Getting your Ring Doorbell to chime inside is simple with the right setup. This guide walks you through using a Ring Chime, Ring Chime Pro, or compatible Alexa devices to ensure you never miss a visitor again—even if your phone is on silent.
Key Takeaways
- Use a Ring Chime or Chime Pro: These dedicated devices plug into any outlet and sync with your Ring Doorbell to play customizable chimes inside your home.
- Connect via the Ring App: Pair your Chime device through the Ring app by following the in-app setup wizard—no technical skills required.
- Leverage Alexa-Enabled Devices: If you own an Echo speaker or display, enable the Ring skill and link your account to get voice alerts and chimes through Alexa.
- Adjust Volume and Chime Tones: Customize sound levels and choose from multiple chime options to suit your preferences and home layout.
- Troubleshoot Common Issues: If your chime isn’t working, check Wi-Fi strength, device compatibility, app updates, and power sources before contacting support.
- Ensure Proper Placement: Place your Chime or Echo device in a central location for maximum audibility throughout your home.
- Update Firmware Regularly: Keep your Ring Doorbell and Chime devices updated to avoid connectivity glitches and enjoy new features.
How to Get Ring Doorbell to Chime Inside
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell—great choice! It sends instant alerts to your phone when someone’s at the door. But what if your phone is on silent, in another room, or buried under a pile of laundry? That’s where getting your Ring Doorbell to chime inside becomes essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get your Ring Doorbell to chime inside your home—whether you’re using a dedicated Ring Chime device, an Alexa-enabled Echo speaker, or both. You’ll learn step-by-step setup instructions, customization tips, and troubleshooting advice to ensure you never miss a delivery, visitor, or package again.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a reliable indoor chime system that works seamlessly with your Ring Doorbell, giving you peace of mind and convenience every day.
Why You Need an Indoor Chime for Your Ring Doorbell
Your Ring Doorbell is smart, but it’s not magic—it can’t ring a physical bell inside your house unless you set it up to do so. Unlike traditional wired doorbells that connect directly to a chime inside your home, Ring Doorbells are wireless and rely on your smartphone or other connected devices for alerts.
That means if your phone is off, muted, or out of battery, you won’t hear the notification. And let’s be honest—how many times have you missed a delivery because you didn’t hear your phone?
An indoor chime solves this problem. It acts as a secondary alert system, playing a loud, clear sound whenever someone presses your doorbell or when motion is detected (if enabled). This is especially helpful for:
– Families with kids or elderly relatives who may not check their phones
– People who work from home and need to hear visitors
– Homes with thick walls or multiple floors where phone alerts might not carry
– Anyone who wants a more traditional doorbell experience
With the right setup, your Ring Doorbell can chime just like a classic doorbell—only smarter.
Option 1: Use a Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro
The easiest and most reliable way to get your Ring Doorbell to chime inside is by using a Ring Chime or Ring Chime Pro. These are plug-in devices designed specifically to work with Ring Doorbells and cameras.
What Is a Ring Chime?
The Ring Chime is a small, Wi-Fi-enabled device that plugs into any standard electrical outlet. When someone presses your Ring Doorbell, the Chime plays a customizable sound inside your home. It connects directly to your Ring account via the Ring app and doesn’t require any wiring.
The Ring Chime Pro does everything the regular Chime does—but with one major upgrade: it also acts as a Wi-Fi extender. If your Ring Doorbell has a weak signal, the Chime Pro can boost your Wi-Fi coverage, improving video quality and reducing lag.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Ring Chime
Follow these simple steps to get your Ring Chime working with your doorbell:
Step 1: Plug In the Chime
Find a centrally located outlet inside your home—ideally on the main floor or near common areas like the living room or kitchen. Avoid outlets behind furniture or in basements where the sound might be muffled.
Visual guide about How to Get Ring Doorbell to Chime Inside
Image source: drdclassichome.com
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.
Step 3: Add a New Device
Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner, then select Devices. Tap the + (plus) button and choose Chime from the list.
Step 4: Follow the On-Screen Instructions
The app will guide you through the setup process. It may ask you to press the button on the Chime to put it in pairing mode. Hold the button until the LED light starts blinking.
Step 5: Connect to Wi-Fi
Select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The Chime will connect to your network and sync with your Ring account.
Step 6: Test the Chime
Once setup is complete, press your Ring Doorbell button. The Chime should play a sound. If it doesn’t, check your Wi-Fi connection and try again.
Customizing Your Chime Settings
After setup, you can personalize your chime experience:
– Change the Chime Sound: Go to the Chime device in the Ring app, tap Chime Tones, and choose from options like “Classic,” “Ding Dong,” “Westminster,” or “Bird Song.”
– Adjust Volume: Slide the volume bar to make the chime louder or quieter. This is helpful if you have a large home or light sleepers.
– Enable Motion Alerts: You can set the Chime to ring when motion is detected (not just when the button is pressed). Toggle this on under Motion Alerts.
– Schedule Quiet Hours: Prevent the chime from ringing during specific times (e.g., nighttime) by setting a schedule in the app.
Tips for Best Performance
– Place the Chime at least 3 feet away from other electronics to avoid interference.
– Use multiple Chimes in large homes—each one can be set to play the same or different tones.
– Keep the Chime plugged in at all times; unplugging it will stop it from working.
