How to Connect the Chime to Ring Doorbell

Connecting a chime to your Ring doorbell ensures you never miss a visitor. This guide walks you through the entire process—from checking compatibility to testing your setup—with clear, beginner-friendly instructions.

Key Takeaways

Check compatibility first: Not all Ring doorbells work with every chime model. Verify your devices are compatible before starting.
Use the Ring app for setup: The official Ring app is the easiest and most reliable way to connect your chime to your doorbell.
Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal: A weak connection can cause delays or failed notifications. Place your router closer or use a Wi-Fi extender if needed.
Test after installation: Always test the chime after setup to confirm it’s working properly and adjust volume or tone as needed.
Troubleshoot common issues: If the chime doesn’t ring, check power, Wi-Fi, app settings, or re-pair the devices.
Consider a Ring Chime Pro: For better range and reliability, the Ring Chime Pro doubles as a Wi-Fi extender and enhances performance.
Keep firmware updated: Regularly update your Ring devices to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.

How to Connect the Chime to Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve got your Ring doorbell installed and working—great! But what if you want to hear that familiar “ding-dong” inside your home, even when your phone is on silent or in another room? That’s where connecting a chime comes in. Whether you’re using a Ring Chime, Ring Chime Pro, or a compatible third-party chime, this guide will walk you through the entire process of connecting it to your Ring doorbell.

In this comprehensive how-to guide, you’ll learn:

How to check if your Ring doorbell and chime are compatible
Step-by-step instructions for pairing them via the Ring app
Tips for optimal placement and performance
How to troubleshoot common connection issues
Best practices for maintaining your setup over time

By the end, you’ll have a fully functional doorbell chime that alerts you every time someone presses your Ring doorbell—no matter where you are in the house. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Before diving into the setup, make sure you have everything ready. Here’s a quick checklist:

Visual guide about How to Connect the Chime to Ring Doorbell

Image source: support.wuuklabs.com

Your Ring doorbell (already installed and connected to Wi-Fi)
A compatible Ring Chime or Chime Pro (or a third-party chime that works with Ring)
A smartphone or tablet with the Ring app installed and logged in
Access to your home Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz band recommended)
A power source near an outlet (for plugging in the chime)
Basic tools (if mounting the chime on a wall)

Having these items ready will make the process smooth and stress-free. If your Ring doorbell isn’t set up yet, do that first using the Ring app. Once it’s online and sending notifications, you’re ready to add a chime.

Step 1: Check Compatibility Between Your Ring Doorbell and Chime

Not all Ring doorbells work with every chime model. Before you buy or connect a chime, it’s important to confirm compatibility. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Ring Chime (1st and 2nd Gen)

The standard Ring Chime works with most Ring doorbells, including:

Ring Video Doorbell (1st and 2nd Gen)
Ring Video Doorbell 2
Ring Video Doorbell 3 and 3 Plus
Ring Video Doorbell 4
Ring Video Doorbell Pro and Pro 2
Ring Video Doorbell Wired
Ring Video Doorbell Elite

Ring Chime Pro

The Chime Pro is compatible with the same models and also acts as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your doorbell’s signal. It’s ideal if your doorbell is far from your router.

Third-Party Chimes

Some users prefer using existing mechanical or digital chimes. Ring supports this via the Ring Chime Kit (for wired doorbells) or by connecting through the Ring app if the chime is Wi-Fi enabled and compatible.

Tip: Always check the product page on Ring.com or the app for the latest compatibility list. If you’re unsure, contact Ring support before purchasing.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ring Chime (Physical Installation)

Now that you’ve confirmed compatibility, it’s time to set up the chime itself. The process varies slightly depending on whether you’re using a Ring Chime, Chime Pro, or a third-party device.

For Ring Chime or Chime Pro

Unbox the chime and remove any protective film or stickers.
Plug it into a standard wall outlet inside your home. Choose a central location where you’ll hear it clearly—like a hallway, living room, or kitchen.
Avoid power strips or surge protectors if possible, as they can interfere with the signal.
Wait for the LED light to turn solid green (Chime) or blue (Chime Pro). This means it’s powered on and ready to pair.

For Wall-Mounted Chimes (Optional)

If you prefer a cleaner look, you can mount the chime on the wall:

Use the included mounting bracket and screws.
Drill pilot holes if needed, especially on drywall or tile.
Ensure the chime is still within reach of an outlet.

For Third-Party Chimes

If you’re using a non-Ring chime:

Make sure it’s Wi-Fi enabled and compatible with Ring (check the app or Ring’s website).
Follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions first.
Then, connect it through the Ring app (more on that below).

Pro Tip: Place the chime away from appliances that cause interference, like microwaves, baby monitors, or cordless phones.

Step 3: Connect the Chime to Your Ring Doorbell via the App

This is where the magic happens. The Ring app makes pairing your chime to your doorbell simple and intuitive. Follow these steps:

Open the Ring App

Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the same account used to set up your doorbell.

Go to Device Settings

Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner.
Select Devices from the menu.
Choose your Ring doorbell from the list.

Add a Chime

Scroll down and tap Chime Settings.
Tap Add a Chime.
The app will search for nearby chimes. Make sure your chime is plugged in and the LED is lit.
When your chime appears, tap it to select it.

Complete the Pairing

Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the connection.
The app may ask you to press the button on the chime to confirm pairing.
Once connected, you’ll see a success message.

