Changing your Ring doorbell ringtone is simple and takes just a few taps in the Ring app. This guide walks you through the process for all Ring doorbell models, including troubleshooting tips and customization options.
Key Takeaways
- Access the Ring app: All ringtone changes are made through the official Ring mobile app on iOS or Android.
- Choose from preset tones: Ring offers a variety of built-in ringtones like chimes, bells, and melodies to suit your preference.
- Customize per device: You can set different ringtones for multiple Ring doorbells at different doors.
- Adjust volume and chime settings: Pair your Ring doorbell with a Ring Chime or Chime Pro to control indoor sound volume and tone.
- Update firmware regularly: Ensure your device has the latest firmware to access new ringtones and features.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the ringtone won’t change, check app permissions, Wi-Fi connection, and device sync.
- Use Alexa for voice alerts: Enable Alexa announcements to hear custom alerts when someone rings your doorbell.
How to Change Doorbell Ringtone on Ring: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve recently installed a Ring doorbell or just want to personalize your home’s entrance, changing the doorbell ringtone is a quick and satisfying upgrade. Whether you prefer a classic chime, a modern melody, or something playful, Ring gives you full control over how your doorbell sounds—both inside and outside your home.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to change the doorbell ringtone on your Ring device. We’ll cover every step, from opening the app to selecting your favorite tone, and include tips for troubleshooting common issues. Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell 4, or a newer model like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro or Ring Peephole Cam, this guide works for all of them.
By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how to change your ringtone but also how to customize volume, sync with Ring Chime devices, and even use Alexa for voice alerts. Let’s get started!
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Ringtone?
Visual guide about How to Change Doorbell Ringtone on Ring
Image source: the-ambient.com
Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why customizing your doorbell sound matters. The default ringtone might be functional, but it’s not always the most enjoyable or practical choice. Here are a few reasons to consider changing it:
- Personalization: Your home should reflect your style. A unique ringtone makes your doorbell feel more like yours.
- Differentiation: If you have multiple doors with Ring devices, unique ringtones help you instantly know which door someone is at.
- Accessibility: Some tones are easier to hear than others, especially for people with hearing impairments or in noisy environments.
- Fun and novelty: Ring offers fun tones like “Jingle Bells” for holidays or “Mario Coin” for gamers—perfect for adding a little joy to your day.
- Improved awareness: A louder or more distinct tone ensures you never miss a visitor, delivery, or package thief.
Now that you know the benefits, let’s walk through the process of changing your Ring doorbell ringtone.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
The first step to changing your doorbell ringtone is accessing the Ring app. This is the central hub for all Ring device settings, including ringtones, motion alerts, and live view.
Download or Update the App
If you haven’t already, download the Ring app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android). Make sure you’re using the latest version to access all features and avoid bugs.
To check for updates:
- Open your device’s app store.
- Search for “Ring – Always Home.”
- If an update is available, tap “Update.”
Log In to Your Account
Once the app is open, log in using your Ring account credentials. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one using your email address and a secure password.
Tip: Use the same email you used during your Ring device setup to avoid confusion.
Ensure Your Device Is Connected
Before making any changes, confirm that your Ring doorbell is online and connected to Wi-Fi. You’ll see a green dot or “Online” status next to your device name on the home screen. If it shows “Offline,” troubleshoot the connection before proceeding (we’ll cover this later).
Step 2: Navigate to Device Settings
Now that you’re in the app and your device is online, it’s time to access the settings for your doorbell.
Select Your Doorbell
On the home screen of the Ring app, you’ll see a list of all your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to customize. If you have multiple doorbells (e.g., front door, back door), make sure you select the correct one.
Open Device Health
Once you’ve selected your doorbell, tap on the “Device Health” option. This section shows important information like battery level, Wi-Fi signal strength, and firmware version.
Go to Settings
In the Device Health screen, scroll down and tap on “Settings.” This will open a menu with various customization options, including motion detection, alerts, and—most importantly—ringtones.
Step 3: Access the Ringtone Menu
This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps to find and change your doorbell ringtone.
Find the “Chime Settings” Option
In the Settings menu, look for “Chime Settings” or “Doorbell Sounds.” The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your Ring model, but it will be clearly labeled.
Tap on this option to open the ringtone selection screen.
Choose “Ringtone” or “Sound”
You’ll now see a list of available ringtones. These are pre-installed sounds that Ring provides. Some popular options include:
- Classic Chime
- Modern Bell
- Wind Chimes
- Jingle Bells (seasonal)
- Mario Coin (fun/easter egg)
- Doorbell Ding
- Soft Chime
Note: The available ringtones may vary based on your Ring model and firmware version. Newer models often have more options.
Preview the Ringtones
Before selecting a tone, tap on it to preview how it sounds. This helps you choose one that’s pleasant and audible in your home.
Tip: If you’re near your doorbell, you can also listen to the actual sound it plays by pressing the doorbell button (if it’s wired) or using the “Test Chime” feature in the app.
Step 4: Select and Save Your New Ringtone
Once you’ve found a ringtone you like, it’s time to apply it.
