Connecting your Ring doorbell to a digital doorbell is easier than you think—this guide walks you through every step, from checking compatibility to final testing. Whether you’re upgrading or fixing a chime issue, we’ve got you covered with clear instructions and expert tips.
Key Takeaways
- Check compatibility first: Not all digital doorbells work with Ring. Verify your chime model supports smart doorbells before starting.
- Turn off power at the breaker: Safety is critical. Always shut off electricity to the doorbell circuit before handling wires.
- Use the Ring Chime Pro for best results: This Wi-Fi extender and chime bridges the gap between Ring and non-compatible digital chimes.
- Follow wiring carefully: Incorrect connections can damage your Ring or chime. Match wires precisely and secure them with wire nuts.
- Test after installation: Always test the doorbell and chime to ensure both audio and app notifications work properly.
- Update firmware regularly: Keep your Ring doorbell and app updated to avoid connectivity issues and enjoy new features.
- Use the Ring app for setup: The app guides you through pairing, testing, and troubleshooting—don’t skip this step.
How to Connect Ring Doorbell to Digital Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve got a shiny new Ring doorbell and a sleek digital doorbell chime already installed—great combo! But now you’re wondering: How do I connect these two so they actually work together? You’re not alone. Many homeowners face this exact challenge when upgrading to smart doorbells but want to keep their existing digital chime system.
The good news? It’s totally doable—with the right tools, a bit of patience, and this detailed guide. Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), Ring Video Doorbell Pro, or Ring Video Doorbell Elite, connecting it to a digital doorbell chime is possible. And no, you don’t need to rip out your current setup.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from checking compatibility and turning off power, to wiring, setup, and troubleshooting. By the end, your Ring doorbell will ring your digital chime and send you a live video alert on your phone. Let’s get started!
Why Connect Ring Doorbell to a Digital Doorbell?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why you’d want to do this in the first place.
Traditional mechanical chimes make a simple “ding-dong” sound. Digital doorbells, on the other hand, offer customizable tones, volume control, and even music-like chimes. If you’ve invested in a high-quality digital chime, you probably don’t want to lose that feature just because you upgraded to a smart doorbell.
Ring doorbells are fantastic—they offer HD video, two-way talk, motion detection, and smartphone alerts. But they don’t always play nice with digital chimes out of the box. Some digital chimes require specific voltage or wiring configurations that Ring doesn’t support directly.
By connecting your Ring doorbell to your digital chime, you get the best of both worlds:
– Smart features (live video, alerts, remote access)
– Rich, customizable sound from your digital chime
It’s a win-win—especially if you have a large home or want to hear the doorbell from multiple rooms.
What You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather these tools and materials. Having everything ready will save time and reduce frustration.
- Your Ring doorbell (any model)
- Digital doorbell chime (compatible—see next section)
- Ring Chime Pro (recommended for most setups)
- Screwdriver (usually Phillips head)
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape
- Wire nuts (usually included with Ring or Chime Pro)
- Smartphone with the Ring app installed
- Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz recommended)
- Ladder (if your doorbell is high up)
Optional but helpful:
– Voltage tester (to confirm power is off)
– Labeling tape (to mark wires)
– Drill and anchors (if mounting Chime Pro on a wall)
Step 1: Check Compatibility
Not all digital doorbells are created equal. Some work seamlessly with Ring, while others require extra hardware.
Compatible Digital Chimes
Most modern digital chimes that use standard doorbell wiring (low voltage, 8–24V AC) can work with Ring—if you use the right setup. Brands like Nutone, Heath Zenith, and some models from Honeywell are generally compatible.
However, some digital chimes have built-in transformers or complex circuits that don’t play well with smart doorbells. If your chime has a built-in power supply or requires a specific voltage (like 16V or higher), it may not work directly.
When You Need Ring Chime Pro
This is where the Ring Chime Pro comes in. It’s a Wi-Fi extender and internal chime that connects to your existing doorbell wiring and bridges the gap between your Ring doorbell and your digital chime.
