Changing the sound of your Ring Doorbell is simple and can be done directly from the Ring app. Whether you want a classic chime, a seasonal tune, or a custom alert, this guide walks you through every step—no tools or tech skills required.
Key Takeaways
- Customize your Ring Doorbell sound easily: Use the Ring app to switch between built-in chimes, seasonal sounds, or silent mode.
- Works with most Ring models: Ring Video Doorbell (all generations), Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Elite, and Ring Doorbell Wired support sound changes.
- Adjust volume and motion alerts separately: You can set different sounds and volumes for doorbell presses and motion detection.
- Sync with Ring Chime or Chime Pro: Enhance your experience by pairing your doorbell with a Ring Chime for louder, more customizable alerts.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If your sound won’t change, check app updates, Wi-Fi connection, and device compatibility.
- Seasonal and holiday sounds available: Ring regularly adds festive tones like Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s sounds.
- Silent mode is an option: Turn off sounds entirely if you prefer visual or vibration alerts only.
How to Change the Sound of Your Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve got your Ring Doorbell installed and working great—except every time someone rings it, you’re startled by that loud, generic *ding-dong*. Or maybe you’re tired of the same old tone and want something more festive, modern, or subtle. Good news: you can easily change the sound of your Ring Doorbell—no rewiring, no tools, and no tech degree required.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every step of customizing your Ring Doorbell’s sound. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Wired, or any other model, the process is simple and takes just a few taps in the Ring app. You’ll learn how to pick from built-in chimes, enable seasonal sounds, adjust volume, sync with a Ring Chime, and even go completely silent. Plus, we’ll cover troubleshooting tips and answer common questions so you can get the perfect alert tone for your home.
Let’s dive in!
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound?
Visual guide about How to Change the Sound of Your Ring Doorbell
Image source: lifewire.com
Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why you might want to change your Ring Doorbell’s sound in the first place.
Maybe you live in a noisy neighborhood and need a louder chime to hear it over traffic. Or perhaps you have a baby who naps during the day and you want a softer tone. You might be hosting a holiday party and want a festive jingle instead of the standard ring. Or maybe you just want something unique that reflects your personality.
Whatever your reason, Ring gives you plenty of options. And the best part? You can change it anytime—no need to buy a new doorbell or hire an electrician.
What You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell (any model): This includes Ring Video Doorbell (1st–4th gen), Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Pro 2, Ring Doorbell Wired, Ring Doorbell Elite, and Ring Doorbell (2021 model).
- The Ring app installed on your smartphone: Available for free on iOS (iPhone) and Android.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection: Your doorbell needs to be connected to the internet to receive updates and sync settings.
- Your Ring account login: Make sure you know your username and password.
- (Optional) A Ring Chime or Chime Pro: If you want louder or more customizable sounds inside your home.
Once you’ve confirmed these, you’re ready to start!
Step-by-Step: How to Change the Sound in the Ring App
The easiest and most reliable way to change your Ring Doorbell’s sound is through the Ring app. Here’s how to do it, step by step.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
First, unlock your smartphone and open the Ring app. If you don’t have it yet, download it from the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android). Once installed, log in with your Ring account credentials.
Once you’re in, you’ll see the home screen with a list of your Ring devices. Tap on your doorbell to open its control panel.
Step 2: Go to Device Settings
On your doorbell’s main screen, look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. This is the settings menu. Tap it to open the device settings.
You’ll now see a list of options like Motion Settings, Video Quality, Notifications, and more.
Step 3: Select “Chime Settings” or “Doorbell Sounds”
Scroll down until you find the option labeled Chime Settings or Doorbell Sounds (the exact wording may vary slightly depending on your model and app version). Tap on it.
This is where the magic happens—you’ll see a list of available sounds you can choose from.
Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Sound
Here’s where you get to have fun! Ring offers a variety of built-in sounds, including:
- Classic Ding Dong: The traditional two-tone chime.
- Modern Chime: A sleek, contemporary tone.
- Gentle Chime: A softer, quieter option—great for nurseries or quiet homes.
- Bell Chime: A single, clear bell sound.
- Harp Chime: A melodic, musical tone.
- Seasonal Sounds: Holiday-themed chimes like “Jingle Bells,” “Spooky Chime,” or “New Year’s Bells” (available during holidays).
