Adding a Ring Chime to your Ring Doorbell enhances your home security by providing loud, customizable indoor alerts. This guide walks you through setup, pairing, and troubleshooting so you never miss a visitor again.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Chime extends doorbell alerts: It plays customizable sounds inside your home when someone rings your Ring Doorbell, even if your phone is on silent.
- Easy setup via the Ring app: The entire process—from unboxing to syncing—takes under 15 minutes using the official Ring mobile app.
- Works with most Ring Doorbells: Compatible with Ring Video Doorbell (1st–4th Gen), Ring Doorbell Pro, Pro 2, Elite, and Battery models.
- Customize chime sounds and volume: Choose from 8 built-in tones and adjust volume levels to suit your household’s needs.
- Optional Chime Pro boosts Wi-Fi: If you have weak signal at your doorbell, Chime Pro doubles as a Wi-Fi extender for stronger connectivity.
- Troubleshooting is straightforward: Common issues like sync failures or no sound can usually be fixed with a reset or app refresh.
- No wiring required for standard Chime: Simply plug it into any standard outlet—no electrician needed.
How to Add Ring Chime to Ring Doorbell
If you’ve ever missed a delivery because your phone was on silent—or worse, didn’t hear your Ring Doorbell ring at all—you’re not alone. That’s where the Ring Chime comes in. This handy accessory plugs into any standard wall outlet and plays a loud, clear chime whenever someone presses your Ring Doorbell. Whether you’re in the basement, backyard, or wearing noise-canceling headphones, the Ring Chime ensures you never miss a visitor.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to add Ring Chime to Ring Doorbell—step by step. We’ll cover everything from checking compatibility and unboxing your device to pairing it with your doorbell, customizing settings, and solving common problems. By the end, you’ll have a fully integrated system that boosts both convenience and home security.
Best of all? You don’t need to be a tech expert. The process is designed for everyday users, takes less than 15 minutes, and requires no special tools or wiring (unless you’re using the Chime Pro model). Let’s get started!
What Is Ring Chime and Why Do You Need It?
Visual guide about How to Add Ring Chime to Ring Doorbell
Image source: i0.wp.com
Before diving into the setup, let’s clarify what the Ring Chime actually does—and why it’s worth adding to your existing Ring Doorbell system.
The Ring Chime is a smart indoor chime that connects wirelessly to your Ring Doorbell via your home Wi-Fi network. When someone presses the doorbell button, the Chime emits an audible alert inside your home. Unlike relying solely on your smartphone notifications (which can be silenced or missed), the Chime provides a physical, room-filling sound that grabs your attention.
There are two models:
– **Ring Chime**: A basic plug-in chime that plays customizable tones.
– **Ring Chime Pro**: Includes all Chime features plus a built-in Wi-Fi extender to boost your doorbell’s signal.
You might want to add a Ring Chime if:
– You frequently miss doorbell rings because your phone is out of reach or on silent.
– You live in a large home where the doorbell sound doesn’t carry well.
– You have hearing impairments or prefer louder, more distinct alerts.
– Your current doorbell doesn’t have a traditional chime box (common with battery-powered Ring models).
Adding a Chime doesn’t replace your existing doorbell—it complements it. You’ll still receive mobile notifications, live video feeds, and two-way audio through the Ring app. The Chime simply adds another layer of awareness, making your smart doorbell even smarter.
Check Compatibility Before You Begin
Not every doorbell works with every Chime—but the good news is that most Ring Doorbells are compatible. Here’s a quick rundown:
✅ **Compatible Ring Doorbells**:
– Ring Video Doorbell (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Gen)
– Ring Doorbell Pro
– Ring Doorbell Pro 2
– Ring Doorbell Elite
– Ring Battery Doorbell (2023 model)
❌ **Not Compatible**:
– Older non-Ring doorbells (even if they look similar)
– Third-party smart doorbells (e.g., Nest, Arlo)
If you’re unsure which model you have, open the Ring app, tap the three-line menu (☰), select “Devices,” and tap your doorbell. The model name will appear at the top.
