Installing your Ring Doorbell Pro and Ring Chime doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide walks you through every step—from checking compatibility to final testing—so you can enjoy smart security with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Check compatibility first: Ensure your existing doorbell wiring meets Ring Doorbell Pro’s 16–24V AC requirement and that your home Wi-Fi supports 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz networks.
- Turn off power safely: Always shut off electricity at the breaker before removing your old doorbell to prevent electrical shock.
- Use the Ring app for setup: The official Ring app guides you through mounting, connecting to Wi-Fi, and syncing with Ring Chime for audio alerts.
- Ring Chime enhances alerts: Plug it into any outlet indoors to hear loud doorbell sounds even if your phone is on silent or in another room.
- Test everything after installation: Ring the doorbell and check video quality, motion detection, and Chime sound to ensure full functionality.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If the doorbell doesn’t power on or Chime won’t connect, check wiring, Wi-Fi signal, or reset devices as needed.
- Maintain your system: Regularly update the Ring app and firmware to keep your devices secure and performing well.
How to Install Ring Doorbell Pro and Ring Chime: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve decided to upgrade your home security with the Ring Doorbell Pro and Ring Chime. Great choice! These smart devices not only let you see and speak to visitors from anywhere, but they also send real-time alerts and play customizable sounds when someone’s at your door. But before you can enjoy all these features, you need to install them properly.
Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the entire process, from unboxing to final testing. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a seasoned home improver, we’ll keep things simple, clear, and stress-free. By the end, you’ll have a fully functioning smart doorbell system that keeps your home safe and gives you peace of mind.
Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
Visual guide about How to Installation Ring Doorbell Pro and Ring Chime
Image source: ringdoorbellinstallationguy.com
Before diving into installation, gather all the tools and materials you’ll need. Having everything ready saves time and prevents mid-project trips to the hardware store.
Here’s your checklist:
- Ring Doorbell Pro (included in the box)
- Ring Chime (sold separately or in a bundle)
- Smartphone or tablet with the Ring app installed (iOS or Android)
- Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
- Existing doorbell wiring (must provide 16–24V AC)
- Screwdriver (Phillips head)
- Drill and drill bits (if mounting on brick, stucco, or concrete)
- Level (to ensure the doorbell is straight)
- Pencil (for marking drill holes)
- Electrical tape (optional, for securing wires)
- Ladder (if your doorbell is high up)
Pro Tip: If you don’t have existing doorbell wiring, the Ring Doorbell Pro won’t work—it requires hardwired power. Consider the battery-powered Ring Video Doorbell instead, or hire an electrician to install wiring.
Step 1: Check Compatibility and Power Requirements
Not every home is ready for the Ring Doorbell Pro right out of the box. This device needs a constant power source, which means your existing doorbell must be hardwired and meet specific voltage requirements.
Verify Your Doorbell Wiring
First, check if your current doorbell is wired. Most older homes have a wired system, but newer builds sometimes use wireless or battery-powered models.
To check:
- Remove your existing doorbell from the wall (we’ll cover this in the next step).
- Look for two wires connected to the back.
- Use a multimeter to test the voltage between the two wires. The Ring Doorbell Pro requires 16–24V AC.
If your voltage is below 16V, the doorbell may not power on consistently. You might need a Ring Transformer (sold separately) to boost the voltage.
Check Your Wi-Fi Signal
The Ring Doorbell Pro connects to your home Wi-Fi to send video and alerts. A weak signal can cause lag, dropped connections, or failed recordings.
Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app (like NetSpot or Wi-Fi Analyzer) to check signal strength at your door. Ideally, you want:
- Signal strength: -60 dBm or higher (closer to 0 is better)
- Network type: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz (Ring supports both)
- Bandwidth: At least 2 Mbps upload speed for smooth video
If your signal is weak, consider:
- Moving your router closer to the door
- Using a Wi-Fi extender
- Installing a mesh network system
Step 2: Turn Off Power and Remove Old Doorbell
Safety first! Working with electrical wiring can be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions.
