Changing the notification sound on your Ring Doorbell is simple and customizable. This guide walks you through the process for all Ring models, from Ring Video Doorbell to Ring Doorbell Pro 2, using the Ring app. You’ll learn how to pick custom chimes, adjust volume, and fix common issues.
Key Takeaways
- All Ring Doorbells support custom notification sounds: Whether you have a basic Ring Video Doorbell or a Ring Doorbell Elite, you can change the chime sound directly from the Ring app.
- Custom sounds require a Ring Protect Plan: To upload your own audio files, you’ll need an active Ring Protect subscription, which also includes video recording and cloud storage.
- Adjust volume and frequency separately: You can control how loud the notification is and how often it repeats, giving you full control over your doorbell alerts.
- Use the Ring Chime or Chime Pro for indoor alerts: If you want the sound to play inside your home, pair your doorbell with a Ring Chime device for louder, clearer alerts.
- Troubleshoot sound issues quickly: If your notification sound isn’t working, check Wi-Fi, app updates, and device settings before contacting support.
- Test your new sound immediately: After changing the notification, use the “Test Chime” feature in the app to confirm it’s working properly.
- Keep your app updated: Ring frequently releases updates that improve sound options and fix bugs, so always use the latest version of the Ring app.
How to Change Notification Sound on Ring Doorbell
If you’ve ever missed a delivery because your Ring Doorbell’s chime was too quiet or too similar to other household sounds, you’re not alone. The good news? You can easily change the notification sound on your Ring Doorbell to something more distinctive, louder, or even personalized. Whether you want a classic doorbell tone, a fun sound effect, or a custom recording, Ring makes it simple—right from your smartphone.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing the notification sound on your Ring Doorbell. We’ll cover all major Ring models, explain the difference between built-in sounds and custom uploads, and show you how to use the Ring Chime for enhanced indoor alerts. Plus, we’ll share troubleshooting tips to fix common sound issues.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to customize your Ring Doorbell’s notification sound to suit your lifestyle, home environment, and personal taste.
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Notification Sound?
Visual guide about How to Change Notification Sound on Ring Doorbell
Image source: ryananddebi.com
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to change your Ring Doorbell’s default notification sound.
First, **not all sounds are created equal**. The default chime might be too soft, too short, or too similar to other noises in your home—like a microwave beep or a phone notification. If you have a large house, hearing the doorbell from the backyard or basement can be a challenge. A louder or more unique sound helps ensure you never miss a visitor.
Second, **personalization adds fun and function**. Maybe you want a doorbell that sounds like a classic brass chime, a friendly “ding-dong,” or even a playful animal noise. Some users even upload custom sounds like their dog barking or a favorite song snippet (within Ring’s guidelines).
Third, **different sounds for different needs**. If you have multiple Ring devices—like a doorbell and a security camera—you can assign unique notification sounds to each. That way, you’ll instantly know which device triggered the alert.
Finally, **accessibility matters**. For people with hearing impairments or those who wear hearing aids, a distinct, high-pitched, or repeating sound can make a big difference in awareness.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Changing your Ring Doorbell’s notification sound is quick, but you’ll need a few things ready:
- A smartphone or tablet with the Ring app installed: The Ring app is available for free on iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Your Ring Doorbell connected to Wi-Fi: Your doorbell must be online and functioning properly. If it’s offline, check your Wi-Fi signal and power source first.
- An active Ring account: You’ll need to log in to your Ring account to access device settings.
- For custom sounds: A Ring Protect Plan: If you want to upload your own audio file, you’ll need a Ring Protect subscription (Basic or Plus). This also gives you video recording, cloud storage, and extended warranties.
- A computer or mobile device to prepare custom audio (optional): If you’re uploading a custom sound, you may need to edit the file to meet Ring’s requirements (more on that later).
