Changing your Ring Doorbell chime is simple and can be done through the Ring app or by adjusting your in-home chime box. This guide walks you through every step, whether you’re using a mechanical, digital, or wireless chime, so you can customize your doorbell sound to suit your home.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Ring Doorbell chime via the Ring app or your physical chime box. The app lets you pick from multiple tones, while the chime box controls volume and sound type.
- Mechanical chimes require different steps than digital or wireless ones. Knowing your chime type ensures you follow the right instructions.
- Always turn off power at the breaker before working on wired chimes. Safety is crucial when handling electrical components.
- Test your chime after changes to confirm it’s working properly. This helps catch issues early and avoids future frustrations.
- Use the Ring app to disable the in-home chime if you only want mobile alerts. Great for apartments or quiet homes.
- Keep your Ring device updated for the best performance. Firmware updates often improve chime sync and reliability.
- If your chime isn’t working, check wiring, Wi-Fi, and chime settings. Most issues are fixable with simple troubleshooting.
How to Change Ring Doorbell Chime: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Your Ring Doorbell does more than just alert you when someone’s at the door—it can also play a custom chime that fits your style and home environment. Whether you want a cheerful tune, a classic ding-dong, or a loud alert for a large house, changing your Ring Doorbell chime is easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to change your Ring Doorbell chime, whether you’re using the built-in chime box, a wireless chime, or just the Ring app on your phone.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:
- Change the chime sound using the Ring app
- Adjust or replace your in-home chime box
- Set up a wireless Ring Chime or Chime Pro
- Troubleshoot common chime problems
- Customize alerts for different family members or devices
No matter your setup—mechanical, digital, or app-only—we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Understanding Your Ring Doorbell Chime Options
Before you change your chime, it’s important to understand the different types of chimes available and how they work with your Ring Doorbell. Ring offers several ways to hear your doorbell, and each has its own setup process.
Visual guide about How to Change Ring Doorbell Chime
Image source: surveillanceguides.com
1. In-Home Chime Box (Wired or Plug-In)
This is the traditional doorbell chime that’s connected to your doorbell’s wiring. When someone presses the button, it sends a signal through the wires to the chime box, which plays a sound. Most homes with a wired doorbell already have one of these installed.
In-home chimes come in two main types:
- Mechanical chimes: These use physical hammers and metal bars to create a “ding-dong” sound. They’re common in older homes.
- Digital chimes: These use electronic speakers to play recorded sounds. They often have multiple tone options and volume controls.
2. Wireless Ring Chime or Chime Pro
Ring also sells standalone wireless chimes that plug into any outlet. These devices connect to your Ring Doorbell via Wi-Fi and play custom sounds when the doorbell is pressed. They’re perfect if you want to hear the chime in another room or if your existing chime isn’t compatible with Ring.
The Ring Chime is a basic model that plays one of several preset tones. The Ring Chime Pro does the same but also acts as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your Ring device’s signal.
3. Mobile App Alerts (Phone or Tablet)
Even without a physical chime, you’ll receive notifications on your smartphone or tablet when someone rings your doorbell. You can customize the sound of these alerts in your phone’s settings or within the Ring app.
Some users prefer to disable the in-home chime entirely and rely only on mobile alerts—especially in apartments or homes where noise is a concern.
How to Change Your Ring Doorbell Chime Using the App
The easiest and most flexible way to change your Ring Doorbell chime is through the Ring app. This method works for all Ring Doorbells and allows you to choose from a variety of sounds without touching any wires.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account linked to your Ring Doorbell.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell Device
On the home screen, tap the device icon for your Ring Doorbell. If you have multiple Ring devices, choose the one you want to adjust.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
Tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to open the device settings menu.
Step 4: Find the Chime Settings
Scroll down and look for the “Chime” or “Chime Tones” option. Tap on it to open the chime customization screen.
Step 5: Choose a New Chime Sound
You’ll see a list of available chime tones. These may include:
- Classic Ding-Dong
- Modern Beep
- Melodic Chime
- Holiday Tunes (seasonal)
- Silent (no sound)
Tap on any tone to preview it. Once you find one you like, select it. The change will save automatically.
Step 6: Test the Chime
To make sure it worked, press the doorbell button (or have someone else do it). You should hear the new chime sound from your in-home chime box or wireless chime.
Pro Tip: If you don’t hear anything, check that the chime is enabled in the app and that your device is online. Also, ensure your phone’s volume is up if you’re testing mobile alerts.
How to Change the Chime on a Wired In-Home Chime Box
If you have a traditional wired chime box installed in your wall, you can change its sound or volume by adjusting the settings on the unit itself. This is especially useful if you want a louder chime or a different tone than what the Ring app offers.
Step 1: Turn Off Power at the Breaker
Safety first! Before touching any wires or the chime box, turn off the power to your doorbell at the main electrical panel. Use a voltage tester to confirm the power is off.
Step 2: Remove the Chime Cover
Most chime boxes have a front cover that snaps or screws off. Gently remove it to expose the internal components.
Step 3: Locate the Sound or Volume Controls
Look for small dials, switches, or buttons labeled “Volume,” “Tone,” or “Sound.” These vary by model:
- Mechanical chimes: May have a volume dial or a switch to change between two tones (e.g., “ding” and “dong”).
