Changing the doorbell sound on your Ring device is simple and can be done in minutes using the Ring app. Whether you want a classic chime or a fun seasonal tune, this guide walks you through every step—from selecting sounds to troubleshooting common issues.
Key Takeaways
- Customize your Ring doorbell sound directly from the Ring app: No need for extra hardware—just a few taps and your chime is personalized.
- Choose from a variety of built-in sounds: Ring offers classic tones, seasonal themes, and even animal sounds to match your style.
- Ensure your Ring device is updated: Always check for firmware updates to access the latest sound options and features.
- Use the Chime Pro for enhanced audio: If your indoor chime is too quiet, the Chime Pro boosts volume and extends Wi-Fi range.
- Troubleshoot sound issues quickly: Common problems like no sound or delayed alerts can often be fixed with a simple restart or re-sync.
- Adjust volume and notification settings: Fine-tune how loud your chime is and who gets alerts to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
- Seasonal sounds keep things fresh: Ring regularly adds new chimes for holidays—check the app during festive times for limited-time options.
How to Change Doorbell Sound on Ring: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, your Ring doorbell is working great—motion alerts are sharp, video quality is clear, and you’re getting notified every time someone approaches your door. But that default “ding-dong” sound? It’s starting to feel a little… boring. Maybe you want something more cheerful, seasonal, or just different. The good news? You can easily change the doorbell sound on your Ring device—no tools, no technician, and no hassle.
Whether you’ve got a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Video Doorbell Elite, or Ring Video Doorbell Wired, the process is nearly identical. And if you’re using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro to play the sound indoors, you’re in luck—customization is built right into the system.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to change doorbell sound on Ring from start to finish. You’ll learn how to access sound settings, pick your favorite chime, adjust volume, and even troubleshoot common issues. By the end, your doorbell won’t just alert you—it’ll make you smile.
Let’s get started.
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to change your doorbell sound in the first place.
First, personalization. Your home is an extension of your personality, and your doorbell should reflect that. Whether you love classic chimes, festive holiday tunes, or quirky animal sounds, Ring offers a variety of options to match your vibe.
Second, functionality. If you live in a noisy neighborhood or have a large home, the default sound might not be loud enough. Or maybe you have hearing sensitivities and need a tone that’s easier to distinguish. Customizing the sound—and its volume—can make a big difference.
Third, seasonal fun. Ring regularly introduces limited-time chimes for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Changing your sound to a spooky ghost chime or a jolly sleigh bell can add a little joy to your daily routine.
Finally, multiple users, different preferences. If you live with family or roommates, everyone might have a different idea of the “perfect” doorbell sound. With Ring, you can switch it up whenever you want—no arguments needed.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Changing your Ring doorbell sound is quick and easy, but there are a few things you’ll want to have ready:
- A smartphone or tablet with the Ring app installed: This is where all the magic happens. Make sure you’re using the latest version of the app.
- Your Ring account login: You’ll need to be signed in to access your device settings.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection: Your Ring device needs to be online to sync changes.
- Your Ring doorbell and Chime (if applicable): If you’re using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, make sure it’s powered on and connected.
Once you’ve got those basics covered, you’re ready to begin.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
The Ring app is your control center for all things Ring—doorbell sounds included. Here’s how to get started:
Launch the App
Find the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet and tap to open it. If you don’t have it yet, download it from the Apple App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android). It’s free and takes just a minute to install.
Visual guide about How to Change Doorbell Sound on Ring
Image source: electricalgang.com
Sign In to Your Account
If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password. If you’ve forgotten your login details, use the “Forgot Password?” link to reset it.
Ensure You’re on the Right Device
The Ring app can manage multiple devices—doorbells, cameras, alarms, and more. Make sure you’re viewing the dashboard for your doorbell. You’ll see a live feed or recent activity from your Ring device at the top of the screen.
Step 2: Access Your Doorbell Settings
Now that you’re in the app, it’s time to navigate to the settings for your doorbell.
Tap the Gear Icon
In the top-right corner of your doorbell’s live view, you’ll see a small gear icon (⚙️). Tap it to open the device settings menu.
Select “Device Settings”
This will take you to a list of options like Motion Settings, Video Settings, and Chime Settings. We’re interested in the chime—so keep scrolling.
Find “Chime Settings” or “Chime Tones”
Depending on your Ring model and app version, this option might be labeled “Chime Settings,” “Chime Tones,” or “Doorbell Sound.” Tap on it to proceed.
Step 3: Choose a New Doorbell Sound
This is the fun part—picking your new sound! Ring offers a variety of built-in chimes, and new ones are added regularly.
Browse Available Sounds
You’ll see a list of chime options, each with a play button so you can preview the sound. Options typically include:
- Classic Ding-Dong: The traditional two-tone chime.
- Modern Chime: A sleek, electronic tone.
- Wind Chimes: Soft, melodic, and relaxing.
- Halloween Sounds: Spooky options like “Ghostly Greeting” or “Witch’s Laugh” (available seasonally).
- Holiday Tunes: Jingle bells, sleigh bells, and more during December.
- Animal Sounds: Fun choices like “Dog Bark” or “Cat Meow” (great for pet lovers).
- Custom Tones: Some models allow you to upload your own sound file (more on that later).
Preview Before You Commit
Tap the play button next to any sound to hear how it will sound when someone rings your doorbell. Take your time—this is your chance to find the perfect match.
Select Your Favorite
Once you’ve found a sound you love, tap the circle next to it to select it. The app will automatically save your choice and sync it to your device.
