.
Step 3: Adjust the Volume of the Doorbell Sound
Even the perfect tone won’t help if it’s too quiet—or too loud. Here’s how to adjust the volume.
Find Volume Controls
In the same Chime or Audio Settings section, look for a “Volume” slider or “Chime Volume” option.
Set Your Preferred Volume Level
Slide the control to your desired level. Ring typically offers a range from 0 (mute) to 10 (maximum volume).
- Low volume (1–3): Ideal for nighttime or small homes where loud sounds might be disruptive.
- Medium volume (4–6): A balanced setting for most households.
- High volume (7–10): Best for large homes, noisy environments, or if you’re hard of hearing.
Test the Volume
After adjusting, press the doorbell button to hear the new volume. If it’s still not right, go back and fine-tune the slider.
Note: Volume settings apply to both the outdoor doorbell sound and the indoor chime (if connected). If you only want to change the indoor chime volume, see the next section.
Step 4: Customize Your Indoor Chime (Ring Chime or Chime Pro)
If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro plugged into a wall outlet, it plays the doorbell sound inside your home. You can customize this separately from the doorbell itself.
Open the Ring App and Select Your Chime
Go back to the home screen and tap on your Ring Chime or Chime Pro device.
Access Chime Settings
Tap the gear icon to enter settings, then look for “Chime Tone” or “Sound Settings.”
Choose a Different Tone for Indoor Use
You can select a completely different tone from the one used by the doorbell. For example, you might want a soft “chime” outside and a cheerful “jingle” inside.
Adjust Indoor Chime Volume
Use the volume slider to set how loud the indoor chime plays. This is especially helpful if you want a quieter sound at night or a louder one during the day.
Enable or Disable Chime Sounds
You can also toggle the chime on or off. This is useful if you only want motion alerts or if you’re using Alexa announcements instead.
Bonus Feature: Some Ring Chime models allow you to set different tones for doorbell presses and motion alerts. Look for “Motion Chime Tone” to customize this separately.
Step 5: Customize Motion Alert Sounds
Your Ring doorbell can also play a sound when it detects motion—even if no one presses the button. Here’s how to change that sound.
Find Motion Alert Settings
In your doorbell’s device settings, look for “Motion Settings” or “Alerts.”
Enable Motion Chime (If Not Already On)
Make sure “Motion Chime” is turned on. If it’s off, your doorbell won’t make any sound when motion is detected.
Select a Motion Tone
Tap on the current motion tone to see a list of options. These are often softer than doorbell chimes—think gentle beeps or soft chimes.
Adjust Motion Volume
Use the volume slider to set how loud the motion alert should be. You might want it quieter than the doorbell press sound to avoid constant noise.
Set Motion Sensitivity (Optional)
To reduce false alerts, adjust the motion sensitivity in the same section. Lower sensitivity means fewer alerts from passing cars or animals.
Pro Tip: Use motion alerts strategically. For example, set a gentle tone for daytime motion and disable it at night to avoid disturbances.
Step 6: Sync with Alexa for Voice Announcements
If you have an Amazon Echo device, you can have Alexa announce when someone is at the door—adding another layer of sound customization.
Enable Alexa Announcements
Open the Alexa app and go to “Devices” > “Doorbell” > your Ring doorbell.
Turn On Announcements
Toggle “Announcements” to “On.” You can choose whether Alexa speaks when the doorbell is pressed, when motion is detected, or both.
Customize the Announcement Message
Some Echo devices allow you to change the default message. For example, instead of “Someone is at the front door,” you could set it to “Delivery at the door” or “Visitor detected.”
Adjust Volume on Your Echo
Use voice commands like “Alexa, set volume to 5” to control how loud the announcement is.
Note: Alexa announcements are separate from Ring chime tones. You can use both together or choose one over the other.
Step 7: Update Your Ring Doorbell’s Firmware
Sometimes, sound issues or missing options are due to outdated firmware. Keeping your device updated ensures you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.
Check for Updates
In the Ring app, go to your doorbell’s device settings and look for “Device Health” or “Firmware Version.”
Install Available Updates
If an update is available, tap “Update” and wait for the process to complete. This may take a few minutes and will require your doorbell to be powered.
Restart the Device
After updating, restart your doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (for battery-powered models) or turning the power off and on at the breaker (for wired models).
Tip: Enable automatic updates in the app settings to keep your device current without manual checks.
Troubleshooting Common Sound Issues
Even with perfect settings, you might run into sound problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
No Sound When Doorbell Is Pressed
- Check if the chime is muted: Open the Ring app and verify that the volume isn’t set to 0 and that “Do Not Disturb” mode is off.
- Test the indoor chime: If you have a Ring Chime, make sure it’s plugged in and not muted.
- Verify power supply: For wired doorbells, ensure the transformer is providing enough voltage (16–24V). Low voltage can cause weak or no sound.
- Restart the device: Power cycle your doorbell to reset the connection.
Sound Is Too Quiet
- Increase volume in the app: Use the volume slider to raise the level.
- Move the indoor chime closer: If using a Ring Chime, place it in a central location for better sound distribution.
- Check for obstructions: Make sure the doorbell speaker isn’t blocked by dirt, snow, or decorations.
Wrong Tone Is Playing
- Re-select the tone: Go back to the chime settings and choose the correct tone again.
- Clear app cache: Sometimes the app glitches. Close and reopen it, or restart your phone.
- Reset the device: As a last resort, perform a factory reset (see below).
Delayed or Intermittent Sound
- Check Wi-Fi signal: Weak Wi-Fi can delay notifications and sounds. Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Update firmware: Outdated software can cause performance issues.
- Reduce interference: Other electronic devices (like microwaves or cordless phones) can interfere with the signal.
When to Factory Reset Your Ring Doorbell
If nothing else works, a factory reset can restore your doorbell to its original settings and often resolves stubborn sound issues.
Back Up Your Settings
Before resetting, note your current preferences (like motion zones and notification schedules), as they’ll be lost.
Perform the Reset
The reset process varies by model:
- Battery-powered models: Press and hold the orange button on the back for 20 seconds until the light flashes.
- Wired models: Remove the faceplate, press and hold the reset button for 15 seconds, then reattach.
Reconnect to the App
After resetting, follow the setup process in the Ring app to reconnect your doorbell and reconfigure your settings.
Warning: Only reset as a last resort. It’s time-consuming and should only be done if other fixes fail.
Final Tips for the Best Sound Experience
Now that you’ve customized your Ring doorbell’s sound, here are a few extra tips to keep everything running smoothly:
- Test regularly: Press the button weekly to ensure the sound is working and at the right volume.
- Adjust seasonally: Switch to festive tones during holidays or quieter sounds during summer nights.
- Use Do Not Disturb mode: Activate this in the app during sleep hours to silence all sounds temporarily.
- Keep devices charged or powered: Low battery can affect performance, including sound output.
- Involve the household: Let family members know about sound changes to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
Changing the sound your Ring doorbell makes isn’t just about personal preference—it’s about creating a smarter, more responsive home. With the Ring app, you have complete control over chime tones, volume, motion alerts, and even voice announcements through Alexa. Whether you want a gentle chime for nighttime or a bold alert for a busy entrance, the options are flexible and easy to manage.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to customize every aspect of your doorbell’s audio, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your device running smoothly. Remember, the best sound is one that fits your lifestyle—so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect tone.
Now go ahead, press that button, and enjoy your new doorbell sound.