Changing the sound on your Ring Doorbell is simple and can be done in minutes using the Ring app. Whether you want a custom chime, different volume levels, or motion alerts, this guide walks you through every step—no technical skills needed.
Key Takeaways
- Access sound settings via the Ring app: All sound customization happens in the app, not on the device itself.
- Choose from built-in chimes or upload custom sounds: Ring offers several default tones, and newer models support custom audio files.
- Adjust volume for doorbell and motion alerts separately: You can set different volumes for visitors and detected motion.
- Use Chime devices for louder indoor alerts: Ring Chime or Chime Pro boosts sound inside your home.
- Test changes immediately: Always play a test sound to confirm your settings work before relying on them.
- Update your Ring app regularly: New features and sound options are added in app updates.
- Troubleshoot silent alerts with simple fixes: Check Wi-Fi, app permissions, and device power if sounds don’t play.
How to Change the Sound on Ring Doorbell
If you’ve ever missed a visitor because your Ring Doorbell’s chime was too quiet—or been startled awake by a blaring alert at 3 a.m.—you’re not alone. The good news? You can easily change the sound on your Ring Doorbell to suit your lifestyle. Whether you want a gentle chime, a fun custom tone, or louder alerts for a large home, Ring gives you full control—right from your smartphone.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to customize every sound your Ring Doorbell makes: from the classic “ding-dong” to motion alerts and two-way talk notifications. We’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, share pro tips, and help you troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll have a doorbell that sounds exactly how you want, when you want.
No matter which Ring Doorbell model you own—whether it’s the Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Doorbell Elite, or the newer Ring Battery Doorbell Plus—the process is similar. All sound settings are managed through the Ring app, so you don’t need to touch the device itself. Let’s get started!
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound?
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why customizing your doorbell sound matters. The default chime might work fine for some, but it’s not ideal for everyone. Here are a few common reasons people change their Ring Doorbell sound:
- Better audibility: If you have a large home, hearing-impaired family members, or noisy appliances, a louder or more distinct chime helps ensure you never miss a visitor.
- Personalization: Want your doorbell to sound like a vintage school bell, a dog barking, or your favorite song snippet? Custom sounds make your home feel unique.
- Reduced disturbances: If you have light sleepers or pets, a softer chime can prevent unnecessary wake-ups while still alerting you.
- Motion alert control: You might want a subtle sound for motion detection (like someone walking by) but a louder chime for actual doorbell presses.
- Integration with smart home systems: Custom sounds can work with routines—like turning on lights when the doorbell rings.
Changing your sound isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making your smart doorbell work smarter for your daily life.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Before you start changing the sound on your Ring Doorbell, make sure you have the following:
- A smartphone or tablet: The Ring app is available for iOS and Android. You’ll need it to access all sound settings.
- The latest version of the Ring app: Updates often include new sound options and bug fixes. Check your app store to ensure you’re up to date.
- Your Ring account login: You’ll need your email and password to access your device settings.
- Your Ring Doorbell installed and connected: The device must be online and linked to your account.
- (Optional) A Ring Chime or Chime Pro: If you want louder indoor alerts, these devices plug into outlets and play chimes independently of your phone.
Once you’ve confirmed these basics, you’re ready to customize your doorbell sound.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
The first step to changing your Ring Doorbell sound is launching the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Here’s how:
Launch the App
Find the Ring app icon on your home screen or app drawer and tap it. If you don’t have it installed, download it for free from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Log In to Your Account
If you’re not already logged in, enter your email address and password. If you’ve forgotten your login details, tap “Forgot Password?” to reset it.
Ensure You’re on the Right Account
If you manage multiple Ring devices or share access with family members, double-check that you’re viewing the correct account. You can switch accounts by tapping your profile picture in the top-left corner.
Once you’re in, you’ll see your dashboard with all your Ring devices. Now it’s time to locate your doorbell.
Step 2: Select Your Doorbell Device
Now that you’re in the app, you need to choose the specific doorbell you want to customize.
Find Your Doorbell on the Dashboard
Look for your Ring Doorbell in the list of devices. It’s usually labeled with a name like “Front Door” or “Ring Video Doorbell.” Tap on it to open the device controls.
Access Device Settings
Once you’re in the live view or event history screen, look for a gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open the device settings menu.
