Adding chimes to your Ring Doorbell enhances your home security by ensuring you never miss a visitor—even if your phone is off or out of reach. This guide walks you through setup, troubleshooting, and tips for the best experience.
Key Takeaways
- Chimes improve alert reliability: They provide audible alerts inside your home, even when your phone is silent or out of range.
- Multiple chime options available: You can use the Ring Chime, Ring Chime Pro, or third-party smart plugs with compatible devices.
- Easy setup via the Ring app: Most chimes connect in minutes using Wi-Fi and the Ring mobile application.
- Customizable sounds and volume: Choose from various tones and adjust volume to suit your household’s needs.
- Works with all Ring Doorbells: Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, or newer model, chimes are compatible.
- Chime Pro extends Wi-Fi range: The Ring Chime Pro doubles as a Wi-Fi extender, improving your doorbell’s connection.
- Troubleshooting is simple: Common issues like no sound or connection drops can usually be fixed with a few quick steps.
How to Add Chimes to Your Ring Doorbell
If you’ve ever missed a delivery because your phone was on silent—or worse, in another room—you’ll understand the value of a reliable doorbell chime. While Ring Doorbells send push notifications to your phone, adding a physical chime ensures you hear the alert no matter where you are in your home. Whether you’re in the basement, backyard, or deep in a work meeting, a chime gives you peace of mind.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to add chimes to your Ring Doorbell—from choosing the right device to setting it up and troubleshooting common issues. You’ll learn about the different types of chimes available, how to connect them using the Ring app, and tips to get the most out of your system. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional, customizable alert system that keeps your home secure and your family informed.
Let’s get started!
Why Add a Chime to Your Ring Doorbell?
Before diving into the setup, it’s helpful to understand why adding a chime is such a smart move. Ring Doorbells are excellent at capturing video and sending alerts, but they rely heavily on your smartphone. If your phone is off, in another room, or buried under a pile of laundry, you might miss important visitors—like delivery drivers, family members, or even potential intruders.
A chime solves this problem by providing a loud, clear sound inside your home. It acts as a secondary alert system, ensuring you’re notified even when your phone isn’t handy. Plus, many chimes offer customizable sounds and volume levels, so you can choose a tone that fits your home’s vibe.
Another benefit? Some chimes, like the Ring Chime Pro, also extend your Wi-Fi signal. This can improve your doorbell’s performance, especially if it’s located far from your router. In short, adding a chime isn’t just about sound—it’s about reliability, convenience, and better connectivity.
Types of Chimes You Can Use
Not all chimes are created equal. Ring offers a few official options, and there are also third-party alternatives that work well. Here’s a breakdown of your choices:
1. Ring Chime
The Ring Chime is the most popular option. It’s a small, plug-in device that connects to your Wi-Fi and pairs with your Ring Doorbell. When someone presses the button, the chime plays a sound in your home. It’s affordable, easy to set up, and comes with a variety of tones to choose from.
Visual guide about How to Add Chimes to Your Ring Doorbell
Image source: i.ytimg.com
2. Ring Chime Pro
The Ring Chime Pro does everything the regular Chime does—but with a major upgrade: it includes a built-in Wi-Fi extender. This is ideal if your Ring Doorbell is far from your router and suffers from weak signal. The Chime Pro boosts your network, improving video quality and reducing lag. It also has a louder speaker and more tone options.
3. Third-Party Smart Plugs with Chimes
If you’re on a budget or already own a smart plug, you can use it to power a traditional doorbell chime. For example, plug an old wired chime into a smart plug (like a TP-Link Kasa or Amazon Smart Plug), then connect the plug to your Ring system via the app. When the doorbell is pressed, the smart plug turns on, activating the chime. This is a creative workaround, but it may not be as reliable as a dedicated Ring chime.
4. Smart Speakers (Alexa Devices)
If you have an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot, you can use it as a chime. When someone rings your doorbell, Alexa can announce it with a voice alert or play a custom sound. This is free if you already own the device, but it requires your Echo to be powered on and within earshot.
Each option has pros and cons, so choose based on your needs, budget, and existing smart home setup.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin the setup process, make sure you have the following:
- Your Ring Doorbell: Any model (1, 2, 3, 4, Pro, etc.) will work.
- A Ring Chime or Chime Pro: Purchased new or already owned.
- A smartphone or tablet: With the Ring app installed and updated.
- Wi-Fi network: 2.4 GHz is required for most chimes (5 GHz is not supported by Ring Chime or Chime Pro).
