Changing the ring on your Ring Doorbell is simple and can be done in minutes using the Ring app. This guide walks you through customizing chimes, adjusting volume, syncing with smart speakers, and troubleshooting common sound issues.
Key Takeaways
- Customize Your Chime: Choose from a variety of built-in tones or upload your own sound to personalize your doorbell ring.
- Adjust Volume Easily: Use the Ring app to increase or decrease ring volume to suit your home environment.
- Sync with Smart Speakers: Connect your Ring Doorbell to Alexa or Google Assistant to hear chimes through Echo or Nest devices.
- Use Multiple Chimes: Add Ring Chime or Chime Pro devices to extend the sound throughout your home.
- Troubleshoot Sound Issues: If your ring isn’t working, check Wi-Fi, power, app settings, and device compatibility.
- Update Firmware Regularly: Keep your Ring Doorbell updated to ensure access to the latest features and bug fixes.
- Test After Changes: Always test your new ring setting to confirm it’s working properly before relying on it.
How to Change the Ring on the Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve got your Ring Doorbell set up and working—great! But maybe the default chime is too quiet, too generic, or just not your style. Or perhaps you’ve moved to a bigger house and the ring isn’t reaching the back rooms. Whatever the reason, changing the ring on your Ring Doorbell is not only possible—it’s surprisingly easy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of customizing your Ring Doorbell’s chime. Whether you want to pick a new tone, boost the volume, connect to smart speakers, or add extra chime devices, we’ve got you covered. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make your doorbell sound just the way you want it.
Let’s dive in.
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Chime?
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Why would you want to change the ring in the first place?
First, the default chime might not be loud enough. If you have a large home, thick walls, or tend to be in noisy areas like the kitchen or basement, you might miss the doorbell. Changing the ring to a louder or more distinct tone can help.
Second, personalization matters. Your home should reflect your style—and that includes your doorbell. Whether you love a classic “ding-dong,” a modern beep, or even a custom sound like your favorite song snippet, Ring gives you options.
Third, integration with smart home systems. If you use Alexa or Google Assistant, you can have your doorbell ring through your Echo Dot, Nest Hub, or other smart speakers. That means you’ll hear the chime no matter where you are in the house.
Finally, functionality. If your current chime isn’t working due to a glitch, low battery, or Wi-Fi issue, changing or resetting the ring can often fix the problem.
So whether it’s for practicality, personality, or performance, changing your Ring Doorbell’s chime is a smart move.
What You’ll Need
Before we start, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell (any model: Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, Doorbell 3, Doorbell Pro, etc.)
- The Ring app installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- A stable Wi-Fi connection
- Your Ring account login details
- Optional: A Ring Chime or Chime Pro (for extended sound)
- Optional: A smart speaker (Echo, Nest, etc.) if you want to sync chimes
Most of these are things you likely already have. The Ring app is free and essential for managing your device. If you don’t have a Ring Chime, don’t worry—your doorbell will still ring through its built-in speaker. But adding a Chime can significantly improve coverage.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
The Ring app is your control center for everything Ring-related. It’s where you’ll change your chime, adjust settings, view live video, and more.
Launch the App
Find the Ring app on your phone and tap to open it. If you’re not already logged in, enter your email and password. If you’ve forgotten your login, use the “Forgot Password” option to reset it.
Visual guide about How to Change the Ring on the Ring Doorbell
Image source: storables.com
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 multiple Ring devices, make sure you select the correct one.
Access Device Settings
After selecting your doorbell, tap the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. This opens the Device Settings menu, where you can adjust motion zones, video quality, and—most importantly—chime settings.
Step 2: Choose a New Chime Sound
Now for the fun part—picking a new ring!
Go to Chime Tones
In the Device Settings menu, scroll down until you see “Chime Tones” or “Doorbell Sound.” Tap on it. You’ll see a list of available tones.
Browse Available Tones
Ring offers a variety of built-in chimes, from classic doorbell sounds to modern alerts. Some popular options include:
- Classic Ding Dong: The traditional two-tone chime.
- Modern Beep: A clean, electronic sound.
- Chime Bell: A soft, melodic tone.
- Alert Tone: A sharp, attention-grabbing sound.
- Nature Sounds: Some models include bird chirps or wind chimes.
Tap on any tone to preview it. You’ll hear a sample play through your phone’s speaker. This helps you decide which one you like best.
Select Your Favorite
Once you find a tone you love, tap “Save” or “Select.” The new chime will be applied immediately. Your doorbell will now use this sound when someone presses the button.
Pro Tip: Test It Out
After selecting a new tone, ask someone to press your doorbell (or press it yourself if you’re near it). Listen to make sure the new chime plays correctly. If it doesn’t, double-check your settings or try a different tone.
Step 3: Adjust the Volume
Even the best chime won’t help if it’s too quiet. Ring lets you control the volume of your doorbell’s built-in speaker.
Find Volume Settings
In the Device Settings menu, look for “Volume” or “Speaker Volume.” Tap on it.
Use the Slider
You’ll see a slider ranging from 0 (mute) to 10 (maximum volume). Drag the slider to your preferred level. We recommend setting it to at least 7 if you have a noisy home or live in a larger space.
Save Your Setting
Tap “Save” to apply the new volume. Again, test it by pressing the doorbell to confirm the sound is clear and loud enough.
Note on Battery-Powered Models
If you have a battery-powered Ring Doorbell (like the Ring Video Doorbell 2 or 3), higher volume settings may drain the battery faster. If you notice shorter battery life, consider lowering the volume slightly or using a Ring Chime for louder sound without taxing the doorbell’s battery.
