Changing the notification sound on your Ring Doorbell is simple and helps personalize your smart home alerts. This guide walks you through every step—from app navigation to sound selection—so you can hear exactly what you want, when you want it.
Key Takeaways
- Customize your alerts: You can change the notification sound to suit your preferences or household needs.
- Use the Ring app: All sound changes are made through the official Ring mobile app, not the device itself.
- Multiple sound options available: Choose from classic chimes, modern tones, or seasonal sounds like holiday themes.
- Works with Ring Chime and Chime Pro: If you use a Chime device, you can also adjust its sound separately.
- Ensure app and firmware are updated: Outdated software may prevent new sounds from appearing or working properly.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If sounds don’t play, check volume, Wi-Fi, and device settings.
- Personalize by location: Set different sounds for front door, back door, or multiple Ring devices.
Introduction: Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Notification Sound?
Your Ring Doorbell does more than just alert you when someone’s at the door—it’s a key part of your smart home security system. But let’s be honest: hearing the same default “ding-dong” every time can get repetitive. Maybe you want something more modern, cheerful, or even seasonal. Or perhaps you have multiple Ring devices and need distinct sounds so you know which door someone’s at.
Changing the notification sound on your Ring Doorbell is a quick and easy way to personalize your experience. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Elite, or a Ring Doorbell Wired, the process is nearly identical. And if you’ve added a Ring Chime or Chime Pro to amplify the sound indoors, you can customize that too.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to change notification sound Ring Doorbell. You’ll learn how to access the settings, choose from available sounds, apply them to specific devices, and troubleshoot any issues that come up. By the end, you’ll have a doorbell that not only keeps you safe but also sounds exactly how you like it.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Visual guide about How to Change Notification Sound Ring Doorbell
Image source: speakerform.com
Before diving into the steps, make sure you have the following ready:
- A smartphone or tablet: The Ring app is required to change notification sounds. It’s available for iOS and Android.
- The Ring app installed and logged in: Download it from the App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already.
- Your Ring Doorbell connected to Wi-Fi: The device must be online for settings to sync.
- Latest app and firmware versions: Updates often include new sounds and bug fixes.
- Your Ring account credentials: You’ll need to be logged in to make changes.
Having these ready will ensure a smooth process. If your device isn’t connected or the app is outdated, you might not see all available options.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Notification Sound on Ring Doorbell
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get into the actual steps. Follow along carefully—each one is designed to be simple and clear.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Start by unlocking your phone and opening the Ring app. You should see a dashboard with your connected devices. If you have multiple Ring products—like a doorbell, security camera, or alarm—they’ll all appear here.
Tap on the device you want to customize. For this guide, we’ll focus on your Ring Doorbell. Once you select it, you’ll enter the device’s live view or event history screen.
Step 2: Access Device Settings
Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the screen. This is the settings menu. Tap it to open a list of options related to your doorbell.
Scroll down until you find the section labeled “Device Settings” or “Notifications”. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your Ring model and app version, but it will be clearly marked.
Step 3: Find Notification Sound Options
Inside the Notifications menu, look for an option called “Chime Tones”, “Doorbell Sounds”, or “Notification Sounds”. This is where you’ll make your selection.
Tap on it to see a list of available sounds. Ring offers a variety of tones, including:
- Classic Ding-Dong
- Modern Chime
- Wind Chimes
- Bell Tower
- Holiday Jingle (seasonal)
- Gentle Chime
- Upbeat Tone
Some sounds may only be available during certain times of the year (like holiday themes), while others are always accessible.
Step 4: Select Your Preferred Sound
Tap on any sound to preview it. The app will play a short clip so you can hear how it sounds. Take your time—choose something that fits your home’s vibe.
Once you’ve found one you like, tap “Save” or “Apply” at the bottom of the screen. The app will sync the change with your doorbell.
Step 5: Test the New Sound
To make sure it worked, ask someone to press your doorbell or use the “Test Chime” feature if available in the app. You should hear your new sound play through the doorbell speaker.
If you’re using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, the sound will also play through that device—more on that in the next section.
Customizing Sounds for Ring Chime and Chime Pro
If you’ve added a Ring Chime or Chime Pro to your setup, you’ll want to customize its sound separately. These devices plug into your wall outlets and amplify the doorbell sound indoors, making it easier to hear from another room.
How to Change Chime Sounds
The process is similar to changing your doorbell sound:
- Open the Ring app and go to the dashboard.
- Tap on your Ring Chime or Chime Pro device.
- Tap the gear icon to open settings.
- Look for “Chime Tones” or “Sound Settings”.
- Select your preferred sound from the list.
- Save your choice.
You can choose a different sound for your Chime than your doorbell. For example, you might want a soft tone on the doorbell but a louder, more noticeable chime indoors.
Volume and Repeat Settings
In the same Chime settings menu, you’ll also find options to adjust:
- Volume: Set how loud the chime plays (low, medium, high).
- Repeat: Choose whether the chime plays once or repeats after a few seconds.
- Night Mode: Lower the volume automatically during nighttime hours.
These features help you tailor the experience to your lifestyle. For instance, if you have a baby who naps during the day, you might lower the volume or disable repeats.
