Changing sounds on your Ring Doorbell is simple with the Ring app. This guide walks you through customizing chimes, adjusting volume, and syncing with Ring Chimes for the best experience.
Key Takeaways
- Customize your doorbell sound: Choose from a variety of built-in chimes or upload your own using the Ring app.
- Adjust volume easily: Control how loud your doorbell rings directly from your phone or tablet.
- Use Ring Chime devices: Pair your doorbell with a Ring Chime or Chime Pro for louder, indoor alerts.
- Sync multiple devices: Set up sound alerts across multiple Ring products for consistent notifications.
- Troubleshoot audio issues: Fix common problems like no sound or delayed alerts with simple steps.
- Update firmware regularly: Keep your Ring Doorbell up to date to access the latest sound features.
- Test after changes: Always test your new sound settings to ensure they work as expected.
How to Change Sounds on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Guide
If you’ve ever been startled by a loud doorbell or missed a visitor because the chime was too quiet, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to live with a one-size-fits-all sound. With a Ring Doorbell, you can easily change the chime, adjust the volume, and even sync it with other smart devices in your home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of changing sounds on your Ring Doorbell—whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell 2, 3, 3 Plus, 4, or the latest Ring Battery Doorbell Plus. We’ll cover everything from basic sound customization to advanced setups with Ring Chime devices. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make your doorbell sound just the way you want it.
Whether you want a gentle chime for nighttime or a bold alert for when you’re in the backyard, this guide has you covered. Let’s get started.
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to change your Ring Doorbell sound in the first place.
First, not all default sounds are created equal. Some are too soft, especially if you have a large home or hard flooring that muffles sound. Others might be too harsh or startling, especially for kids or pets. Customizing your chime lets you pick a tone that fits your lifestyle.
Second, different times of day call for different alerts. You might want a softer chime at night to avoid waking up the household, but a louder, more noticeable tone during the day when you’re busy in the garage or garden.
Third, if you have multiple Ring devices—like a doorbell and a security camera—you can sync their sounds so you always know what’s happening, no matter where you are in the house.
Finally, personalization matters. Your doorbell is one of the first things guests hear when they arrive. Why not make it unique? With Ring, you can choose from fun, modern, or classic chimes—or even upload your own custom sound.
What You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell (any model)
- The Ring app installed on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)
- A stable Wi-Fi connection
- Your Ring account login information
- Optional: A Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro (for enhanced indoor alerts)
If you don’t have the Ring app yet, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It’s free and essential for managing your doorbell settings.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
The first step to changing your Ring Doorbell sound is opening the Ring app on your phone or tablet.
Launch the App
Find the Ring app icon on your device and tap to open it. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password to access your account.
Visual guide about How to Change Sounds on Ring Doorbell
Image source: images.ctfassets.net
Navigate to Your Device
Once logged in, you’ll see a dashboard with all your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to customize. If you have more than one Ring product, make sure you select the correct doorbell from the list.
Access Device Settings
After selecting your doorbell, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap it to open the device settings menu. This is where you’ll find all the customization options, including sound settings.
Step 2: Find the Sound Settings
Now that you’re in the device settings, it’s time to locate the sound options.
Look for “Chime Settings” or “Audio Settings”
In the settings menu, scroll down until you see a section labeled “Chime Settings” or “Audio Settings.” The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your Ring Doorbell model and app version.
Tap to Open Sound Options
Tap on this section to expand the menu. Here, you’ll see options to change the chime sound, adjust volume, and manage connected devices like Ring Chime.
Check for Firmware Updates
Before making changes, it’s a good idea to check if your doorbell’s firmware is up to date. Outdated firmware can limit your sound options or cause glitches. To check, go back to the main device settings and look for “Device Health” or “Firmware Version.” If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. This usually takes a few minutes and requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Step 3: Choose a New Chime Sound
This is where the fun begins—picking a new sound for your doorbell.
Browse Built-in Chimes
Ring offers a variety of built-in chime sounds, from classic doorbell tones to modern melodies. Scroll through the list to preview each option. Tap on a sound to hear a sample. Some popular choices include:
- Classic Ding Dong: A traditional two-tone chime.
- Modern Chime: A sleek, electronic tone.
- Wind Chimes: A soft, melodic sound perfect for quiet homes.
- Bird Song: A cheerful, nature-inspired tone.
- Knock Knock: A friendly, spoken phrase.
Select Your Favorite
Once you find a sound you like, tap “Select” or “Save” to apply it. The change should take effect immediately. If you don’t hear the new sound right away, try pressing the doorbell button to test it.
Upload a Custom Sound (Advanced)
Want something truly unique? Ring allows you to upload your own custom chime sound—though this feature is currently limited to certain models and regions. To upload a custom sound:
- Tap “Add Custom Chime” in the sound menu.
- Choose an audio file from your device (must be in MP3 or M4A format and under 10 seconds).
- Trim the audio if needed using the built-in editor.
- Save and apply the new sound.
Note: Custom sounds may not work with all Ring Chime devices. Check compatibility in the app before uploading.
Step 4: Adjust the Volume
Even the best chime won’t help if no one can hear it. That’s why adjusting the volume is a crucial step.
Find the Volume Slider
In the same sound settings menu, look for a volume slider or “Chime Volume” option. This lets you control how loud your doorbell rings.
Set Your Preferred Level
Drag the slider to increase or decrease the volume. We recommend testing different levels to find the sweet spot—loud enough to hear from any room, but not so loud it’s jarring.
Use Volume Presets (If Available)
Some Ring models offer volume presets like “Low,” “Medium,” and “High.” These can be helpful if you want to quickly switch between settings for day and night.
