Changing the ring sound on your Ring Doorbell is simple and customizable through the Ring app. This guide walks you through every step, from accessing sound settings to testing your new chime, ensuring your doorbell matches your style and needs.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app to change your doorbell sound: All sound customization is done within the Ring mobile app, not on the device itself.
- Choose from built-in chimes or upload custom sounds: Ring offers a variety of preset tones, and some models allow custom audio uploads.
- Adjust volume and motion sensitivity separately: Sound settings are independent of motion alerts, so you can fine-tune each feature.
- Ensure your Ring device is updated: Firmware updates often include new sounds and improved performance.
- Test your new sound after changing it: Always verify the change by triggering the doorbell or using the test feature in the app.
- Use Chime or Chime Pro for enhanced audio: These accessories amplify and customize indoor chime sounds beyond the doorbell’s built-in speaker.
- Troubleshoot issues with simple fixes: If the sound doesn’t change, check Wi-Fi, app permissions, or restart the device.
How to Change Ring Sound on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Your Ring Doorbell does more than just alert you when someone’s at the door—it can also reflect your personal style. One of the easiest ways to customize your Ring experience is by changing the ring sound. Whether you’re tired of the default chime or want something more festive, unique, or attention-grabbing, Ring makes it simple to switch up your doorbell tone.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to change the ring sound on your Ring Doorbell, no matter which model you own. We’ll walk you through the process using the Ring app, explain the differences between built-in sounds and custom uploads, and share tips to ensure your new sound works perfectly. Plus, we’ll cover troubleshooting steps if things don’t go as planned. By the end, you’ll have a doorbell that not only keeps your home secure but also sounds exactly how you want it to.
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound?
You might be wondering—why bother changing the ring sound? After all, the default tone works just fine, right? While that’s true, there are several great reasons to customize your doorbell chime:
Visual guide about How to Change Ring Sound on Ring Doorbell
Image source: i.ytimg.com
- Personalization: Make your home feel more like yours with a sound that matches your personality—whether it’s a classic doorbell, a fun animal noise, or a seasonal jingle.
- Improved Awareness: Some people find certain tones easier to hear, especially in noisy environments or for those with hearing sensitivities. A louder or more distinct sound can help ensure you never miss a visitor.
- Fun and Festive Touches: Change your sound for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. Imagine your doorbell playing “Jingle Bells” in December or a spooky laugh in October.
- Multiple Users, Different Preferences: In households with kids or roommates, a unique sound can help everyone recognize when the doorbell rings without confusion.
- Enhanced Security: A distinctive tone can help you quickly identify a real visitor versus a false alert, reducing unnecessary trips to the door.
Customizing your ring sound is a small change that can make a big difference in your daily experience with Ring.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving into the steps, make sure you have the following ready:
- A smartphone or tablet with the Ring app installed: The Ring app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Your Ring account login details: You’ll need to sign in to access your device settings.
- Your Ring Doorbell powered on and connected to Wi-Fi: The device must be online for changes to sync properly.
- A stable internet connection: A strong Wi-Fi signal ensures smooth communication between the app and your doorbell.
- (Optional) A Ring Chime or Chime Pro: These indoor accessories allow for more sound options and louder volume. If you have one, you can customize its chime separately.
Once you’ve confirmed these items, you’re ready to begin.
Step 1: Open the Ring App and Select Your Device
The first step to changing your ring sound is accessing your Ring Doorbell through the app. Here’s how:
Launch the Ring App
Find the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet and tap to open it. If you haven’t used it in a while, you may need to sign in with your email and password.
Navigate to the Dashboard
Once logged in, you’ll see the main dashboard. This screen displays all your Ring devices, including doorbells, cameras, and security systems. Look for your Ring Doorbell—it should appear as a tile with a live preview or a still image.
Tap on Your Doorbell
Tap the tile for your Ring Doorbell to open its live view or device settings. Depending on your app version, you may see options like “Live View,” “History,” or “Device Settings.” We want to go to Device Settings.
Access Device Settings
Look for a gear icon or the words “Device Settings” near the top or bottom of the screen. Tap it to enter the settings menu for your doorbell.
Now you’re in the right place to start customizing your ring sound.
Step 2: Find the Sound or Chime Settings
Once inside Device Settings, you’ll see a list of options such as Motion Settings, Video Settings, and Notifications. We’re looking for the section that controls sound.
Look for “Chime” or “Sound” Options
Scroll down until you find a menu labeled Chime, Chime Settings, or Sound. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your Ring model and app version.
For example:
- Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) and newer models typically have a “Chime” section.
- Older models may list it under “Device Settings” as “Chime Tone” or “Ring Sound.”
Tap to Open Chime Settings
Tap on the Chime or Sound option to open the customization menu. Here, you’ll see a list of available tones and volume controls.
Pro Tip: If you don’t see a Chime option, make sure your doorbell is connected to Wi-Fi and that the app is up to date. Some features are only available with the latest firmware.
Step 3: Choose a New Ring Sound
Now comes the fun part—picking your new ring sound! Ring offers a variety of built-in chimes to choose from, and some models even allow custom uploads.
Browse Built-In Chime Options
Inside the Chime Settings menu, you’ll see a list of preset sounds. These may include:
- Classic Ding-Dong
- Modern Beep
- Wind Chimes
- Birds Chirping
- Church Bell
- Futuristic Tone
- Holiday Jingles (seasonal)
Tap on any sound to preview it. Most Ring models will play a short sample so you can hear how it sounds before selecting it.
Select Your Preferred Sound
Once you find a tone you like, tap the circle or checkmark next to it to select it. The app will automatically save your choice.
Custom Sounds (If Supported)
Some newer Ring models, especially those compatible with Ring Chime or Chime Pro, allow you to upload custom audio files. Here’s how:
- Look for an option like “Upload Custom Sound” or “Add New Chime.”
