How to Change Ring Doorbell Ring

Changing your Ring Doorbell ring is simple and lets you personalize your home’s alert system. This guide walks you through updating chime tones, adjusting volume, and syncing with the Ring app—no tools or tech skills needed.

Key Takeaways

• Customize your chime tone: Choose from dozens of built-in sounds or upload your own custom ringtone via the Ring app.
• Adjust volume easily: Increase or decrease chime loudness to suit your home environment, from quiet apartments to large houses.
• Sync with multiple devices: Set different rings for your indoor chime, mobile alerts, and Alexa-enabled devices.
• Works across Ring models: The process applies to Ring Video Doorbell (1st–4th gen), Ring Doorbell Pro, Pro 2, Battery, and Wired versions.
• Use Quick Replies for silence: When you don’t want a loud ring, enable automated messages to greet visitors instead.
• Troubleshoot common issues: Fix problems like delayed rings, no sound, or app sync errors with simple fixes.
• Keep firmware updated: Ensure your device runs the latest software for access to new tones and features.

How to Change Ring Doorbell Ring: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Your Ring Doorbell does more than just show you who’s at the door—it can also play a sound that fits your style, mood, or household needs. Whether you’re tired of the default “ding-dong,” want something more festive during the holidays, or need a louder chime for a large home, changing your Ring Doorbell ring is quick, easy, and totally customizable.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing your Ring Doorbell ring—from selecting a new chime tone to adjusting volume, syncing with smart home devices, and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell (1st through 4th generation), Ring Doorbell Pro, Pro 2, Battery, or Wired model, this guide covers it all. No technical expertise required—just your smartphone, the Ring app, and a few minutes of your time.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:

• Change your doorbell chime tone using the Ring app
• Upload a custom ringtone (yes, you can use your favorite song!)
• Adjust chime volume for indoor and outdoor alerts
• Set different rings for different devices (like Alexa or your phone)
• Use Quick Replies to avoid ringing altogether
• Fix common problems like no sound or delayed alerts

Let’s get started!

Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Ring?

You might be wondering—why bother changing the ring? After all, the default tone works fine, right? While that’s true, personalizing your doorbell sound offers several benefits:

• Improved awareness: A louder or more distinct tone helps you hear the doorbell from farther away, especially in noisy homes or large properties.
• Personalization: Choose a tone that matches your personality—funny, elegant, seasonal, or even a favorite movie theme.
• Accessibility: For people with hearing impairments, a unique or louder chime can make a big difference.
• Smart home integration: Sync your doorbell with Alexa, Echo devices, or other smart speakers for multi-room alerts.
• Silence when needed: Use Quick Replies or disable chimes during naps, meetings, or late-night hours.

Plus, Ring regularly adds new tones and features, so changing your ring keeps your system fresh and functional.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before diving into the steps, make sure you have the following:

• A Ring Doorbell installed and connected: Your device should be properly set up and linked to your Wi-Fi network.
• The Ring app installed: Available for free on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
• Your smartphone or tablet: You’ll use this to access the app and make changes.
• An active Ring Protect plan (optional): While not required for changing tones, a subscription gives you access to advanced features like custom recordings and extended video history.
• Stable Wi-Fi connection: A strong signal ensures smooth communication between your doorbell and the app.

Once you’ve confirmed these, you’re ready to customize your Ring Doorbell ring!

Step 1: Open the Ring App and Navigate to Device Settings

The first step to changing your Ring Doorbell ring is accessing the right menu in the Ring app. Here’s how:

Launch the Ring App

Tap the Ring app icon on your smartphone or tablet. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password to sign in.

Select Your Doorbell Device

On the home screen, you’ll see a list of your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to customize. If you have multiple doorbells (e.g., front and back), make sure you select the correct one.

Go to Device Settings

Once you’re on the device’s live view or event history screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the Device Settings menu.

You should now see a list of options like Motion Settings, Video Settings, Chime Settings, and more. We’re focusing on the chime—so let’s move to the next step.

Step 2: Access Chime Settings

Now that you’re in Device Settings, it’s time to find the chime controls.

