Changing your Ring doorbell sound is simple and can be done directly from the Ring app. Whether you want a classic chime, a seasonal tune, or a custom notification, this guide walks you through every step—no tools required.
Key Takeaways
- Ring doorbell sounds are customizable via the Ring app: You can change chimes, motion alerts, and notification tones without any physical adjustments.
- Multiple sound options are available: Choose from classic chimes, festive holiday sounds, animal noises, or even silent modes for privacy.
- Both Ring Video Doorbells and Ring Chimes can be adjusted: If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, you can sync or override doorbell sounds independently.
- Sound changes apply instantly: Once saved in the app, your new tone plays the next time someone rings the doorbell or triggers motion.
- Firmware updates may add new sounds: Keep your Ring device updated to access the latest audio options and features.
- Troubleshooting is easy: If your sound won’t change, check app permissions, Wi-Fi connection, and device compatibility.
- Custom sounds aren’t supported yet: As of now, Ring doesn’t allow uploading personal audio files, but preset options are varied and fun.
How to Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve ever been startled by a loud, unexpected doorbell chime—or wished your Ring doorbell sounded more festive during the holidays—you’re not alone. The good news? You can easily change your Ring doorbell sound to match your mood, season, or household preferences. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell 4, Ring Doorbell Pro, or Ring Doorbell Elite, the process is simple, fast, and entirely app-based.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to change your Ring doorbell sound, explore all available audio options, understand how Ring Chimes work with your doorbell, and troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll be able to personalize your doorbell experience like a pro—no technical skills required.
Why Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound?
Before diving into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to change your Ring doorbell sound in the first place. The default chime is functional, but it’s not always ideal. Here are a few common reasons people customize their doorbell audio:
- Personalization: Make your home feel more unique with a chime that reflects your personality—whether it’s a cheerful melody or a subtle tone.
- Seasonal themes: Ring often releases limited-time sounds for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Switching to a festive tone adds fun and festivity.
- Noise sensitivity: If you have young children, pets, or are sensitive to loud noises, a softer chime can prevent disruptions.
- Multiple entry points: If you have more than one doorbell or a Ring Chime, customizing sounds helps you identify which door someone is at.
- Accessibility: Some users prefer distinct tones for visitors versus motion alerts, making it easier to respond appropriately.
Changing your Ring doorbell sound is more than just a fun tweak—it’s a practical way to improve your smart home experience.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- A Ring Video Doorbell installed and connected: Your device should be properly set up and linked to your Wi-Fi network.
- The Ring app installed on your smartphone or tablet: Available for iOS and Android. Make sure it’s updated to the latest version.
- Your Ring account login credentials: You’ll need to be signed in to access device settings.
- A stable internet connection: Both your phone and Ring doorbell should be online for changes to sync.
If you’re using a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, ensure it’s also connected and updated. These devices can play sounds independently or in sync with your doorbell, giving you more control over audio output.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound
Now, let’s walk through the process of changing your Ring doorbell sound. The steps are nearly identical across all Ring doorbell models, so whether you have a basic Ring Doorbell or a high-end Pro model, this guide applies.
Step 1: Open the Ring App
Start by launching the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don’t have it yet, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once opened, sign in with your Ring account email and password.
Tip: If you have multiple Ring devices, make sure you’re viewing the correct doorbell. You can switch between devices using the menu at the top of the home screen.
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, where you can view live video, check motion history, and access settings.
Step 3: Go to Device Settings
In the top-right corner of the device dashboard, tap the gear icon (⚙️). This opens the Device Settings menu, where you can adjust everything from motion zones to audio preferences.
Step 4: Find the “Chime Settings” or “Sound Settings” Option
Scroll down until you see a section labeled “Chime Settings” or “Sound Settings”, depending on your Ring model and app version. Tap on it to proceed.
Note: On some older models, this may be under “Device Options” or “Audio Settings.” If you don’t see it immediately, look for keywords like “sound,” “chime,” or “notification.”
Step 5: Choose Your Desired Sound
Here’s where the fun begins! You’ll see a list of available sounds. These typically include:
- Classic Chime: The standard two-tone “ding-dong” sound.
- Modern Chime: A sleeker, more contemporary tone.
- Holiday Sounds: Seasonal options like “Jingle Bells,” “Spooky Chime,” or “Spring Bells” (available during specific times of year).
- Animal Sounds: Fun options like “Dog Bark,” “Cat Meow,” or “Bird Chirp.”
- Silent Mode: Disables the chime entirely—ideal for nighttime or when you don’t want audio alerts.
Tap on any sound to preview it. The app will play a short sample so you can hear how it sounds.
Pro Tip: Some sounds are only available during certain seasons. For example, “Halloween Chime” may only appear in October. Keep your app updated to access new sounds as they’re released.
Step 6: Save Your Selection
Once you’ve found a sound you like, tap “Save” or “Done” at the top of the screen. The change will sync to your doorbell within a few seconds.
Important: The new sound will take effect immediately. The next time someone presses your doorbell or triggers motion (if motion chimes are enabled), you’ll hear your chosen tone.
Step 7: Test the New Sound
To confirm the change worked, ask someone to ring your doorbell—or press it yourself if you’re near the device. You should hear the new chime play through your doorbell’s speaker.
If you have a Ring Chime or Chime Pro connected, the sound will also play through that device, unless you’ve set it to a different tone (more on that below).
Customizing Sounds for Motion Alerts
Did you know you can also change the sound that plays when motion is detected? This is especially useful if you want to distinguish between a visitor and someone walking past your door.
How to Change Motion Alert Sounds
- Go back to your doorbell’s Device Settings.
- Look for “Motion Settings” or “Alert Settings.”
- Tap on “Motion Alerts” or “Chime for Motion.”