Personalizing Sounds for Multiple Ring Doorbells
Do you have more than one Ring Doorbell? Maybe one at the front door and another at the back or side entrance? If so, you can assign unique notification sounds to each one. This way, you’ll instantly know which door someone’s at—no need to check your phone.
How to Set Different Sounds per Device
Follow the same steps as above, but repeat them for each doorbell:
- Go to the Ring app dashboard.
- Select the first doorbell.
- Navigate to Notification Sounds and choose a tone (e.g., “Classic Ding-Dong” for the front door).
- Save the setting.
- Go back to the dashboard and select the second doorbell.
- Choose a different sound (e.g., “Wind Chimes” for the back door).
- Save again.
Now, when someone rings the front door, you’ll hear one sound. When the back door is pressed, you’ll hear another. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in daily use.
Tips for Multi-Doorbell Homes
- Use distinct tones: Avoid similar-sounding chimes that could cause confusion.
- Label your devices: In the app, rename each doorbell (e.g., “Front Door,” “Back Porch”) to stay organized.
- Sync with Chimes: If you have multiple Chimes, assign matching sounds so the indoor alert matches the doorbell.
This level of customization turns your Ring system into a truly smart, intuitive part of your home.
Updating Your Ring App and Firmware
One of the most common reasons people can’t change their notification sound is outdated software. Ring frequently releases updates that include new features, bug fixes, and additional sound options.
How to Check for App Updates
On iPhone:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down to see pending updates.
- If Ring is listed, tap “Update.”
On Android:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap the menu (three lines) and select “My apps & games.”
- Look for Ring in the updates list.
- Tap “Update” if available.
How to Update Ring Doorbell Firmware
Firmware updates happen automatically when your doorbell is connected to Wi-Fi and powered. However, you can check the status in the app:
- Open the Ring app and select your doorbell.
- Tap the gear icon to open settings.
- Scroll down to “Device Health”.
- Look for “Firmware Version.” If it says “Up to Date,” you’re good to go.
- If not, ensure your doorbell is online and wait 24–48 hours for the update to install.
Keeping everything updated ensures you have access to the latest sounds and features.
Troubleshooting: What If the Sound Won’t Change?
Sometimes, despite following all the steps, your Ring Doorbell won’t play the new sound. Don’t worry—this is fixable. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them.
Issue 1: No Sound Plays at All
If your doorbell isn’t making any noise, check the following:
- Volume is muted: In the app, go to Notification Settings and ensure the volume slider isn’t set to zero.
- Do Not Disturb is on: Check if Night Mode or Do Not Disturb is active, which may silence alerts.
- Wi-Fi connection is weak: A poor signal can prevent settings from syncing. Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Doorbell is offline: Check Device Health in the app. If it’s offline, reboot the device by removing and reinserting the battery (for battery-powered models) or turning off the power at the breaker (for wired models).
Issue 2: Old Sound Still Plays
If you’ve selected a new sound but the old one still plays:
- App didn’t save the change: Go back into the sound settings and reselect your preferred tone, then tap “Save” again.
- Chime is using a different setting: If you have a Ring Chime, it may be playing its own sound. Update the Chime’s settings separately.
- Cache issue: Force-close the Ring app and reopen it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom and swipe the app away. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Force Stop.
Issue 3: Sound Doesn’t Play Through Chime
If your Ring Chime isn’t playing the sound:
- Chime is unplugged or powered off: Make sure it’s plugged into a working outlet.
- Chime is not linked to the doorbell: In the app, go to Chime settings and ensure it’s paired with the correct doorbell.
- Volume is too low: Increase the volume in the Chime settings.
- Chime firmware is outdated: Check for updates in the Chime’s Device Health section.
Issue 4: New Sounds Don’t Appear in the App
If you don’t see the latest sound options:
- Update the app: New sounds are often added in app updates.
- Check your region: Some sounds may be region-locked or seasonal.
- Restart the app: Close and reopen it to refresh the menu.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Notification Sounds
Now that you know how to change notification sound Ring Doorbell, here are some expert tips to enhance your experience:
- Use seasonal sounds for fun: Ring often releases holiday-themed chimes around Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. Check the app during these times for limited-edition options.
- Match sounds to your routine: Set a softer tone during nap times or late at night to avoid disturbing sleep.
- Test sounds with family: Have everyone in the household listen to the options and vote. It’s a fun way to get buy-in, especially with kids.
- Use sounds as a security cue: If you have a pet, choose a sound that doesn’t startle them. If you’re away often, pick a tone that’s loud enough to hear from another room.
- Combine with motion alerts: Customize motion notification sounds separately so you can distinguish between someone approaching and someone pressing the button.
These small tweaks can make your Ring Doorbell feel more personalized and functional.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Customized Ring Doorbell Experience
Changing the notification sound on your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to make your smart home feel more like *your* home. Whether you prefer a classic chime, a modern tone, or a festive jingle, the Ring app gives you the tools to customize your alerts exactly how you want them.
We’ve covered everything from basic steps to advanced tips—how to navigate the app, select sounds, manage multiple devices, update software, and troubleshoot common issues. With this knowledge, you’re equipped to keep your doorbell sounding fresh and functional.
Remember, your Ring Doorbell is more than just a security device. It’s part of your daily routine, your first line of defense, and now—your personal soundtrack. So go ahead, pick a sound that makes you smile, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a smart, personalized home.