Also, ensure your Ring Chime is the right version:
– **Ring Chime (2nd Gen)**: Released in 2021, works with all compatible doorbells above.
– **Ring Chime Pro (2nd Gen)**: Same as above, but includes Wi-Fi extension.
Both models require a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (they don’t support 5 GHz-only networks). Most modern routers broadcast both bands, so this shouldn’t be an issue—but if your Wi-Fi is 5 GHz only, you’ll need to enable the 2.4 GHz band in your router settings.
What You’ll Need for Setup
Gather these items before starting:
– Your Ring Chime (or Chime Pro) device
– The included power adapter and USB cable (for initial setup)
– A smartphone or tablet with the latest version of the Ring app (iOS 13+ or Android 8.0+)
– Your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password
– Access to a standard wall outlet near where you want the chime to sound
Optional but helpful:
– A second person to help hold the device during setup
– A ladder (if mounting Chime Pro outdoors or high up)
Pro Tip: Place the Chime in a central location—like a hallway or living room—where the sound will carry throughout your home. Avoid placing it behind furniture or in closets, as this can muffle the alert.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Ring Chime to Ring Doorbell
Now for the main event! Follow these steps carefully to pair your Ring Chime with your Ring Doorbell.
Step 1: Download and Open the Ring App
If you haven’t already, download the free Ring app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Log in with your Ring account credentials. If you don’t have an account, create one—it’s free and only takes a minute.
Once logged in, you should see your Ring Doorbell listed under “Devices.” If not, make sure your doorbell is properly set up and connected to Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Plug In Your Ring Chime
Take your Ring Chime out of the box and plug it directly into a standard wall outlet. Don’t use an extension cord or power strip—this can interfere with the setup process.
When powered on, the LED light on the front of the Chime will flash white. This means it’s in setup mode and ready to be paired.
Note: If you’re using a Ring Chime Pro, it has a slightly different design with an Ethernet port and antenna. Still plug it into an outlet, but avoid placing it too close to your router—ideally, position it halfway between your router and your doorbell for optimal Wi-Fi extension.
Step 3: Add the Chime in the Ring App
In the Ring app:
1. Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner.
2. Select “Set Up a Device.”
3. Choose “Doorbells & Doorbells” from the list.
4. Tap “Ring Chime” (or “Ring Chime Pro”).
5. The app will ask if your Chime is plugged in and flashing white. Confirm “Yes.”
The app will now search for your Chime. This may take 10–30 seconds. Once found, it will appear on your screen with a prompt to continue.
Step 4: Connect Chime to Your Wi-Fi Network
Next, the app will ask you to select your home Wi-Fi network from a list of available networks. Choose the same 2.4 GHz network that your Ring Doorbell is connected to.
Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully—typos are a common cause of setup failure. The app will attempt to connect your Chime to the network. This step may take up to a minute.
If successful, the Chime’s LED will turn solid white, and the app will confirm connection.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the app can’t find your network, move closer to your router or temporarily disable any VPNs or network security apps on your phone.
Step 5: Name Your Chime and Choose a Location
Give your Chime a descriptive name, like “Front Door Chime” or “Kitchen Chime.” This helps if you plan to add multiple Chimes later.
Then, select the room where you’ve placed the Chime (e.g., Living Room, Hallway). This isn’t critical for function but helps organize devices in the app.
Step 6: Pair Chime with Your Ring Doorbell
This is the crucial step—linking your Chime to your specific doorbell.
In the app:
1. Tap “Link to a Doorbell.”
2. Select your Ring Doorbell from the list.
3. Confirm the pairing.
The app will send a signal to your doorbell and Chime to sync them. You’ll hear a test chime play from the device—this confirms the link is successful!
If you don’t hear the test sound, don’t panic. We’ll cover fixes in the troubleshooting section below.
Step 7: Customize Your Chime Settings
Now that your Chime is connected, personalize it to fit your lifestyle:
– **Chime Sound**: Choose from 8 built-in tones (Classic, Westminster, Ding Dong, etc.). Tap each to preview.
– **Volume**: Adjust from low (great for naptime) to high (perfect for noisy households).