Once you have these ready, you’re all set to customize your doorbell sound.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Notification Sound on Ring Doorbell
Now, let’s get into the actual process. The steps are nearly identical across all Ring Doorbell models, including:
- Ring Video Doorbell (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Gen)
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite
- Ring Video Doorbell Wired
- Ring Video Doorbell Battery
We’ll use the Ring app on a smartphone for this guide, but the process is similar on tablets.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Start by unlocking your phone and opening the Ring app. If you don’t have it, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Once installed, log in with your Ring account credentials.
If you’re using the app for the first time, you may need to complete the initial setup, including granting permissions for notifications and location.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell Device
On the home screen of the Ring app, you’ll see a list of your connected Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to customize.
If you have multiple doorbells (e.g., front and back door), make sure you select the correct one. Each device can have its own notification sound.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
Once you’ve selected your doorbell, you’ll see a dashboard with live view, motion history, and settings. Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner and tap it. This opens the Device Settings menu.
Step 4: Find “Chime Settings” or “Notification Sounds”
Scroll down until you find the Chime Settings or Notification Sounds option. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your Ring model and app version, but it’s usually under the “Device Settings” or “Alerts” section.
Tap on it to open the sound customization menu.
Step 5: Choose a Built-In Sound
Ring offers a variety of pre-installed notification sounds. These include:
- Classic Ding-Dong
- Modern Chime
- Brass Bell
- Wind Chimes
- Bird Song
- Door Knock
- Electronic Beep
To preview a sound, tap on it. The app will play a short sample so you can hear how it sounds.
Once you find one you like, tap Save or Select to apply it.
Step 6: Adjust Volume and Repeat Settings (Optional)
After selecting a sound, you can fine-tune how it plays:
- Volume: Use the slider to increase or decrease the loudness. If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, this controls the indoor speaker volume.
- Repeat: Choose how many times the sound plays when triggered (e.g., once, twice, or three times). This is helpful if you tend to miss the first chime.
- Duration: Some models let you set how long the sound plays (e.g., 2 seconds vs. 5 seconds).
Make your adjustments and tap Save to confirm.
Step 7: Test the New Sound
To make sure your new notification sound is working, use the Test Chime feature. This is usually found right in the Chime Settings menu.
Tap “Test Chime,” and your doorbell (and any connected Ring Chime) will play the new sound. Listen carefully to confirm it’s loud enough and clear.
If it doesn’t play, double-check your Wi-Fi connection and ensure your Ring Chime (if used) is powered on and connected.
How to Upload a Custom Notification Sound
Want something truly unique? You can upload your own audio file as a custom notification sound—perfect for a personalized touch.
Note: Custom sounds require an active Ring Protect Plan. If you don’t have one, you’ll see a prompt to subscribe when you try to upload.
Step 1: Prepare Your Audio File
Before uploading, make sure your audio file meets Ring’s requirements:
- Format: MP3 or M4A
- Length: Between 1 and 10 seconds
- Size: Under 5 MB
- Content: Must be family-friendly and not contain copyrighted material (e.g., songs, movie clips)
You can use free tools like Audacity (desktop) or Voice Memos (iOS) to record and edit your sound. For example, record yourself saying “Someone’s at the door!” or use a sound effect app to create a custom tone.
Step 2: Upload the Sound in the Ring App
Go back to the Chime Settings menu in your doorbell’s device settings.
Look for the option that says “Add Custom Sound” or “Upload Sound.” Tap it.
The app will prompt you to select a file from your device’s storage. Navigate to your audio file and select it.
Wait a few seconds for the upload to complete. Ring will process the file and add it to your list of available sounds.
Step 3: Select and Test Your Custom Sound
Once uploaded, your custom sound will appear in the list of notification options. Tap on it to preview, then select it as your active chime.
Don’t forget to test it using the “Test Chime” button to ensure it plays correctly.
Using Ring Chime or Chime Pro for Better Sound
If your Ring Doorbell is battery-powered or wired directly to your home’s doorbell wiring, it may not produce a loud enough sound indoors—especially in larger homes.
That’s where the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro come in.
These are standalone devices that plug into any standard electrical outlet and sync with your Ring Doorbell. When someone rings the doorbell or triggers motion, the Chime plays the notification sound inside your home.
Why Use a Ring Chime?