This is where all your customization options live—including sound settings.
Step 3: Navigate to Sound Settings
Inside the device settings, you’ll find several categories. We’re focusing on sound, so let’s get there.
Find the “Device Settings” Section
Scroll down until you see a section labeled “Device Settings.” Tap on it to expand the options.
Look for “Chime Settings” or “Sound Settings”
Depending on your Ring model and app version, this may be called “Chime Settings,” “Audio Settings,” or “Sound & Alerts.” Tap on it to proceed.
Here, you’ll see controls for:
- Doorbell chime sound
- Chime volume
- Motion alert sound
- Motion alert volume
- Custom sound uploads (on supported models)
Let’s break down each one.
Step 4: Change the Doorbell Chime Sound
This is the sound that plays when someone presses your doorbell. You can choose from several built-in options or upload your own.
Choose a Built-in Chime
Tap on “Chime Sound” or “Doorbell Tone.” You’ll see a list of default sounds, such as:
- Classic Ding-Dong
- Modern Chime
- School Bell
- Wind Chimes
- Dog Bark
- Piano Note
Tap on any sound to preview it. When you find one you like, tap “Save” or “Select.”
Upload a Custom Sound (If Supported)
Some newer Ring models (like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus) allow custom audio uploads. Here’s how:
- Tap “Upload Custom Sound” or “Add New Chime.”
- Select an audio file from your phone (must be in MP3 or M4A format, under 10 seconds, and less than 1MB).
- Trim the audio if needed using the built-in editor.
- Name your custom sound (e.g., “Baby Laughing” or “Rooster Crow”).
- Tap “Save” to add it to your list.
Now you can select your custom sound just like the built-in ones.
Pro Tip: Keep It Short and Clear
Custom sounds work best when they’re short, loud, and distinct. Avoid long music clips or quiet ambient noise—your goal is to hear it clearly from another room.
Step 5: Adjust the Chime Volume
Even the best sound won’t help if it’s too quiet. Ring lets you adjust the volume independently for different alerts.
Find the Volume Slider
In the same “Chime Settings” menu, look for “Chime Volume” or “Doorbell Volume.” You’ll see a slider ranging from 0 (silent) to 10 (maximum).
Set Your Preferred Volume
Drag the slider to your desired level. For most homes, a setting between 6 and 8 works well. If you have a large house or hard-of-hearing family members, go higher.
Test the Volume
After adjusting, tap “Test Chime” to hear how it sounds. Walk to different rooms to check audibility. If it’s too quiet, increase the volume and test again.
Use a Ring Chime for Extra Loudness
If your phone or tablet isn’t loud enough, consider adding a Ring Chime or Chime Pro. These plug into wall outlets and play chimes throughout your home—ideal for multi-story houses or noisy environments.
To set up a Chime:
- Plug it into an outlet near where you want to hear the chime.
- Open the Ring app and go to “Devices.”
- Tap “Add Device” and follow the setup for Ring Chime.
- Link it to your doorbell and choose which sounds it plays.
Step 6: Customize Motion Alert Sounds
Your Ring Doorbell doesn’t just alert you when someone presses the button—it also detects motion. You can customize the sound for motion alerts separately.
Find Motion Alert Settings
In the “Sound & Alerts” or “Motion Settings” section, look for “Motion Alert Sound” or “Motion Chime.”
Choose a Motion Sound
You’ll see options like:
- Soft Chime
- Beep
- Gentle Bell
- Silent (no sound)
Select one that’s noticeable but not disruptive. For example, a soft beep works well for detecting package deliveries without waking the baby.
Adjust Motion Alert Volume
Just like the doorbell chime, you can set the volume for motion alerts. Use a lower setting (3–5) to avoid constant noise from passing cars or pets.
Set Motion Zones (Optional)
To reduce false alerts, define motion zones in the app. This way, only movement in specific areas (like your front walkway) triggers the sound.
Step 7: Enable or Disable Sound Alerts
Sometimes you might want to silence your doorbell—like during naptime or late at night. Ring makes it easy to toggle sounds on and off.
Turn Off All Sounds Temporarily
In the “Sound & Alerts” menu, look for “Do Not Disturb” or “Silent Mode.” Toggle it on to disable all chimes and alerts. Your phone will still receive notifications, but no sound will play.
