Changing the doorbell ring on your Ring device is simple and customizable. This guide walks you through step-by-step instructions for all Ring doorbell models, including troubleshooting and pro tips.
Key Takeaways
- Customize Your Ringtone: You can choose from a variety of built-in chimes or upload your own custom sound to personalize your doorbell experience.
- Works Across Devices: Change the ringtone on your Ring doorbell, Ring Chime, or Ring Chime Pro—settings sync across compatible devices.
- Use the Ring App: All changes are made through the Ring mobile app (iOS or Android), which is free and user-friendly.
- Test After Changing: Always test your new ringtone to ensure it plays correctly and is loud enough for your home.
- Troubleshoot Common Issues: If the ringtone doesn’t change, check Wi-Fi, app updates, or device compatibility.
- Multiple Users Can Customize: Each household member with app access can set their preferred chime, but only one tone plays at a time.
- No Extra Cost: Changing your doorbell ringtone is completely free and doesn’t require a Ring Protect subscription.
How to Change Doorbell Ring on Ring: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, your doorbell just rang—again—and it’s the same old, boring tone you’ve heard a thousand times. Maybe it’s too quiet, too harsh, or just doesn’t match your home’s vibe. The good news? You don’t have to live with it. With a Ring doorbell, you can easily change the doorbell ring to something more fun, soothing, or attention-grabbing.
Whether you’ve got a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell Pro, or even a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, this guide will show you exactly how to change the doorbell ring on Ring—quickly, easily, and without any technical headaches.
In this comprehensive how-to guide, you’ll learn:
- How to access and navigate the Ring app to change your doorbell tone
- Step-by-step instructions for different Ring models
- How to upload a custom ringtone (yes, you can use your own sound!)
- Tips for getting the best audio quality
- Troubleshooting common issues like silent rings or sync problems
- Bonus advice for households with multiple users or smart home setups
By the end, you’ll have a doorbell that not only alerts you when someone’s at the door but also reflects your personality. Let’s get started!
Why Change Your Doorbell Ring?
You might be wondering—why bother changing the ringtone? After all, it’s just a sound, right? Not quite. The doorbell is one of the first things guests (and delivery drivers) experience when they arrive. A unique or pleasant tone can make your home feel more welcoming. Plus, if you have a large house or work from home, a louder or more distinct chime can help you hear the doorbell from farther away.
Visual guide about How to Change Doorbell Ring on Ring
Image source: storables.com
Here are a few great reasons to customize your Ring doorbell ring:
- Personalization: Choose a tone that matches your style—funny, elegant, modern, or nostalgic.
- Improved Awareness: A louder or more distinctive sound helps you hear the doorbell in noisy environments or from another room.
- Family Preferences: If multiple people live in your home, you can rotate tones or pick one everyone likes.
- Seasonal Fun: Switch to a holiday-themed chime during Christmas or a spooky tone for Halloween.
- Pet Training: Some pet owners use a specific tone to train dogs not to bark at the doorbell.
And the best part? It’s completely free and takes less than five minutes. Let’s dive into how to do it.
What You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring doorbell (any model: Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, 3, 4, Pro, etc.)
- The Ring mobile app installed on your smartphone or tablet (iOS 12.0+ or Android 7.0+)
- Your Ring account login information
- A stable Wi-Fi connection (required for syncing changes)
- Optional: A custom audio file (MP3 or M4A format) if you want to upload your own ringtone
Don’t have the Ring app yet? No problem. You can download it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, log in with your Ring account. If you don’t have one, you can create it during setup.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Doorbell Ring on Ring
Now for the main event—changing your doorbell ring. The process is nearly identical across all Ring doorbell models, but we’ll cover the key steps and any model-specific notes.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Start by unlocking your phone and opening the Ring app. You should see your dashboard, which displays all your Ring devices (doorbell, cameras, alarms, etc.).
If you have multiple devices, tap on the one you want to customize—usually labeled “Front Door” or something similar.