Step 4: Add a Ring Chime (Optional but Recommended)
If your doorbell’s built-in speaker isn’t enough, consider adding a Ring Chime or Chime Pro. These plug-in devices sit inside your home and play the doorbell sound when someone rings the bell.
Why Use a Ring Chime?
- Louder Sound: Chimes are designed to be heard throughout the house.
- Better Range: Place multiple Chimes in different rooms.
- Custom Tones: Choose different sounds for different doors (e.g., front vs. back door).
- Visual Alerts: Some Chimes have LED lights that flash when the doorbell rings—great for people with hearing impairments.
How to Set Up a Ring Chime
- Plug the Chime into a standard wall outlet.
- Open the Ring app and go to “Devices.”
- Tap “Add Device” and select “Chime.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the Chime to your Wi-Fi and link it to your doorbell.
- Once connected, go to your doorbell’s settings and enable “Chime” under “Chime Tones.”
Customize Chime Settings
After setup, you can customize the Chime’s volume, tone, and even set different sounds for different events (like motion alerts vs. doorbell presses).
Step 5: Sync with Smart Speakers
Want to hear your doorbell through your Echo Dot or Nest Mini? Ring integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Connect to Alexa
- Open the Alexa app on your phone.
- Go to “Devices” > “Cameras” and look for your Ring Doorbell.
- If it’s not there, say, “Alexa, discover devices,” or manually add it under “Add Device” > “Camera” > “Ring.”
- Once connected, say, “Alexa, show me the front door,” to view live video.
- To enable chimes, go to “Settings” > “Doorbell Press” and choose which Echo devices should announce the ring.
Connect to Google Assistant
- Open the Google Home app.
- Tap “+” > “Set up device” > “Works with Google.”
- Search for “Ring” and link your account.
- Follow prompts to connect your doorbell.
- Once linked, you can say, “Hey Google, show me the front door,” or set up routines like “When the doorbell rings, turn on the porch light.”
Customize Voice Alerts
You can choose whether Alexa or Google announces “Someone is at the front door” or just plays a tone. You can also set different alerts for different times of day (e.g., quieter at night).
Step 6: Upload a Custom Chime (Advanced)
Want to get creative? Some Ring models allow you to upload your own sound file as a custom chime.
Check Compatibility
Not all Ring Doorbells support custom chimes. Currently, Ring Chime and Chime Pro devices allow custom tones, but the doorbell itself does not. You’ll need a Chime device to use this feature.
Prepare Your Audio File
- The file must be in MP3 or M4A format.
- Keep it under 10 seconds long.
- File size should be less than 1 MB.
- Use a clear, high-quality recording.
Upload via the Ring App
- Open the Ring app and go to your Chime device settings.
- Tap “Chime Tones” > “Custom Tones.”
- Tap “Add Custom Tone” and select your audio file from your phone.
- Wait for the upload to complete.
- Select your new custom tone and save.
Examples of Custom Chimes
- A short clip of your favorite song.
- A funny sound effect (like a duck quack or laser blast).
- A personalized message: “Welcome! Please come in!”
- A seasonal tone, like jingle bells for Christmas.
Important Notes
Custom tones are only available on Ring Chime devices, not the doorbell itself. Also, avoid copyrighted music unless you have permission—Ring may reject the file.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best setup, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Chime Not Playing
- Check Power: Ensure your doorbell is charged (if battery-powered) or wired correctly.
- Wi-Fi Connection: A weak signal can prevent the chime from triggering. Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- App Settings: Double-check that the correct chime tone is selected and volume is up.
- Restart Devices: Turn off and on your doorbell, Chime, and router.
Delayed or Missed Rings
- Update Firmware: Go to Device Health in the Ring app and check for updates.
- Reduce Motion Alerts: Too many motion notifications can slow down the system. Adjust motion zones to reduce false alerts.
- Use Chime Pro: The Chime Pro has a built-in Wi-Fi extender, which can improve signal strength.
Custom Tone Not Working
- File Format: Ensure it’s MP3 or M4A and under 1 MB.
- Length: Must be 10 seconds or less.
- Re-upload: Try deleting and re-uploading the file.
- Device Compatibility: Confirm your Chime model supports custom tones.
Alexa or Google Not Announcing
- Re-link Account: Unlink and reconnect Ring in the Alexa or Google app.
- Check Do Not Disturb: Make sure your smart speaker isn’t in silent mode.
- Update Skills: Ensure the Ring skill is enabled in Alexa or Google Assistant.
Tips for the Best Experience
To get the most out of your Ring Doorbell’s chime, keep these tips in mind:
- Test Regularly: Press your doorbell once a week to ensure everything is working.
- Update the App: Keep the Ring app updated to access new features and bug fixes.
- Use Multiple Chimes: Place Chimes in key areas like the kitchen, bedroom, and basement.
- Adjust for Seasons: Change your chime tone for holidays or special occasions.
- Monitor Battery: If using a battery-powered model, check battery levels monthly.
- Secure Your Account: Use two-factor authentication to protect your Ring account.
Conclusion
Changing the ring on your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to improve your home security and personalize your space. Whether you’re switching to a louder tone, adding a Ring Chime, or syncing with Alexa, the process is straightforward and rewarding.
With the Ring app, you have full control over your doorbell’s sound, volume, and integration. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips above will help you get back on track quickly.
So go ahead—customize that chime! Make it loud, make it fun, make it yours. Your doorbell should work for you, not the other way around.
Now, every time someone rings, you’ll know exactly who’s at the door—and you’ll hear it loud and clear.