If your Ring Doorbell isn’t producing sound, this guide walks you through easy fixes to restore audio. From checking app settings to adjusting volume and troubleshooting hardware, we’ll help you get your doorbell working perfectly again.
Key Takeaways
- Check Ring app audio settings: Ensure motion and doorbell sounds are enabled and volume is turned up in the device settings.
- Verify Wi-Fi connection: A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent audio from streaming properly to your phone or Echo device.
- Update the Ring app and firmware: Outdated software may cause audio glitches—always keep both the app and doorbell firmware current.
- Test speaker and microphone: Use the live view feature to confirm if the issue is with incoming or outgoing audio.
- Restart your device and doorbell: A simple reboot can resolve temporary software hiccups affecting sound.
- Adjust Echo or Alexa settings: If using an Echo device, make sure announcements are enabled and the correct device is selected.
- Contact Ring support if needed: Persistent audio issues may require professional assistance or hardware replacement.
How to Get Sound on Ring Doorbell: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell, but when someone presses the button or motion is detected, you hear… nothing. No chime, no alert, no voice—just silence. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Many Ring users experience audio issues at some point, but the good news is that most sound problems are fixable with a few simple steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get sound on Ring Doorbell. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, Ring Doorbell Elite, or a newer model like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, these troubleshooting tips apply across the board. We’ll cover app settings, Wi-Fi troubleshooting, device reboots, Alexa integration, and more—so you can restore clear, reliable audio and never miss a visitor again.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to diagnose and fix the most common causes of missing sound on your Ring Doorbell. Let’s get started!
Why Is My Ring Doorbell Not Making Sound?
Visual guide about How to Get Sound on Ring Doorbell
Image source: storables.com
Before diving into fixes, it’s helpful to understand why your Ring Doorbell might not be producing sound. Audio issues can stem from several sources—some digital, some physical. Here are the most common culprits:
- App settings are turned off: The most frequent cause is simply that audio notifications or volume are disabled in the Ring app.
- Weak Wi-Fi signal: If your doorbell can’t maintain a stable connection, audio and video streams may fail.
- Outdated firmware or app: Software bugs in older versions can disrupt sound functionality.
- Device muted or volume too low: Your phone, tablet, or Echo device might be muted or set to a low volume.
- Hardware malfunction: In rare cases, the speaker or microphone inside the doorbell may be damaged.
- Alexa or Echo misconfiguration: If you rely on an Echo device for chimes, incorrect settings can silence alerts.
Identifying the root cause is the first step toward a solution. Let’s go through each potential fix in detail.
Step 1: Check Your Ring App Audio Settings
The Ring app is the control center for your doorbell, and audio settings are often the first place to look when sound goes missing.
Enable Motion and Doorbell Alerts
Open the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet and follow these steps:
- Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-left corner.
- Select Devices from the menu.
- Choose your Ring Doorbell from the list.
- Tap Device Settings.
- Go to Motion Settings or Doorbell Press, depending on what’s not working.
- Make sure Alerts are turned on.
- Ensure Sound is enabled under notification preferences.
If alerts are off, your phone won’t receive any sound notifications—even if the doorbell itself is working.
Adjust Notification Volume
Even if alerts are on, the volume might be too low to hear:
- Go to your phone’s Settings > Sounds or Notifications.
- Find the Ring app in the list and check its volume level.
- Increase the volume or set it to maximum.
- Also, ensure your phone isn’t on silent or Do Not Disturb mode.
Pro tip: Test the notification sound by pressing the doorbell button yourself (if it’s a wired model) or using the “Test Notification” feature in the app.
Check Live View Audio
The Live View feature lets you hear what’s happening at your door in real time. To test it:
- Open the Ring app.
- Tap your doorbell device.
- Tap Live View.
- Once the video loads, tap the speaker icon in the bottom-right corner to enable audio.
If you can hear sound in Live View but not in notifications, the issue is likely with your alert settings—not the doorbell’s hardware.
Step 2: Verify Your Wi-Fi Connection
A strong Wi-Fi signal is essential for audio and video streaming. If your doorbell is too far from your router or obstructed by walls, metal, or appliances, the connection may weaken—causing audio dropouts.
Check Signal Strength in the App
The Ring app shows your doorbell’s Wi-Fi signal strength:
- Go to Devices > select your doorbell.
- Tap Device Health.
- Look at the Signal Strength indicator.
Ideally, you want a signal strength of “Good” or “Excellent”. If it shows “Poor” or “Fair”, you may need to improve your Wi-Fi coverage.
Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal
Here are a few ways to boost your signal:
- Move your router closer to the doorbell, if possible.
- Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network to cover dead zones.
- Switch to the 2.4 GHz band—Ring doorbells work best on 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz, due to better range.
- Reduce interference from microwaves, cordless phones, or baby monitors.
You can also use the Ring app’s Wi-Fi Signal Tool (found under Device Health) to test different locations and find the best spot for your doorbell.
Restart Your Router
Sometimes, a simple router reboot can resolve connectivity issues:
- Unplug your router and modem.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Plug them back in and wait for all lights to stabilize.
- Reconnect your doorbell and test the sound.
Step 3: Update the Ring App and Firmware
Outdated software is a common cause of audio problems. Ring regularly releases updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.
Update the Ring App
Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Ring app:
- On iPhone: Open the App Store > tap your profile icon > scroll down to see pending updates > update Ring if available.
- On Android: Open Google Play Store > tap the menu > My apps & games > update Ring if listed.
Update Doorbell Firmware
Ring doorbells update firmware automatically when connected to Wi-Fi, but you can check the status:
- Go to Devices > select your doorbell.
