Connecting a Ring Chime to your Ring Doorbell enhances your home security by providing loud, customizable indoor alerts. This guide walks you through the entire process—from unboxing to troubleshooting—so you can hear every visitor, even if your phone is on silent.
Key Takeaways
- Compatible Devices: Most Ring Doorbells work with Ring Chime and Chime Pro, but check compatibility first.
- Wi-Fi Requirements: A stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network is essential for reliable connection and performance.
- Easy Setup via App: The Ring app guides you step-by-step to pair your Chime with your Doorbell.
- Customizable Alerts: Choose from dozens of chime sounds and adjust volume to suit your home.
- Chime Pro Extends Range: If your Doorbell is far from your router, Chime Pro acts as a Wi-Fi extender.
- Troubleshooting Tips: Common issues like connection drops or no sound can usually be fixed with a reboot or re-pairing.
- Multiple Chimes Supported: You can connect more than one Chime to a single Doorbell for whole-home coverage.
How to Connect a Ring Chime to a Ring Doorbell
So, you’ve got your shiny new Ring Doorbell installed and working perfectly—great job! But what if you’re in the basement, garage, or back bedroom and miss the notification because your phone is on silent? That’s where the Ring Chime comes in. This clever little device plugs into any standard wall outlet and plays a loud, customizable sound whenever someone rings your doorbell or triggers a motion alert.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to connect a Ring Chime to a Ring Doorbell—step by step. Whether you’re using a Ring Chime (the basic model) or the Ring Chime Pro (which also extends your Wi-Fi), we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn how to set it up, customize your alerts, and troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll never miss a visitor again—even if your phone is buried under a pile of laundry.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving into the setup, make sure you have everything ready. This will save you time and frustration later.
Visual guide about How to Connect a Ring Chime to a Ring Doorbell
Image source: shs-media.storage.googleapis.com
Required Items
- Ring Doorbell: Any model (e.g., Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, Doorbell 3, Doorbell 4, Doorbell Pro, etc.).
- Ring Chime or Chime Pro: The Chime Pro is recommended if your Doorbell is far from your router.
- Smartphone or Tablet: With the latest version of the Ring app installed (iOS or Android).
- Wi-Fi Network: A stable 2.4 GHz network (5 GHz is not supported by Ring Chime).
- Power Source: A standard wall outlet near where you want to place the Chime.
- Internet Connection: For initial setup and syncing.
Optional but Helpful
- A second person to help hold the Chime during setup.
- A ladder if placing the Chime in a high outlet.
- A Wi-Fi signal strength app to check coverage in the Chime’s location.
Pro Tip: If your Ring Doorbell is already connected to the Ring app, you’re halfway there! If not, complete that setup first before adding the Chime.
Step 1: Plug In Your Ring Chime
The first step is simple but important: get your Chime powered up and ready to connect.
Find the Right Outlet
Choose a wall outlet that’s:
- Within range of your Wi-Fi network (ideally, strong signal).
- Close enough to hear the chime from key areas (like the kitchen or living room).
- Not blocked by furniture or appliances that could muffle the sound.
Example: If your front door is at the far end of the house, avoid placing the Chime in a back bedroom. Instead, use the living room or hallway.
Plug It In
Take your Ring Chime out of the box and plug it directly into the wall outlet. Don’t use an extension cord or power strip—these can interfere with the signal.
Once plugged in, the Chime will light up with a solid white LED. This means it’s powered and ready to connect.
Note: If the light doesn’t turn on, try a different outlet or check the power source.
Step 2: Open the Ring App
Now it’s time to use the Ring app to pair your Chime with your Doorbell.
Launch the App
Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the same account used for your Ring Doorbell.
Go to the Menu
Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-left corner to open the main menu.
Select “Devices”
Scroll down and tap Devices. This will show all your connected Ring products.
Tap “Set Up a Device”
Look for the Set Up a Device button (usually at the top or bottom of the screen) and tap it.
Choose “Chime” or “Chime Pro”
The app will ask what type of device you’re setting up. Select Chime or Chime Pro, depending on your model.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts
The app will guide you through the next steps. It may ask you to:
- Confirm the Chime is plugged in and the light is on.
- Press the button on the Chime (if required).
- Allow the app to access your location (for Wi-Fi setup).
Tip: Keep your phone close to the Chime during this process to ensure a strong Bluetooth connection.
Step 3: Connect the Chime to Wi-Fi
This is where the Chime joins your home network so it can communicate with your Doorbell.
Select Your Wi-Fi Network
The app will scan for available networks. Choose your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network from the list.
Important: Ring Chime does not support 5 GHz networks. If you only see 5 GHz options, you may need to temporarily disable 5 GHz on your router or use a dual-band router that broadcasts both.
Enter Your Wi-Fi Password
Type in your Wi-Fi password carefully. The app will attempt to connect the Chime to the network.
Wait for Connection
This may take 30–60 seconds. The Chime’s LED will blink white while connecting, then turn solid white when successful.
What if it fails? If the connection fails, double-check your password, move the Chime closer to the router, or restart your Wi-Fi.
Step 4: Pair the Chime with Your Doorbell
Now that the Chime is online, it’s time to link it to your Ring Doorbell.
Select Your Doorbell
The app will show a list of your Ring devices. Tap on the Doorbell you want to connect to the Chime.
Choose “Chime Settings”
Inside your Doorbell’s settings, look for Chime Settings or Connected Chimes.
Tap “Add a Chime”
The app will search for nearby Chimes. Select your Chime from the list.
Confirm the Pairing
The app will ask you to confirm the connection. Tap Connect or Pair.
