Pairing your Ring Doorbell to a Ring Chime ensures you never miss a visitor, even when your phone is on silent or in another room. This guide walks you through the entire process, from setup to troubleshooting, so you can enjoy reliable in-home alerts with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Ring Chime enhances your doorbell experience: It provides loud, customizable audio alerts inside your home, complementing mobile notifications.
- Compatible with most Ring Doorbells: Works with Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell 2, Doorbell 3, Doorbell 4, Doorbell Pro, and Doorbell Pro 2.
- Easy setup via the Ring app: The pairing process is guided step-by-step within the Ring mobile application.
- Multiple chimes can be linked: You can connect several Chimes to one doorbell for whole-home coverage.
- Customizable tones and volume: Choose from 8 different chime sounds and adjust volume to suit your preference.
- Requires Wi-Fi and power: Both the doorbell and Chime need a stable internet connection and power source (Chime plugs into an outlet).
- Troubleshooting is simple: Most issues are resolved by restarting devices, checking Wi-Fi, or re-pairing through the app.
How to Pair Ring Doorbell to Chime: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve installed your Ring Doorbell and love the video feed and mobile alerts—but what happens when your phone is on silent, in another room, or out of battery? That’s where the Ring Chime comes in. This small, plug-in device plays a loud, customizable sound whenever someone presses your doorbell, ensuring you never miss a delivery, visitor, or package thief again.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to pair Ring Doorbell to Chime—from unboxing to final setup and troubleshooting. Whether you’re using a Ring Video Doorbell, Doorbell Pro, or any compatible model, this guide covers everything you need to know. By the end, you’ll have a fully functioning in-home alert system that works seamlessly with your smart doorbell.
Let’s get started!
What Is a Ring Chime and Why Do You Need It?
Visual guide about How to Pair Ring Doorbell to Chime
Image source: drdclassichome.com
Before diving into the setup, it’s helpful to understand what the Ring Chime actually does.
The Ring Chime is a smart plug-in device that connects to your home Wi-Fi and syncs with your Ring Doorbell. When someone presses the doorbell button, the Chime emits a loud, customizable sound—like a traditional doorbell chime—through its built-in speaker. It plugs directly into any standard electrical outlet, so no wiring is required.
Why use a Ring Chime?
– Hear alerts even when your phone is silent: Great for meetings, naps, or when your phone is in another room.
– No more missed deliveries: If you work from home or have a busy household, the Chime ensures someone hears the doorbell.
– Customizable sounds: Choose from 8 different chime tones, including classic ding-dong, modern beeps, and even seasonal sounds.
– Multiple Chimes for whole-home coverage: Place one in the kitchen, bedroom, and basement so the sound reaches every corner of your home.
– Works with Alexa: If you have an Echo device, you can enable announcements so Alexa says “Someone is at the front door” when the doorbell is pressed.
In short, the Ring Chime adds an essential layer of convenience and security to your Ring Doorbell system.
Compatibility: Which Ring Doorbells Work with Chime?
Not all smart doorbells are created equal—and not all Ring Doorbells are compatible with the Ring Chime. Here’s a quick breakdown of which models work together:
- Ring Video Doorbell (1st Gen) – Compatible
- Ring Video Doorbell 2 – Compatible
- Ring Video Doorbell 3 / 3 Plus – Compatible
- Ring Video Doorbell 4 – Compatible
- Ring Doorbell Pro – Compatible
- Ring Doorbell Pro 2 – Compatible
- Ring Video Doorbell Wired – Compatible
- Ring Video Doorbell Elite – Compatible
Note: The Ring Chime does not work with the Ring Peephole Cam or Ring Security Cameras (like the Stick Up Cam). It’s designed specifically for Ring Doorbells.
Also, keep in mind that the Ring Chime (1st Gen) and Ring Chime Pro are slightly different. The Chime Pro also acts as a Wi-Fi extender, boosting your doorbell’s signal. For this guide, we’ll focus on the standard Ring Chime, but the setup process is nearly identical for both.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you begin pairing your Ring Doorbell to Chime, make sure you have the following:
- A compatible Ring Doorbell – Already installed and connected to the Ring app.
- A Ring Chime device – Unboxed and ready to use.