Schedule Silent Hours
For automatic control, set a schedule:
- Tap “Schedule” under “Do Not Disturb.”
- Choose start and end times (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM).
- Save the schedule.
Now your doorbell will stay silent during those hours, even if someone rings it.
Use Smart Alerts for Selective Notifications
Ring’s Smart Alerts let you choose who triggers a sound. For example, you can set it to only chime for people (not cars or animals) or for specific individuals in your “Favorite People” list.
Step 8: Test Your New Sound Settings
After making changes, always test them to ensure everything works as expected.
Test the Doorbell Chime
Ask someone to press your doorbell, or use the “Test Chime” button in the app. Listen from different rooms to confirm the sound is clear and loud enough.
Test Motion Alerts
Walk in front of your doorbell to trigger motion detection. Check if the alert sound plays at the right volume and tone.
Check Your Phone Notifications
Even if sounds are off, your phone should still show a notification. Make sure push alerts are enabled in your phone’s settings and the Ring app.
If something doesn’t work, don’t worry—we’ll cover troubleshooting next.
Troubleshooting Common Sound Issues
Even with perfect settings, sound problems can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.
No Sound When Doorbell Rings
If your doorbell rings but you hear nothing, try these steps:
- Check app volume: Make sure the chime volume isn’t set to zero.
- Restart the app: Close and reopen the Ring app.
- Check phone volume: Ensure your phone’s media volume is turned up.
- Verify Wi-Fi connection: A weak signal can delay or block alerts. Move closer to your router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
- Reboot your doorbell: For wired models, turn off the power at the breaker for 10 seconds, then turn it back on. For battery models, remove and reinsert the battery.
Custom Sound Not Playing
If your uploaded sound doesn’t play:
- Ensure the file is in MP3 or M4A format.
- Check that it’s under 10 seconds and 1MB in size.
- Re-upload the file and try again.
- Update the Ring app to the latest version.
Chime Too Quiet or Too Loud
If the volume isn’t right:
- Adjust the slider in the app.
- Use a Ring Chime for louder indoor sound.
- Move your phone or tablet closer to the doorbell during testing.
Motion Alerts Not Working
If motion detection doesn’t trigger sound:
- Check motion sensitivity settings—set it to “Medium” or “High.”
- Ensure motion zones include the area you’re testing.
- Clean the doorbell lens—dirt or debris can block motion sensors.
App Not Showing Sound Options
If you don’t see sound settings:
- Confirm your doorbell model supports custom sounds (check Ring’s website).
- Update the Ring app.
- Log out and back into your account.
- Contact Ring Support if the issue persists.
Pro Tips for the Best Sound Experience
Want to get the most out of your Ring Doorbell’s audio? Try these expert tips:
- Use different sounds for different doors: If you have multiple Ring Doorbells (e.g., front and back), assign unique chimes so you know which one rang.
- Sync with smart lights: Set up a routine where your lights flash when the doorbell chimes—great for hearing-impaired users.
- Update regularly: Ring frequently adds new sounds and features. Check the app monthly for updates.
- Keep your doorbell clean: Dust and rain can muffle the speaker. Wipe it gently with a dry cloth every few weeks.
- Use Chime Pro for better range: If you have a large property, Chime Pro boosts Wi-Fi and chime coverage up to 2,000 square feet.
Conclusion
Changing the sound on your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to make your smart home work better for you. Whether you want a gentle chime for nighttime, a fun custom tone, or louder alerts for a big house, the Ring app puts full control in your hands.
By following this guide, you’ve learned how to:
- Access sound settings in the Ring app
- Choose or upload custom chimes
- Adjust volume for doorbell and motion alerts
- Use Ring Chime for enhanced sound
- Troubleshoot common audio issues
Remember, the best sound is one that fits your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try different tones, volumes, and schedules until you find the perfect setup. And if you ever run into problems, the troubleshooting tips above will help you get back on track.
Your Ring Doorbell is more than just a security device—it’s a smart home companion. With the right sound, it becomes an intuitive part of your daily routine, alerting you clearly and calmly whenever someone’s at the door.
So go ahead—customize that chime, test it out, and enjoy a smarter, more personalized doorbell experience.