How to Change the Sound on the Ring Doorbell

Changing the sound on your Ring doorbell is simple and can be done directly through the Ring app. Whether you want a louder chime, a different tone, or to adjust volume for your home setup, this guide walks you through every step to personalize your doorbell alerts.

Key Takeaways

Use the Ring app to customize doorbell sounds: All sound adjustments are made within the Ring mobile app, not on the physical device.
Choose from multiple chime tones: Ring offers a variety of built-in sounds like classic chime, modern beep, and seasonal options.
Adjust volume for better audibility: Increase or decrease chime volume to suit your home environment or hearing needs.
Sync with Ring Chime or Chime Pro for indoor alerts: If you have a Ring Chime device, you can change its sound separately from the doorbell.
Test changes immediately: Always use the “Test Chime” feature after making adjustments to ensure everything works.
Troubleshoot common issues: If sounds don’t change, check Wi-Fi, app updates, or device power.
Seasonal and custom sounds may require Ring Protect: Some advanced tones are only available with a Ring Protect subscription.

How to Change the Sound on the Ring Doorbell

If you’ve recently installed a Ring doorbell or have been using one for a while, you might be wondering how to change the sound it makes when someone presses the button. Maybe the default chime is too quiet, too harsh, or just not your style. The good news? You can easily customize the sound on your Ring doorbell using the Ring mobile app. Whether you want a softer tone, a louder alert, or a fun seasonal chime, this guide will walk you through every step.

In this comprehensive how-to guide, you’ll learn how to change the doorbell sound, adjust volume levels, sync with Ring Chime devices, and troubleshoot common issues. We’ll cover everything from basic sound selection to advanced customization options—all in simple, easy-to-follow steps. By the end, you’ll have full control over how your Ring doorbell alerts you, making your smart home experience more personalized and convenient.

Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound?

Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to change the sound in the first place. The default Ring doorbell chime is functional, but it may not suit every home or lifestyle. Here are a few common reasons people customize their doorbell sound:

Audibility: If you have a large home, thick walls, or hearing challenges, the default chime might be too quiet. Increasing the volume or choosing a more distinct tone can help.
Aesthetics: Some users prefer a softer, more elegant sound that blends with their home’s ambiance.
Seasonal fun: Ring often releases holiday-themed chimes (like jingle bells for Christmas or spooky tones for Halloween), which can add a festive touch.
Distinguishing alerts: If you have multiple Ring devices (like a doorbell and security cameras), different sounds can help you identify which device triggered the alert.
Personal preference: Let’s face it—some default sounds are just annoying. Customizing lets you pick something you actually enjoy hearing.

Changing the sound is a small tweak that can make a big difference in your daily experience with your Ring doorbell.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you begin 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 devices.
The Ring app installed and updated: Download it from the App Store or Google Play if you haven’t already.
Your Ring account logged in: You’ll need your email and password to access your devices.
Your Ring doorbell connected to Wi-Fi: The device must be online for app-based changes to take effect.
A Ring Chime (optional): If you want indoor alerts, a Ring Chime or Chime Pro enhances sound options.

Having these ready will ensure a smooth process with no interruptions.

Step-by-Step: How to Change the Doorbell Sound in the Ring App

Now, let’s get into the actual steps. Changing the sound on your Ring doorbell is done entirely through the Ring app. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Ring App

Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account associated with your Ring doorbell. If you have multiple locations or devices, confirm you’re viewing the correct one.

Step 2: Select Your Doorbell Device

On the home screen, you’ll see a list of your Ring devices. Tap on the doorbell you want to customize. This will open the device dashboard, showing live view, motion settings, and more.

Step 3: Go to Device Settings

Look for the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner of the screen and tap it. This opens the Device Settings menu, where you can adjust various features like motion zones, alerts, and—most importantly—chime settings.

Step 4: Tap on “Chime Settings”

Scroll down until you find the “Chime Settings” option. Tap on it to open the sound customization menu. This is where the magic happens.

Step 5: Choose Your Chime Tone

You’ll now see a list of available chime sounds. Ring offers several built-in options, such as:

Classic Chime: A traditional two-note doorbell sound.
Modern Beep: A sleek, electronic tone.
Soft Chime: A gentle, low-volume option.
Holiday Tones: Seasonal sounds like “Jingle Bells” or “Spooky Chime” (may require Ring Protect).
Custom Tones (with Ring Protect): Some subscriptions allow access to exclusive or downloadable sounds.

Tap on the sound you prefer. You’ll usually hear a preview play automatically so you can decide if you like it.

Step 6: Adjust the Chime Volume

Below the tone selection, you’ll find a volume slider. Drag it left to lower the volume or right to increase it. This is especially helpful if you live in a noisy area or have a large home. A higher volume ensures you’ll hear the doorbell from anywhere indoors.

Step 7: Save Your Changes

Once you’ve selected your preferred tone and volume, tap “Save” or “Done” at the top of the screen. The app will sync the new settings with your doorbell. This may take a few seconds.

Step 8: Test the New Sound

To make sure everything worked, use the “Test Chime” button (usually located right below the volume slider). This will trigger the doorbell sound so you can hear it in real time. If it sounds good, you’re all set!