- Louder, clearer sound: The Chime has a built-in speaker that’s much louder than the doorbell itself.
- Customizable volume and tone: You can adjust the volume and choose different chime sounds directly from the app.
- Extended range: The Chime Pro doubles as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your Ring Doorbell’s signal.
- Multiple Chimes: You can connect several Chimes around your home—bedroom, kitchen, garage—so you never miss a visitor.
How to Set Up Ring Chime
1. Plug the Ring Chime into an outlet.
2. Open the Ring app and tap the “Set Up a Device” button.
3. Select “Chime” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
5. Pair it with your Ring Doorbell.
6. Once connected, go to your doorbell’s Chime Settings and select the Chime as your notification device.
Now, when your doorbell is pressed, the sound will play through the Chime inside your home.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Notification Sound Working?
Even with the best setup, sometimes things go wrong. Here are common issues and how to fix them.
Issue 1: No Sound When Doorbell Is Pressed
- Check Wi-Fi connection: Open the Ring app and see if your doorbell shows as “Online.” If it’s offline, restart your router or move the doorbell closer to the Wi-Fi source.
- Verify Chime Settings: Make sure you’ve selected a sound and that the volume isn’t set to zero.
- Test with “Test Chime”: Use the test feature to see if the sound plays. If it does, the issue might be with the doorbell button or wiring.
- Restart the device: Remove the doorbell from its mount (if battery-powered) or turn off the power (if wired), wait 10 seconds, then reconnect.
Issue 2: Custom Sound Not Uploading
- Check file format and size: Ensure your audio is MP3 or M4A, under 5 MB, and 1–10 seconds long.
- Verify Ring Protect Plan: Custom sounds require a subscription. Go to the Ring app > Menu > Protect Plan to check your status.
- Update the app: Outdated apps may have bugs. Go to your app store and check for updates.
- Try a different file: Sometimes the audio file is corrupted. Re-record or re-export it.
Issue 3: Sound Is Too Quiet
- Increase volume in settings: Go to Chime Settings and slide the volume control to the right.
- Use a Ring Chime: If your doorbell’s built-in speaker is too weak, add a Chime for louder indoor alerts.
- Check speaker placement: If using a Chime, avoid placing it behind furniture or in a closet. Keep it in an open area for best sound.
Issue 4: Sound Plays But Is Distorted
- Lower the volume: High volume can cause distortion, especially on older Chime models.
- Use a simpler sound: Complex audio files (like music) may not play clearly. Try a basic tone or short phrase.
- Update firmware: Ring occasionally releases firmware updates that improve audio quality. The app will notify you if an update is available.
Tips for the Best Notification Sound Experience
Now that you know how to change your Ring Doorbell’s notification sound, here are some pro tips to get the most out of it:
- Choose a sound that stands out: Pick something different from common household noises. A bird chirp or wind chime is more noticeable than a generic beep.
- Use different sounds for different doors: If you have multiple Ring Doorbells, assign unique chimes so you know which door someone is at.
- Adjust volume by time of day: Some users lower the volume at night to avoid disturbing sleep. You can’t automate this yet, but you can manually change it.
- Test regularly: After power outages or app updates, test your chime to ensure it’s still working.
- Keep your Ring Protect Plan active: Not only does it enable custom sounds, but it also gives you video history and extended warranties.
Conclusion
Changing the notification sound on your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to improve your home security experience. Whether you prefer a classic chime, a fun sound effect, or a custom recording, Ring gives you the tools to make your doorbell truly yours.
With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can select a new sound, adjust the volume, and even upload your own audio—all while ensuring you never miss a visitor again. And if you want louder, clearer alerts inside your home, pairing your doorbell with a Ring Chime or Chime Pro is a smart upgrade.
Remember to keep your app updated, test your settings regularly, and troubleshoot any issues quickly. With the right sound, your Ring Doorbell becomes more than just a security device—it becomes a personalized part of your daily routine.
So go ahead, give your doorbell a voice. Whether it’s a cheerful “ding-dong” or a custom “Welcome home!”—make it yours.