- Digital chimes: Often have a menu button or remote control to cycle through multiple sounds and adjust volume.
Step 4: Adjust the Settings
Turn the dial or press the button to change the sound or volume. Some digital chimes will play a sample tone when you make a change.
Step 5: Reattach the Cover and Restore Power
Once you’re happy with the settings, put the cover back on and turn the power back on at the breaker.
Step 6: Test the Chime
Press the doorbell button to test the new sound. If it’s too quiet, too loud, or not the right tone, repeat the steps to fine-tune it.
Note: Not all wired chime boxes are compatible with Ring Doorbells. If your chime doesn’t work at all, it may be due to low voltage or incompatible wiring. In that case, consider upgrading to a Ring Chime or Chime Pro.
How to Set Up a Wireless Ring Chime or Chime Pro
If your existing chime isn’t working or you want to hear the doorbell in another room, a wireless Ring Chime is a great solution. Here’s how to set it up and customize its sound.
Step 1: Plug in the Chime
Find an outlet near where you want to hear the chime. Plug in your Ring Chime or Chime Pro. The device will power on and begin searching for your Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app and go to the Devices tab. Tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
Step 3: Select “Chime” or “Chime Pro”
Follow the on-screen prompts to pair the device with your Ring account. You’ll need to press the setup button on the Chime (usually on the side or bottom) to put it in pairing mode.
Step 4: Connect to Wi-Fi
The app will guide you through connecting the Chime to your home Wi-Fi network. Make sure you’re on the same network as your Ring Doorbell.
Step 5: Choose a Chime Sound
Once connected, go to the Chime’s settings in the app. Tap “Chime Tones” and select your preferred sound from the list. You can preview each tone before selecting.
Step 6: Adjust Volume and Settings
Use the app to set the volume level. You can also choose whether the Chime plays when the doorbell is pressed, when motion is detected, or both.
Step 7: Test the Chime
Press your Ring Doorbell button. The wireless Chime should play the new sound. If it doesn’t, check the Wi-Fi connection and ensure the Chime is within range of your router or Chime Pro.
Bonus Tip: You can add multiple Chimes around your home—like one in the kitchen, bedroom, or garage—so you never miss a visitor.
How to Disable the In-Home Chime (Use App Alerts Only)
Some people prefer to silence the physical chime and only receive alerts on their phone. This is common in apartments, offices, or homes with noise restrictions.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Go to your Ring Doorbell’s device settings.
Step 2: Find the Chime Settings
Tap on “Chime” or “Chime Tones.”
Step 3: Select “Silent” or “Off”
Choose the “Silent” option from the list of chime tones. This will disable the sound from your in-home chime box or wireless Chime.
Step 4: Confirm Mobile Notifications Are On
Go to your phone’s notification settings and make sure Ring is allowed to send alerts. You can also customize the notification sound in the Ring app under “Alert Settings.”
Note: Disabling the chime won’t affect video or motion alerts—you’ll still get live views and recordings.
Troubleshooting Common Chime Problems
Even with the best setup, chime issues can happen. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Chime Doesn’t Sound at All
- Check power: Make sure the breaker is on and the chime box has power.
- Test the doorbell: Use the Ring app to trigger a live view. If the video works but the chime doesn’t, the issue is likely with the chime box or wiring.
- Inspect wiring: Loose or corroded wires can prevent the chime from working. Turn off power and check connections.
- Update firmware: Open the Ring app and check for device updates under settings.
Chime Sounds Weak or Distorted
- Adjust volume: Use the dial on the chime box or the app to increase volume.
- Check compatibility: Some older chimes aren’t compatible with Ring. Consider upgrading to a Ring Chime.
- Clean the chime: Dust and debris can muffle the sound. Gently clean the speaker or mechanical parts.
Chime Plays the Wrong Sound
- Reset the tone: Go back to the app or chime box and reselect your preferred sound.
- Factory reset the Chime: For wireless Chimes, hold the setup button for 20 seconds to reset it, then reconfigure.
Wireless Chime Not Connecting
- Check Wi-Fi signal: Move the Chime closer to the router or use a Chime Pro to extend the range.
- Restart the device: Unplug the Chime for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Re-pair the device: Remove it from the app and set it up again.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Chime
Now that your chime is set up, here are a few tips to enhance your experience:
- Use different chimes for different doors: If you have multiple Ring Doorbells (front door, back door, gate), assign unique chime sounds so you know which one rang.
- Schedule quiet hours: In the app, you can set “Do Not Disturb” times when chimes and alerts are silenced.
- Pair with Alexa: If you have an Amazon Echo, you can have Alexa announce when someone’s at the door.
- Keep firmware updated: Regular updates improve performance and add new features.
- Test regularly: Every few months, press the button to make sure everything’s working.
Conclusion
Changing your Ring Doorbell chime is a simple way to personalize your home security system and ensure you never miss a visitor. Whether you’re using the Ring app, adjusting a wired chime box, or setting up a wireless Chime, the process is straightforward and user-friendly.
Remember to prioritize safety when working with electrical components, and always test your changes to confirm they’re working. With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell can deliver the perfect sound—whether it’s a cheerful melody, a loud alert, or a silent notification on your phone.
Now that you know how to change your Ring Doorbell chime, take a few minutes to customize it to your liking. Your home—and your ears—will thank you!