Connecting your Ring Doorbell to a Ring Chime ensures you never miss a visitor, even when your phone is on silent. This guide walks you through the entire process—from setup to troubleshooting—so you can enjoy loud, customizable doorbell sounds throughout your home.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Chime enhances your Ring Doorbell experience: It provides audible alerts inside your home, even if your phone is muted or out of range.
- Setup is quick and wireless: Most Ring Chime models plug directly into a standard outlet and pair with your doorbell via the Ring app.
- Multiple Chimes can be linked: You can connect several Chimes in different rooms for full-home coverage.
- Customize your chime sounds: Choose from a variety of tones and adjust volume levels to suit your preference.
- Works with all Ring Doorbell models: Whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, or Battery model, the Chime is compatible.
- Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection: Both your doorbell and Chime need a strong 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal for reliable performance.
- Troubleshooting is simple: Common issues like pairing failures or delayed alerts can usually be fixed with a few quick steps.
Introduction: Why Connect Your Ring Doorbell to a Ring Chime?
So you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell—great choice! It’s a smart, reliable way to monitor your front door, see who’s visiting, and even talk to delivery drivers from your couch. But what happens when your phone is on silent, in another room, or buried under a pile of laundry? That’s where the Ring Chime comes in.
The Ring Chime is a small, plug-in device that acts as an indoor doorbell. When someone presses your Ring Doorbell, the Chime plays a loud, clear sound—right inside your home. No more missing packages, guests, or unexpected visitors just because your phone didn’t buzz.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to connect your Ring Doorbell to a Ring Chime. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, Battery, or Wired model, the process is simple, wireless, and takes just a few minutes. You’ll learn how to set it up, customize your chime sounds, add multiple Chimes, and troubleshoot common issues.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully integrated smart doorbell system that keeps you informed—no matter where you are in the house.
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.
Your Ring Doorbell
First, confirm that your Ring Doorbell is already installed and connected to your Wi-Fi network. If you haven’t set it up yet, download the Ring app (available on iOS and Android), create an account, and follow the in-app instructions to install your doorbell. Most models take 10–15 minutes to install.
A Ring Chime Device
You’ll need a Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro. The standard Ring Chime plugs into any standard electrical outlet and connects wirelessly to your doorbell. The Ring Chime Pro has the added benefit of acting as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your doorbell’s signal if it’s far from your router.
The Ring App
The Ring app is essential for setup and management. Make sure it’s installed on your smartphone or tablet and that you’re logged into your Ring account. The app is free and available on the App Store and Google Play.
Stable Wi-Fi Connection
Both your Ring Doorbell and Ring Chime need a strong 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal. The 5 GHz band is not supported. If your doorbell is far from your router, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or upgrading to the Ring Chime Pro for better coverage.
Electrical Outlet
The Ring Chime plugs directly into a wall outlet. Make sure there’s an available outlet near where you want to place it—like your living room, kitchen, or hallway. Avoid power strips or surge protectors, as they can interfere with the signal.
Step-by-Step: How to Connect Ring Doorbell to Ring Chime
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get your Ring Chime connected. The process is straightforward and takes less than 10 minutes.
Step 1: Plug in Your Ring Chime
Find a suitable outlet in your home—preferably one that’s centrally located so the sound can be heard throughout the house. Plug your Ring Chime into the outlet. You’ll see a blue light on the front of the device. This means it’s powered on and ready to pair.
Tip: If the blue light doesn’t appear, try a different outlet. Some outlets are controlled by a wall switch—make sure it’s turned on.
Step 2: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the account linked to your Ring Doorbell. If you have multiple locations (like a home and vacation house), select the correct one from the menu.
Step 3: Add a New Device
In the Ring app, tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner. Then, select Devices from the menu. Tap the + (plus) icon in the top-right corner to add a new device.
The app will ask what type of device you’re adding. Choose Chime from the list. The app will then guide you through the setup process.
Step 4: Follow the On-Screen Instructions
The app will prompt you to press the setup button on your Ring Chime. This is a small button on the side of the device. Press and hold it for about 3 seconds until the blue light starts blinking rapidly.
Once the light blinks, the app will detect the Chime and begin pairing it with your account. This usually takes 30–60 seconds. You’ll see a confirmation message when it’s successful.
Step 5: Name Your Chime
After pairing, the app will ask you to name your Chime. Choose a name that makes sense—like “Living Room Chime” or “Kitchen Chime.” This helps if you plan to add multiple Chimes later.
Step 6: Link to Your Doorbell
Now comes the most important part: connecting the Chime to your Ring Doorbell. The app will show a list of your installed Ring devices. Select the doorbell you want to link to this Chime.
Once selected, the app will confirm the connection. You’ll see a message like “Chime successfully linked to [Your Doorbell Name].”
Step 7: Test the Connection
To make sure everything works, press the button on your Ring Doorbell (or ask someone to do it for you). You should hear the chime sound from the Ring Chime device. If you don’t, check the volume settings or try the troubleshooting steps below.
Customizing Your Ring Chime Settings
Now that your Chime is connected, you can personalize it to fit your lifestyle. The Ring app offers several customization options.
Adjust the Volume
Not everyone wants a loud doorbell. Maybe you have small children who nap during the day, or you prefer a softer tone. In the Ring app, go to Devices, select your Chime, and tap Chime Settings. Use the volume slider to set it to your preferred level—from silent to very loud.