- The Ring mobile app – Downloaded on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android).
- A stable Wi-Fi connection – Both devices need internet access.
- A power outlet near your desired Chime location – The Chime plugs directly into the wall.
- Your Ring account login details – Email and password.
Pro Tip: Make sure your Ring Doorbell is already set up and working properly before pairing it with the Chime. If your doorbell isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi or sending notifications, fix those issues first.
Step-by-Step: How to Pair Ring Doorbell to Chime
Now that you’re prepared, let’s walk through the pairing process. The entire setup takes about 10–15 minutes and is done entirely through the Ring app.
Step 1: Plug in the Ring Chime
Start by plugging your Ring Chime into a standard electrical outlet. Choose a location that’s centrally located in your home—like a hallway, living room, or kitchen—so the sound can be heard throughout the house.
Important: Avoid plugging the Chime into an outlet behind furniture or in a closed cabinet. The sound needs to travel freely.
Once plugged in, the Chime will power on automatically. You’ll see a blue light on the front of the device. This means it’s ready to be set up.
Step 2: Open the Ring App
Launch the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don’t have it yet, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Log in to your Ring account using your email and password. If you’ve already set up your Ring Doorbell, you should see it listed on the home screen.
Step 3: Add a New Device
In the Ring app, tap the three-line menu icon (☰) in the top-left corner. Then, select “Devices” from the menu.
Next, tap the “+” (plus) icon in the top-right corner to add a new device.
You’ll see a list of Ring products. Scroll down and select “Chime” from the options.
Step 4: Follow the On-Screen Setup
The app will now guide you through the setup process. Here’s what to expect:
– The app will ask you to confirm that the Chime is plugged in and the blue light is on. Tap “Continue.”
– Next, the app will search for the Chime on your Wi-Fi network. This may take 30–60 seconds.
– Once detected, the app will prompt you to connect the Chime to your Wi-Fi network. Select your home Wi-Fi from the list and enter your password.
Tip: Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Ring Doorbell. If you’re using a dual-band router (2.4GHz and 5GHz), the Chime only works on the 2.4GHz band. If your phone is on 5GHz, temporarily switch to 2.4GHz during setup.
Step 5: Name Your Chime
After connecting to Wi-Fi, the app will ask you to give your Chime a name. This helps if you have multiple Chimes in your home.
For example:
– “Living Room Chime”
– “Kitchen Chime”
– “Master Bedroom Chime”
Choose a name that makes sense for the location where you’ve plugged it in.
Step 6: Link the Chime to Your Doorbell
Now comes the most important part: pairing the Chime with your Ring Doorbell.
The app will show a list of your Ring devices. Select the doorbell you want to link to this Chime (e.g., “Front Door”).
Once selected, the app will automatically sync the Chime with your doorbell. You’ll see a confirmation message when the pairing is complete.
Note: You can link one Chime to multiple doorbells, or multiple Chimes to one doorbell. For example, if you have a front and back doorbell, you can set both to trigger the same Chime.
Step 7: Test the Chime
To make sure everything is working, press the button on your Ring Doorbell (or ask someone to do it for you).
You should hear the Chime play a sound from the device. If you don’t hear anything, check the volume settings (we’ll cover that next).
Customizing Your Ring Chime Settings
Now that your Chime is paired, it’s time to personalize it. The Ring app lets you adjust several settings to match your preferences.
Adjust the Volume
In the Ring app, go to Devices > Chime > Device Settings > Volume.
You can set the volume from 0 (mute) to 10 (maximum). For most homes, a setting between 6 and 8 is ideal.
Tip: If you have hearing impairments or live in a noisy household, consider setting the volume to 9 or 10.
Choose a Chime Sound
The Ring Chime comes with 8 different sound options:
1. Classic Ding Dong
2. Modern Beep
3. Chime Bell
4. Wind Chime
5. Doorbell Chime
6. Holiday Jingle (seasonal)
7. Bird Song
8. Piano Note
To change the sound:
– Go to Devices > Chime > Device Settings > Chime Tones
– Tap the sound you want to preview it
– Select your favorite and tap “Save”
Fun Idea: Switch to the Holiday Jingle during December for a festive touch!
