Adding a chime to your Ring Doorbell ensures you never miss a visitor, even when your phone is on silent. This guide walks you through compatible chimes, installation steps, and troubleshooting common issues—whether you’re using a mechanical, digital, or Ring Chime Pro.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right chime: Not all doorbell chimes work with Ring. Use a compatible mechanical chime, digital chime, or the official Ring Chime or Chime Pro for best results.
- Check your existing wiring: Most Ring Doorbells require a transformer with at least 16V AC and 20VA to power both the doorbell and chime.
- Install the Ring Chime (optional): The Ring Chime plugs into any standard outlet and syncs wirelessly with your Ring Doorbell for customizable sounds and volume control.
- Use Ring Chime Pro for weak Wi-Fi: If your doorbell has poor signal, the Chime Pro doubles as a Wi-Fi extender to boost connectivity.
- Test after installation: Always test the chime after setup to ensure it rings when the doorbell is pressed.
- Troubleshoot common issues: No sound? Check power, wiring, app settings, and chime compatibility before calling support.
- Update firmware regularly: Keep your Ring devices updated via the app to avoid bugs and improve performance.
How to Add a Chime to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell—great choice! But now you’re wondering: How do I get that classic doorbell chime to ring inside my home? Maybe your phone’s on silent, or you’re in the basement and can’t hear the notification. That’s where adding a chime comes in.
Whether you’re using a wired Ring Doorbell (like the Ring Video Doorbell Wired or Ring Doorbell Pro) or a battery-powered model, you can connect it to an indoor chime. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right chime to installing it and troubleshooting common problems.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully functional doorbell system that chimes loudly and reliably, no matter where you are in your home.
Why Add a Chime to Your Ring Doorbell?
Visual guide about How to Add a Chime to Ring Doorbell
Image source: en-uk.ring.com
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why adding a chime is a smart move.
Ring Doorbells send push notifications to your phone, which is convenient—but not always reliable. If your phone is on silent, in another room, or out of battery, you might miss a delivery, visitor, or even a package thief.
A physical chime solves this problem. It gives you an audible alert that works independently of your phone. Plus, it adds a familiar, welcoming sound to your entryway.
There are three main types of chimes you can use with Ring:
- Mechanical chimes: Traditional doorbell chimes that use electromagnets to strike a metal bar. They make a classic “ding-dong” sound.
- Digital chimes: Modern units that play recorded sounds or melodies. They often have volume and tone controls.
- Ring Chime or Chime Pro: Wireless plug-in devices made by Ring that sync with your doorbell and offer app-based customization.
Each has its pros and cons, which we’ll explore in the next section.
Choosing the Right Chime for Your Ring Doorbell
Not all chimes are created equal—and not all are compatible with Ring. Here’s how to pick the best one for your setup.
Option 1: Use Your Existing Mechanical or Digital Chime
If you already have a wired doorbell chime installed, you might be able to use it with your Ring Doorbell—if it’s compatible.
Most older mechanical chimes work with Ring, but there’s a catch: your doorbell transformer must provide enough power.
Ring recommends a transformer with at least 16 volts AC and 20VA (volt-amperes). If your transformer is weaker (like 8V or 10V), the chime might not ring consistently—or at all.
To check your transformer:
- Turn off power at the breaker.
- Remove the cover of your existing doorbell chime.
- Look for a small metal box near the chime or in your electrical panel—that’s the transformer.
- Check the label for voltage and VA ratings.
If it’s 16V/20VA or higher, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll need to upgrade it (more on that later).
Digital chimes are trickier. Some work with Ring, but many require a constant power supply and don’t respond well to the brief voltage spike from a doorbell press. If your digital chime has a “mechanical mode” or is labeled as “doorbell-compatible,” it might work. Otherwise, consider one of the other options.