To select a sound, simply tap on it. You’ll hear a preview play right in the app. If you like it, tap Save or Apply at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5: Adjust Volume (If Available)
Some Ring models allow you to adjust the volume of the doorbell sound directly in the app. If you see a volume slider, use it to set your preferred loudness.
Keep in mind that this only affects the sound played through the doorbell itself. If you’re using a Ring Chime, you’ll need to adjust the volume there separately (more on that below).
Step 6: Test the New Sound
Once you’ve saved your new sound, it’s a good idea to test it. You can do this in two ways:
- Use the “Test Chime” button: In the Chime Settings menu, look for a “Test” or “Play Sound” button. Tap it to hear the new tone.
- Ring the doorbell: Press the button on your Ring Doorbell to trigger the new sound and make sure it works as expected.
If everything sounds good, you’re all set! If not, go back and try a different tone or check your settings.
How to Change the Sound Using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro
If you have a Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro, you can enjoy even more flexibility with your doorbell sounds. These devices plug into a wall outlet inside your home and play customizable chimes when your doorbell is pressed.
Here’s how to use them to change your Ring Doorbell sound:
Step 1: Set Up Your Ring Chime
If you haven’t already, plug your Ring Chime into a standard wall outlet. Make sure it’s within range of your Wi-Fi network (Chime Pro has a built-in Wi-Fi extender, so it’s more flexible).
Open the Ring app and follow the on-screen instructions to add the Chime as a new device. The app will guide you through pairing it with your doorbell.
Step 2: Open Chime Settings in the App
Once your Chime is connected, go to the Ring app and tap on the Chime device. Then tap the gear icon to open its settings.
Step 3: Select “Chime Tones” or “Sound Settings”
Look for the option labeled Chime Tones or Sound Settings. Tap it to see a list of available sounds.
Ring Chime offers even more options than the doorbell alone, including:
- Classic Chimes
- Modern Tones
- Nature Sounds (like birds chirping or rain)
- Holiday Themes (e.g., “Deck the Halls,” “Ghostly Greetings”)
- Custom Uploads (on Chime Pro, you can upload your own audio files)
Step 4: Choose and Save Your Sound
Tap on the sound you like, listen to the preview, and tap Save. The Chime will now play that tone whenever someone rings your doorbell.
Step 5: Adjust Volume and Repeat Settings
You can also adjust the volume of the Chime and set how many times it repeats (e.g., once, twice, or continuously until silenced). These settings are found in the same menu.
Bonus: Upload a Custom Sound (Chime Pro Only)
If you have a Ring Chime Pro, you can upload your own audio file as a custom chime. Here’s how:
- Open the Ring app and go to your Chime Pro settings.
- Tap Chime Tones > Custom Sounds.
- Tap Add New Sound and select an audio file from your phone (must be in MP3 or M4A format, under 10 seconds).
- Name your sound and save it.
- Select it as your active chime tone.
Now your doorbell can play your favorite song snippet, a funny voice message, or even your dog barking—whatever makes you smile!
How to Change Motion Alert Sounds
Did you know you can also change the sound that plays when your Ring Doorbell detects motion? It’s a great way to differentiate between someone pressing the button and someone just walking by.
Here’s how to customize motion alerts:
Step 1: Open Device Settings
Go to your Ring Doorbell in the app and tap the gear icon.
Step 2: Select “Motion Settings”
Tap on Motion Settings and then Motion Alerts.
Step 3: Choose “Sound” or “Silent”
You’ll see an option to enable or disable sound for motion alerts. If enabled, you can choose from a few preset tones (like a soft beep or chime). Some models also let you select a different sound than the doorbell press.
Step 4: Adjust Sensitivity and Zones (Optional)
While you’re here, you can also adjust motion sensitivity and set up motion zones to reduce false alerts (like from passing cars or trees).
How to Enable Seasonal and Holiday Sounds
One of the coolest features of Ring is the seasonal sounds that appear during holidays. These are only available for a limited time, so keep an eye out during Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s, and other festive periods.
Here’s how to find and enable them:
Step 1: Check for Seasonal Updates
Open the Ring app and go to your doorbell’s Chime Settings. If seasonal sounds are available, you’ll see them listed under a section like “Holiday Chimes” or “Limited-Time Sounds.”