The Chime Pro acts as a “middleman.” It receives the signal from your Ring doorbell and triggers your digital chime to ring—even if the chime isn’t natively compatible.
Pro Tip: If your digital chime doesn’t ring when you press the Ring doorbell, or if it only works intermittently, the Chime Pro is likely your best solution.
How to Check Your Current Setup
1. Turn off power to your doorbell at the breaker.
2. Remove the front cover of your digital chime.
3. Look at the wiring. You should see two wires: one labeled “Front” (or “Transformer”) and one labeled “Trans” (or “Common”).
4. Check the voltage. Most digital chimes run on 8–24V AC. If it’s higher, proceed with caution.
If you’re unsure, consult your chime’s manual or take a photo and contact Ring support.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power
Safety first! Working with electricity—even low voltage—can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
Locate Your Breaker Box
Find the circuit breaker that controls your doorbell. It’s often labeled “Doorbell,” “Chime,” or “Front Door.” If not, turn off the main breaker to be safe.
Test the Power
Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. Touch the tester to the doorbell wires. If it beeps or lights up, the power is still on—go back and turn off the correct breaker.
Never skip this step. Even low-voltage systems can cause shocks or damage your equipment.
Step 3: Remove Your Old Doorbell
If you’re replacing an existing doorbell (mechanical or digital), you’ll need to remove it first.
Unscrew the Faceplate
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the old doorbell in place. Gently pull it away from the wall.
Disconnect the Wires
You’ll see two wires connected to the back. Loosen the screws or release the clips holding them. Carefully pull the wires free.
Pro Tip: Twist the wires together temporarily to prevent them from slipping back into the wall. This makes reinstallation much easier.
Cap the Wires
Use wire nuts to cap each wire individually. This prevents accidental short circuits while you work.
Step 4: Install the Ring Doorbell
Now it’s time to mount your Ring doorbell.
Choose the Right Mounting Bracket
Ring doorbells come with different brackets for flat walls, angled surfaces, or brick. Choose the one that fits your doorframe.
Attach the Bracket
Use the included screws to secure the bracket to the wall. Make sure it’s level and tight.
Connect the Wires
Strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from each wire if needed. Connect them to the terminals on the back of the Ring doorbell:
– One wire to “Front”
– One wire to “Trans”
Tighten the screws securely. Don’t overtighten—this can damage the terminals.
Attach the Doorbell
Slide the Ring doorbell onto the bracket until it clicks into place. Secure it with the included security screw.
Step 5: Set Up the Ring Chime Pro (If Needed)
If your digital chime isn’t compatible or you want reliable performance, install the Ring Chime Pro.
Why Use Chime Pro?
The Chime Pro does three things:
1. Acts as a Wi-Fi extender (boosts signal to your Ring doorbell)
2. Serves as an internal chime (rings when the doorbell is pressed)
3. Triggers your existing digital chime
It’s especially useful if your Ring doorbell is far from your router or if your digital chime doesn’t respond to the Ring signal.
Install the Chime Pro
1. Turn off power at the breaker.
2. Remove the cover of your digital chime.
3. Disconnect the two wires from the chime terminals.
4. Connect those same wires to the Chime Pro’s terminals (Front and Trans).
5. Plug the Chime Pro into a nearby electrical outlet.
6. Replace the chime cover.
Note: The Chime Pro must be plugged in—it doesn’t run on doorbell voltage alone.
Pair Chime Pro with Ring App
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the menu (three lines) > Devices > Add Device > Chime Pro.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi.
4. Test the chime by pressing your Ring doorbell.
Step 6: Connect Ring Doorbell to Digital Chime
Now for the main event: linking your Ring doorbell to your digital chime.