Test the Volume
After adjusting, press the doorbell button (or ask someone to do it) to test the new volume. Walk through your home to make sure the sound carries well to key areas like the kitchen, bedroom, or backyard.
Step 5: Connect to a Ring Chime (Optional but Recommended)
If your Ring Doorbell is hardwired or battery-powered, it may not produce a loud enough chime on its own—especially in larger homes. That’s where the Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro comes in.
What Is a Ring Chime?
A Ring Chime is a plug-in device that connects to your Wi-Fi and plays your chosen doorbell sound indoors. It’s like a traditional doorbell chime, but smarter. The Chime Pro also includes a Wi-Fi extender to boost your doorbell’s signal.
Set Up Your Ring Chime
If you already have a Ring Chime, follow these steps to connect it:
- Plug the Chime into a power outlet near your front door.
- Open the Ring app and go to “Devices.”
- Tap “Set Up a Device” and select “Ring Chime.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi and pair it with your doorbell.
Customize Chime Settings
Once connected, you can customize the Chime’s sound and volume separately from your doorbell. Go to the Chime’s settings in the app and choose a chime, adjust volume, or enable “Night Mode” for quieter alerts after dark.
Sync Multiple Chimes
Have a big house? You can connect multiple Ring Chimes to play the same sound in different rooms. Just set up each one and assign them to the same doorbell in the app.
Step 6: Enable Smart Alerts and Do Not Disturb
Ring doesn’t just let you change sounds—it also gives you control over when and how you’re alerted.
Set Up Motion Zones
In the Ring app, go to your doorbell’s settings and select “Motion Settings.” Here, you can define specific zones (like your front walk or driveway) where motion will trigger alerts. This helps reduce false alarms from passing cars or animals.
Adjust Alert Types
You can choose to receive alerts for motion only, doorbell presses only, or both. Go to “Alert Settings” and toggle your preferences. For example, you might want motion alerts during the day but only doorbell presses at night.
Use Do Not Disturb Mode
If you’re sleeping or working, you can silence all alerts temporarily. In the app, go to “Modes” and enable “Do Not Disturb.” You can set a schedule (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM) or turn it on manually.
Enable Silent Mode
For even more control, use “Silent Mode” to stop the chime from playing while still receiving mobile notifications. This is great for naptime or movie nights. Find this option under “Chime Settings.”
Step 7: Test Your New Sound Settings
After making changes, it’s important to test everything to make sure it works as expected.
Press the Doorbell Button
Ask a family member or friend to press the doorbell button while you listen from different rooms. Make sure the new sound plays clearly and at the right volume.
Check Mobile Notifications
Open the Ring app and verify that you receive a push notification when the doorbell is pressed. This confirms that your alerts are working properly.
Test Motion Alerts
Walk through your motion zones to trigger a motion alert. Check that you receive a notification and that the chime plays (if enabled).
Review Night Mode
If you’ve set up Night Mode or Do Not Disturb, test it during the scheduled time to ensure the volume lowers or alerts are silenced as expected.
Troubleshooting Common Sound Issues
Even with the best setup, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.
No Sound at All
If your doorbell isn’t making any sound, try these steps:
- Check that the volume is turned up in the app.
- Ensure your doorbell is receiving power (hardwired models need proper wiring; battery models need charged batteries).
- Restart the Ring app and your phone.
- Reconnect your doorbell to Wi-Fi through the app.
- Update the firmware if available.
Delayed or Choppy Sound
If the chime plays late or cuts in and out, it could be a Wi-Fi issue. Try:
- Moving your router closer to the doorbell.
- Using a Ring Chime Pro to extend your Wi-Fi signal.
- Reducing interference from other devices (like microwaves or cordless phones).
Custom Sound Not Working
If your uploaded sound won’t play:
- Make sure the file is in MP3 or M4A format.
- Keep the file under 10 seconds.
- Check that your doorbell model supports custom sounds.
- Re-upload the file and restart the app.
Chime Not Syncing with Doorbell
If your Ring Chime isn’t playing when the doorbell is pressed:
- Verify that the Chime is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Re-pair the Chime with your doorbell in the app.
- Check that the Chime is plugged in and powered on.
- Update the Chime’s firmware.
Volume Too Low Even on Max
If the sound is still too quiet:
- Use a Ring Chime for louder indoor alerts.
- Place the Chime in a central location, like a hallway or living room.
- Avoid placing it behind furniture or in enclosed spaces.
Tips for the Best Sound Experience
To get the most out of your Ring Doorbell’s sound features, keep these tips in mind:
- Update regularly: Ring frequently releases app and firmware updates that improve sound quality and add new chimes.
- Use Night Mode: Set a quieter chime for nighttime to avoid disturbing sleep.
- Pair with Alexa: If you have an Echo device, link your Ring account to Alexa and say, “Alexa, announce when the doorbell rings.” This plays the chime through your smart speaker.
- Label your devices: If you have multiple Ring products, give each one a unique name (like “Front Door” or “Back Gate”) to avoid confusion.
- Clean your doorbell: Dust and debris can block the speaker. Wipe it gently with a dry cloth every few months.
Conclusion
Changing sounds on your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your home security experience. Whether you’re switching to a softer chime for nighttime, boosting the volume for better audibility, or syncing with a Ring Chime for whole-home alerts, the Ring app puts full control in your hands.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to customize chimes, adjust volume, connect smart devices, and troubleshoot common issues. With these tools, you can ensure your doorbell always sounds just right—no matter the time of day or where you are in your home.
Remember to test your settings after making changes and keep your devices updated for the best performance. And if you ever run into trouble, the Ring support team is available to help.
Now go ahead—press that doorbell button and enjoy your new sound!