How to Get Chimes to Work with Ring Video Doorbell

How to Get Chimes to Work with Ring Video Doorbell

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Connect your Ring Video Doorbell to a chime for instant audio alerts when someone rings the bell. This guide walks you through setup, compatibility, and troubleshooting to ensure your chime works reliably every time.

Key Takeaways

  • Check compatibility first: Not all chimes work with Ring doorbells—verify your model supports Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro.
  • Use the Ring app for setup: The app guides you through pairing your doorbell with a chime in just a few taps.
  • Power matters: Ensure your Ring doorbell has stable power—wired models need proper voltage, while battery models need sufficient charge.
  • Wi-Fi strength is crucial: A weak signal can delay or prevent chime activation—place your router or Chime Pro closer if needed.
  • Test after setup: Always test the chime after installation to confirm it rings when the doorbell is pressed.
  • Update firmware regularly: Keep your Ring devices updated to avoid bugs that affect chime functionality.
  • Troubleshoot common issues: If the chime doesn’t work, check power, Wi-Fi, app settings, and device placement.

How to Get Chimes to Work with Ring Video Doorbell

So, you’ve installed your Ring Video Doorbell—great choice! You can now see who’s at your door, even when you’re not home. But what about hearing the ring? That’s where chimes come in. A chime gives you an audible alert when someone presses your doorbell, so you never miss a visitor, delivery, or unexpected guest.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get chimes to work with Ring Video Doorbell. Whether you’re using a Ring Chime, Ring Chime Pro, or trying to connect to an existing mechanical or digital chime inside your home, we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through setup, compatibility, troubleshooting, and tips to keep everything running smoothly.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to pair your Ring doorbell with a chime, fix common issues, and enjoy reliable audio alerts every time your doorbell rings.

Why Use a Chime with Your Ring Doorbell?

How to Get Chimes to Work with Ring Video Doorbell

Visual guide about How to Get Chimes to Work with Ring Video Doorbell

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You might be wondering: “Can’t I just rely on my phone notifications?” Sure, you can—but phone alerts aren’t always enough. What if your phone is on silent? Or you’re in another room? Or the battery is low? A chime ensures you hear the doorbell no matter where you are in the house.

Here’s why adding a chime is a smart move:

  • Instant audio alerts: You’ll hear a clear ring when someone presses the button, even if your phone is out of reach.
  • Works for the whole household: Kids, pets, or family members without phones will still know someone’s at the door.
  • Customizable sounds: Ring Chime and Chime Pro let you choose from multiple tones and adjust volume.
  • Backup notification: If your phone dies or the app crashes, the chime still works.
  • Enhanced security: Hearing the doorbell can alert you to unexpected visitors, helping you respond faster.

Whether you live in a large house, have a noisy environment, or just want peace of mind, a chime is a valuable addition to your Ring setup.

Types of Chimes Compatible with Ring Doorbell

Before you start, it’s important to know which chimes work with Ring Video Doorbells. Not all doorbell chimes are compatible, so let’s break it down.

Ring Chime

The Ring Chime is a standalone plug-in device that connects to your home Wi-Fi and pairs with your Ring doorbell. It’s perfect if you don’t have an existing doorbell chime or want a dedicated Ring solution.

  • Pros: Easy to set up, portable (plug it anywhere), customizable sounds, adjustable volume.
  • Cons: Requires an outlet, doesn’t extend Wi-Fi range.
  • Best for: Renters, small homes, or anyone without a wired chime system.

Ring Chime Pro

The Ring Chime Pro does everything the regular Chime does—but with a major upgrade: it acts as a Wi-Fi extender. This is a game-changer if your Ring doorbell is far from your router.

  • Pros: Built-in Wi-Fi extender, stronger signal for your doorbell, same audio features as Chime.
  • Cons: Slightly more expensive, still needs an outlet.
  • Best for: Larger homes, areas with weak Wi-Fi, or if your doorbell keeps disconnecting.

Existing Mechanical or Digital Chimes

If you have a traditional wired doorbell with an internal chime, you might be able to use it with your Ring doorbell—especially if you have a wired Ring model like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro or Ring Video Doorbell Elite.

  • Mechanical chimes: These use electromagnets and physical strikers. Most work with Ring wired doorbells.
  • Digital chimes: These play recorded sounds. Compatibility varies—check your model.
  • Important: Battery-powered Ring doorbells (like the standard Ring Video Doorbell) cannot power an internal chime. You’ll need a Ring Chime or Chime Pro instead.

Third-Party Chimes (Not Recommended)

While some users try to connect Ring to non-Ring chimes via smart home hubs (like Alexa or SmartThings), this often leads to delays or unreliable performance. For the best experience, stick with Ring Chime or Chime Pro.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Ring Chime with Your Doorbell

Now that you know your options, let’s get your chime working. We’ll start with the most common setup: pairing a Ring Chime or Chime Pro with your Ring Video Doorbell.

What You’ll Need

  • Ring Video Doorbell (any model)
  • Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro
  • Smartphone with the Ring app installed
  • Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz recommended)
  • Power source (outlet for Chime/Chime Pro)

Step 1: Install the Ring Chime or Chime Pro

1. Plug your Ring Chime or Chime Pro into a standard electrical outlet. Avoid power strips or surge protectors—use a direct wall outlet for best performance.
2. Wait for the LED light on the device to flash white. This means it’s in setup mode and ready to connect.

Step 2: Open the Ring App

1. Launch the Ring app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner.
3. Select Devices, then tap Chime or Chime Pro.

Step 3: Add the Chime to Your Account

1. Tap Set Up a Device.
2. Choose Chime or Chime Pro from the list.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts. The app will ask you to confirm the LED is flashing white.
4. Tap Continue.