Set Do Not Disturb Hours
If you don’t want the Chime to ring during certain times (like overnight), you can enable Do Not Disturb.
Go to Devices > Chime > Device Settings > Do Not Disturb.
Toggle it on and set the start and end times. During this period, the Chime will not play sounds, but your phone will still receive notifications.
Enable or Disable Chime for Specific Doorbells
If you have multiple doorbells, you can choose which ones trigger the Chime.
In the Chime settings, tap “Linked Devices” and toggle on or off the doorbells you want to connect.
For example, you might want the Chime to ring for the front door but not the back door.
Using Multiple Chimes for Whole-Home Coverage
One of the best features of the Ring Chime is the ability to use multiple units throughout your home.
Imagine this: You’re in the basement doing laundry. The doorbell rings, but you can’t hear it. With a Chime in the basement, you’ll get an alert no matter where you are.
Here’s how to set up multiple Chimes:
1. Plug in the second Chime in another room.
2. Open the Ring app and add it as a new device (same process as before).
3. Name it (e.g., “Basement Chime”).
4. Link it to the same doorbell(s) as your first Chime.
Now, when someone presses the doorbell, both Chimes will sound.
Pro Tip: Use different chime tones for different Chimes so you know which room the sound is coming from. For example, use “Classic Ding Dong” in the living room and “Wind Chime” in the bedroom.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Fixes
Even with a simple setup, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.
Chime Won’t Pair with Doorbell
Symptoms: The app can’t find the Chime, or pairing fails.
Solutions:
– Make sure the Chime is plugged into a working outlet.
– Check that your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz).
– Restart the Chime by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
– Restart your router and try again.
– Update the Ring app to the latest version.
Chime Doesn’t Ring When Doorbell Is Pressed
Symptoms: The doorbell sends a phone notification, but the Chime stays silent.
Solutions:
– Check the Chime volume—make sure it’s not set to 0.
– Verify the Chime is linked to the correct doorbell in the app.
– Ensure the Chime is connected to Wi-Fi (blue light should be steady).
– Test the Chime manually in the app: Go to Devices > Chime > Test Chime.
Chime Sounds Distorted or Crackly
Symptoms: The audio is fuzzy, cuts out, or sounds robotic.
Solutions:
– Move the Chime away from electronic devices like microwaves, TVs, or cordless phones.
– Plug the Chime directly into the wall—avoid power strips or extension cords.
– Reduce the volume slightly; high volumes can cause distortion on some units.
Chime Keeps Disconnecting from Wi-Fi
Symptoms: The Chime works for a while, then stops responding.
Solutions:
– Move the Chime closer to your router.
– Use a Wi-Fi extender if your home has dead zones.
– Consider upgrading to the Ring Chime Pro, which boosts your doorbell’s Wi-Fi signal.
Phone Gets Notification but Chime Doesn’t Ring
Symptoms: You get a push alert, but no sound from the Chime.
Solutions:
– Check Do Not Disturb settings—make sure it’s not enabled.
– Confirm the Chime is not muted in the app.
– Re-link the doorbell to the Chime: Go to Chime settings > Linked Devices > Toggle off and on.
Tips for Optimal Performance
To get the most out of your Ring Chime, follow these best practices:
- Place Chimes in central locations: Avoid corners, behind doors, or in closets.
- Use multiple Chimes for large homes: One per floor or key area.
- Keep firmware updated: The Ring app will notify you when updates are available.
- Clean the Chime speaker: Dust can muffle sound—wipe gently with a dry cloth.
- Test monthly: Press your doorbell once a month to ensure everything works.
Conclusion
Pairing your Ring Doorbell to a Ring Chime is a simple yet powerful upgrade to your home security system. It ensures you’ll always hear when someone’s at the door—even if your phone is out of reach or on silent. With easy setup, customizable sounds, and support for multiple devices, the Ring Chime adds convenience, peace of mind, and a touch of smart-home sophistication.
Whether you’re a busy parent, remote worker, or just someone who hates missing packages, this small device makes a big difference. Follow the steps in this guide, customize your settings, and enjoy reliable in-home alerts for years to come.
Now that you know how to pair Ring Doorbell to Chime, you’re ready to enhance your smart home experience. Plug in, pair up, and never miss a visitor again.