Linking a Chime to your Ring Doorbell enhances your smart home experience by providing an audible alert inside your house when someone rings the doorbell. This guide walks you through setup, pairing, and troubleshooting—no technical skills required.
Key Takeaways
- Chime devices amplify Ring alerts: They play a customizable sound when your Ring Doorbell is pressed, ensuring you never miss a visitor—even if your phone is off or in another room.
- Compatible with most Ring Doorbells: The Ring Chime and Chime Pro work with all current Ring Doorbell models, including Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, 3, 3 Plus, 4, and Battery Doorbell Plus.
- Easy setup via the Ring app: Pairing your Chime takes less than 10 minutes using the Ring mobile app on iOS or Android.
- Chime Pro extends Wi-Fi range: Unlike the standard Chime, the Chime Pro also acts as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting signal strength for your Ring Doorbell.
- Customize sounds and volume: Choose from dozens of chime tones and adjust volume levels to suit your household’s needs.
- Troubleshooting is straightforward: Common issues like connection drops or delayed alerts can usually be fixed with a few quick steps in the app or by rebooting devices.
- Multiple Chimes can be linked: Add more than one Chime around your home (e.g., kitchen, bedroom) for full coverage.
Introduction: Why Link a Chime to Your Ring Doorbell?
So you’ve got a shiny new Ring Doorbell—great choice! It lets you see who’s at your door from anywhere, talk to visitors remotely, and even review motion-triggered recordings. But what if you’re in the basement doing laundry, or your phone is on silent during a movie night? That’s where a Ring Chime comes in.
Linking a Chime to your Ring Doorbell adds an extra layer of convenience and security. Instead of relying solely on your smartphone for alerts, the Chime plays a loud, clear sound right inside your home whenever someone presses the doorbell. Think of it as your home’s personal doorbell butler—always ready to announce guests.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about connecting a Ring Chime (or Chime Pro) to your Ring Doorbell. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned smart home enthusiast, our step-by-step instructions will have you up and running in no time. We’ll cover setup, customization, tips for optimal performance, and how to fix common hiccups along the way.
By the end, you’ll not only know how to link a Chime to a Ring Doorbell—you’ll understand why it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your Ring system.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving into the setup process, make sure you have the following:
- A compatible Ring Doorbell: This includes Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, 3, 3 Plus, 4, Battery Doorbell Plus, and Wired Doorbell models.
- A Ring Chime or Chime Pro: Both work seamlessly with Ring Doorbells. The Chime Pro includes a built-in Wi-Fi extender—ideal if your doorbell has weak signal.
- The Ring mobile app: Download it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- A stable Wi-Fi connection: Your Chime needs to connect to your home network. For best results, ensure your router is within range (especially important for the standard Chime).
- Your Ring account credentials: You’ll need to log in to your existing Ring account or create one if you’re new.
- A power outlet near your desired Chime location: The Chime plugs directly into a standard wall outlet—no wiring required!
Pro tip: If you’re using a Chime Pro and your Ring Doorbell is far from your router, place the Chime Pro roughly halfway between the router and the doorbell for optimal signal boosting.
Step 1: Set Up Your Ring Doorbell (If Not Already Done)
If your Ring Doorbell isn’t already installed and connected to the Ring app, do that first. Here’s a quick recap:
Install the Doorbell
Follow the installation instructions that came with your Ring Doorbell. Most models are either battery-powered or hardwired. For battery models, simply mount the bracket and insert the charged battery. For wired models, turn off power at the breaker, connect the wires, and secure the device.
Visual guide about How to Link a Chime to a Ring Doorbell
Image source: en-uk.ring.com
Connect to the Ring App
- Open the Ring app and tap “Set Up a Device.”
- Select “Doorbells” and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Scan the QR code on your doorbell or enter the serial number manually.
- Connect your doorbell to your home Wi-Fi network.
- Test the live view to confirm everything’s working.
Once your doorbell is online and streaming video, you’re ready to add a Chime.
Step 2: Plug In Your Ring Chime
This part is refreshingly simple:
Choose the Right Location
Pick a central spot inside your home—like a hallway, living room, or kitchen—where the sound will carry well. Avoid placing it behind thick walls, metal objects, or in closets, as these can block the signal.
Plug It In
Insert your Ring Chime (or Chime Pro) into a standard electrical outlet. The LED light on the front will flash blue, indicating it’s in setup mode and ready to pair.
Note: Don’t use a power strip or extension cord unless absolutely necessary—direct outlet connection ensures stable power and signal.
Step 3: Pair the Chime Using the Ring App
Now comes the magic. The Ring app makes pairing effortless.
Open the Ring App
Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet and log in to your account.
Navigate to Device Setup
- Tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner.
- Select “Devices” from the menu.
- Tap “Set Up a Device.”
- Choose “Chimes” from the list of device categories.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions
The app will guide you through the process:
- Confirm your Chime is plugged in and flashing blue.
- Tap “Continue” and allow the app to search for your Chime.
- When found, select your Chime from the list.
- Connect it to your home Wi-Fi network (same one used by your doorbell).
