Changing the chime on your Ring Doorbell is simple and enhances your home security experience. This guide walks you through every step—from accessing settings to testing your new tone—so you can personalize your alert sound with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Access Chime Settings via the Ring App: All chime customizations are managed through the Ring mobile app, not the physical device.
- Choose from Built-in or Custom Sounds: Ring offers a variety of preset tones, and newer models support uploading your own audio files.
- Ensure Compatibility with Ring Chime or Chime Pro: To use custom chimes, you’ll need a Ring Chime or Chime Pro connected to your doorbell.
- Test After Every Change: Always test your new chime to confirm it works and is audible throughout your home.
- Update Firmware Regularly: Keep your Ring devices updated to access the latest chime options and bug fixes.
- Troubleshoot Common Issues: If the chime doesn’t play, check Wi-Fi, app permissions, and device syncing.
- Use Do Not Disturb Mode Wisely: This feature silences chimes during set hours—adjust it to avoid missing important alerts.
How to Change Chime on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve ever missed a delivery because your doorbell was too quiet, or if you simply want a more personalized alert sound, changing the chime on your Ring Doorbell is a smart move. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell 4, or the latest Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, customizing your chime can make a big difference in how you interact with your smart home system.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to change chime on Ring Doorbell—from understanding the different types of chimes available to troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll be able to set up a chime that fits your lifestyle, whether you prefer a classic “ding-dong,” a cheerful melody, or even a custom sound like your dog barking or a favorite song snippet.
Let’s get started!
Understanding Your Ring Doorbell Chime Options
Visual guide about How to Change Chime on Ring Doorbell
Image source: drdclassichome.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand how Ring doorbells handle sound alerts. Unlike traditional doorbells that rely solely on a wired chime inside your home, Ring doorbells use a combination of mobile notifications, in-app alerts, and optional physical chime devices.
There are two main ways your Ring Doorbell can produce a chime sound:
1. Mobile App Notifications: When someone presses your doorbell, you’ll receive a push notification on your smartphone or tablet. This is the default alert method and works even if you don’t have a physical chime.
2. Ring Chime or Chime Pro: These are standalone devices that plug into a standard wall outlet and play a sound when your doorbell is pressed. They’re especially useful if you want an audible alert inside your home—like a traditional doorbell—without needing to be near your phone.
The Ring Chime and Chime Pro are key to customizing your chime sound. While the doorbell itself doesn’t store or play custom tones, the Chime device does. That means if you want to change the chime on Ring Doorbell to something other than the default sounds, you’ll need one of these accessories.
Types of Chime Sounds Available
Ring offers a variety of chime options, depending on your device and setup:
- Preset Chimes: These are built-in sounds like “Classic,” “Bell,” “Chime,” “Gong,” “Harmony,” and “Nature.” They’re available on all Ring Chime devices and can be changed directly in the app.
- Custom Chimes: Available on Ring Chime (2nd Gen) and Ring Chime Pro, these allow you to upload your own audio file (up to 10 seconds long) to use as your doorbell sound. This is perfect for adding a personal touch—like a favorite tune, a funny sound effect, or even a voice recording.
- Silent Mode: You can also choose to disable the chime entirely, relying only on mobile notifications. This is useful during naps, meetings, or late-night hours.
Now that you know what’s possible, let’s walk through the process of changing your chime.
Step 1: Check Your Equipment and Compatibility
Before you begin, make sure you have the right setup to change your chime.
What You’ll Need
- A Ring Doorbell (any model)
- The Ring mobile app (iOS or Android)
- A Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro (required for custom or preset chime sounds)
- A stable Wi-Fi connection
- Your smartphone or tablet
If you don’t already have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, you can purchase one directly from Ring’s website or major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or Home Depot. The Chime Pro also acts as a Wi-Fi extender, which can improve your doorbell’s signal if it’s far from your router.
