This guide walks you through how to change alert tone on Ring Doorbell using the Ring app. You’ll learn to customize chimes, adjust volume, and troubleshoot common issues for a better smart home experience.
Key Takeaways
- Customize your alert tone: Choose from a variety of built-in chimes or upload your own sound to match your style.
- Use the Ring app: All tone changes are made through the Ring mobile app—no physical adjustments needed.
- Adjust volume and sensitivity: Fine-tune how loud and frequent your alerts are to avoid false alarms.
- Sync with Ring Chime or Chime Pro: Enhance your alert system with an optional chime device for louder, indoor notifications.
- Troubleshoot common issues: Fix problems like delayed tones, no sound, or app glitches with simple solutions.
- Test after changes: Always test your new alert tone to ensure it works properly before relying on it.
- Keep firmware updated: Regular updates improve performance and add new alert tone options over time.
How to Change Alert Tone on Ring Doorbell
If you’ve recently installed a Ring Doorbell or you’re just looking to personalize your smart home experience, changing the alert tone is a simple yet satisfying upgrade. Whether you want a cheerful chime, a classic doorbell sound, or something quirky like a barking dog or a musical tune, Ring gives you the flexibility to customize your alerts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to change alert tone on Ring Doorbell step by step, covering everything from basic settings to troubleshooting tips.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to access the Ring app, navigate to your device settings, select a new alert tone, adjust volume levels, and even sync your doorbell with a Ring Chime for enhanced sound. We’ll also cover common issues and how to fix them, so you can enjoy reliable, personalized notifications every time someone presses your doorbell.
Let’s get started!
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Alert Tone?
Before diving into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why you might want to change your alert tone in the first place. The default tone on most Ring Doorbells is functional but generic. Over time, it can become easy to ignore—especially if you have multiple smart devices in your home that all make similar sounds.
Changing your alert tone offers several benefits:
- Personalization: Match your doorbell sound to your home’s style or your personal taste. Love jazz? Choose a smooth saxophone chime. Prefer something fun? Try a cartoon-style “ding-dong.”
- Improved awareness: A unique or louder tone helps you notice when someone is at the door, especially if you’re in another room or wearing headphones.
- Reduced confusion: If you have multiple Ring devices (like a doorbell and a security camera), different tones help you identify which device triggered the alert.
- Enhanced security: A distinctive tone can act as a psychological deterrent—visitors know they’re being monitored, and you’re more likely to respond quickly.
Whether you’re upgrading for fun or function, customizing your alert tone is a quick way to make your Ring Doorbell feel more like *your* doorbell.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell (any model): This includes Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, Doorbell 3, Doorbell 4, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Pro 2, or Doorbell Wired.
- The Ring mobile app: Download it for free from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- A smartphone or tablet: You’ll use this to access the app and make changes.
- Wi-Fi connection: Your Ring Doorbell must be connected to Wi-Fi for the app to communicate with it.
- Ring account: You’ll need to log in with your existing Ring account or create one if you haven’t already.
Optional but helpful:
- Ring Chime or Chime Pro: These devices plug into your wall outlets and play louder, more customizable chimes inside your home. They’re especially useful if your doorbell is mounted far from living areas.
- Headphones or earbuds: Useful for testing tones without disturbing others.
Once you’ve confirmed you have everything, you’re ready to begin.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
The first step in changing your alert tone is launching the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet.
Launch the App
Find the Ring app icon on your device—it’s a white bell inside a blue circle. Tap it to open. If you haven’t used it in a while, it may take a moment to load.
Visual guide about How to Change Alert Tone on Ring Doorbell
Image source: png.pngtree.com
Log In to Your Account
If you’re not already logged in, enter your email address and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, tap “Forgot Password?” and follow the prompts to reset it.
Ensure Your Device Is Connected
Once logged in, you should see a dashboard with your Ring devices. Look for your doorbell—it should show as “Online.” If it says “Offline,” check your Wi-Fi connection or power source before proceeding.
Tip: Use the Latest App Version
Make sure your Ring app is up to date. Outdated versions may not support the latest features or alert tones. Go to your device’s app store, search for “Ring,” and tap “Update” if available.
Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings
Now that you’re in the app, it’s time to find the settings for your doorbell.
Select Your Doorbell
On the main dashboard, tap on the image or name of your Ring Doorbell. This will open the live view or event history screen.
Access Device Health
In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the gear icon (⚙️). This opens the Device Settings menu.
Find Alert Settings
Scroll down until you see a section labeled “Chime Settings” or “Alert Settings,” depending on your Ring model. Tap on it to proceed.
Note: Different Models, Slightly Different Menus
While the overall process is similar across Ring Doorbell models, the exact menu names may vary. For example:
- Ring Doorbell (1st gen): Look for “Chime Settings”
- Ring Doorbell Pro: Look for “Device Settings” > “Chime”
- Ring Doorbell Wired: Look for “Chime Settings” under Device Health
If you’re unsure, don’t worry—just look for anything related to “chime,” “alert,” or “sound.”
Step 3: Choose a New Alert Tone
This is the fun part—picking your new sound!
Browse Available Tones
Inside the Chime Settings menu, you’ll see a list of preloaded alert tones. These typically include options like:
- Classic Ding-Dong
- Modern Chime
- Wind Chimes
- Doorbell Buzz
- Gentle Bell
- Upbeat Melody
Tap on any tone to preview it. The app will play a short sample so you can hear how it sounds.
Select Your Favorite
Once you find a tone you like, tap the circle or checkmark next to it to select it. The app will automatically save your choice.
Tip: Try Before You Commit
Don’t rush! Play a few different tones and imagine hearing them in your home. Consider factors like:
- Volume: Is it loud enough to hear from the kitchen or backyard?
- Distinctiveness: Will you confuse it with other sounds (like a phone notification)?
- Mood: Does it match your home’s vibe—modern, cozy, playful?
Can You Upload Custom Tones?
As of now, Ring does not allow users to upload completely custom audio files (like a personal recording or MP3). However, the built-in library is regularly updated with new tones, and Ring often adds seasonal or themed chimes (e.g., holiday sounds in December).
If you really want a custom sound, consider using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, which offers more tone options and better sound quality.
Step 4: Adjust Volume and Sensitivity
Changing the tone is great, but if the volume is too low or too high, it won’t be effective. Let’s fine-tune it.
Set the Volume Level
In the same Chime Settings menu, look for a “Volume” slider. Drag it left to make the tone quieter or right to make it louder.
Recommended settings:
- Low (1-3): Good for small homes or quiet environments.
- Medium (4-6): Ideal for most households.
- High (7-10): Best for large homes, noisy areas, or if you’re hard of hearing.
Adjust Motion Sensitivity (Optional)
If your doorbell alerts you for motion (not just button presses), you may also want to adjust motion sensitivity to reduce false alarms.
To do this:
- Go back to the main Device Settings menu.
- Tap “Motion Settings.”
- Use the slider to set sensitivity from “Low” to “High.”
- Enable “Motion Schedules” if you only want alerts during certain hours.
Enable or Disable Silent Mode
Ring allows you to turn off alerts temporarily—useful during naps, meetings, or late at night.
To enable Silent Mode:
- Go to the main dashboard.
- Tap the “Silent Mode” toggle (usually at the top).
- Choose a duration: 15 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, or until you turn it off.
When Silent Mode is on, your doorbell will still record events, but you won’t hear any chimes.
Step 5: Sync with Ring Chime (Optional)
If you want louder, more customizable alerts inside your home, consider using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro.
What Is a Ring Chime?
A Ring Chime is a plug-in device that connects to your Wi-Fi and plays doorbell sounds through a built-in speaker. It’s especially helpful if your doorbell is mounted outside and hard to hear from inside.
How to Set It Up
If you already have a Chime:
- Plug it into a wall outlet.
- Open the Ring app.
- Go to “Devices” > “Add Device” > “Chime.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi.
- Once connected, go to your doorbell’s Chime Settings and select “Ring Chime” as the alert device.
