Changing alerts on your Ring Doorbell helps you stay informed without constant interruptions. This guide walks you through customizing motion zones, chime settings, and push notifications so you only get alerts that matter.
Key Takeaways
- Customize Motion Zones: Reduce false alerts by setting specific areas your Ring Doorbell monitors for movement.
- Adjust Chime Settings: Control whether your indoor chime rings for doorbell presses or motion events.
- Manage Push Notifications: Choose which devices receive alerts and how often you’re notified.
- Use Smart Alerts (if available): Enable person, package, or vehicle detection to get more relevant notifications.
- Schedule Do Not Disturb Mode: Silence alerts during specific times like nighttime or work hours.
- Update Firmware Regularly: Ensure your Ring Doorbell has the latest features and bug fixes for optimal alert performance.
- Troubleshoot Common Issues: Learn how to fix delayed, missing, or duplicate alerts with simple steps.
How to Change Alerts on Ring Doorbell
If you’ve ever been woken up by a Ring Doorbell alert from a passing car or annoyed by constant notifications from leaves blowing in the wind, you’re not alone. One of the most powerful—and often underused—features of the Ring Doorbell is the ability to customize your alerts. Whether you want to reduce false alarms, silence your chime at night, or get smarter notifications about people and packages, learning how to change alerts on Ring Doorbell can dramatically improve your experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of customizing your Ring Doorbell alerts. You’ll learn how to adjust motion zones, tweak chime settings, manage push notifications, use smart detection features, and even schedule quiet hours. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips for common alert issues and explain how firmware updates can keep your device running smoothly.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have full control over when, how, and why your Ring Doorbell sends alerts—so you stay informed without the noise.
Understanding Ring Doorbell Alert Types
Visual guide about How to Change Alerts on Ring Doorbell
Image source: static.ring.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand the different types of alerts your Ring Doorbell can send. Knowing the difference helps you make smarter choices when customizing your settings.
Your Ring Doorbell can trigger three main types of alerts:
- Motion Alerts: These are triggered when the camera detects movement in its field of view. You can customize sensitivity and define specific zones to monitor.
- Doorbell Press Alerts: These occur when someone presses the physical button on your doorbell. They can trigger both a chime inside your home and a push notification on your phone.
- Smart Alerts (Advanced Models): If you have a Ring Doorbell with advanced features (like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Elite, or newer models), you may have access to smart detection. This allows the device to distinguish between people, packages, vehicles, and animals—so you only get notified about what matters.
Each of these alert types can be customized independently, giving you granular control over your notifications. For example, you might want to receive a chime every time someone rings the doorbell but only get a phone notification for motion if it’s a person—not a squirrel.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
The first step to changing any alert setting is opening the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. The app is available for both iOS and Android and is the central hub for managing all your Ring devices.
Download or Update the App
If you haven’t already, download the Ring app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Make sure you’re using the latest version—updates often include new features and bug fixes that improve alert functionality.
Once installed, log in with your Ring account credentials. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” link to reset it.
Navigate to Your Device
After logging in, you’ll see a dashboard with all your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to adjust. If you have multiple Ring devices (like a doorbell and security cameras), make sure you select the correct one.
You’ll now be in the device’s live view or event history screen. Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner—this is the settings menu. Tap it to access all customization options.
Step 2: Customize Motion Alerts
Motion alerts are one of the most frequently adjusted settings because they’re prone to false triggers. A passing car, a tree branch swaying, or even a shadow can set off an alert if your settings aren’t optimized.
Access Motion Settings
In the device settings menu, scroll down and tap on Motion Settings. Here, you’ll find several options to fine-tune how your doorbell detects and reports motion.
Adjust Motion Sensitivity
The first setting you’ll see is Motion Sensitivity. This controls how easily the camera detects movement. It’s usually set to a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high).
- Low Sensitivity (1–3): Best for areas with lots of background movement (like trees or busy streets). Reduces false alerts but might miss subtle motion.
- Medium Sensitivity (4–6): A balanced setting for most homes. Good for driveways and front yards.
- High Sensitivity (7–10): Ideal for quiet areas where you want to catch every movement. May trigger more false alerts.
Start with a medium setting and adjust based on your experience. If you’re getting too many alerts, lower the sensitivity. If you’re missing important events, increase it.
Set Up Motion Zones
One of the most effective ways to reduce false alerts is by creating custom motion zones. These are specific areas within the camera’s view that you want to monitor—while ignoring others.
To set up motion zones:
- Tap Motion Zones under Motion Settings.
- You’ll see a live preview of your camera’s view with a grid overlay.