- Tap Device Health.
- Look for Firmware Version.
- If it says “Update Available,” tap Update Now.
Note: Firmware updates may take a few minutes and require the doorbell to be powered (battery or wired). Avoid interrupting the process.
Step 4: Restart Your Ring Doorbell
Like any electronic device, your Ring Doorbell can benefit from a restart. This clears temporary glitches and refreshes the connection.
How to Restart a Battery-Powered Ring Doorbell
- Remove the battery from the back of the doorbell.
- Wait 10–15 seconds.
- Reinsert the battery.
- Wait for the doorbell to reconnect to Wi-Fi (the light will blink white, then solid).
How to Restart a Wired Ring Doorbell
- Turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn the power back on.
- Wait for the doorbell to reboot (usually 1–2 minutes).
After restarting, test the sound by pressing the button or triggering motion.
Step 5: Test the Speaker and Microphone
If you’ve tried the above steps and still have no sound, it’s time to test the hardware.
Test the Speaker
Use Live View to check if the speaker works:
- Open the Ring app and start a Live View session.
- Ask someone to speak near the doorbell.
- Listen through your phone’s speaker.
If you can hear them, the speaker is working. If not, the speaker may be damaged.
Test the Microphone
To test the microphone:
- Start a Live View session.
- Speak clearly into your phone’s microphone.
- Ask someone near the doorbell to listen.
If they can hear you, the microphone is functioning. If not, there may be a hardware issue.
Clean the Doorbell
Dust, dirt, or debris can block the speaker or microphone. Gently wipe the front and sides with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning sprays directly on the device.
Step 6: Adjust Echo or Alexa Settings (If Using Alexa)
Many Ring users connect their doorbell to an Amazon Echo device for voice announcements and chimes. If you’re using Alexa, incorrect settings can silence alerts.
Enable Ring Announcements on Alexa
- Open the Amazon Alexa app.
- Tap Devices > Doorbell.
- Select your Ring Doorbell.
- Tap Announcement Settings.
- Make sure Doorbell Press and Motion announcements are enabled.
- Choose which Echo devices should announce alerts.
Check Echo Volume
Your Echo device might be muted or set to low volume:
- Say, “Alexa, volume 7” (or higher) to increase the volume.
- Check the physical volume buttons on the Echo device.
- Ensure the device isn’t in Do Not Disturb mode.
Re-Link Ring to Alexa
If announcements still don’t work, try re-linking your devices:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Go to Skills & Games.
- Search for “Ring” and open the skill.
- Tap Account Linked > Disable Skill.
- Re-enable the skill and follow the setup steps.
Step 7: Check for Physical Damage or Installation Issues
If none of the software fixes work, the problem might be physical.
Inspect the Doorbell
Look for:
- Cracks or damage to the casing.
- Loose wiring (for wired models).
- Battery corrosion (for battery models).
- Water damage (if installed in a rainy area without proper shielding).
If you see any damage, contact Ring support for a replacement.
Verify Proper Installation
Improper installation can affect performance:
- Ensure the doorbell is securely mounted and level.
- For wired models, confirm the transformer provides 8–24V AC (check with a multimeter if unsure).
- Use the Ring mounting wedge if needed to improve Wi-Fi signal.
Troubleshooting Common Sound Issues
Here are solutions to specific problems you might encounter:
No Sound on Phone Notifications
- Check app notification settings (Step 1).
- Ensure your phone isn’t on silent.
- Update the Ring app.
- Restart your phone.
No Sound on Echo Device
- Verify Alexa announcements are enabled.
- Check Echo volume and mute status.
- Re-link Ring to Alexa.
Audio Cuts In and Out
- Improve Wi-Fi signal strength.
- Move the doorbell closer to the router.
- Use a Wi-Fi extender.
Distorted or Crackling Sound
- Clean the speaker and microphone.
- Restart the doorbell.
- Check for firmware updates.
No Sound During Live View
- Ensure the speaker icon is tapped in Live View.
- Check your phone’s volume.
- Test on another device to rule out phone issues.
When to Contact Ring Support
If you’ve tried all the steps above and still have no sound, it’s time to reach out to Ring’s customer support. Hardware failures do happen, and Ring offers a warranty on most devices.
How to Contact Ring Support
- Online: Visit support.ring.com and use the chat feature.
- Phone: Call 1-800-658-0829 (U.S.) during business hours.
- Email: Use the contact form on the Ring support website.
Have your device model, serial number, and a description of the issue ready. Ring may offer a replacement if the device is under warranty.
Preventing Future Audio Issues
Once your sound is working, keep it that way with these tips:
- Update the app and firmware regularly.
- Monitor Wi-Fi signal strength using the Ring app.
- Clean the doorbell every few months.
- Avoid extreme temperatures—don’t install in direct sunlight or freezing conditions.
- Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password to prevent unauthorized access that could disrupt service.
Conclusion
Getting sound on your Ring Doorbell doesn’t have to be complicated. Most audio issues are caused by simple settings, Wi-Fi problems, or outdated software—all of which are easy to fix with the right guidance.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ve learned how to check app settings, improve Wi-Fi, update firmware, restart your device, test hardware, and integrate with Alexa. You’re now equipped to troubleshoot and resolve sound issues quickly and confidently.
Remember: if your doorbell still isn’t making sound after trying all these steps, don’t hesitate to contact Ring support. Your safety and peace of mind are worth it.
With a little patience and the right approach, you’ll have clear, reliable audio from your Ring Doorbell—so you never miss a visitor, package, or unexpected guest again.