Option 2: Use an Alexa-Enabled Device (Echo, Echo Dot, etc.)
If you already own an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, or any Alexa-enabled speaker, you can use it as a chime for your Ring Doorbell—no extra purchase needed.
How It Works
When someone presses your Ring Doorbell, Alexa can announce the event through your Echo device. You’ll hear a spoken alert like, “Someone is at the front door,” followed by a chime sound. This is especially useful if you’re in the kitchen, bathroom, or backyard.
Step-by-Step: Connect Ring to Alexa
Step 1: Enable the Ring Skill
Open the Alexa app on your phone. Tap More (bottom-right), then Skills & Games. Search for “Ring” and select the official Ring skill. Tap Enable to Use.
Step 2: Link Your Ring Account
You’ll be prompted to sign in to your Ring account. Enter your email and password to link the two services.
Step 3: Discover Devices
After linking, say, “Alexa, discover devices,” or go to Devices > + > Add Device in the Alexa app. Alexa will scan for your Ring Doorbell and add it automatically.
Step 4: Test the Connection
Press your Ring Doorbell button. Your Echo should say, “Someone is at the front door,” and play a chime. If not, check your Wi-Fi and ensure both devices are online.
Customizing Alexa Alerts
You can tweak how Alexa responds to your doorbell:
– Change the Announcement: In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Doorbell Press Announcements. Choose between “Someone is at the door,” “Ding dong,” or a custom message.
– Adjust Volume: Use voice commands like “Alexa, set volume to 7” or adjust it in the app under Device Settings.
– Use Drop-In (Optional): If you have an Echo Show, you can enable Drop-In to see live video from your Ring Doorbell on the screen when the button is pressed.
Bonus: Use Multiple Echo Devices
If you have Echo speakers in different rooms, all of them will chime when the doorbell is pressed—perfect for large homes. You can also create a “chime group” in the Alexa app to control which devices respond.
Option 3: Combine Ring Chime and Alexa for Maximum Coverage
For the ultimate indoor chime experience, use both a Ring Chime and Alexa devices together. This dual setup ensures you’ll hear the alert no matter where you are in the house.
For example:
– The Ring Chime plays a loud, traditional bell sound in the living room.
– Your Echo Dot in the bedroom announces, “Someone is at the front door.”
– Your Echo Show in the kitchen displays live video.
This redundancy is ideal for families, elderly users, or anyone who values reliability.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Ring Doorbell Chiming Inside?
Even with the right setup, issues can happen. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Chime Not Making Sound
– Check Power: Ensure the Chime is plugged in and the outlet is working. Try a different outlet.
– Wi-Fi Connection: Open the Ring app and check if the Chime shows as “Online.” If not, restart your router and the Chime.
– App Settings: Go to the Chime device in the app and verify that Chime Sounds and Motion Alerts are enabled.
– Volume Too Low: Increase the volume in the Ring app or move the Chime to a better location.
Alexa Not Announcing Doorbell Press
– Skill Not Enabled: Double-check that the Ring skill is enabled and your account is linked.
– Device Not Discovered: Say, “Alexa, discover devices,” or manually add the Ring Doorbell in the Alexa app.
– Do Not Disturb Mode: Make sure Alexa isn’t in Do Not Disturb mode, which silences announcements.
– Volume Muted: Check that your Echo device isn’t muted. The microphone icon should not have a line through it.
Delayed or Missed Chimes
– Weak Wi-Fi Signal: If your Ring Doorbell or Chime is far from your router, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or upgrading to a Ring Chime Pro.
– App Not Running: Ensure the Ring app is allowed to run in the background on your phone. On iPhone, go to Settings > Ring > enable Background App Refresh.
– Firmware Outdated: Update your Ring Doorbell and Chime firmware through the Ring app under Device Health.
Chime Plays at Wrong Times
– Motion Alerts Enabled: If your Chime rings when no one is at the door, it might be triggered by motion. Disable Motion Alerts in the Chime settings or adjust motion sensitivity on your doorbell.
– False Triggers: Pets, moving shadows, or passing cars can trigger motion alerts. Use the motion zones feature in the Ring app to limit detection areas.
Pro Tips for a Smarter Chime Setup
– Use a Chime in Every Floor: If you live in a multi-story home, place a Chime or Echo on each level for full coverage.
– Name Your Devices Clearly: In the Ring and Alexa apps, rename your devices (e.g., “Front Door Chime,” “Kitchen Echo”) to avoid confusion.
– Enable Silent Mode at Night: Use the scheduling feature to mute chimes between 10 PM and 7 AM to avoid disturbances.
– Pair with Smart Lights: For extra visibility, link your Ring Doorbell to smart bulbs (like Philips Hue) so lights flash when the doorbell rings.
– Keep Devices Updated: Regularly check for firmware updates in the Ring app to ensure optimal performance and security.
Conclusion
Getting your Ring Doorbell to chime inside doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose a Ring Chime, an Alexa-enabled Echo device, or both, you can create a reliable indoor alert system that keeps you connected to your front door—no matter where you are in the house.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll enjoy louder, clearer, and more customizable chimes that enhance your home security and convenience. Plus, with troubleshooting tips and pro advice, you’ll be prepared to handle any issues that come up.
So go ahead—plug in that Chime, link your Alexa, and never miss a visitor again. Your Ring Doorbell is already smart. Now, make it heard.