Verify Device Compatibility
Not all Ring Chime features are available on every model. Here’s a quick compatibility checklist:
- Ring Chime (1st Gen): Supports preset chimes only. Cannot upload custom sounds.
- Ring Chime (2nd Gen) and Chime Pro: Support both preset and custom chimes.
- Ring Doorbell Models: All current Ring doorbells work with Chime devices, including wired and battery-powered versions.
If you’re unsure which Chime you have, open the Ring app, go to Devices, select your Chime, and check the model number in the device info.
Step 2: Open the Ring App and Navigate to Chime Settings
The Ring app is your control center for all things related to your doorbell and chime. Here’s how to access the chime settings.
Launch the Ring App
Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account linked to your Ring devices.
Go to the Devices Tab
Tap the Devices icon (usually looks like a grid or list) at the bottom of the screen. This will show all your connected Ring products, including your doorbell, cameras, and Chime.
Select Your Ring Chime
Find your Ring Chime or Chime Pro in the list and tap on it. This will open the device dashboard, where you can adjust settings like volume, chime type, and more.
Access Chime Settings
Look for a section labeled Chime Settings or Sound Settings. Tap on it to see your current chime configuration.
You should now see options to change the chime type, adjust volume, and enable or disable the chime.
Step 3: Choose a Preset Chime Sound
If you’re happy with one of Ring’s built-in sounds, changing to a preset chime is quick and easy.
Browse Available Chimes
In the Chime Settings menu, you’ll see a list of preset sounds. These may include:
- Classic
- Bell
- Chime
- Gong
- Harmony
- Nature
- Melody
- Modern
Each sound has a short preview—tap the play button next to any option to hear how it sounds.
Select Your Preferred Chime
Tap on the chime you want to use. The app will automatically save your selection.
Adjust Volume (Optional)
Next to the chime options, you’ll usually find a volume slider. Slide it left to make the chime quieter or right to make it louder. We recommend setting it to a level that’s audible throughout your home but not overly disruptive.
Test the Chime
After selecting a new chime, tap the Test Chime button (if available) or press your doorbell to see if the new sound plays correctly. If you don’t hear anything, check your Chime’s power and Wi-Fi connection.
Step 4: Upload a Custom Chime (Advanced Option)
Want something truly unique? If you have a Ring Chime (2nd Gen) or Chime Pro, you can upload your own audio file as a custom chime.
Prepare Your Audio File
Your custom chime must meet these requirements:
- Format: MP3 or M4A
- Duration: No longer than 10 seconds
- File size: Under 1 MB (smaller is better for faster upload)
- Content: Must be your own creation or royalty-free. Ring prohibits copyrighted material.
To create a custom chime, you can use audio editing apps like Audacity (free), GarageBand (iOS), or online tools like Online Audio Converter. Trim your audio to 10 seconds or less and export it in the correct format.
Upload the Custom Chime
Back in the Ring app, go to your Chime’s settings and look for an option like Add Custom Chime or Upload Sound.
Tap it, then select your audio file from your device’s storage. The app will upload the file—this may take a few seconds depending on your internet speed.
Name and Save Your Custom Chime
Once uploaded, give your chime a name (e.g., “Dog Bark,” “Favorite Song,” “Baby Laugh”). Then tap Save.
Your custom chime will now appear in the list of available sounds. Select it just like you would a preset chime.
Test Your Custom Chime
Press your doorbell or use the test feature to make sure your custom sound plays correctly. If it doesn’t, double-check the file format and size, and try uploading again.
Step 5: Adjust Additional Chime Settings
Beyond the sound itself, there are other settings you can tweak to improve your chime experience.
Enable or Disable Chime
If you don’t want the chime to play at certain times (like during nighttime), you can turn it off temporarily. In the Chime Settings, toggle the Chime Enabled switch to off.
Set Do Not Disturb Hours
Ring allows you to schedule “Do Not Disturb” mode, which silences chimes and notifications during specific hours. This is perfect for sleep or work times.