Option 2: Ring Chime (Plug-In Wireless Chime)
The Ring Chime is a standalone device that plugs into any standard wall outlet. It connects wirelessly to your Ring Doorbell via Wi-Fi and plays a chime when someone presses the button.
Pros:
- Easy to install—no wiring needed.
- Customizable sounds (over 40 options).
- Adjustable volume (great for large homes or hearing-impaired users).
- Works with battery-powered Ring Doorbells.
Cons:
- Requires Wi-Fi (may have delays if signal is weak).
- Needs to be within 100 feet of the doorbell (less through walls).
- Doesn’t extend Wi-Fi range.
The Ring Chime is ideal if you don’t have existing wiring or want a simple, plug-and-play solution.
Option 3: Ring Chime Pro (Wi-Fi Extender + Chime)
The Ring Chime Pro does everything the Ring Chime does—but with one major upgrade: it doubles as a Wi-Fi extender.
If your Ring Doorbell has a weak signal (common in homes with thick walls or long distances from the router), the Chime Pro can boost connectivity.
Pros:
- Extends Wi-Fi range for your doorbell.
- Improves video quality and reduces lag.
- Same customizable chimes and volume control.
- Plugs into an outlet near the doorbell for best results.
Cons:
- More expensive than the standard Ring Chime.
- Still requires Wi-Fi (won’t work offline).
If you’re dealing with connectivity issues, the Chime Pro is worth the investment.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Chime to Your Ring Doorbell
Now that you’ve chosen your chime, let’s get it installed. We’ll cover three scenarios:
- Using an existing mechanical chime with a wired Ring Doorbell.
- Installing the Ring Chime (wireless).
- Setting up the Ring Chime Pro (with Wi-Fi extension).
Scenario 1: Connecting Ring to an Existing Mechanical Chime
If you’re using a wired Ring Doorbell (like the Ring Doorbell Wired or Pro) and want to keep your old chime, follow these steps.
Step 1: Turn Off Power
Safety first! Go to your electrical panel and turn off the breaker that powers your doorbell. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the wires are dead before touching anything.
Step 2: Remove the Old Doorbell
Unscrew and remove your existing doorbell button. Disconnect the two wires (usually labeled “Front” and “Trans”) and cap them with wire nuts for now.
Step 3: Install the Ring Doorbell
Follow the Ring app’s on-screen instructions to install your Ring Doorbell. This typically involves:
- Mounting the bracket to the wall.
- Connecting the two wires to the terminals on the back of the Ring device.
- Securing the doorbell to the bracket.
Once installed, turn the power back on and test the doorbell in the app.
Step 4: Check Chime Compatibility
Open the Ring app and go to Device Settings > Doorbell > Chime. The app will run a diagnostic to see if your existing chime is compatible.
If it says “Compatible,” great! The chime should ring when you press the button.
If it says “Not Compatible,” you may need to:
- Upgrade your transformer (see below).
- Install a diode or resistor (advanced—see troubleshooting).
- Switch to a Ring Chime instead.
Step 5: Test the Chime
Press the doorbell button and listen. If the chime rings, you’re done! If not, move to the troubleshooting section.
Scenario 2: Installing the Ring Chime (Wireless)
The Ring Chime is the easiest option for most users—especially if you have a battery-powered Ring Doorbell.
Step 1: Plug In the Ring Chime
Find a wall outlet within 100 feet of your doorbell. Plug in the Ring Chime. The LED light will blink blue, indicating it’s in setup mode.
Step 2: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your phone. Tap the three-line menu (☰) and select Set Up a Device.
Choose Chime from the list.
Step 3: Follow the On-Screen Instructions
The app will guide you through:
- Connecting the Chime to your Wi-Fi network.
- Naming the Chime (e.g., “Front Door Chime”).
- Selecting a chime sound and volume level.
Once complete, the LED will turn solid green.
Step 4: Test the Chime
Press your Ring Doorbell button. The Chime should play the selected sound.