Tap to Select
Simply tap on your preferred ringtone. It will be highlighted or marked with a checkmark to indicate it’s selected.
Save Your Changes
After selecting, tap “Save” or “Done” at the top or bottom of the screen. The app will sync the new setting with your doorbell.
Important: The change may take a few seconds to apply. Avoid pressing the doorbell button immediately—wait about 10–15 seconds for the update to complete.
Test the New Ringtone
To confirm the change worked, ask someone to press your doorbell or use the “Test Chime” feature in the app (if available). Listen for the new sound both outside and inside your home.
Step 5: Customize with Ring Chime (Optional)
If you want more control over indoor sound, consider using a Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro. These devices plug into your wall outlet and play the doorbell sound inside your home, even if your phone is on silent.
What Is a Ring Chime?
A Ring Chime is a wireless speaker that connects to your Ring doorbell via Wi-Fi. It plays customizable tones when someone rings the doorbell, and you can adjust the volume and sound independently of your phone.
Pair Your Chime with Your Doorbell
To use a Chime:
- Plug the Chime into a wall outlet near where you want to hear the doorbell.
- Open the Ring app and go to “Devices.”
- Tap “Add Device” and select “Chime.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi and pair it with your doorbell.
Set a Different Ringtone for the Chime
Once paired, you can set a different ringtone for the Chime than the one used by the doorbell itself. This is useful if you want a softer sound indoors or a louder one for larger homes.
To do this:
- Go to the Chime device in the Ring app.
- Tap “Chime Settings.”
- Select “Ringtone” and choose your preferred sound.
- Adjust the volume using the slider.
Use Chime Pro for Extended Range
If your home is large or has thick walls, the Ring Chime Pro also acts as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your Ring doorbell’s signal. This ensures reliable connectivity and consistent ringtone playback.
Step 6: Enable Alexa Announcements (Optional)
If you have an Amazon Echo device, you can enhance your doorbell experience with Alexa voice alerts.
Link Ring to Alexa
To enable Alexa announcements:
- Open the Alexa app on your phone.
- Go to “Skills & Games” and search for “Ring.”
- Enable the Ring skill and log in with your Ring account.
- Follow the prompts to link your devices.
Customize Voice Alerts
Once linked, you can set Alexa to say things like:
- “Someone is at the front door.”
- “You have a visitor.”
- “Package delivered.”
You can also choose whether Alexa announces every ring or only when motion is detected.
Tip: Use this feature to get alerts even when you’re in a room without the Chime or your phone.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, changing the ringtone doesn’t go as planned. Here are solutions to the most common problems.
Ringtone Won’t Change
If your doorbell still plays the old sound:
- Check app sync: Force-close the Ring app and reopen it. Sometimes changes don’t apply immediately.
- Restart your doorbell: For battery-powered models, remove the battery for 10 seconds and reinsert it. For wired models, turn off the power at the breaker for 30 seconds.
- Update firmware: Go to Device Health > Firmware. If an update is available, install it.
No Sound at All
If your doorbell isn’t making any sound:
- Check volume settings: Ensure the volume isn’t muted in the app or on your Chime.
- Verify Wi-Fi connection: A weak signal can prevent sound from playing. Move your router closer or use a Chime Pro to extend range.
- Test the speaker: Use the “Test Chime” feature in the app to see if the doorbell’s speaker is working.
Chime Not Playing Sound
If your Ring Chime isn’t working:
- Check power: Make sure the Chime is plugged in and the outlet has power.
- Re-pair the device: In the Ring app, remove the Chime and set it up again.
- Update the Chime: Go to the Chime settings and check for firmware updates.
App Crashes or Freezes
If the Ring app is unstable:
- Clear app cache: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS, delete and reinstall the app.
- Restart your phone: A simple reboot can fix many app issues.
- Check for updates: Ensure both the app and your phone’s OS are up to date.
Tips for the Best Ringtone Experience
To get the most out of your Ring doorbell’s sound features, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a tone that’s easy to hear: Avoid overly soft or high-pitched sounds if you have hearing challenges or live in a noisy area.
- Use seasonal ringtones: Switch to “Jingle Bells” in December or “Spooky Chime” in October for festive fun.
- Set different tones for different doors: If you have a front and back doorbell, use distinct sounds to know where visitors are.
- Test at different times of day: Sound travels differently at night—test your ringtone when it’s quiet to ensure it’s audible.
- Keep firmware updated: Ring frequently adds new ringtones and improves performance through updates.
- Use Do Not Disturb wisely: If you enable Do Not Disturb in the app, you won’t hear ringtones—adjust settings based on your schedule.
Conclusion
Changing your Ring doorbell ringtone is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your smart home and improve your daily experience. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can switch from a generic chime to a fun melody, a loud alert, or a soft tone that suits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re using a basic Ring Video Doorbell or a high-end model with Chime Pro and Alexa integration, the process remains straightforward. Remember to keep your app and device updated, test your changes, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different sounds.
By following this guide, you’ve not only learned how to change your doorbell ringtone but also how to optimize your entire Ring ecosystem for better awareness, convenience, and enjoyment. Now go ahead—press that button and enjoy your new sound!