- Choose whether you want a chime to play when motion is detected (toggle on/off).
- If enabled, select a sound from the same list used for doorbell presses.
- Save your changes.
Example: You might set your doorbell press to “Classic Chime” and motion alerts to “Soft Chime” so you can tell the difference between a guest and a passing car.
Using Ring Chime or Chime Pro for Enhanced Sound Control
If you’ve added a Ring Chime or Chime Pro to your setup, you gain even more flexibility with sound customization. These devices plug into a standard wall outlet and play chimes throughout your home, even if your doorbell doesn’t have a built-in speaker (like the Ring Doorbell Wired).
How Ring Chime Works with Your Doorbell
The Ring Chime acts as an external speaker that syncs with your doorbell. When someone rings the bell, the Chime plays the selected sound. You can place it in a central location—like a living room or kitchen—so you never miss a visitor.
Changing Sounds on Ring Chime
To customize the sound on your Ring Chime:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap on your Ring Chime device from the home screen.
- Go to Device Settings (gear icon).
- Select “Chime Sounds” or “Sound Settings.”
- Choose from the same list of sounds available for your doorbell.
- Save your selection.
Bonus Feature: You can set your Ring Chime to play a different sound than your doorbell. For example, your doorbell might play “Classic Chime,” while your Chime plays “Modern Chime.” This is great for larger homes where you want multiple audio cues.
Volume Control on Ring Chime
In the same settings menu, you’ll also find a volume slider. Adjust it to your preference—low for quiet environments, high for noisy homes or larger spaces.
Advanced Tips for Sound Customization
Now that you know the basics, here are some advanced tips to get the most out of your Ring doorbell sound settings:
1. Use Silent Mode Strategically
Silent mode is perfect for nighttime or when you have a sleeping baby. You can still receive push notifications on your phone, but no chime will play. To enable it:
- Go to Chime Settings.
- Select “Silent” from the sound list.
- Save and test.
You can easily switch back to a chime sound during the day.
2. Rotate Sounds for Fun or Function
Make it a habit to change your doorbell sound weekly or seasonally. For example:
- January: “Classic Chime”
- October: “Spooky Chime”
- December: “Jingle Bells”
- Spring: “Bird Chirp”
This keeps things fresh and can be a fun family activity.
3. Sync Multiple Devices
If you have more than one Ring doorbell (e.g., front and back door), assign different sounds to each. That way, you’ll know which door someone is at just by the chime.
4. Use Motion Zones to Reduce False Alerts
If your motion chime is too sensitive, adjust your motion zones in the app. This reduces unnecessary alerts from passing cars or animals, so your sound only plays when it matters.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Ring Doorbell Sound Changing?
Sometimes, changes don’t take effect as expected. Here are common issues and how to fix them:
Issue 1: Sound Doesn’t Change After Saving
- Check your internet connection: Both your phone and Ring device need to be online. Restart your Wi-Fi router if needed.
- Restart the Ring app: Close and reopen the app, then try changing the sound again.
- Update the app: Go to your app store and check for Ring app updates.
- 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.
Issue 2: No Sound Plays at All
- Check volume settings: Ensure the volume isn’t muted on your doorbell or Chime.
- Test the speaker: Use the “Test Chime” feature in the app to see if the speaker works.
- Verify device compatibility: Older Ring models may not support all sound options. Check Ring’s support page for your device.
Issue 3: Chime Plays the Wrong Sound
- Confirm you selected the right device: If you have multiple Ring devices, make sure you edited the correct one.
- Check for app glitches: Force-close the app and reopen it. Sometimes the UI doesn’t update properly.
- Reset sound settings: Change to a different sound, save, then switch back to your preferred tone.
Issue 4: Ring Chime Doesn’t Sync with Doorbell
- Re-pair the devices: In the Ring app, go to Device Settings > Linked Devices > Remove Chime, then re-add it.
- Check proximity: Ring Chime should be within 100 feet of your doorbell for reliable connectivity.
- Update firmware: Both devices should be running the latest firmware. Updates happen automatically, but you can check in the app under Device Health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ring Doorbell Sounds
Can I upload my own custom sound to my Ring doorbell?
No, Ring does not currently support custom sound uploads. You can only choose from the preset sounds available in the app. However, the selection is regularly updated with new options.
Visual guide about How to Change Your Ring Doorbell Sound
Image source: safetywish.com
Do all Ring doorbell models support sound changes?
Yes, all Ring Video Doorbells allow you to change the chime sound via the app. However, older models may have fewer sound options. Always keep your device updated for the best experience.
Will changing the sound affect my doorbell’s performance?
No, changing the sound only affects audio output. It doesn’t impact video quality, motion detection, or battery life.
Can I change the sound remotely?
Yes! As long as your Ring doorbell is connected to Wi-Fi and the app is working, you can change the sound from anywhere in the world.
Why don’t I see holiday sounds in the app?
Holiday sounds are often seasonal and may only appear during specific months. They’re also sometimes part of limited-time promotions. Check back during holidays or ensure your app is updated.
Can I turn off the sound but still get notifications?
Yes. Select “Silent” as your chime sound. You’ll still receive push notifications on your phone when someone rings the doorbell or motion is detected.
Conclusion: Make Your Ring Doorbell Sound Uniquely Yours
Changing your Ring doorbell sound is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your smart home. Whether you want a cheerful holiday tune, a quiet chime for nighttime, or a distinct alert for motion, the Ring app puts full control in your hands. With just a few taps, you can transform your doorbell from a basic alert system into a fun, functional part of your daily routine.
Remember to explore all the sound options, experiment with different tones, and keep your devices updated to access the latest features. And if you run into any issues, the troubleshooting tips in this guide will help you get back on track quickly.
So go ahead—ring in the new sound and enjoy a smarter, more personalized doorbell experience today!