To set it up:
- Go to Device Settings in the Ring app.
- Select your Chime.
- Tap Do Not Disturb.
- Choose start and end times.
- Toggle it on.
You can also enable “Allow Motion Alerts” during Do Not Disturb if you still want to be notified of motion but not doorbell presses.
Adjust Chime Volume Based on Time of Day
Some users prefer a quieter chime at night. While Ring doesn’t offer automatic volume scheduling, you can manually lower the volume in the evening and raise it in the morning.
Alternatively, use Do Not Disturb to silence the chime entirely during late hours.
Step 6: Sync Your Doorbell with the Chime
After changing your chime, it’s important to ensure your doorbell and Chime are properly synced.
Check Device Connection
In the Ring app, go to Devices and verify that both your doorbell and Chime show as “Online.” If either shows “Offline,” troubleshoot the connection (see below).
Test the Full Alert System
Press your doorbell and confirm that:
- You receive a mobile notification.
- The Chime plays the correct sound.
- The volume is appropriate.
If the chime doesn’t play, try restarting both devices. Unplug the Chime for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. For battery doorbells, remove and reinsert the battery.
Troubleshooting Common Chime Issues
Even with the best setup, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues when changing your chime on Ring Doorbell.
Chime Doesn’t Play After Changing Settings
Possible Causes:
- Chime is unplugged or not powered.
- Wi-Fi connection is weak or lost.
- App needs to be refreshed.
- Device firmware is outdated.
Solutions:
- Check that the Chime is plugged in and the LED light is on (usually green or blue).
- Move the Chime closer to your router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Close and reopen the Ring app.
- Update your Chime’s firmware via the app: Go to Device Health > Firmware Version > Check for Updates.
Custom Chime Upload Fails
Possible Causes:
- File is too large or in the wrong format.
- Audio is copyrighted.
- App glitch.
Solutions:
- Convert your file to MP3 or M4A and ensure it’s under 1 MB.
- Use only original or royalty-free audio.
- Restart the app and try uploading again.
Chime Plays the Wrong Sound
This usually happens if the app didn’t save your selection properly.
Solution:
- Reopen the Chime settings and reselect your desired chime.
- Test immediately after saving.
Chime Is Too Quiet or Too Loud
Solution:
- Adjust the volume slider in the Chime settings.
- Move the Chime to a more central location in your home for better sound distribution.
- Use the Chime Pro, which has a louder speaker and better range.
Do Not Disturb Isn’t Working
Solution:
- Verify the schedule is set correctly and toggled on.
- Check that your phone’s Do Not Disturb mode isn’t interfering with Ring notifications.
- Ensure your Chime is updated to the latest firmware.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Chime
Now that you know how to change chime on Ring Doorbell, here are some pro tips to enhance your experience:
- Use Multiple Chimes: If you have a large home, consider adding a second Chime in another room (like the bedroom or basement) so you never miss a visitor.
- Rotate Chimes Seasonally: Change your chime to match holidays or seasons—like a jingle bell sound for Christmas or a spooky tone for Halloween.
- Pair with Alexa: If you have an Amazon Echo device, you can enable the Ring skill to have Alexa announce when someone is at the door, even if the chime is off.
- Keep Firmware Updated: Ring regularly releases updates that improve performance and add new features. Check for updates monthly.
- Use Motion Zones Wisely: Reduce false alerts by customizing motion zones in your doorbell settings. This way, you’re only notified of important activity.
Conclusion
Changing the chime on your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your smart home and improve your security experience. Whether you choose a classic tone, a fun preset, or a custom sound, the process is straightforward when you follow the steps in this guide.
Remember, the key to success is using the Ring app to manage your settings, ensuring your Chime device is compatible and connected, and testing your changes right away. With a little customization, your doorbell can go from a basic alert system to a smart, tailored part of your daily routine.
So go ahead—pick a chime that makes you smile every time someone rings. After all, your front door should sound as unique as your home.