This guide walks you through how to change the sound your Ring Doorbell makes, whether you want a custom chime, a different tone, or to adjust volume. We’ll cover setup, troubleshooting, and tips for the best experience.
Key Takeaways
- Customize your chime: You can change the sound your Ring Doorbell plays using the Ring app or a compatible smart chime.
- Use the Ring app: Most sound changes are made directly in the Ring app under Device Settings > Chime Tones.
- Volume control matters: Adjusting volume ensures you hear the chime, especially in noisy homes or large spaces.
- Smart chime adds flexibility: A Ring Chime or Chime Pro lets you set unique sounds and control volume independently.
- Test after changes: Always test the new sound to confirm it works and is loud enough.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the sound doesn’t change, check Wi-Fi, app updates, or device sync.
- Personalize for fun: Use seasonal or fun tones to match holidays or your personality.
How to Change the Sound Your Ring Doorbell Makes
So, your Ring Doorbell is working great—motion alerts, live view, two-way talk—all smooth. But every time someone rings the bell, it plays that same default “ding-dong” sound. It’s functional, sure, but maybe a little… boring. Or maybe it’s too quiet, or too loud, or just doesn’t match your home’s vibe.
Good news: you can change the sound your Ring Doorbell makes. Whether you want a cheerful melody, a spooky Halloween tone, or just a louder chime, this guide will show you exactly how to do it—step by step.
In this comprehensive how-to, you’ll learn:
– How to change the chime sound using the Ring app
– How to use a Ring Chime or Chime Pro for more options
– How to adjust volume and test your new sound
– How to troubleshoot common issues
– Fun ideas for customizing your doorbell tone
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 doorbell sound in the first place.
First, personalization. Your home is an extension of your personality. Why not make your doorbell reflect that? A festive jingle for the holidays, a calming tone for a quiet home, or even a funny sound for laughs—your doorbell can be more than just a notification.
Second, functionality. The default sound might be too quiet, especially if you have a large house, thick walls, or background noise like TV or pets. A louder or more distinct tone ensures you never miss a visitor.
Third, accessibility. Some tones are easier to hear for people with hearing sensitivities. A deeper, longer chime might be more noticeable than a high-pitched beep.
Finally, fun and creativity. Ring offers seasonal tones and special sounds, especially around holidays like Halloween and Christmas. Changing your sound can be a small but joyful way to celebrate the season.
So whether you’re aiming for practicality or playfulness, changing your Ring Doorbell sound is a simple upgrade with big impact.
What You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Doorbell (any model): This includes Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, Doorbell 3, Doorbell 4, Doorbell Pro, or Doorbell Pro 2.
- The Ring app installed on your smartphone: Available for iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Your Ring account login: You’ll need to sign in to access device settings.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection: Your doorbell needs to be online to sync changes.
- (Optional) A Ring Chime or Chime Pro: For more sound options and volume control.
If you don’t have a Ring Chime, don’t worry—you can still change the sound using the built-in chime in your doorbell or your existing mechanical chime (if wired). But a Chime or Chime Pro gives you more flexibility.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
The first step is simple: open the Ring app on your phone.
Launch the App
Tap the Ring app icon on your home screen. If you haven’t used it in a while, you may need to sign in with your email and password.
Check Your Connection
Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or has a strong cellular signal. The app needs internet access to communicate with your doorbell.
Verify Device Status
Once logged in, you’ll see your dashboard with all your Ring devices. Look for your doorbell. It should show as “Online.” If it says “Offline,” check your Wi-Fi or power source before proceeding.
Step 2: Access Device Settings
Now that you’re in the app, let’s navigate to your doorbell’s settings.
Select Your Doorbell
Tap on your doorbell from the dashboard. This will open the live view or event history screen.
Tap the Gear Icon
In the top-right corner of the screen, you’ll see a gear icon (⚙️). Tap it to open the Device Settings menu.
Find Chime Settings
Scroll down until you see a section labeled “Chime” or “Chime Tones.” This is where you’ll make changes to the sound.
Step 3: Change the Chime Tone
This is the core of the process—changing the actual sound your doorbell makes.
Choose a New Tone
Tap on “Chime Tones” or “Chime Sound.” You’ll see a list of available tones. These vary depending on your model and region, but common options include:
– Classic Ding-Dong
– Modern Chime
– Holiday Jingle (seasonal)
– Halloween Spooky (seasonal)
– Gentle Bell
– Loud Alert
Some tones are only available during certain times of the year (like Halloween or Christmas), so check back seasonally for new options.
Preview the Sound
Tap on any tone to preview it. This plays a short clip so you can hear how it sounds. Take your time—pick one you really like.
Save Your Selection
Once you’ve chosen a tone, tap “Save” or “Done” at the top of the screen. The app will sync the change with your doorbell.
Step 4: Adjust the Volume
Changing the tone is great, but if the volume is too low, you won’t hear it. Let’s make sure it’s just right.
Find Volume Settings
Back in the Device Settings menu, look for “Chime Volume” or “Volume.” This may be under the same Chime section.
Set the Volume Level
Use the slider to adjust the volume. You can choose from low, medium, or high. For most homes, “medium” or “high” works best.
Test the Volume
After setting the volume, tap “Test Chime” if available. This plays the new sound at the selected volume so you can hear it in your environment.
Step 5: Use a Ring Chime or Chime Pro (Optional)
If you want even more control over your doorbell sound, consider using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro. These are standalone devices that plug into an outlet and play the chime sound independently of your doorbell.
What Is a Ring Chime?