Tap “Chime Settings”

Scroll down until you see the Chime Settings option. Tap on it to open the chime customization menu.

Here, you’ll see several options, including:

• Chime Tone
• Chime Volume
• Chime Duration
• Quick Replies
• Linked Devices (for Alexa, Echo, etc.)

We’ll go through each of these in detail, starting with changing the tone.

Step 3: Change Your Ring Doorbell Chime Tone

This is the fun part—picking a new sound for your doorbell!

Tap “Chime Tone”

In the Chime Settings menu, tap on Chime Tone. You’ll now see a list of preloaded tones to choose from.

Ring offers a variety of built-in options, such as:

• Classic Ding Dong
• Modern Chime
• Wind Chimes
• Doorbell Bell
• Holiday Bells (seasonal)
• Funny Sounds (like a duck quack or cartoon boing)
• Nature Sounds (birds chirping, rain, etc.)

Preview and Select a Tone

Tap any tone to preview it. Listen carefully—does it suit your home? Is it loud enough? Is it too silly for your taste?

Once you find one you like, tap Save or Select to apply it. The change takes effect immediately.

Pro Tip: If you have a Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro plugged into an outlet inside your home, the tone you select will play through that device. If you don’t have a Chime, the sound will come from your phone or Alexa device (if linked).

Step 4: Upload a Custom Ringtone (Advanced Option)

Want to use your favorite song, a movie quote, or a personalized message? Ring allows you to upload custom ringtones—here’s how.

Check Compatibility

Custom tones are supported on Ring Doorbell (2nd gen and later), Ring Doorbell Pro, Pro 2, and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus. Older models may not support this feature.

Prepare Your Audio File

Your custom ringtone must meet these requirements:

• File format: MP3 or M4A
• Duration: 5 to 30 seconds
• Size: Under 5 MB
• Clear audio quality (no heavy bass or distortion)

You can use apps like GarageBand (iOS), Audacity (free on PC/Mac), or online converters to trim and format your audio.

Upload via the Ring App

Back in the Chime Tone menu, look for the option that says “Upload Custom Tone” or “Add Custom Sound”. Tap it.

The app will prompt you to select a file from your device’s storage. Navigate to your audio file and tap to upload.

Wait a few seconds for the upload to complete. Once done, your custom tone will appear in the list. Tap it to preview and select.

Example: Imagine uploading a clip of your dog barking—“Rover’s Welcome”—so every time someone rings, your pup “greets” them. Fun, right?

Note: Custom tones only play through the Ring Chime or Chime Pro. They won’t play on your phone or Alexa unless you’ve set up notifications separately.

Step 5: Adjust Chime Volume

Even the best tone won’t help if no one can hear it. Let’s make sure your chime is loud enough.

Tap “Chime Volume”

In the Chime Settings menu, tap on Chime Volume. You’ll see a slider ranging from 0 (silent) to 10 (maximum volume).

Test and Adjust

Move the slider to your desired level. Tap the Test button to hear a sample. Walk around your home to see if the sound carries well.

Recommendations:

• Apartments or small homes: Volume 5–7 is usually sufficient.
• Large homes or noisy environments: Set to 8–10 for better coverage.
• Nighttime or quiet hours: Lower to 2–3 to avoid disturbing sleep.

You can change the volume anytime—no need to restart the device.

Step 6: Set Chime Duration (Optional)

Chime duration controls how long the sound plays when someone rings the doorbell.

Tap “Chime Duration”

In Chime Settings, find and tap Chime Duration. Options typically include:

• Short (1–2 seconds)
• Medium (3–4 seconds)
• Long (5+ seconds)

Choose based on your preference. A longer duration ensures the sound is heard, especially if you’re far from the chime.

Tip: If you have a custom tone, make sure the duration matches the length of your audio file. A 10-second clip won’t play fully if the duration is set to “Short.”

Step 7: Sync with Alexa and Other Smart Devices

Want your Echo Dot to chime when the doorbell rings? Here’s how to link your devices.

Enable Alexa Announcements

In the Ring app, go to Device Settings > Linked Devices > Alexa.