– **Do Not Disturb Mode**: Set quiet hours (e.g., 10 PM–7 AM) so the Chime won’t disturb sleep.
– **Motion Alerts**: Optionally enable chimes for motion detection (not just doorbell presses).
To access these settings later, go to the Ring app > Devices > Your Chime > Device Settings.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple Ring Doorbells (e.g., front and back), you can assign different chime sounds to each—so you always know which door someone’s at!
Using Ring Chime Pro as a Wi-Fi Extender
If you opted for the Ring Chime Pro, you’re getting bonus functionality: improved Wi-Fi coverage for your doorbell.
The Chime Pro automatically extends your existing Wi-Fi network, creating a stronger signal path between your router and your Ring Doorbell. This is especially useful if:
– Your doorbell frequently disconnects.
– Live view takes too long to load.
– You get “weak signal” warnings in the app.
To maximize effectiveness:
– Place the Chime Pro within 30–50 feet of your doorbell.
– Avoid metal objects, thick walls, or appliances that emit interference (like microwaves).
– Don’t daisy-chain multiple extenders—one Chime Pro is usually sufficient.
The Chime Pro uses the same network name (SSID) as your main router, so your doorbell seamlessly switches between them without manual reconnection.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with perfect setup, hiccups can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:
Chime Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
– Ensure you’re using a 2.4 GHz network (not 5 GHz-only).
– Move closer to your router during setup.
– Restart your router and try again.
– Reset the Chime by holding the setup button (small pinhole on the side) for 15 seconds until the LED flashes red, then retry setup.
No Sound When Doorbell Rings
– Check that the Chime isn’t in Do Not Disturb mode.
– Verify volume is turned up in the app.
– Ensure the Chime is still linked to your doorbell (go to Device Settings > Linked Devices).
– Test the chime manually in the app: Devices > Your Chime > Test Chime.
Chime Sounds Delayed or Choppy
– This usually indicates Wi-Fi congestion. Try rebooting your router.
– If using Chime Pro, reposition it closer to the doorbell.
– Reduce the number of devices on your network during peak hours.
App Says “Device Offline”
– Unplug the Chime for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
– Check if your Wi-Fi is working for other devices.
– Update the Ring app to the latest version.
Can’t Find Chime During Setup
– Make sure the Chime is plugged directly into an outlet (not a power strip).
– Ensure the LED is flashing white (if solid or off, reset it).
– Close and reopen the Ring app, or restart your phone.
If none of these work, contact Ring Support through the app (Menu > Help & Feedback) or visit support.ring.com.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Chime
Now that your Chime is up and running, here are some pro tips to enhance your experience:
– **Add Multiple Chimes**: You can link up to 5 Chimes to one doorbell—perfect for large homes or multi-level apartments.
– **Use Different Tones for Different Doors**: If you have a front and back doorbell, assign unique chime sounds so you know where the visitor is.
– **Combine with Alexa**: Enable the Ring Skill in the Alexa app to get voice announcements like “Someone is at the front door” through your Echo devices.
– **Keep Firmware Updated**: The Ring app automatically updates Chime firmware, but check occasionally under Device Health to ensure you’re on the latest version.
– **Clean the Speaker Grille**: Dust can muffle sound. Gently wipe the front with a dry cloth every few months.
Conclusion
Adding a Ring Chime to your Ring Doorbell is one of the simplest yet most effective upgrades you can make to your home security setup. In under 15 minutes, you’ll transform your smart doorbell from a silent watcher into an attentive guardian that alerts you—no matter where you are in the house.
From unboxing and plugging in to customizing tones and troubleshooting glitches, this guide has walked you through every step. Remember: compatibility is key, placement matters, and the Ring app is your best friend during setup.
With your new Chime active, you’ll never miss a package, guest, or unexpected visitor again. Plus, if you chose the Chime Pro, you’ve also boosted your doorbell’s Wi-Fi reliability—a win-win for peace of mind and performance.
So go ahead—plug in that Chime, pair it with your doorbell, and enjoy the satisfying “ding-dong” that means someone’s at your door. Your future self (and your packages) will thank you.