Step 4: Adjust Volume and Notification Settings
Changing the sound is great, but if it’s too quiet—or too loud—it won’t do you much good. Let’s fine-tune the volume and alerts.
Set the Chime Volume
In the same Chime Settings menu, look for a slider or option labeled “Volume.” Drag it left to lower the volume or right to increase it. If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, this controls how loud the indoor sound plays.
Choose Who Gets Notified
Under “Notifications,” you can decide who receives alerts when the doorbell is pressed. Options include:
- Everyone: All users on the Ring account get notified.
- Only Me: Just you receive alerts.
- Custom: Select specific family members or users.
This is useful if, for example, your kids don’t need to be alerted every time the doorbell rings.
Enable or Disable Silent Mode
If you want to temporarily mute the chime (like during nap time or late at night), toggle on “Silent Mode.” You’ll still get mobile notifications, but the indoor chime won’t play.
Step 5: Sync Your Changes
After making your selections, the Ring app will usually sync the changes automatically. But sometimes, especially if your Wi-Fi is slow, you may need to manually refresh.
Check the Sync Status
Look for a “Syncing…” message or a spinning icon. This means your device is updating with the new settings.
Wait a Few Seconds
Most changes take 10–30 seconds to apply. During this time, avoid pressing the doorbell—it might not register correctly.
Test the New Sound
Once the sync is complete, ask someone to press your doorbell (or press it yourself if it’s safe to do so). Listen for your new chime. If you don’t hear it, check the troubleshooting section below.
Using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro
If you’ve added a Ring Chime or Chime Pro to your setup, you’ll have even more control over your doorbell sound.
What Is a Ring Chime?
The Ring Chime is a plug-in device that plays your doorbell sound indoors. It’s especially helpful if your doorbell is far from your living area or if you have a large home.
Benefits of Chime Pro
The Chime Pro does everything the regular Chime does—but it also acts as a Wi-Fi extender. If your Ring doorbell has a weak signal, the Chime Pro can boost it, improving video quality and reliability.
Customizing Chime Sounds
The process for changing sounds on a Chime is the same as for the doorbell itself. Just go to the Chime’s settings in the Ring app and select your preferred tone. You can even set different sounds for different doorbells if you have multiple.
Placement Tips
For best results, plug your Chime into an outlet in a central location—like a hallway or living room. Avoid placing it behind furniture or in a closet, as this can muffle the sound.
Advanced: Uploading Custom Sounds (Limited Availability)
As of now, Ring does not officially support uploading your own audio files as doorbell sounds. However, there are a few workarounds—and Ring may add this feature in the future.
Check for Firmware Updates
Ring occasionally rolls out new features via firmware updates. To ensure you have the latest options, go to Device Settings > Device Health > Check for Updates.
Use Third-Party Integrations (Advanced Users)
Some tech-savvy users have integrated Ring with smart home platforms like Alexa or IFTTT to trigger custom sounds. For example, you could set up an Alexa routine that plays a specific MP3 when your Ring doorbell is pressed. This requires additional setup and isn’t officially supported by Ring, so proceed with caution.
Request the Feature
If custom sounds are important to you, consider leaving feedback in the Ring app or on their support page. User requests often influence future updates.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup, things don’t always go smoothly. Here’s how to fix the most common problems when changing your Ring doorbell sound.
Problem: No Sound Plays After Changing the Chime
Solution: First, check that your Chime or doorbell is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Then, restart the Ring app and try changing the sound again. If that doesn’t work, unplug your Chime for 10 seconds, then plug it back in to reset it.
Problem: Sound Is Too Quiet
Solution: Increase the volume in the Chime Settings. If you’re using a regular Chime, consider upgrading to the Chime Pro for louder, clearer audio. Also, make sure the Chime isn’t placed in a noisy area or behind a door.
Problem: Delayed or Missed Alerts
Solution: This is often a Wi-Fi issue. Check your signal strength in the Ring app under Device Health. If it’s weak, move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender. The Chime Pro can also help boost the signal.
Problem: Sound Doesn’t Match What You Selected
Solution: The app may not have synced properly. Go back to Chime Settings, reselect your desired sound, and wait for the sync to complete. You can also try logging out and back into the app.
Problem: Seasonal Sounds Aren’t Showing Up
Solution: Holiday and seasonal chimes are often only available during specific times of the year. If it’s not near a holiday, those options may not appear. Check back during Halloween, Christmas, or other festive periods.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Doorbell Sound
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are some pro tips to enhance your experience:
- Change sounds seasonally: Keep things fresh by switching to a new chime every few months or for holidays.
- Use different sounds for different doors: If you have a front and back doorbell, assign unique tones so you know which one rang.
- Pair with smart lights: Set up your smart bulbs to flash when the doorbell rings—great for hearing-impaired users.
- Test regularly: Every few weeks, press your doorbell to make sure everything is working correctly.
- Keep your app updated: New features and sounds are added frequently—don’t miss out!
Conclusion
Changing the doorbell sound on your Ring device is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your smart home experience. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can swap out the default chime for something that reflects your style, fits the season, or simply makes you smile when someone’s at the door.
From classic tones to festive holiday sounds, Ring offers a wide range of options to keep your alerts fresh and functional. And with tools like the Chime Pro, you can ensure your sound is loud, clear, and reliable—no matter the size of your home.
Remember to check for updates, test your settings, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether you’re going for spooky, cheerful, or sophisticated, your Ring doorbell sound should work for you.
So go ahead—open the app, pick your favorite chime, and give your doorbell a voice that’s truly yours.