Pro Tip: Set the volume to “Silent” if you only want phone notifications. This is useful at night or during meetings.
Choose a Chime Sound
Ring offers a variety of chime tones, from classic doorbell sounds to fun melodies. In the same Chime Settings menu, tap Chime Sound. You’ll see options like “Classic,” “Westminster,” “Chime,” and “Bell.” Tap each one to preview the sound, then select your favorite.
Fun Fact: Some users change their chime sound seasonally—like a jingle bell tone during the holidays!
Set Do Not Disturb Hours
If you don’t want to be disturbed at night, you can schedule “Do Not Disturb” times. In the Chime settings, tap Do Not Disturb and set the start and end times. During this period, the Chime won’t ring, but you’ll still receive phone notifications.
Enable or Disable Motion Alerts
By default, the Ring Chime only rings when the doorbell button is pressed. But you can also set it to chime when motion is detected. Go to Chime Settings > Motion Alerts and toggle it on. This is great for monitoring activity near your door, even if no one rings the bell.
Note: Motion alerts may increase battery usage if you’re using a battery-powered doorbell.
Adding Multiple Ring Chimes
One of the best features of the Ring Chime is that you can connect multiple units throughout your home. This ensures you’ll hear the doorbell no matter where you are—whether you’re in the basement, backyard, or upstairs.
How to Add a Second (or Third) Chime
The process is the same as adding the first Chime. Plug in the new device, open the Ring app, and go to Devices > + > Chime. Follow the pairing steps, name the new Chime, and link it to your doorbell.
You can add up to 10 Chimes to a single Ring account. Each one can be placed in a different room and customized with its own sound and volume.
Syncing All Chimes
Once multiple Chimes are added, they’ll all ring simultaneously when the doorbell is pressed. You don’t need to do anything extra—the app handles the syncing automatically.
Example: Place one Chime in the kitchen, another in the master bedroom, and a third in the home office. Now, no matter where you are, you’ll hear the doorbell.
Managing Multiple Chimes
In the Ring app, you can easily manage all your Chimes. Go to Devices, and you’ll see a list of all connected Chimes. Tap any one to adjust its settings, rename it, or remove it from your account.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a simple setup, you might run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Chime Doesn’t Ring When Doorbell Is Pressed
If your Chime isn’t ringing, start by checking the volume. Go to the Ring app, select your Chime, and make sure the volume isn’t set to zero. Also, confirm that “Do Not Disturb” isn’t active.
Next, ensure the Chime is still linked to your doorbell. In the app, go to Devices, select your doorbell, and check the “Linked Chimes” section. If your Chime isn’t listed, re-link it.
Finally, try restarting both devices. Unplug the Chime for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. For battery-powered doorbells, remove and reinsert the battery.
Chime Has a Delay or Lags
A delay of a few seconds is normal, but if it’s longer than 5–10 seconds, your Wi-Fi signal might be weak. Move your router closer to the doorbell or Chime, or consider using a Wi-Fi extender.
If you’re using a Ring Chime Pro, make sure it’s placed between your router and your doorbell to boost the signal.
Chime Won’t Pair with the App
If the app can’t detect your Chime, make sure the blue light is blinking rapidly. If it’s solid or off, press the setup button again.
Also, ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your doorbell. The Ring app uses your phone’s network to communicate with devices.
If pairing still fails, try resetting the Chime. Press and hold the setup button for 20 seconds until the light turns red, then release. Wait 10 seconds, then try pairing again.
Chime Sounds Distorted or Crackly
This is usually a power issue. Make sure the Chime is plugged directly into a wall outlet—not a power strip or extension cord. Also, avoid placing it near appliances that cause electrical interference, like microwaves or refrigerators.
Chime Rings Randomly
If your Chime rings when no one is at the door, it could be due to motion alerts. Check if motion alerts are enabled and adjust the sensitivity in your doorbell settings. You can also disable motion alerts on the Chime if you only want button presses to trigger it.
Tips for Optimal Performance
To get the most out of your Ring Chime, follow these best practices.
Place Chimes Strategically
Put your Chime in a central location where sound travels well—like a hallway or living room. Avoid placing it behind closed doors or in soundproofed rooms.
Keep Firmware Updated
Ring regularly releases firmware updates to improve performance and security. The app will notify you when an update is available. Make sure both your doorbell and Chime are running the latest version.
Use the Ring Chime Pro for Large Homes
If your home is large or has thick walls, the standard Chime might not receive a strong signal. The Ring Chime Pro doubles as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your doorbell’s connection and ensuring reliable alerts.
Test Regularly
Once a month, press your doorbell button to test the Chime. This ensures everything is working and helps you catch issues early.
Conclusion: Enjoy Peace of Mind with Your Ring Chime
Connecting your Ring Doorbell to a Ring Chime is one of the easiest and most effective ways to enhance your home security. It’s a simple setup that takes just minutes but delivers big benefits—like never missing a visitor, even when your phone is out of reach.
With customizable sounds, volume control, and the ability to add multiple Chimes, you can tailor the system to fit your lifestyle. And if you ever run into issues, the troubleshooting steps are quick and straightforward.
Whether you’re home alone, working from the basement, or enjoying a quiet evening in the backyard, your Ring Chime ensures you’re always in the loop. So go ahead—plug it in, pair it up, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll always hear the doorbell.
Your smart home just got a whole lot smarter.