- Wait for the app to complete the setup—this usually takes 1–2 minutes.
Once connected, the Chime’s LED will turn solid green, and you’ll see a confirmation message in the app.
Step 4: Link the Chime to Your Ring Doorbell
Your Chime is now online—but it’s not yet linked to your doorbell. Here’s how to connect them:
Go to Chime Settings
- In the Ring app, tap the menu (☰) > “Devices.”
- Find your Chime in the list and tap on it.
- Select “Linked Devices” or “Device Links.”
Add Your Doorbell
- Tap “Link a Device.”
- Choose your Ring Doorbell from the list.
- Toggle the switch to “On.”
- Tap “Save” or “Done.”
That’s it! Now, whenever someone presses your Ring Doorbell, the Chime will play its default sound.
Step 5: Customize Your Chime Experience
One of the best parts of using a Ring Chime is the ability to personalize it.
Change the Chime Sound
- In the Chime settings within the Ring app, tap “Chime Tones.”
- Browse through dozens of options—from classic doorbell chimes to fun sounds like “Ding Dong,” “Church Bell,” or even “Mario Coin.”
- Tap any tone to preview it, then select your favorite.
Adjust Volume Levels
Under “Volume,” slide the bar to set how loud you want the chime to be. Great for households with babies, pets, or heavy sleepers.
Set Quiet Hours
Enable “Quiet Hours” to silence the Chime during specific times (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM). Your phone will still receive notifications, but the indoor chime won’t disturb anyone.
Enable or Disable Motion Alerts
By default, the Chime only sounds when the doorbell is pressed. But you can optionally enable it to chime for motion events too—though this may get noisy if you have frequent motion triggers.
Using Multiple Chimes for Whole-Home Coverage
Got a large house? No problem! You can link multiple Chimes to a single Ring Doorbell.
Add Additional Chimes
Simply repeat Steps 2–4 for each extra Chime. Each one can be placed in a different room—like the master bedroom, garage, or backyard patio (with weatherproofing).
Sync Settings Across Devices
All linked Chimes will play the same tone and volume unless you customize them individually. For example, you might set a softer tone in the nursery and a louder one in the kitchen.
Tip: Name each Chime clearly in the app (e.g., “Kitchen Chime,” “Bedroom Chime”) to avoid confusion.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with perfect setup, occasional glitches happen. Here’s how to fix the most common problems:
Chime Doesn’t Ring When Doorbell Is Pressed
- Check that the Chime is still linked to your doorbell in the app (go to Chime settings > Linked Devices).
- Ensure your doorbell has power and is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Restart both devices: unplug the Chime for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. For battery doorbells, remove and reinsert the battery.
- Update the Ring app and ensure your devices have the latest firmware.
Delayed or Missed Chimes
This often points to Wi-Fi issues. Try moving your Chime closer to the router, or—if using a Chime Pro—reposition it to better extend the signal to your doorbell.
Chime Keeps Disconnecting from Wi-Fi
- Check for interference from other electronics (microwaves, cordless phones).
- Reduce the number of devices on your network during peak hours.
- Consider upgrading to a Chime Pro if your standard Chime struggles with connectivity.
Wrong Sound Plays or No Sound at All
Go to Chime settings > Chime Tones and reselect your preferred sound. Also, verify the volume isn’t muted or set too low.
App Says “Chime Not Found” During Setup
- Make sure the Chime is plugged directly into an outlet (not a power strip).
- Hold the setup button on the Chime for 5 seconds to reset it (LED will flash blue again).
- Ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want the Chime to use.
If problems persist, contact Ring Support through the app for personalized help.
Tips for Optimal Performance
To get the most out of your Chime-doorbell combo, keep these best practices in mind:
- Keep firmware updated: Ring regularly releases updates that improve performance and security. Enable auto-updates in the app.
- Use strong Wi-Fi passwords: Weak or shared networks can cause instability. Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
- Avoid signal blockers: Keep Chimes away from large metal objects, thick concrete walls, or dense furniture.
- Test regularly: Press your doorbell once a week to confirm the Chime is working.
- Consider a Chime Pro for weak signals: If your doorbell frequently loses connection, the Chime Pro’s built-in extender can be a game-changer.
Conclusion: Enjoy Peace of Mind with Every Ring
Linking a Chime to your Ring Doorbell is one of those small upgrades that makes a big difference. It transforms your smart doorbell from a passive camera into an active part of your home’s communication system. No more missing deliveries because your phone was on silent. No more wondering if the kids heard the doorbell while playing upstairs.
With just a few taps in the Ring app, you’ve added a layer of reliability and convenience that enhances both security and daily life. And thanks to customizable tones, volume controls, and multi-room support, your Chime adapts to your lifestyle—not the other way around.
Whether you’re using a standard Chime for basic alerts or a Chime Pro to boost your entire Ring network, you’re now equipped with a smarter, more responsive front door experience. So go ahead—press that doorbell button and listen to your home come alive with sound.
Welcome to the future of home security. It’s simple, it’s smart, and it starts with a single chime.