Tip: Make sure your app is updated to the latest version. Outdated apps can cause sync issues or missing features. You can check for updates in your device’s app store.
Step 2: Access Device Settings
Once you’ve selected your doorbell, tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. This opens the Device Settings menu.
In this menu, you’ll see options like Motion Settings, Video Quality, Chimes, and more. We’re interested in the Chimes section.
Step 3: Select “Chimes”
Tap on Chimes. This is where the magic happens. Here, you’ll see a list of available ringtones and options to customize your doorbell sound.
Depending on your Ring model and whether you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro connected, you may see slightly different options. But the core features remain the same.
Step 4: Choose a Built-In Ringtone
Ring offers a variety of built-in chimes to choose from. These include:
- Classic: The original Ring tone—clear and recognizable.
- Chime: A soft, melodic bell sound.
- Gong: A deep, resonant tone—great for larger homes.
- Ding Dong: A traditional two-tone doorbell sound.
- Foghorn: Loud and attention-grabbing—perfect for noisy environments.
- Wind Chimes: Gentle and soothing.
- Holiday Tones: Seasonal options like “Jingle Bells” or “Spooky Chime” (available during holidays).
To preview a tone, simply tap on it. You’ll hear a sample play through your phone’s speaker. When you find one you like, tap Save or Select.
Pro Tip: If you’re near your doorbell, you can also test the sound directly by pressing the doorbell button. This helps you judge volume and clarity in your actual environment.
Step 5: Adjust Volume (Optional)
Some Ring models and Chime devices allow you to adjust the volume of the doorbell ring. Look for a Volume slider in the Chimes menu.
Slide it left for quieter or right for louder. This is especially useful if you have a large house or live on a busy street.
Note: Volume control may not be available on all Ring doorbell models. If you don’t see it, consider using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, which offer full volume adjustment.
Step 6: Sync with Ring Chime (If Applicable)
If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro plugged into an outlet, your doorbell ring will play through that device—not just your phone.
To ensure your new tone plays on the Chime:
- Make sure the Chime is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your doorbell.
- Open the Chime’s settings in the Ring app (tap the Chime device, then the gear icon).
- Go to Chime Tones and select the same tone you chose for your doorbell.
- Adjust volume and enable “Night Mode” if desired (quieter tones during late hours).
Important: The Chime must be within range of your Wi-Fi and doorbell. If it’s too far, the tone may not play or may be delayed.
How to Upload a Custom Doorbell Ring
Want something truly unique? You can upload your own custom ringtone to your Ring doorbell—no third-party apps needed.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Prepare Your Audio File
Your custom ringtone must meet these requirements:
- Format: MP3 or M4A
- Duration: 5 to 30 seconds (longer files will be trimmed)
- Size: Under 5 MB
- Quality: Clear audio, no background noise
You can use a song snippet, a voice recording, a sound effect, or even a funny message like “Pizza’s here!” Just make sure it’s not copyrighted material if you plan to share it publicly.
Tip: Use free audio editing tools like Audacity (desktop) or Voice Memos (iPhone) to trim and export your file.
Step 2: Upload via the Ring App
Back in the Ring app:
- Go to your doorbell’s Device Settings
- Tap Chimes
- Scroll down and tap Upload Custom Chime
- Select your audio file from your phone’s storage
- Wait for the upload to complete (usually takes 10–30 seconds)
Once uploaded, your custom tone will appear in the list. Tap it to preview, then select it as your active ringtone.
Note: Custom tones are stored in the cloud and synced to your account. If you reset your device or log out, you may need to re-upload the file.
Model-Specific Instructions
While the general process is the same, here are some notes for specific Ring models:
Ring Video Doorbell (1st Gen)
This older model has limited chime options. You can choose from built-in tones, but custom uploads may not be supported. For best results, pair it with a Ring Chime.
Ring Doorbell 2, 3, 4
These models support all built-in tones and custom uploads. They also allow volume control directly from the app.
