Changing the ringtone on your Ring Doorbell is simple and helps you distinguish alerts quickly. This guide walks you through every step—from app navigation to sound selection—so you can personalize your device with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Use the Ring app: All ringtone changes are made through the official Ring mobile app, not the device itself.
- Choose from preset tones: Ring offers a variety of built-in ringtones, including classic chimes, modern beeps, and seasonal sounds.
- Custom tones aren’t supported: Unfortunately, you cannot upload your own audio files as ringtones on Ring Doorbells.
- Adjust volume separately: Ringtone volume is controlled independently from motion alert sounds.
- Works on all Ring models: This process applies to Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell Pro, and newer versions.
- Update your app regularly: New ringtones are often added in app updates, so keep your Ring app current.
- Test after changing: Always test your new ringtone to ensure it’s loud and clear enough for your environment.
How to Change Ringtone on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve ever missed a delivery because your Ring Doorbell’s default chime sounded too quiet or too similar to your neighbor’s, you’re not alone. One of the most useful—and often overlooked—features of Ring Doorbells is the ability to change the ringtone. Whether you want something more noticeable, festive, or just different, customizing your doorbell sound can make a big difference in your daily routine.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to change the ringtone on your Ring Doorbell. You’ll learn where to find the settings, how to pick the perfect sound, and how to troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll have a personalized alert that fits your lifestyle and helps you stay connected to your home’s security.
Let’s get started!
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Ringtone?
Before diving into the steps, it’s worth understanding why changing your ringtone matters. The default chime on most Ring Doorbells is a simple two-tone beep. While functional, it’s easy to miss—especially if you’re in another room, wearing headphones, or have hearing sensitivities.
A customized ringtone can:
– Help you recognize a visitor instantly
– Reduce confusion with other household sounds (like appliances or TV)
– Add a personal touch to your smart home
– Improve accessibility for those with hearing challenges
– Make seasonal updates fun (think holiday jingles in December)
Plus, Ring regularly adds new ringtones through app updates, so you might discover a sound you love even more than the original.
What You’ll Need
Before changing your ringtone, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell device: This includes Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Pro 2, or Ring Video Doorbell Wired.
- The Ring app installed: Available for free on iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices.
- An active internet connection: Wi-Fi is required for the app to communicate with your doorbell.
- Your Ring account login: You’ll need to be signed in to access device settings.
- Your smartphone or tablet: All changes are made through the mobile app, not the Ring website.
Once you’ve confirmed these, you’re ready to begin.
Step-by-Step: How to Change the Ringtone on Your Ring Doorbell
Now for the main event—changing your Ring Doorbell’s ringtone. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a new sound in under two minutes.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Start by unlocking your smartphone or tablet and locating the Ring app. It has a blue icon with a white “R” inside a circle. Tap to open it.
If you haven’t used the app in a while, you may be prompted to log in. Enter your email and password associated with your Ring account. If you’ve forgotten your login details, use the “Forgot Password?” link to reset it.
Once logged in, you’ll see the home screen, which displays your connected Ring devices. This usually includes your doorbell, security cameras, and any other Ring products you own.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell Device
On the home screen, look for your Ring Doorbell. It will appear as a tile with a live preview (if motion is detected) or a still image. Tap on the doorbell tile to open its control panel.
This will take you to the device dashboard, where you can view live video, check event history, and access settings.
Step 3: Navigate to Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the device dashboard, you’ll see a gear icon (⚙️). This is the settings menu. Tap it to open the full settings panel.
Scroll down until you find the section labeled “Device Settings” or “Chime Settings”, depending on your app version. Tap on it to proceed.
Step 4: Choose “Chime Tones” or “Ringtone”
Inside the Device Settings menu, look for an option called “Chime Tones” or “Ringtone”. This is where you’ll find all available sound options.
Tap on it to open the ringtone selection screen. You’ll see a list of preset tones, each with a play button so you can preview the sound before selecting it.
Step 5: Preview and Select a New Ringtone
Ring offers a variety of ringtones, grouped by category:
- Classic: Traditional doorbell chimes, like “Westminster” or “Ding Dong.”
- Modern: Sleek, electronic tones such as “Pulse” or “Chirp.”
- Seasonal: Holiday-themed sounds like “Jingle Bells” (available seasonally).
- Fun: Playful options like “Bird Song” or “Wind Chimes.”
Tap the play button next to any tone to hear it. Take your time—pick one that’s distinct and easy to recognize from anywhere in your home.
Once you’ve found a tone you like, tap the circle or checkmark next to it to select it. The app will automatically save your choice.
Step 6: Adjust the Volume (Optional)
After selecting your ringtone, you may want to adjust the volume. While the ringtone itself is fixed, the volume level can be changed independently.
Back in the Device Settings menu, look for “Chime Volume” or “Ringtone Volume.” Use the slider to increase or decrease the loudness.
Tip: Set the volume to at least 75% if you have a large home or hard-of-hearing family members. Avoid max volume if you have pets—they might get startled.
Step 7: Test Your New Ringtone
Now that you’ve made your selection, it’s time to test it. Go back to the main device screen and tap the “Test Chime” button (usually found under “Quick Actions” or in the settings menu).
Your Ring Doorbell will play the new ringtone through its built-in speaker. Listen carefully to ensure it’s clear, loud enough, and distinguishable from background noise.
If it sounds good, you’re all set! If not, go back and try a different tone or adjust the volume.
Tips for Choosing the Best Ringtone
Not all ringtones work equally well in every home. Here are some practical tips to help you pick the right one:
- Consider your environment: If you live on a busy street, choose a tone that cuts through traffic noise. A soft “chime” might get lost.
- Think about distance: If your doorbell is far from your living area, pick a tone with a strong, low-frequency sound that travels well.