- A power outlet: Near where you want to place the chime (usually in a central location like a hallway or living room).
- Your Ring account login: Make sure you know your email and password.
Having these items ready will make the setup process smooth and stress-free.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Ring Chime
Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through the process of adding a Ring Chime to your doorbell. We’ll use the standard Ring Chime for this example, but the steps are nearly identical for the Chime Pro.
Step 1: Plug in the Chime
Find a power outlet in a central area of your home—somewhere you’ll easily hear it. Plug in your Ring Chime. The LED light on the front will begin to flash blue, indicating it’s in setup mode.
Step 2: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account linked to your Ring Doorbell.
Step 3: Add a New Device
Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner. Select “Devices” from the menu, then tap the “+” (plus) button to add a new device.
Step 4: Select “Chime”
Scroll through the list of devices and tap “Chime” or “Chime Pro,” depending on which one you’re setting up. The app will guide you through the next steps.
Step 5: Follow the On-Screen Instructions
The app will ask you to confirm that the chime’s LED is flashing blue. Tap “Yes” to continue. Then, it will search for the device on your Wi-Fi network.
Step 6: Connect to Wi-Fi
Select your home Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your password. Make sure you’re using the 2.4 GHz band—Ring chimes don’t support 5 GHz. If your router broadcasts both bands under the same name, you may need to temporarily disable the 5 GHz band or rename the networks to distinguish them.
Step 7: Name Your Chime
Give your chime a name, like “Living Room Chime” or “Front Door Alert.” This helps if you plan to add multiple chimes later.
Step 8: Test the Chime
The app will prompt you to test the chime. Tap “Test Chime” and listen for the sound. If you hear it, great! If not, check the volume settings or try a different outlet.
Step 9: Link to Your Doorbell
The app will ask if you want to link the chime to your Ring Doorbell. Tap “Yes” and select the doorbell you want to connect. You can link multiple doorbells to one chime, or one doorbell to multiple chimes.
Step 10: Customize Settings (Optional)
Once connected, you can customize the chime’s sound, volume, and behavior. Go to the chime’s settings in the app to choose from tones like “Classic,” “Ding Dong,” or “Gentle Chime.” You can also adjust the volume from low to high.
That’s it! Your Ring Chime is now active and will sound whenever someone presses your doorbell.
How to Add a Ring Chime Pro
The Ring Chime Pro follows a similar setup process, but with a few extra steps due to its Wi-Fi extender feature. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Plug in the Chime Pro
Plug the Chime Pro into a power outlet near your router—ideally within 10–15 feet. This ensures it can effectively extend your Wi-Fi signal to your doorbell.
Step 2: Open the Ring App
Launch the app and go to the menu. Tap “Devices,” then “+” to add a new device.
Step 3: Select “Chime Pro”
Choose “Chime Pro” from the list and follow the on-screen prompts.
Step 4: Connect to Wi-Fi
Select your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The Chime Pro will connect and begin boosting your signal.
Step 5: Test the Connection
The app will test the connection between the Chime Pro and your doorbell. If the signal improves, you’ll see a notification confirming the boost.
Step 6: Link to Your Doorbell
Link the Chime Pro to your Ring Doorbell just like you would with a regular Chime. You can also link multiple doorbells if needed.
Step 7: Customize Settings
Adjust the chime sound, volume, and notification preferences in the app. The Chime Pro offers more tone options and louder output than the standard Chime.
With the Chime Pro, you not only get better alerts—you also improve your doorbell’s performance, especially in larger homes or areas with weak Wi-Fi.
Using Third-Party Smart Plugs as Chimes
If you don’t want to buy a Ring Chime, you can use a smart plug to power a traditional doorbell chime. Here’s how:
Step 1: Get a Compatible Smart Plug
Choose a smart plug that works with Alexa or Google Assistant, such as the TP-Link Kasa or Amazon Smart Plug.
Step 2: Plug in the Chime
Plug your old wired doorbell chime into the smart plug, then plug the smart plug into a wall outlet.
Step 3: Set Up the Smart Plug
Use the manufacturer’s app (e.g., Kasa or Alexa) to connect the smart plug to your Wi-Fi.
Step 4: Link to Ring via Alexa
If you have an Alexa device, open the Alexa app and enable the Ring skill. Link your Ring account, then create a routine: “When Ring Doorbell is pressed, turn on [Smart Plug Name].”