- Tap it and follow the prompts to select an audio file from your phone.
- Ensure the file is in a supported format (usually MP3 or M4A) and under 10 seconds long.
- Upload and save the sound.
Note: Custom sounds are not available on all Ring doorbells. Check your device’s compatibility in the Ring support center if you don’t see this option.
Step 4: Adjust Volume and Other Sound Settings
After choosing your sound, you can fine-tune how it plays.
Set the Volume Level
Most Ring doorbells allow you to adjust the volume of the chime. Look for a slider or volume buttons in the Chime Settings menu. Drag the slider to your preferred level—low, medium, or high.
Tip: If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, you can set the volume independently for the indoor device. This is helpful if you want a loud chime inside but a softer tone outside.
Enable or Disable Motion Chimes
Some Ring models let you choose whether the doorbell chimes when motion is detected (not just when the button is pressed). Look for a toggle labeled “Motion Chime” or “Chime on Motion.”
- Turn it ON if you want the sound to play for motion alerts.
- Turn it OFF if you only want the chime when someone rings the doorbell.
Set Chime Duration (If Available)
A few models allow you to control how long the chime plays—usually between 1 and 10 seconds. This is useful if you find the default duration too short or too long.
Step 5: Test Your New Ring Sound
After making changes, it’s important to test your new ring sound to ensure it’s working correctly.
Use the Test Feature in the App
Many Ring devices include a “Test Chime” button in the Chime Settings menu. Tap it to trigger a sample of your new sound. Listen carefully to confirm it plays at the right volume and clarity.
Physically Ring the Doorbell
For a real-world test, have someone press the doorbell button (or do it yourself if you can reach it safely). Listen for the new sound both outside and inside your home.
Check Indoor Chimes (If Using Ring Chime)
If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, make sure it’s also playing the correct sound. These devices sync with your doorbell and may have their own app settings to verify.
If the sound doesn’t play as expected, don’t worry—we’ll cover troubleshooting in the next section.
Using Ring Chime or Chime Pro for Enhanced Sound
If you want even more control over your doorbell sound, consider using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro. These plug-in devices sit inside your home and play customizable chimes when your doorbell is pressed.
Why Use a Chime?
Ring Chime offers several advantages:
- Loud, clear sound: Ideal for larger homes or noisy environments.
- More sound options: Access to exclusive chimes and seasonal tones.
- Custom uploads: Easily add your own audio files.
- Multiple chimes: Place several around your home for full coverage.
How to Set Up Chime Sounds
- Plug in your Ring Chime and connect it to Wi-Fi using the Ring app.
- Go to the Chime’s settings in the app.
- Select “Chime Tones” and choose from built-in or custom sounds.
- Adjust volume and test the chime.
With a Chime, you can have different sounds for different doors or even schedule chimes to change throughout the day.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If the Sound Won’t Change
Sometimes, your Ring Doorbell might not play the new sound you selected. Here are common issues and how to fix them:
Issue 1: Sound Doesn’t Play at All
Possible Causes:
- Device is offline or has a weak Wi-Fi signal.
- Volume is set too low or muted.
- App needs to be refreshed.
Solutions:
- Check your Wi-Fi connection. Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender if needed.
- Open the Ring app and refresh the device by pulling down on the dashboard.
- Ensure the volume is turned up in both the app and on the device (if applicable).
- Restart your Ring Doorbell by removing it from the mount and reinserting it, or by turning off power at the breaker for 10 seconds.
Issue 2: New Sound Plays But Is Distorted or Quiet
Possible Causes:
- Speaker is dirty or blocked.
- Custom audio file is low quality.
- Volume settings are mismatched.
Solutions:
- Clean the speaker grille on your doorbell with a soft, dry cloth.
- Re-upload a higher-quality audio file (128 kbps or higher MP3 recommended).
- Adjust volume levels in both the app and on any connected Chime devices.
Issue 3: Sound Reverts to Default After a Few Days
Possible Causes:
- Firmware update reset settings.
- App glitch or sync issue.
Solutions:
- Check for app and firmware updates in the Ring app under “Device Health.”
- Re-select your preferred sound and test again.
- Contact Ring Support if the issue persists.
Issue 4: Custom Sound Doesn’t Upload
Possible Causes:
- File format not supported.
- File too long or too large.
- App permissions not granted.
Solutions:
- Convert your audio to MP3 or M4A format using a free online converter.
- Trim the file to under 10 seconds using audio editing software.
- Ensure the Ring app has permission to access your phone’s media files.
If none of these fixes work, visit the Ring Help Center or contact customer support for personalized assistance.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ring Sound
Now that you’ve successfully changed your ring sound, here are some bonus tips to enhance your experience:
- Change sounds seasonally: Keep things fresh by switching to holiday or themed tones throughout the year.
- Use different sounds for multiple doors: If you have more than one Ring Doorbell, assign unique chimes so you know which door someone is at.
- Pair with smart lights: Use Alexa or Google Assistant to flash lights when the doorbell rings, adding a visual alert.
- Set quiet hours: In the app, you can schedule times when the chime is silenced to avoid nighttime disturbances.
- Share access with family: Let others in your household customize sounds too by sharing app access.
Conclusion
Changing the ring sound on your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your smart home experience. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can switch from a generic tone to something that truly reflects your style—whether it’s a classic chime, a playful sound, or a custom recording.
Remember to test your new sound, adjust the volume to your liking, and consider using a Ring Chime for even greater flexibility. And if you run into any issues, the troubleshooting steps in this guide will help you get back on track quickly.
Your doorbell is more than just a security tool—it’s part of your home’s identity. Make it yours by choosing a sound that’s uniquely you.