Step 4: Connect to Wi-Fi

1. The app will search for your Chime. Once found, select it.
2. Enter your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password.
3. Make sure you’re connecting to a 2.4 GHz network. Ring devices don’t support 5 GHz-only networks.
4. Wait for the app to confirm the connection. The LED on the Chime will turn solid white when connected.

Step 5: Pair with Your Ring Doorbell

1. In the Ring app, go back to the Devices menu.
2. Select your Ring Video Doorbell.
3. Tap Device Settings, then Chime.
4. Toggle Enable Chime to ON.
5. Choose your Chime or Chime Pro from the list.
6. Tap Save.

Step 6: Test the Chime

1. Press the button on your Ring doorbell.
2. Listen for the chime to sound.
3. If it works, great! If not, check the troubleshooting section below.

Setting Up Chime Pro as a Wi-Fi Extender

If you’re using a Ring Chime Pro, you can boost your Wi-Fi signal to your doorbell. This is especially helpful if your doorbell is far from your router or keeps losing connection.

Step 1: Place the Chime Pro Strategically

Place the Chime Pro in a central location between your router and your doorbell. It should be within range of both.

Step 2: Enable Wi-Fi Extender Mode

1. In the Ring app, go to Devices > Chime Pro.
2. Tap Device Settings > Wi-Fi Extender.
3. Toggle Enable Wi-Fi Extender to ON.
4. The Chime Pro will create a new network (e.g., “RingExtender_XXXX”).
5. Your Ring doorbell will automatically connect to this stronger signal.

Step 3: Verify Connection

1. Go to your doorbell’s settings in the app.
2. Check the Signal Strength under Device Health.
3. If it shows “Good” or “Excellent,” the extender is working.

Using an Existing Wired Chime with Ring Doorbell

If you have a wired Ring doorbell (like the Pro or Elite), you can connect it to your existing mechanical or digital chime.

Step 1: Turn Off Power

1. Go to your home’s circuit breaker.
2. Turn off the power to your doorbell circuit. This is crucial for safety.

Step 2: Remove Old Doorbell

1. Unscrew and remove your old doorbell button.
2. Disconnect the wires (usually two: front and transformer).

Step 3: Install Ring Doorbell

1. Connect the wires to your Ring doorbell’s terminals.
2. Secure the doorbell to the wall with screws.
3. Turn the power back on.

Step 4: Test the Chime

1. Press the doorbell button.
2. Listen for your existing chime to sound.
3. If it doesn’t work, check the wiring or consult a professional.

Important Notes

  • Your existing chime must be compatible with low-voltage doorbells (typically 8–24V AC).
  • Digital chimes may require a resistor (included with some Ring models) to prevent “chime buzz.”
  • If the chime doesn’t ring, the issue could be wiring, voltage, or compatibility.

Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Chime Working?

Even with perfect setup, sometimes chimes don’t work as expected. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.

Chime Doesn’t Ring at All

  • Check power: Is the Chime plugged in? Is the outlet working? Try a different outlet.
  • Verify Wi-Fi: Open the Ring app and check if the Chime shows as “Online.” If not, reconnect it to Wi-Fi.
  • Confirm pairing: Go to your doorbell settings and ensure the chime is enabled and selected.
  • Test manually: In the Ring app, go to the Chime settings and tap Test Chime to see if it rings.

Chime Rings Late or Intermittently

  • Weak Wi-Fi signal: Move the Chime closer to your router or use a Chime Pro as an extender.
  • Network congestion: Too many devices on your Wi-Fi can cause delays. Restart your router.
  • Firmware outdated: Update your Ring devices via the app under Device Health.

Chime Rings But No Sound

  • Volume too low: In the Ring app, go to Chime settings and increase the volume.
  • Muted sound: Check if the chime is set to “Silent” or “Vibrate” mode.
  • Speaker issue: Try resetting the Chime by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Existing Wired Chime Not Working

  • Power off: Always turn off the breaker before checking wires.
  • Check connections: Ensure wires are securely attached to the doorbell and chime unit.
  • Voltage issue: Use a multimeter to check if your transformer is outputting 8–24V AC.
  • Need a resistor: Some digital chimes require a resistor to work with Ring. Check your Ring package or order one from Ring support.

Chime Pro Not Extending Wi-Fi

  • Placement: Move the Chime Pro closer to your router or doorbell.
  • Interference: Avoid placing it near microwaves, cordless phones, or thick walls.
  • Reset and reconfigure: Unplug the Chime Pro, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in, and re-enable extender mode.

Tips for Reliable Chime Performance

To keep your chime working flawlessly, follow these best practices:

  • Update regularly: Check for app and firmware updates monthly.
  • Use strong Wi-Fi: Ensure your network is stable and covers your doorbell area.
  • Avoid power strips: Plug Chime directly into a wall outlet.
  • Test weekly: Press your doorbell once a week to confirm the chime works.
  • Keep app updated: Use the latest version of the Ring app for best compatibility.
  • Use Chime Pro for large homes: If your house is over 2,500 sq ft, Chime Pro is worth the investment.

Conclusion

Getting chimes to work with your Ring Video Doorbell is easier than you think—and totally worth it. Whether you’re using a Ring Chime, Chime Pro, or your existing wired chime, the right setup ensures you’ll always hear when someone’s at your door.

We’ve covered everything from compatibility and step-by-step installation to troubleshooting and optimization tips. Now it’s your turn: plug in that chime, pair it with your doorbell, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with reliable audio alerts.

Remember, a working chime isn’t just convenient—it’s a key part of your home security system. So don’t wait. Follow this guide, test your setup, and never miss a ring again.