Ring Doorbell Pro / Pro 2
These hardwired models offer the most features, including advanced chime scheduling and dual-tone options (e.g., different tones for front and back doors).
Ring Chime & Chime Pro
These standalone devices plug into outlets and play your doorbell sound. They support all tones and custom uploads. Chime Pro also extends Wi-Fi range for your doorbell.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple Chimes (e.g., one upstairs and one downstairs), you can set different tones or volumes for each.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best instructions, things don’t always go smoothly. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when changing your doorbell ring.
Issue 1: New Ringtone Doesn’t Play
Symptoms: You selected a new tone, but the doorbell still plays the old one.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- App Not Synced: Close and reopen the Ring app. Sometimes changes don’t apply until the app refreshes.
- Wi-Fi Issues: Check your internet connection. A weak signal can prevent updates from syncing. Restart your router if needed.
- Device Offline: Make sure your doorbell is online (green dot in the app). If it’s offline, follow Ring’s troubleshooting guide to reconnect.
- Chime Not Updated: If using a Chime, update its tone separately in the Chime’s settings.
Issue 2: Custom Tone Sounds Distorted or Quiet
Symptoms: Your uploaded file plays, but it’s muffled, too quiet, or cuts out.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- File Quality: Re-export your audio at a higher bitrate (128 kbps or higher).
- Volume Levels: Normalize the audio so it’s not too quiet. Use editing software to boost volume.
- File Length: Trim to under 10 seconds for best clarity.
- Device Volume: Increase the volume in the Ring app or on your Chime.
Issue 3: Ringtone Doesn’t Play on Chime
Symptoms: Your phone gets a notification, but the Chime stays silent.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Chime Not Paired: Re-pair your Chime to the doorbell in the app (Device Settings > Chime > Reconnect).
- Volume Too Low: Check the Chime’s volume settings and Night Mode (which may mute tones after 10 PM).
- Power Issue: Ensure the Chime is plugged in and the outlet is working.
- Wi-Fi Range: Move the Chime closer to your router or use a Chime Pro for extended range.
Issue 4: App Crashes or Freezes
Symptoms: The Ring app becomes unresponsive when trying to change settings.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
- Update the App: Go to your app store and install the latest version.
- Restart Your Phone: A simple reboot can fix glitches.
- Clear App Cache: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Storage > Clear Cache. On iPhone, offload and reinstall the app.
Pro Tips for the Best Doorbell Experience
Now that you know how to change your doorbell ring, here are some expert tips to get the most out of your Ring device:
1. Use Motion Zones to Reduce False Alerts
Instead of hearing the doorbell every time a car drives by, set up motion zones in the app. This way, the chime only plays when someone approaches your door.
2. Schedule Chime Times
Use “Quiet Hours” or “Night Mode” to silence the doorbell during sleep or work hours. You’ll still get phone notifications, but the sound won’t disturb you.
3. Rotate Tones Seasonally
Keep things fresh by changing your ringtone monthly or for holidays. Ring often adds new seasonal tones around Christmas, Halloween, and Easter.
4. Test After Power Outages
If the power goes out, your doorbell may reset. Always test the ringtone afterward to ensure it’s still set correctly.
5. Share Access with Family
Add family members to your Ring account so they can also customize settings. Just go to Account Settings > Users > Add User.
Conclusion
Changing the doorbell ring on your Ring device is one of the easiest and most satisfying smart home upgrades you can make. In just a few taps, you can transform a generic chime into a personalized alert that fits your lifestyle, home, and personality.
Whether you choose a classic tone, a festive holiday sound, or a custom recording of your dog barking “Welcome!”, the process is simple, free, and fun. And with the Ring app’s intuitive design, you don’t need to be a tech expert to do it.
Remember to test your new ringtone, troubleshoot any issues, and explore advanced features like volume control and scheduling. Your doorbell is more than just a notification—it’s the voice of your home.
So go ahead—give your Ring doorbell a new sound today. Your future self (and your guests) will thank you.