Turn Off the Power
1. Go to your home’s electrical panel (breaker box).
2. Locate the circuit that controls your doorbell. It’s often labeled “Doorbell,” “Chime,” or “Front Door.”
3. Flip the breaker to the OFF position.
4. Test the doorbell button to confirm power is off—it shouldn’t ring.
Important: Never assume the power is off just because the doorbell doesn’t ring. Always verify with a voltage tester or multimeter.
Remove the Old Doorbell
1. Unscrew the old doorbell from the wall using a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Gently pull it away from the wall to expose the wires.
3. Take a photo of the wiring setup for reference.
4. Loosen the terminal screws and disconnect the wires.
5. Cap the wires with wire nuts or electrical tape to prevent them from touching each other or the wall.
Tip: Label the wires (e.g., “Front” and “Trans”) if they’re not already marked. This helps during reinstallation.
Step 3: Install the Ring Doorbell Pro Mounting Plate
The Ring Doorbell Pro comes with a mounting plate that secures the device to your wall. Proper alignment ensures the camera captures the right angle and the motion sensors work effectively.
Position the Mounting Plate
1. Hold the mounting plate against the wall where you want to install the doorbell.
2. Use a level to make sure it’s straight.
3. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
4. If mounting on brick, stucco, or concrete, drill pilot holes using a masonry bit.
Recommended height: 48 inches (4 feet) from the ground. This angle captures faces clearly and avoids obstructions like mailboxes or plants.
Secure the Mounting Plate
1. Insert wall anchors if needed (included in the box).
2. Screw the mounting plate into place using the provided screws.
3. Ensure it’s tight and level.
Pro Tip: If your doorframe is narrow or uneven, use the included wedge kit to adjust the angle. This helps the camera point straight ahead instead of downward.
Step 4: Connect the Wires and Attach the Doorbell
Now it’s time to connect your doorbell to the power source.
Connect the Wires
1. Strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from the ends of the two doorbell wires (if not already done).
2. Insert each wire into the corresponding terminal on the back of the Ring Doorbell Pro (usually labeled “Front” and “Trans”).
3. Tighten the screws to secure the wires.
Note: The Ring Doorbell Pro is not polarity-sensitive, so it doesn’t matter which wire goes where.
Attach the Doorbell to the Mounting Plate
1. Align the doorbell with the mounting plate.
2. Slide it down until it clicks into place.
3. Secure it with the included security screw using the provided screwdriver (or a small Allen wrench).
Warning: Don’t overtighten the security screw—it can damage the plastic housing.
Step 5: Turn Power Back On and Test the Doorbell
With everything connected, it’s time to restore power and see if the doorbell works.
Restore Power
1. Go back to your breaker box.
2. Flip the doorbell circuit back to ON.
3. Wait 30–60 seconds for the doorbell to power up.
You should see a light on the front of the Ring Doorbell Pro. It may flash blue or white as it initializes.
Test the Doorbell
1. Press the doorbell button.
2. Listen for a chime inside your home (if you have a mechanical chime).
3. Check the Ring app on your phone—you should receive a notification.
If the doorbell doesn’t power on:
- Double-check wiring connections
- Verify the breaker is on
- Test voltage again with a multimeter
Step 6: Set Up the Ring Doorbell Pro Using the App
The Ring app is your control center for all Ring devices. It guides you through setup, connects to Wi-Fi, and lets you customize settings.
Download and Open the Ring App
1. Download the Ring – Protect Your Home app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
2. Create a Ring account or log in if you already have one.
Add Your Doorbell
1. Tap the + icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select Set up a device.
3. Choose Doorbells, then Ring Video Doorbell Pro.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
The app will ask you to:
- Scan the QR code on the back of the doorbell
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network
- Name your doorbell (e.g., “Front Door”)
- Set up motion zones and alerts
Calibrate Motion Settings
Ring allows you to define motion zones so you only get alerts for activity in specific areas (like your walkway, not the street).
1. In the app, go to Device Settings > Motion Settings.
2. Tap Motion Zones.
3. Draw zones on the camera view where you want motion detection.
4. Adjust sensitivity if needed.
Tip: Start with medium sensitivity and adjust based on false alerts (like passing cars or tree branches).