Step 2: Select Your Favorite Holiday Tone
Tap on a festive sound—like “Jingle Bells,” “Spooky Chime,” or “Fireworks”—and save it.
Step 3: Enjoy the Festive Vibes
Now, every time someone rings your doorbell, you’ll get into the holiday spirit!
Pro Tip: Seasonal sounds are usually available a few weeks before major holidays. If you don’t see them, check back closer to the date or follow Ring on social media for announcements.
How to Turn Off the Sound (Silent Mode)
Sometimes, you might want to silence your Ring Doorbell—like during a baby’s nap, a late-night study session, or a movie night.
Here’s how to enable silent mode:
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Go to your doorbell’s settings.
Step 2: Go to Chime Settings
Tap on Chime Settings or Doorbell Sounds.
Step 3: Select “Silent” or “Off”
Choose the “Silent” option. This will disable all sound alerts from the doorbell and Chime.
Step 4: Use Visual or Vibration Alerts Instead
Even in silent mode, you’ll still get notifications on your phone. You can also enable flash alerts (on supported phones) or connect a smart light that flashes when the doorbell rings.
Note: Silent mode only affects sound. Motion and doorbell alerts will still appear in the app and send push notifications.
Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My Ring Doorbell Sound Change?
Sometimes, the sound change doesn’t work as expected. Here are common issues and how to fix them:
Issue 1: Sound Doesn’t Change After Saving
Possible Causes:
- The app didn’t sync properly.
- Your doorbell is offline.
- The Chime isn’t connected.
Solution:
- Close and reopen the Ring app.
- Check your Wi-Fi connection and make sure your doorbell is online (green status light).
- Restart your doorbell by removing and reinserting the battery (for battery models) or turning off the power at the breaker (for wired models).
- Re-pair your Chime if using one.
Issue 2: No Sound at All
Possible Causes:
- Volume is turned down or off.
- Chime is unplugged or out of range.
- Doorbell is in silent mode.
Solution:
- Check volume settings in the app and on the Chime.
- Make sure the Chime is plugged in and within Wi-Fi range.
- Disable silent mode if enabled.
- Test the doorbell button to confirm it’s working.
Issue 3: Seasonal Sounds Not Showing Up
Possible Causes:
- The holiday hasn’t started yet.
- Your app is outdated.
- Your region doesn’t support seasonal sounds.
Solution:
- Update the Ring app to the latest version.
- Check Ring’s official blog or social media for seasonal sound release dates.
- Try again closer to the holiday.
Issue 4: Custom Sound Not Playing on Chime Pro
Possible Causes:
- File format is incorrect.
- File is too long.
- Upload failed.
Solution:
- Ensure the file is MP3 or M4A and under 10 seconds.
- Re-upload the file.
- Restart the Chime Pro by unplugging it for 10 seconds.
Tips for Getting the Best Sound Experience
Here are a few pro tips to make the most of your Ring Doorbell’s sound settings:
- Use different sounds for doorbell and motion: This helps you quickly identify what triggered the alert.
- Place your Chime in a central location: For the best coverage, plug it in a hallway or living room—not a basement or attic.
- Update your app regularly: Ring frequently adds new sounds and features.
- Experiment with seasonal sounds: They’re free and fun—try them even if you’re not celebrating!
- Use silent mode wisely: Great for short periods, but don’t forget to turn it back on.
Conclusion
Changing the sound of your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your smart home experience. Whether you want a classic chime, a festive holiday tune, or complete silence, the Ring app puts full control in your hands. With support for multiple models, optional Chime devices, and even custom uploads, there’s a sound for every lifestyle and occasion.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to:
- Change your doorbell sound in the Ring app
- Use a Ring Chime for louder, more customizable alerts
- Adjust motion alert sounds
- Enable seasonal and holiday tones
- Turn on silent mode when needed
- Troubleshoot common issues
So go ahead—give your Ring Doorbell a voice that matches your home. Whether it’s a cheerful “ding-dong,” a spooky Halloween chime, or your favorite song snippet, your doorbell is now as unique as you are.
And remember: if you ever get stuck, the Ring support team is just a tap away in the app. Happy ringing!