Once paired, the Chime will play a test sound—usually the default “Ding Dong.” This confirms the connection is working.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple Doorbells (e.g., front and back), you can connect the same Chime to all of them. Just repeat this step for each Doorbell.
Step 5: Customize Your Chime Settings
Now for the fun part—making your Chime work exactly how you want it.
Choose a Chime Sound
In the Chime settings, tap Chime Tones. You’ll see a list of fun and classic sounds, like:
- Classic Ding Dong
- School Bell
- Wind Chimes
- Dog Bark
- Air Horn
- Custom recordings (if supported)
Tap any sound to preview it. Once you find one you like, select it.
Adjust the Volume
Use the volume slider to set how loud the Chime will be. You can choose from low, medium, or high.
Example: If you have a large home, set it to high. If you’re near the Chime and don’t want to be startled, go with medium or low.
Set Motion Alerts (Optional)
By default, the Chime only sounds when the Doorbell is pressed. But you can also enable it to play when motion is detected.
Go to Motion Alerts and toggle it on. You can choose a different sound for motion vs. doorbell press.
Schedule Chime Times (Optional)
Want the Chime to be silent at night? Use the Chime Schedule feature.
Set a time range (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM) when the Chime will be disabled. This is great for light sleepers or families with babies.
Step 6: Test the Connection
Before calling it a day, make sure everything works as expected.
Ring the Doorbell
Press the button on your Ring Doorbell (or ask someone to do it). The Chime should play the selected sound.
Check Your Phone
You should also receive a notification on your phone. This confirms both the Chime and app are working.
Test Motion Alerts (If Enabled)
Walk in front of the Doorbell to trigger motion. The Chime should play the motion sound (if different from the doorbell sound).
Troubleshooting Tip: If the Chime doesn’t sound, check the volume, Wi-Fi signal, and pairing status in the app.
Using Multiple Chimes
Got a big house? You can connect more than one Chime to a single Doorbell.
How It Works
Each Chime plugs into a different outlet and connects to the same Doorbell via the app. When the Doorbell is pressed, all Chimes will sound simultaneously.
Steps to Add a Second Chime
- Plug in the new Chime.
- Open the Ring app and go to Devices.
- Tap Set Up a Device and select Chime.
- Follow the same setup steps as before.
- When prompted, select the same Doorbell to pair with.
Example: Place one Chime in the kitchen and another in the master bedroom. Now, no matter where you are, you’ll hear the alert.
Chime Pro: The Wi-Fi Extender Advantage
If your Ring Doorbell is far from your router, the Ring Chime Pro is a game-changer.
What Makes It Different?
The Chime Pro does everything the regular Chime does—but it also acts as a Wi-Fi extender. It boosts your network signal to reach your Doorbell, improving video quality and reducing lag.
When to Use Chime Pro
- Your Doorbell frequently disconnects.
- Video is choppy or delayed.
- The Doorbell is more than 50 feet from your router.
- You have thick walls or multiple floors.
Setup Is the Same
The setup process for Chime Pro is identical to the regular Chime. Just select “Chime Pro” in the app during setup.
Bonus: The Chime Pro also has a nightlight feature—tap the button to turn on a soft glow.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with perfect setup, problems can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Chime Doesn’t Make a Sound
- Check Volume: Make sure the volume isn’t set to zero.
- Test the Sound: Use the “Test Chime” button in the app.
- Re-pair the Device: Go to Chime settings and remove it, then re-add it.
- Restart the Chime: Unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
Chime Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
- Use 2.4 GHz Only: Ensure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network.
- Move Closer to Router: Temporarily place the Chime near the router during setup.
- Restart Router: Power cycle your Wi-Fi router.
- Update Firmware: Check for app and device updates.
Chime Sounds Delayed or Choppy
- Weak Signal: Move the Chime closer to the router or use Chime Pro.
- Network Congestion: Too many devices on Wi-Fi? Limit usage during setup.
- Interference: Avoid placing near microwaves, cordless phones, or baby monitors.
Chime Disconnects Frequently
- Check Power: Ensure the outlet is stable and not on a switch.
- Update App: Use the latest version of the Ring app.
- Factory Reset: Hold the button on the Chime for 20 seconds to reset.
Motion Alerts Not Working
- Enable in App: Go to Chime settings and turn on motion alerts.
- Check Doorbell Settings: Make sure motion detection is enabled on the Doorbell.
- Adjust Sensitivity: In Doorbell settings, increase motion sensitivity.
Tips for Best Performance
To get the most out of your Ring Chime, follow these best practices.
Place Chimes Strategically
Think about where you spend the most time. Kitchens, living rooms, and home offices are ideal spots.
Avoid Obstructions
Don’t hide the Chime behind curtains, furniture, or appliances. Sound needs to travel freely.
Use Chime Pro for Large Homes
If your home is over 2,500 sq ft or has multiple floors, Chime Pro is worth the investment.
Update Regularly
Ring frequently releases firmware updates. Keep your app and devices updated for the best performance.
Name Your Chimes
If you have multiple Chimes, give them names like “Kitchen Chime” or “Bedroom Chime” to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
Connecting a Ring Chime to your Ring Doorbell is a simple yet powerful upgrade for your home security system. Not only does it ensure you never miss a visitor, but it also adds peace of mind—especially if you’re often away from your phone. With customizable sounds, volume control, and optional motion alerts, the Chime turns your Doorbell into a full-featured alert system.
Whether you’re using the basic Chime or the Wi-Fi-boosting Chime Pro, the setup process is straightforward and user-friendly. And if you run into any issues, the troubleshooting tips in this guide will help you get back on track quickly.
So go ahead—plug in that Chime, pair it with your Doorbell, and enjoy the extra layer of awareness it brings to your home. After all, staying connected shouldn’t depend on whether your phone is in your pocket.