- Match your lifestyle: Families with kids might prefer a fun tone, while professionals may want something subtle and professional.
- Seasonal rotation: Change your ringtone with the seasons—use “Jingle Bells” in December and “Spring Breeze” in April for a fun touch.
- Avoid overly complex tones: Melodies with too many notes can be confusing. Simple, two-note chimes are often the most effective.
Remember, you can change your ringtone as often as you like. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect fit.
Can You Use Custom Ringtones?
One of the most common questions Ring users ask is: Can I upload my own ringtone?
Unfortunately, the answer is no—Ring does not currently support custom audio files as ringtones. You can only choose from the preset tones available in the app.
This limitation exists for several reasons:
- Security: Allowing file uploads could introduce malware or corrupted audio.
- Consistency: Ring ensures all tones meet volume and clarity standards.
- Licensing: Custom music might violate copyright laws.
While this may be disappointing for some, Ring frequently adds new tones based on user feedback. You can suggest new ringtones by contacting Ring support or participating in community forums.
Troubleshooting Common Ringtone Issues
Even with a simple process, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Issue 1: Ringtone Doesn’t Change
If you’ve selected a new tone but your doorbell still plays the old one, try these steps:
- Restart the app: Close the Ring app completely and reopen it.
- Check your internet connection: A weak Wi-Fi signal can prevent settings from syncing.
- Reboot your doorbell: Remove the doorbell from its mount (if battery-powered) or turn off the power at the breaker (if wired) for 30 seconds, then restore power.
- Update the app: Go to your device’s app store and check for Ring app updates.
After trying these, test the chime again.
Issue 2: Ringtone Is Too Quiet
If your new ringtone is hard to hear:
- Increase the volume: Use the volume slider in the Chime Settings.
- Clean the speaker: Dust or debris can muffle sound. Gently wipe the speaker grille with a dry cloth.
- Reposition the doorbell: If it’s mounted behind a metal plate or in a recessed area, sound may be blocked. Adjust the angle or use a wedge mount.
- Use a Ring Chime: For homes with poor acoustics, consider adding a Ring Chime or Chime Pro—these plug into outlets and play the ringtone indoors.
Issue 3: Ringtone Doesn’t Play at All
If your doorbell isn’t making any sound:
- Check the mute setting: In the app, ensure the chime isn’t muted under “Do Not Disturb” or “Silent Mode.”
- Verify power: Battery-powered models may have low charge. Replace or recharge the battery.
- Test the speaker: Use the “Test Chime” feature. If no sound plays, the speaker may be faulty—contact Ring support.
- Reset the device: Perform a factory reset if other steps fail (note: this will erase all settings).
Issue 4: App Crashes When Changing Ringtone
If the Ring app freezes or crashes during the process:
- Force close and reopen: Swipe the app away and relaunch it.
- Clear app cache: On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Ring > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS, uninstall and reinstall the app.
- Update your phone’s OS: Outdated operating systems can cause compatibility issues.
- Contact support: If the problem persists, reach out to Ring customer service for assistance.
Advanced Tips for Ring Doorbell Users
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some advanced tips to get even more out of your Ring Doorbell:
- Use motion zones: Reduce false alerts by customizing motion detection areas. This way, only movement at your front door triggers the ringtone.
- Schedule quiet hours: Set “Do Not Disturb” times in the app so your ringtone doesn’t play late at night.
- Pair with Alexa: If you have an Echo device, enable the Ring skill to receive voice announcements when someone rings the doorbell.
- Use multiple Chimes: Place Ring Chimes in different rooms (kitchen, bedroom, garage) so you never miss a visitor.
- Enable Rapid Ring: This feature plays the ringtone faster for urgent visitors (available on newer models).
These features work alongside your custom ringtone to create a smarter, more responsive home security system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ring Doorbell Ringtones
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions users have about changing ringtones. If you don’t see your question here, check the FAQs section below.
Can I change the ringtone from the Ring website?
No, ringtone changes must be made through the Ring mobile app. The web dashboard does not support audio customization.
Do all Ring Doorbell models support custom ringtones?
Yes, all current Ring Doorbell models support the same ringtone options. However, older models may have fewer tones available until the app is updated.
Why don’t I see seasonal ringtones?
Seasonal tones like “Jingle Bells” or “Spooky Chimes” are only available during specific times of the year. Check back during holidays for festive options.
Can I change the ringtone for multiple doorbells?
Yes. If you have more than one Ring Doorbell (e.g., front and back door), you can set a different ringtone for each one. Just repeat the steps for each device.
Will changing the ringtone affect motion alerts?
No. The ringtone only plays when someone presses the doorbell button. Motion alerts use a separate sound, which can also be customized in the app.
How often does Ring add new ringtones?
Ring typically adds new tones a few times a year, often around holidays or major app updates. Keep your app updated to access the latest sounds.
Conclusion: Make Your Ring Doorbell Uniquely Yours
Changing the ringtone on your Ring Doorbell is a small change that can have a big impact. It’s quick, easy, and completely free—yet many users never take advantage of it. By personalizing your alert sound, you improve your home’s security, reduce missed visitors, and add a touch of personality to your smart home setup.
Remember, the process is simple: open the Ring app, select your doorbell, go to settings, choose a tone, adjust the volume, and test it. With a little experimentation, you’ll find the perfect sound for your home.
And if you run into any issues, don’t worry—most problems can be solved with a quick reboot or app update. Ring’s support team is also available if you need extra help.
So go ahead—give your doorbell a voice that’s truly yours. Whether it’s a classic chime, a modern beep, or a festive jingle, your new ringtone will help you stay connected, informed, and in control.
Now that you know how to change ringtone on Ring Doorbell, why not try it today? Your future self (and your delivery driver) will thank you.