Customize Your Chime Settings

Now that it’s connected, personalize it:

Choose a chime tone: Ring offers several sounds—classic ding-dong, modern beeps, seasonal themes, and more.
Adjust the volume: Set it loud enough to hear but not so loud it’s jarring.
Enable or disable motion alerts: Decide if the chime should ring for motion or only when the button is pressed.
Set quiet hours: Prevent the chime from ringing during nighttime or naptime.

Example: If you have young kids who sleep early, set quiet hours from 8 PM to 7 AM so the chime doesn’t wake them up.

Step 4: Test the Connection

After setup, it’s crucial to test the system to ensure everything works as expected.

How to Test

Have someone press the doorbell button (or simulate a press in the app).
Listen for the chime to ring inside your home.
Check your phone to confirm you also received a notification.

What to Listen For

The chime should sound within 1–3 seconds of the button press.
If there’s a delay or no sound, see the troubleshooting section below.
If the chime rings but your phone doesn’t notify you, check your app settings or Wi-Fi connection.

Tip: Test from different rooms to ensure the chime is audible throughout your home. If not, consider adding a second chime or upgrading to a Chime Pro for better coverage.

Step 5: Optimize Placement and Performance

Even with a successful connection, placement matters. Here’s how to get the best performance:

Ideal Chime Location

Central area: Hallways, living rooms, or kitchens are ideal.
Avoid basements or attics: These areas often have weak Wi-Fi signals.
Keep it away from noise sources: Don’t place it near TVs, speakers, or washing machines.

Wi-Fi Signal Strength

A strong Wi-Fi connection is essential. If your chime keeps disconnecting:

Move your router closer to the chime.
Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network.
Upgrade to a Ring Chime Pro, which boosts your doorbell’s Wi-Fi signal by up to 100%.

Power Supply

Ensure the chime is plugged into a reliable outlet. Avoid:

Outlets controlled by a wall switch (the chime will turn off when the switch is off).
Outlets behind furniture or appliances (can block signal).

Pro Tip: Use a smart plug to monitor power usage or remotely turn the chime on/off if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, problems can occur. Here’s how to fix the most common issues when connecting your chime to your Ring doorbell.

Chime Doesn’t Ring When Doorbell Is Pressed

Possible Causes & Fixes:

Wi-Fi connection is weak: Move the chime closer to the router or use a Chime Pro.
Chime not paired correctly: Re-pair the chime through the Ring app.
Volume is too low or muted: Check the app settings and increase the volume.
Quiet hours are enabled: Disable quiet hours or adjust the schedule.
Doorbell isn’t sending alerts: Test the doorbell notification on your phone first.

Chime Rings Randomly or Without Button Press

This could be due to:

Motion alerts enabled: Turn off motion chimes in the app if you only want button presses to trigger it.
Interference from other devices: Move the chime away from electronics like routers, microwaves, or baby monitors.
Firmware glitch: Restart the chime by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

Chime Disconnects Frequently

Solutions:

Ensure the outlet has consistent power.
Update the chime’s firmware via the Ring app.
Reset the chime: Hold the button for 20 seconds until the LED flashes, then re-pair.
Check for app updates and install them.

App Says “Chime Not Found” During Setup

If the app can’t detect your chime:

Make sure the chime is plugged in and the LED is on.
Restart your phone and the Ring app.
Move the chime closer to your phone during setup.
Try resetting the chime and starting over.

Still stuck? Contact Ring Support through the app or visit support.ring.com for live chat or phone help.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

Once your chime is working, consider these upgrades and customizations:

Use Multiple Chimes

You can connect up to 10 chimes to one Ring doorbell. This is great for large homes or multi-level buildings. Just repeat the setup process for each chime.

Sync with Smart Home Systems

Integrate your chime with Alexa, Google Assistant, or IFTTT for advanced automation:

Say “Alexa, announce when the doorbell rings” to broadcast the alert on Echo devices.
Use IFTTT to flash smart lights when the doorbell is pressed.
Set up routines like turning on lights and playing music when someone arrives.

Seasonal Chime Tones

Ring often releases limited-time chime sounds for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. Check the app regularly for new options.

Monitor Chime Usage

The Ring app shows how often your chime rings. Use this data to spot patterns—like frequent visitors or delivery times—and adjust your settings accordingly.

Maintaining Your Ring Chime Setup

To keep your chime working reliably over time:

Update firmware regularly: The Ring app will notify you when updates are available.
Clean the chime: Wipe it with a dry cloth to remove dust, which can affect sound quality.
Check battery (if applicable): Some third-party chimes use batteries—replace them as needed.
Review settings monthly: Ensure quiet hours, volume, and tones are still right for your routine.

Pro Tip: Add a reminder in your phone calendar to check your Ring devices every 3 months.

Conclusion

Connecting a chime to your Ring doorbell is a simple yet powerful upgrade that enhances your home security and convenience. With just a few steps in the Ring app, you can ensure you never miss a visitor—even when your phone is out of reach or on silent.

From checking compatibility to testing the final setup, this guide covered everything you need to know. Remember to place your chime in a central location, keep your Wi-Fi strong, and customize the settings to fit your lifestyle. And if you run into issues, the troubleshooting tips above will help you get back on track quickly.

Whether you’re using a standard Ring Chime, a Chime Pro, or a third-party device, the result is the same: peace of mind and a smarter home. So go ahead—press that doorbell button and enjoy the satisfying “ding-dong” that lets you know someone’s at the door.

Now that you know how to connect the chime to your Ring doorbell, you’re all set to enjoy a more connected and responsive home security experience.