A Ring Chime is a smart plug-in device that connects to your Wi-Fi and plays customizable sounds when your doorbell is pressed. It’s especially useful if:
– Your doorbell is far from your living area
– You have a large home with multiple floors
– You want louder or more distinct chimes
– You want to use sounds not available on the doorbell itself
Set Up Your Chime
If you have a Chime or Chime Pro, follow these steps:
- Plug the Chime into an outlet near where you want to hear the sound.
- Open the Ring app and tap “Set Up a Device.”
- Select “Chime” and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to Wi-Fi.
- Once connected, go to Device Settings > Chime Tones.
- Choose your preferred sound and volume.
Link to Your Doorbell
The Chime will automatically sync with your doorbell. When someone presses the button, both devices will play the chime—your doorbell (if it has a built-in speaker) and the Chime.
Customize Further
With a Chime, you can:
– Set different tones for different times of day
– Mute the chime at night
– Use fun seasonal sounds
– Adjust volume independently
This gives you much more flexibility than the doorbell alone.
Step 6: Test Your New Sound
After making changes, it’s crucial to test the new sound.
Press the Doorbell
Have someone press the doorbell button, or use the “Test Chime” feature in the app.
Listen Carefully
Walk around your home to make sure you can hear the chime in key areas—living room, kitchen, bedroom, etc.
Adjust if Needed
If it’s too quiet, go back and increase the volume. If it’s too loud or annoying, try a different tone.
Check for Delays
Sometimes there’s a slight delay between pressing the button and hearing the chime. This is normal, especially over Wi-Fi. But if it’s more than 2–3 seconds, check your internet speed or move your Chime closer to the router.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, changing the sound doesn’t go as planned. Here are common problems and how to fix them.
The Sound Doesn’t Change
If you selected a new tone but it’s still playing the old one:
– Make sure you tapped “Save” after selecting the tone.
– Check that your doorbell is online in the app.
– Restart the Ring app and try again.
– Reboot your doorbell by removing it from the mount (if battery-powered) or turning off the power (if wired) for 10 seconds.
No Sound at All
If the doorbell isn’t making any sound:
– Check the volume—make sure it’s not set to zero.
– Ensure the chime isn’t muted in the app.
– If using a wired doorbell, verify that the mechanical chime is properly connected and working.
– For battery models, check that the battery isn’t low.
Chime Is Too Quiet
If the sound is barely audible:
– Increase the volume in the app.
– Move the Chime closer to where you need to hear it.
– Use a Chime Pro, which has a louder speaker and extended range.
Delayed or Choppy Sound
If the chime lags or cuts out:
– Check your Wi-Fi signal strength at the doorbell location.
– Move your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender.
– Reduce interference from other devices.
Seasonal Tones Not Showing Up
Holiday sounds like “Halloween Spooky” or “Christmas Bells” are only available during specific times of the year. If you don’t see them:
– Wait until the season approaches—Ring usually releases them a few weeks before major holidays.
– Make sure your app is updated.
– Check the Ring blog or social media for announcements.
Fun Ideas for Customizing Your Doorbell Sound
Now that you know how to change the sound, here are some creative ideas to make your doorbell more fun and functional.
Seasonal Themes
Switch your tone with the seasons:
– Spring: Gentle Bell or Birdsong
– Summer: Upbeat Jingle
– Fall: Rustling Leaves or Harvest Chime
– Winter: Holiday Jingle or Snowfall Tone
Holiday Specials
Ring often releases limited-time tones:
– Halloween: Spooky Laugh, Ghostly Wail, or Witch’s Cackle
– Christmas: Jingle Bells, Santa’s Ho Ho Ho, or Carolers
– Valentine’s Day: Heart Chime or Love Song Snippet
These are great for getting into the holiday spirit.
Family-Friendly Fun
If you have kids, let them pick a fun sound:
– Animal sounds (bark, meow, quack)
– Cartoon themes
– Funny phrases (“Ding Dong, Pizza’s Here!”)
Just make sure it’s not too distracting for guests.
Practical Choices
For everyday use, consider:
– A deep, resonant tone for better hearing
– A two-tone chime that’s easy to distinguish from other sounds
– A longer duration so it doesn’t get missed
Multiple Chimes for Large Homes
If you have a big house, set up multiple Chimes in different rooms. You can even assign different tones to each one—like a soft chime in the bedroom and a loud one in the kitchen.
Tips for the Best Experience
Here are some pro tips to get the most out of your Ring Doorbell sound customization:
- Update the app regularly: New tones and features are added in updates.
- Use a Chime Pro for range: It boosts Wi-Fi and plays louder sounds.
- Test at different times: Background noise varies—test in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- Ask family for input: Everyone should be able to hear and recognize the chime.
- Don’t overdo it: A fun sound is great, but avoid anything too jarring or annoying.
- Reset if needed: If something goes wrong, you can reset the Chime or doorbell to factory settings.
Conclusion
Changing the sound your Ring Doorbell makes is a simple but powerful way to personalize your home and improve functionality. With just a few taps in the Ring app, you can switch from a boring “ding-dong” to a festive jingle, a spooky Halloween tone, or a loud, clear alert that ensures you never miss a visitor.
Whether you’re using the built-in chime, a mechanical doorbell, or a Ring Chime/Chime Pro, the process is straightforward and user-friendly. And with seasonal updates and creative options, there’s always something new to try.
So go ahead—experiment with different tones, adjust the volume, and make your doorbell sound uniquely yours. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your daily life.
Remember: your doorbell is the first thing guests hear. Make it welcoming, fun, and functional. And if you run into any issues, the troubleshooting tips in this guide will help you get back on track.
Now, go change that sound and enjoy your upgraded Ring experience!