Step 7: Install and Set Up the Ring Chime
The Ring Chime is a plug-in device that plays a loud doorbell sound inside your home. It’s especially useful if you have a large house, thick walls, or often miss phone notifications.
Plug in the Ring Chime
1. Find a standard electrical outlet near your doorbell chime or in a central location.
2. Plug in the Ring Chime.
3. Wait for the LED light to turn solid green (indicating it’s powered and ready).
Connect Chime to the Ring App
1. Open the Ring app.
2. Tap the + icon and select Set up a device.
3. Choose Chimes, then Ring Chime.
4. Follow the prompts to connect it to your Wi-Fi and link it to your doorbell.
Customize Chime Sounds
Ring Chime comes with 8 built-in sounds, and you can even upload your own.
1. In the app, go to Device Settings > Chime Sounds.
2. Select a sound (e.g., “Classic,” “Ding Dong,” “Bird Song”).
3. Adjust volume using the slider.
Bonus: You can set different sounds for different doorbells if you have multiple Ring devices.
Step 8: Final Testing and Optimization
Now that everything is installed, it’s time to test the full system and fine-tune settings.
Test the Doorbell and Chime
1. Press the doorbell button.
2. Confirm:
- The Ring Chime plays the selected sound
- You receive a notification on your phone
- The live video feed opens in the app
- Two-way audio works (tap the microphone icon to speak)
Check Video Quality
1. Open the live view in the app.
2. Look for:
- Clear, sharp image
- Good lighting (even at night with infrared)
- Smooth motion without lag
If video is blurry or laggy:
- Check Wi-Fi signal strength
- Move the router or add a Wi-Fi extender
- Reduce interference from other devices
Adjust Motion and Alert Settings
Fine-tune your settings to reduce false alerts and improve usability.
- Motion Schedule: Set times when motion alerts are active (e.g., only at night).
- Smart Alerts: Enable person detection to only get alerts when a person is detected, not pets or vehicles.
- Linked Devices: Connect Chime to multiple doorbells if you have more than one.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful installation, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
Doorbell Won’t Power On
- Check wiring: Ensure wires are securely connected and not loose.
- Test voltage: Use a multimeter to confirm 16–24V AC at the terminals.
- Replace transformer: If voltage is low, install a Ring Transformer (16V, 30VA).
Chime Doesn’t Ring
- Check Wi-Fi: Ensure Chime is connected to the same network as your doorbell.
- Re-pair devices: Remove Chime from the app and set it up again.
- Test outlet: Plug in another device to confirm the outlet works.
Poor Video Quality or Lag
- Boost Wi-Fi: Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system.
- Reduce interference: Keep the doorbell away from microwaves, cordless phones, or thick walls.
- Update firmware: The Ring app will notify you when updates are available.
False Motion Alerts
- Adjust motion zones: Exclude areas like streets or trees.
- Lower sensitivity: Reduce motion detection sensitivity in the app.
- Enable Smart Alerts: Use person detection to filter out non-human motion.
Maintenance and Best Practices
To keep your Ring Doorbell Pro and Chime working smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:
- Update regularly: Keep the Ring app and device firmware up to date.
- Clean the lens: Wipe the camera lens monthly with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and smudges.
- Check batteries (if applicable): If you ever switch to a battery model, recharge or replace batteries as needed.
- Review recordings: Periodically check your event history to ensure everything is being captured.
- Secure your account: Use two-factor authentication (2FA) in the Ring app to prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
Installing the Ring Doorbell Pro and Ring Chime is a smart investment in your home’s security and convenience. With this guide, you’ve learned how to:
- Check compatibility and power requirements
- Safely remove your old doorbell
- Mount and wire the Ring Doorbell Pro
- Set up the Ring Chime for indoor alerts
- Use the Ring app to customize settings
- Troubleshoot common issues
Once installed, you’ll enjoy real-time video, two-way talk, motion alerts, and customizable chime sounds—all from your smartphone. Whether you’re home or away, you’ll always know who’s at your door.
Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and don’t hesitate to consult Ring’s support if needed. Soon, you’ll have a reliable, high-tech doorbell system that keeps your home safe and gives you peace of mind.
Welcome to the future of home security!