Tip: You can adjust the volume or change the sound anytime in the app under Device Settings > Chime.
Scenario 3: Setting Up the Ring Chime Pro
The Ring Chime Pro works like the Ring Chime but also extends your Wi-Fi.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Place the Chime Pro in an outlet between your router and your doorbell. This ensures it can boost the signal effectively.
Avoid outlets behind large appliances or in metal boxes.
Step 2: Plug In and Power On
Plug in the Chime Pro. The LED will blink blue.
Step 3: Set Up in the Ring App
Open the Ring app and go to Set Up a Device > Chime Pro.
The app will:
- Connect the Chime Pro to your Wi-Fi.
- Configure it as a Wi-Fi extender.
- Let you customize the chime sound and volume.
Note: The Chime Pro creates a new Wi-Fi network (e.g., “RingExtender_XXXX”). Your doorbell will connect to this network for better performance.
Step 4: Test Connectivity and Chime
Press the doorbell button. The Chime Pro should ring, and your doorbell should have a stronger signal.
Check the signal strength in the Ring app under Device Health.
Upgrading Your Transformer (If Needed)
If your existing chime isn’t working with Ring, the culprit is often the transformer.
Ring Doorbells need more power than traditional doorbells—especially when powering a chime.
How to Check Your Transformer
As mentioned earlier:
- Turn off power at the breaker.
- Locate the transformer (usually near the chime or in the electrical panel).
- Check the label for voltage (V) and VA (volt-amperes).
If it’s below 16V/20VA, you’ll need to upgrade.
How to Replace the Transformer
This is an electrical job—if you’re not comfortable working with wiring, hire a licensed electrician.
Steps:
- Turn off the main power at the breaker.
- Remove the old transformer.
- Install a new 16V/30VA transformer (available at hardware stores).
- Reconnect the wires.
- Turn power back on and test.
After upgrading, re-run the chime compatibility test in the Ring app.
Troubleshooting Common Chime Issues
Even with proper setup, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Chime Doesn’t Ring at All
Possible causes:
- No power: Check the breaker and transformer.
- Incompatible chime: Run the compatibility test in the app.
- Loose wiring: Ensure wires are securely connected at the doorbell and chime.
- Faulty chime: Test the chime with a traditional doorbell button.
Solution: Try the Ring Chime instead for a wireless fix.
Chime Rings Weakly or Intermittently
This usually means insufficient power.
Solution: Upgrade your transformer to 16V/30VA.
Ring Chime Doesn’t Connect to Wi-Fi
Possible causes:
- Weak signal at the outlet.
- Incorrect Wi-Fi password.
- Network congestion.
Solution: Move the Chime closer to the router or use the Chime Pro for better range.
Chime Sounds Delayed
Wi-Fi latency can cause delays with wireless chimes.
Solution: Use the Chime Pro to boost signal, or switch to a wired chime.
Chime Rings Randomly
This could be a wiring short or interference.
Solution: Check for loose wires, moisture, or nearby electronic devices causing interference.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Setup
- Label your wires: Before disconnecting anything, take a photo or label the wires to avoid confusion.
- Use a voltage tester: Never assume power is off—always test.
- Update your Ring app: New features and bug fixes are released regularly.
- Test in different rooms: Make sure the chime is loud enough throughout your home.
- Consider multiple chimes: Add a Ring Chime in the bedroom or basement for full coverage.
Conclusion
Adding a chime to your Ring Doorbell is a simple upgrade that makes a big difference. Whether you’re using your existing mechanical chime, a wireless Ring Chime, or the Wi-Fi-boosting Chime Pro, you’ll never miss a visitor again.
The key is choosing the right solution for your home and ensuring your wiring and power supply can handle it. With the steps in this guide, you’ll have a reliable, audible alert system in no time.
Remember: if you’re unsure about electrical work, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Safety always comes first.
Now go enjoy that satisfying “ding-dong” every time someone’s at your door!