Option 1: Direct Wiring (If Compatible)
If your digital chime is compatible and you’re not using Chime Pro:
1. Ensure power is off.
2. Connect the two doorbell wires from the wall to your digital chime’s “Front” and “Trans” terminals.
3. Turn power back on.
4. Press the Ring doorbell button.
5. The digital chime should ring.
If it doesn’t, your chime may not be compatible—move to Option 2.
Option 2: Using Ring Chime Pro (Recommended)
This is the most reliable method.
1. Install Chime Pro as described above.
2. In the Ring app, go to Devices > select your Chime Pro.
3. Tap “Chime Settings” > “Linked Devices.”
4. Select your Ring doorbell.
5. Choose whether you want the Chime Pro to ring, your digital chime to ring, or both.
The Chime Pro will now send a signal to your digital chime when the Ring doorbell is pressed.
Option 3: Smart Plug Workaround (Advanced)
Some users connect their digital chime to a smart plug (like a TP-Link Kasa or Amazon Smart Plug). Then, they use IFTTT (If This Then That) to trigger the plug when the Ring doorbell is pressed.
This method requires:
– A smart plug
– IFTTT account
– Ring and smart plug connected to IFTTT
It’s more complex but works if wiring isn’t an option.
Step 7: Test the System
After installation, testing is crucial.
Test the Doorbell
1. Press the Ring doorbell button.
2. Check that:
– You receive a notification on your phone
– The live video feed opens
– The digital chime rings (if connected)
– The Chime Pro rings (if installed)
Test Motion Alerts
Walk in front of the doorbell to trigger motion detection. Confirm you get an alert.
Check Wi-Fi Signal
In the Ring app, go to Device Health. Look for “Signal Strength.” It should be “Good” or “Excellent.” If it’s “Poor,” consider moving your router or using Chime Pro as a Wi-Fi extender.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful setup, problems can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Digital Chime Doesn’t Ring
- Check wiring: Ensure wires are connected to the correct terminals.
- Verify power: Make sure the breaker is on and the chime is receiving power.
- Use Chime Pro: If direct wiring fails, install Chime Pro to bridge the connection.
- Test chime alone: Disconnect from Ring and test with a battery to see if the chime works.
Chime Rings But No Phone Alert
- Check Wi-Fi: Weak signal can delay or block notifications.
- Restart Ring: Remove and reinsert the battery (if applicable) or power cycle.
- Update app: Make sure the Ring app is up to date.
- Check Do Not Disturb: Ensure your phone isn’t silencing notifications.
Intermittent Ringing or Delays
- Wi-Fi congestion: Too many devices on 2.4 GHz can cause lag. Try switching to 5 GHz if supported.
- Distance from router: Move router closer or use Chime Pro as a range extender.
- Firmware update: Check for updates in the Ring app under Device Health.
Chime Pro Not Connecting
- Reset Chime Pro: Hold the button for 20 seconds until it flashes.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Use the app to re-add the device.
- Check outlet: Ensure the outlet is working and not controlled by a switch.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your system running smoothly:
- Update firmware: Ring regularly releases updates. Enable auto-updates in the app.
- Clean the doorbell: Wipe the lens and sensors monthly with a soft cloth.
- Check battery: If using a battery-powered model, charge or replace it every 6–12 months.
- Test monthly: Press the button once a month to ensure everything works.
- Monitor signal strength: Use the Ring app to check Wi-Fi performance regularly.
Final Thoughts
Connecting your Ring doorbell to a digital doorbell might seem tricky at first, but with the right approach, it’s a straightforward process. The key is understanding your setup, using tools like the Ring Chime Pro, and following safety steps.
You don’t have to sacrifice smart features for sound quality—or vice versa. With this guide, you can enjoy HD video, instant alerts, and your favorite doorbell melody.
Remember: if something doesn’t work, don’t panic. Most issues are fixable with a little troubleshooting. And when in doubt, the Ring support team is just a chat or call away.
Now go enjoy your upgraded smart home setup—your future self will thank you every time the doorbell rings.