Using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro for Enhanced Sound

If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro plugged into an indoor outlet, you can enjoy louder, clearer alerts—and even more sound options. These devices act as indoor doorbells, amplifying the sound from your Ring doorbell.

How to Change the Sound on Your Ring Chime

The process is similar to changing the doorbell sound, but you’ll adjust the Chime device instead:

Open the Ring app and go to the Devices tab.
Select your Ring Chime or Chime Pro from the list.
Tap the gear icon to open Device Settings.
Choose “Chime Sounds” or “Sound Settings.”
Pick a tone from the available options.
Adjust the volume using the slider.
Tap “Test Chime” to hear the new sound.
Save your changes.

The Chime device will now play your selected tone whenever the doorbell is pressed. This is ideal for homes where the doorbell itself might not be loud enough.

Benefits of Using a Ring Chime

Louder alerts: The Chime plugs into a wall outlet and can be placed in a central location.
Multiple tones: Some Chime models offer more sound varieties than the doorbell alone.
Portability: You can move the Chime from room to room if needed.
Wi-Fi extension: The Chime Pro also acts as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your doorbell’s signal.

If you don’t have a Chime yet but want better indoor alerts, consider adding one to your setup.

Advanced Customization: Ring Protect and Seasonal Sounds

For even more sound options, consider subscribing to Ring Protect. This paid service offers additional features, including access to exclusive chime tones.

What Is Ring Protect?

Ring Protect is a subscription plan that provides cloud video recording, extended event history, and advanced device features. One of the perks is access to seasonal and custom chime sounds that aren’t available to free users.

How to Access Premium Sounds

If you have Ring Protect:

Go to Chime Settings in the Ring app.
Look for a “Premium Sounds” or “Seasonal Tones” section.
Browse and select from holiday-themed or limited-edition chimes.
Download and activate your chosen sound.

For example, during December, you might find “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls,” or “Santa’s Workshop” as available options. These sounds are usually only active during the holiday season, adding a fun, timely touch to your home.

Is Ring Protect Worth It for Sound Changes?

If you only want to change the basic chime tone, you don’t need Ring Protect—free options are sufficient. But if you love seasonal themes or want more variety, the subscription can be a fun upgrade. Plus, you get video recording benefits, which many users find valuable.

Troubleshooting Common Sound Issues

Sometimes, after changing the sound, you might run into problems. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Issue: The New Sound Doesn’t Play

Possible Causes:

The doorbell isn’t connected to Wi-Fi.
The app didn’t sync properly.
The volume is set too low.

Solutions:

Check your Wi-Fi connection. Make sure the doorbell shows as “Online” in the app.
Force-close and reopen the Ring app, then reapply the sound settings.
Use the “Test Chime” feature to confirm the sound is working.
Ensure the volume slider is set to at least 50%.

Issue: The Chime Is Too Quiet

Possible Causes:

Low volume setting.
Distance from the doorbell or Chime device.
Background noise in your home.

Solutions:

Increase the volume in Chime Settings.
Move the Ring Chime to a more central location.
Use a Chime Pro for better sound projection.
Close windows or reduce indoor noise during testing.

Issue: Sound Changes Don’t Save

Possible Causes:

App glitch or outdated version.
Device firmware needs updating.

Solutions:

Update the Ring app to the latest version.
Restart your smartphone or tablet.
Check for firmware updates in Device Health (under Device Settings).
Re-sync the device by removing and re-adding it in the app (as a last resort).

Issue: No Sound at All

Possible Causes:

Doorbell not powered (battery dead or wiring issue).
Chime device unplugged.
Do Not Disturb mode is enabled.

Solutions:

Check the doorbell’s power status in the app. Recharge or hardwire if needed.
Ensure the Ring Chime is plugged in and powered.
Disable Do Not Disturb in the app’s Alert Settings.
Test the doorbell button manually to see if it triggers any response.

Tips for Getting the Best Sound Experience

To make the most of your Ring doorbell’s sound features, keep these tips in mind:

Test sounds at different times of day: Background noise varies, so test your chime in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Use multiple Chimes for large homes: Place one in the living room and another in the bedroom for full coverage.
Update your app regularly: New sounds and features are often added in updates.
Experiment with tones: Don’t settle for the first sound you try—preview a few to find your favorite.
Consider your neighbors: Avoid overly loud or repetitive tones that might disturb others.
Use silent mode at night: Enable “Do Not Disturb” during sleep hours to avoid unwanted alerts.

Conclusion

Changing the sound on your Ring doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your smart home experience. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can select a tone that fits your style, adjust the volume for better audibility, and even add festive flair with seasonal chimes. Whether you’re using the doorbell’s built-in speaker or a Ring Chime for indoor alerts, the process is user-friendly and highly customizable.

Remember to test your changes, keep your app updated, and explore advanced options like Ring Protect if you want more variety. And if you run into any issues, the troubleshooting steps above will help you get back on track quickly.

By taking control of your doorbell’s sound, you’re not just improving functionality—you’re making your home feel more like *your* home. So go ahead, pick a chime that makes you smile, and enjoy the perfect alert every time someone’s at the door.