Toggle on “Announcements”. You can choose which Echo devices will play the alert.

Customize Alexa Chime

You can set a different tone for Alexa. For example, your indoor chime plays “Wind Chimes,” but your Echo says, “You have a visitor at the front door.”

To do this, say: “Alexa, change my Ring doorbell announcement.” Follow the voice prompts to select a message or tone.

Link Other Smart Devices

Ring also works with Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and other platforms. Check the Linked Services section in the app to connect additional devices.

Example: Set up an IFTTT applet to flash your smart lights blue when the doorbell rings—perfect for hearing-impaired users.

Step 8: Use Quick Replies to Avoid Ringing

Sometimes, you don’t want the doorbell to ring at all—like during a baby’s nap or a work meeting. That’s where Quick Replies come in.

Enable Quick Replies

In Chime Settings, tap Quick Replies. Toggle it on.

Choose a Message

Select from pre-written messages like:

• “I’ll be right there!”
• “Please leave the package at the door.”
• “We’re not home—please come back later.”

Or create a custom message (e.g., “Dad’s on a call—knock if urgent!”).

Set Active Hours

Choose when Quick Replies should be active—say, 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. During those times, the doorbell won’t ring. Instead, visitors hear your message via the Ring app or speaker.

This feature is great for minimizing disruptions while still acknowledging visitors.

Step 9: Test Your New Ring Settings

After making changes, always test your setup.

Ring the Doorbell

Ask someone to press the button, or use the “Test Chime” button in the app (found in Chime Settings).

Check All Devices

Listen for the tone on:

• Your indoor chime (if you have one)
• Your smartphone (push notification)
• Alexa or Echo devices
• Other linked smart devices

If something’s missing, go back and double-check your settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best setup, problems can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.

Issue: No Sound When Doorbell Rings

Possible Causes & Fixes:

• Volume is too low: Increase chime volume in the app.
• Chime is unplugged: Ensure your Ring Chime or Chime Pro is plugged in and powered.
• Wi-Fi signal weak: Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
• App not synced: Force-close and reopen the Ring app, then retest.
• Device offline: Check if your doorbell shows as “offline” in the app. Reconnect if needed.

Issue: Delayed or Missed Rings

Possible Causes & Fixes:

• Slow internet: Run a speed test. Ring recommends at least 2 Mbps upload speed.
• Too many devices on network: Disconnect unused devices or upgrade your router.
• App notifications disabled: Go to phone Settings > Notifications > Ring > Allow Notifications.
• Battery-saving mode: Disable battery optimization for the Ring app in your phone settings.

Issue: Custom Tone Not Playing

Possible Causes & Fixes:

• File format incorrect: Reconvert to MP3 or M4A.
• File too long or large: Trim to under 30 seconds and 5 MB.
• Chime not supported: Only Ring Chime/Chime Pro play custom tones.
• App needs update: Check for app updates in the App Store or Google Play.

Issue: Alexa Not Announcing Doorbell

Possible Causes & Fixes:

• Alexa skill not enabled: Open the Alexa app > Skills > Search “Ring” > Enable.
• Announcements disabled: Re-enable in Ring app under Linked Devices.
• Echo volume low: Say, “Alexa, volume 8.”
• Do Not Disturb mode on: Turn off in Alexa app or say, “Alexa, turn off Do Not Disturb.”

Keep Your Ring Doorbell Updated

Ring regularly releases firmware updates that improve performance, add new tones, and fix bugs. To ensure you have the latest features:

• Open the Ring app > Device Settings > Firmware Version.
• If an update is available, tap “Update Now.”
• Keep your doorbell charged (for battery models) during updates.

Updates happen automatically in most cases, but checking manually once a month is a good habit.

Conclusion

Changing your Ring Doorbell ring is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your smart home experience. Whether you’re choosing a cheerful holiday tune, uploading a custom sound, or silencing the chime during nap time, the Ring app puts full control in your hands.

From adjusting volume and duration to syncing with Alexa and using Quick Replies, this guide has covered everything you need to know. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips will help you get back on track fast.

So go ahead—make your doorbell uniquely yours. Your visitors (and your ears) will thank you!