Customize Chime Tones
Ring Chime offers even more tone options than the doorbell alone—up to 30+ sounds, including seasonal themes and fun effects.
To change the Chime tone:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap on your Chime device.
- Go to “Chime Settings” > “Chime Tone.”
- Select your preferred sound.
Use Chime Pro for Extended Range
If your home is large or has thick walls, consider the Ring Chime Pro. It doubles as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your Ring Doorbell’s signal while playing louder chimes.
Step 6: Test Your New Alert Tone
After making changes, it’s crucial to test your new alert tone to ensure it works properly.
Test the Button Press
Have someone press your doorbell button, or press it yourself if it’s safe to do so. Listen carefully to confirm:
- The correct tone plays.
- The volume is appropriate.
- You can hear it from key areas (e.g., kitchen, bedroom).
Test Motion Alerts (If Enabled)
Walk in front of your doorbell to trigger a motion alert. Make sure the tone plays and that you receive a notification on your phone.
Check Phone Notifications
Ensure your phone is receiving push notifications. If not, go to your phone’s settings > Notifications > Ring, and make sure alerts are enabled.
Tip: Use Headphones for Quiet Testing
If you’re testing late at night or don’t want to disturb others, plug in headphones and listen through the Ring app’s live view. You’ll hear the tone as it plays.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues when changing your Ring Doorbell alert tone.
Issue 1: No Sound After Changing Tone
Possible Causes:
- Volume is set to zero.
- Silent Mode is enabled.
- Device is offline.
- App glitch.
Solutions:
- Check the volume slider and increase it.
- Turn off Silent Mode in the app.
- Ensure your doorbell is online (green status light).
- Close and reopen the Ring app, or restart your phone.
Issue 2: Delayed or Missed Alerts
Possible Causes:
- Weak Wi-Fi signal.
- High motion sensitivity causing app lag.
- Phone battery saver mode.
Solutions:
- Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Lower motion sensitivity in the app.
- Disable battery optimization for the Ring app in your phone settings.
Issue 3: Tone Doesn’t Match Selection
Possible Causes:
- App hasn’t synced.
- Old tone is cached.
Solutions:
- Force-close the Ring app and reopen it.
- Restart your doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (for battery-powered models).
- For wired models, turn off the power at the breaker for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
Issue 4: Chime Doesn’t Play with Doorbell
Possible Causes:
- Chime isn’t paired.
- Chime is out of range.
- Chime volume is too low.
Solutions:
- Re-pair the Chime in the Ring app.
- Move the Chime closer to your router or use Chime Pro for better range.
- Increase the Chime volume in its settings.
Issue 5: App Crashes or Freezes
Possible Causes:
- Outdated app version.
- Phone storage is full.
- Software conflict.
Solutions:
- Update the Ring app from the app store.
- Clear app cache or reinstall the app.
- Restart your phone.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Alert Tone
Now that your alert tone is set, here are some pro tips to enhance your experience:
- Rotate tones seasonally: Switch to holiday sounds in December or spooky tones in October for fun.
- Use different tones for multiple doors: If you have a front and back doorbell, assign unique tones to each.
- Combine with smart lights: Pair your Ring Doorbell with Philips Hue or other smart lights that flash when the doorbell rings.
- Set up Alexa announcements: If you have an Echo device, enable “Announcements” so Alexa says “Someone is at the front door” when the button is pressed.
- Review event history: Check the Ring app’s event timeline to see if alerts are being triggered correctly.
Conclusion
Changing the alert tone on your Ring Doorbell is a simple but powerful way to personalize your smart home and improve your awareness of visitors. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can select a tone that fits your style, adjust the volume to your liking, and even enhance it with a Ring Chime for louder, clearer alerts.
Remember to test your new tone, keep your app updated, and troubleshoot any issues promptly. Whether you prefer a classic chime or something more playful, your Ring Doorbell can now sound exactly the way you want.
By following this guide, you’ve not only learned how to change alert tone on Ring Doorbell, but also how to optimize your entire alert system for better performance and peace of mind. Enjoy your customized doorbell experience—and never miss a visitor again!