Step 5: Test the Setup
Press your Ring Doorbell and see if the chime sounds. If it doesn’t, check the routine settings or try a different chime.
This method is cost-effective but less reliable than a dedicated Ring chime. It also requires an Alexa device and may have a slight delay.
Using Alexa Devices as Chimes
If you already own an Amazon Echo, you can use it as a chime—no extra purchase needed.
Step 1: Enable the Ring Skill
Open the Alexa app, go to “Skills & Games,” search for “Ring,” and enable the skill. Link your Ring account.
Step 2: Set Up Announcements
Go to “Devices” > “Echo & Alexa” > select your device. Under “Doorbell Press,” choose “Announce” or “Play Sound.”
Step 3: Choose a Sound
Select a tone or voice announcement. You can even record a custom message like “Someone’s at the front door!”
Step 4: Test It
Press your Ring Doorbell and listen for the announcement on your Echo.
This is a great free option, but remember: your Echo must be powered on and within earshot.
Customizing Your Chime Settings
Once your chime is set up, you can personalize it to fit your lifestyle.
Change the Chime Sound
In the Ring app, go to your chime’s settings and tap “Chime Tones.” Choose from options like “Classic,” “Ding Dong,” “Gentle Chime,” or “Holiday Tones” (seasonal options appear during holidays).
Adjust the Volume
Use the volume slider to set the loudness. If you have hearing concerns or live in a noisy home, set it to high. For quieter environments, medium or low may be better.
Set Do Not Disturb Hours
Avoid late-night disruptions by setting “Do Not Disturb” hours. The chime won’t sound during these times, but you’ll still get phone notifications.
Link Multiple Doorbells
If you have more than one Ring Doorbell (e.g., front and back), you can link them all to the same chime. Just go to the chime’s settings and add each doorbell.
Add Multiple Chimes
You can have more than one chime in different rooms. For example, place one in the kitchen and another in the bedroom. Each will sound when the doorbell is pressed.
Customization makes your system more useful and less annoying—especially if you have a busy household.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Chime Doesn’t Sound
- Check the power: Make sure the chime is plugged in and the outlet is working.
- Test the volume: Increase the volume in the app or try a different tone.
- Restart the chime: Unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Re-link the doorbell: Go to the chime’s settings and re-link it to your doorbell.
Chime Sounds Delayed
- Check Wi-Fi signal: Weak signal can cause delays. Move the chime closer to the router or use a Chime Pro to extend coverage.
- Reduce interference: Keep the chime away from microwaves, cordless phones, or other devices that interfere with Wi-Fi.
Chime Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
- Use 2.4 GHz only: Ring chimes don’t support 5 GHz. Make sure your network is on the correct band.
- Reset the chime: Hold the setup button for 15 seconds until the LED flashes blue, then try again.
- Update the app: Make sure the Ring app is up to date.
Chime Pro Not Boosting Signal
- Place it correctly: The Chime Pro should be within range of your router but closer to your doorbell.
- Check signal strength: Use the Ring app’s “Device Health” feature to see if the signal improved.
Alexa Not Announcing Doorbell
- Check the routine: Make sure the Alexa routine is enabled and linked to the correct smart plug or announcement.
- Test manually: Try triggering the routine from the Alexa app to see if it works.
Most issues can be resolved with a few simple steps. If problems persist, contact Ring Support for help.
Tips for the Best Experience
To get the most out of your chime setup, keep these tips in mind:
- Place chimes strategically: Put them in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, or near bedrooms.
- Use multiple chimes: If your home is large, consider adding a chime on each floor.
- Keep firmware updated: Ring regularly releases updates that improve performance and security.
- Test regularly: Press your doorbell once a week to ensure everything is working.
- Use Do Not Disturb wisely: Set it for late nights, but avoid turning it off during the day if you’re home.
- Combine with motion alerts: Some chimes can also sound when motion is detected—great for added security.
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your system reliable.
Conclusion
Adding chimes to your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful upgrade that enhances your home’s security and convenience. Whether you choose the Ring Chime, Chime Pro, a smart plug, or an Alexa device, you’ll enjoy louder, more reliable alerts that keep you connected to your front door—no matter where you are in the house.
The setup process is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive Ring app, and customization options let you tailor the experience to your needs. Plus, with troubleshooting tips and smart placement, you can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy seamless performance.
So don’t wait for the next missed delivery or unexpected visitor. Take a few minutes today to add chimes to your Ring Doorbell and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with never missing a ring again.