- Tap and drag to draw zones where you want motion detection. For example, draw a zone covering your front walkway and driveway, but exclude the street or sidewalk.
- You can create up to three zones per device.
- Toggle each zone on or off as needed.
Pro Tip: Name your zones (e.g., “Front Walk,” “Driveway”) to make it easier to manage them later.
Enable or Disable Motion Alerts
If you only want alerts for doorbell presses and not motion, you can turn off motion alerts entirely.
In the Motion Settings menu, toggle off Motion Alerts. This will stop all motion-based notifications, but your camera will still record events if motion is detected (depending on your recording settings).
Alternatively, you can leave motion alerts on but use smart detection (if available) to filter out non-human movement.
Step 3: Adjust Chime Settings
The Ring Chime (or built-in chime in some models) is the indoor sound that plays when someone rings your doorbell. You can control whether it rings, how loud it is, and even what sound it plays.
Connect Your Chime (If Using a Separate Device)
If you’re using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, make sure it’s connected to your doorbell. In the Ring app, go to Devices, select your Chime, and follow the setup instructions to pair it with your doorbell.
Customize Chime Behavior
In your doorbell’s settings, tap Chime Settings. Here, you can:
- Enable or Disable the Chime: Toggle the chime on or off. Useful if you don’t want noise during certain times.
- Adjust Volume: Set the chime volume from low to high. Great for large homes or if you have hearing concerns.
- Choose a Chime Sound: Select from a variety of tones, from classic doorbell chimes to fun sounds like a barking dog or a melody.
- Set Chime Duration: Choose how long the chime plays (e.g., 1 second, 3 seconds).
Example: If you have a baby who naps during the day, you might lower the chime volume or switch to a softer tone to avoid waking them.
Link Chime to Motion Alerts (Optional)
Some Ring models allow you to link your chime to motion alerts—so it rings not just when the doorbell is pressed, but also when motion is detected.
To enable this:
- Go to Chime Settings.
- Toggle on Chime on Motion.
- Choose whether the chime plays for all motion or only smart detections (like people).
Use this feature sparingly, as it can lead to frequent indoor noise.
Step 4: Manage Push Notifications
Push notifications are alerts that appear on your phone or tablet when your Ring Doorbell detects activity. You can control which devices receive them, how often, and what type of activity triggers them.
Access Notification Settings
In the Ring app, go to the main menu (tap the three lines in the top-left corner) and select Control Center. Then tap Notifications.
Here, you’ll see a list of all your Ring devices. Tap on your doorbell to customize its notification settings.
Choose Notification Types
You can enable or disable notifications for:
- Motion Events
- Doorbell Presses
- Smart Alerts (Person, Package, Vehicle, etc.)
For each type, you can choose:
- All Devices: Send alerts to every device linked to your account.
- Selected Devices: Choose specific phones or tablets (e.g., only your phone, not your partner’s).
- None: Turn off notifications for that event type.
Example: You might want your phone to get all alerts, but your tablet (used as a home hub) to only receive doorbell presses.
Set Notification Frequency
To avoid notification overload, Ring allows you to set a “quiet period” between alerts. For example, if motion is detected repeatedly, you can set it so you only get one notification every 5 minutes.
To adjust this:
- In the notification settings, tap Alert Frequency.
- Choose from options like “Immediate,” “Every 2 Minutes,” “Every 5 Minutes,” etc.
This is especially useful in high-traffic areas or during events like package deliveries.
Step 5: Use Smart Alerts (If Available)
If your Ring Doorbell supports advanced features (like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Elite, or newer models with Ring Edge), you can enable smart alerts. These use AI to distinguish between people, packages, vehicles, and animals.
Enable Smart Detection
In your doorbell’s settings, look for Smart Alerts or Advanced Motion Detection. Toggle it on.
You’ll then see options to enable:
- Person Detection
- Package Detection
- Vehicle Detection
- Animal Detection
You can choose which types of alerts you want to receive. For example, you might want to be notified only when a person or package is detected—ignoring cars and animals.
Set Up Package Alerts
Package detection is a game-changer for online shoppers. When enabled, your Ring Doorbell will notify you when a delivery person leaves a package at your door.
To set it up:
- Enable Package Detection in Smart Alerts.
- Define a “package zone”—an area where packages are typically left (like your front step).
- Set how long the camera should wait before confirming a package (e.g., 10 seconds to avoid false triggers from people just walking by).
You’ll receive a notification with a photo of the package, so you know it’s safe.
Step 6: Schedule Do Not Disturb Mode
Sometimes, you just need peace and quiet—especially at night or during work hours. Ring’s Do Not Disturb mode lets you silence all alerts during specific times.
Enable Do Not Disturb
In the Ring app, go to Control Center > Do Not Disturb.
Toggle it on and set a schedule:
- Start Time: When you want alerts to stop (e.g., 10:00 PM).
- End Time: When you want alerts to resume (e.g., 7:00 AM).
- Repeat: Choose which days the schedule applies (e.g., every day, weekdays only).
You can also enable “Allow Doorbell Press” so the chime still rings if someone presses the button—even during quiet hours.
Use Quick Actions
For temporary silence (like during a party or nap), use the Quick Actions feature:
- Swipe down from the top of your phone screen to open the notification panel.
- Tap the Ring widget or shortcut.
- Select “Do Not Disturb” for 1 hour, 2 hours, or until you turn it off.
This is perfect for short-term quiet without changing your schedule.
Step 7: Update Firmware for Better Performance
Outdated firmware can cause delayed alerts, missed notifications, or glitches in detection. Ring regularly releases updates to improve performance and add new features.
Check for Updates
In the Ring app, go to your doorbell’s settings and look for Device Health. Tap it to see the current firmware version.
If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt to install it. Make sure your doorbell is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery (if battery-powered) before updating.
Enable Auto-Updates (Recommended)
To ensure you always have the latest features, enable automatic updates:
- In Device Health, toggle on Auto-Update Firmware.
- Your device will download and install updates overnight when it’s idle.
This keeps your alerts running smoothly without manual intervention.
Troubleshooting Common Alert Issues
Even with perfect settings, you might run into alert problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Alerts Are Delayed or Missing
If you’re not getting alerts in real time:
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: A weak connection can delay notifications. Use the Ring app’s Device Health to check signal strength. Consider a Wi-Fi extender or Ring Chime Pro (which boosts signal).
- Restart the App: Close and reopen the Ring app. Sometimes a simple refresh fixes notification glitches.
- Check Phone Settings: Make sure Ring has permission to send notifications. Go to your phone’s Settings > Notifications > Ring and ensure alerts are enabled.
Too Many False Alerts
If your doorbell is alerting you constantly:
- Lower Motion Sensitivity: Reduce the sensitivity level in Motion Settings.
- Narrow Motion Zones: Exclude areas with frequent movement (like trees or streets).
- Use Smart Alerts: Enable person-only detection to ignore animals and vehicles.
- Adjust Camera Angle: Tilt the camera slightly downward to focus on the walkway, not the sky or distant movement.
Chime Isn’t Working
If your indoor chime isn’t ringing:
- Check Power: Ensure the chime is plugged in and receiving power.
- Re-pair the Chime: In the Ring app, go to Chime Settings and tap “Reconnect.”
- Test the Chime: Use the “Test Chime” button in the app to see if it’s functioning.
- Check Volume: Make sure the chime volume isn’t set to zero.
Duplicate or Spam Notifications
If you’re getting multiple alerts for the same event:
- Adjust Alert Frequency: Increase the time between notifications (e.g., every 5 minutes instead of immediate).
- Disable Redundant Devices: Make sure only one device is set to receive alerts for each event type.
- Update the App: Older app versions can cause notification loops.
Best Practices for Alert Management
To get the most out of your Ring Doorbell alerts, follow these best practices:
- Review Alerts Weekly: Spend a few minutes each week checking your event history and adjusting settings based on what’s working (or not).
- Use Zones Wisely: Don’t create too many motion zones—stick to 1–2 key areas to avoid confusion.
- Test After Changes: After adjusting settings, test them by walking in front of the camera or pressing the doorbell.
- Involve Household Members: Make sure everyone in your home knows how alerts work and how to silence them if needed.
- Keep the App Updated: Regular app updates ensure compatibility and access to new features.
Conclusion
Changing alerts on your Ring Doorbell isn’t just about reducing noise—it’s about taking control of your home security. By customizing motion zones, adjusting chime settings, managing push notifications, and using smart detection, you can ensure you’re only alerted when it truly matters.
Whether you’re trying to avoid false alarms from passing cars, get notified when a package arrives, or enjoy a quiet night without interruptions, the Ring app puts all the tools you need at your fingertips.
Remember, the best alert settings are the ones that fit your lifestyle. Take the time to experiment, review your events, and tweak your preferences. With a little setup, your Ring Doorbell can become a smarter, more helpful part of your daily routine.
So go ahead—open the app, dive into the settings, and start customizing. Your future self (and your peace of mind) will thank you.