How to Change Ring Doorbell Sound: Complete Guide to Customizing Your Home’s Alerts

Ring doorbells ship with default chimes, but homeowners don’t have to settle for the standard “ding-dong.” Customizing the doorbell sound improves notification clarity, especially in homes with multiple Ring devices, and lets users tailor alerts to suit their preferences. Whether someone wants a subtle chime for quiet evenings or a louder tone to hear over household noise, Ring’s app-based controls and hardware devices offer several ways to adjust volume, select new sounds, and manage notifications. This guide walks through every method for changing Ring doorbell sounds, from app settings to physical chime devices, with troubleshooting tips for common issues.

Understanding Ring Doorbell Sound Options

Ring separates sound controls into three categories: in-app notification tones, Ring Chime device sounds, and doorbell speaker volume. Each category serves a different purpose and uses distinct settings.

In-app notification tones play on a smartphone or tablet when motion is detected or someone presses the doorbell button. These alerts use the device’s speaker and depend on the phone’s volume settings and notification permissions.

Ring Chime and Chime Pro are plug-in devices that broadcast doorbell alerts throughout the home. They connect to the Ring doorbell via Wi-Fi and play audible chimes independently of smartphones. Each Chime device can cycle through 30+ tone options, from classical melodies to simple beeps.

The doorbell speaker itself emits sound when the button is pressed, audible to visitors standing at the door. Volume for this speaker is adjustable through the Ring app, but tone selection is limited compared to Chime devices. Not all Ring models support speaker volume adjustment: older or battery-powered units may have fixed output.

How to Change the Chime Sound on Your Ring Doorbell

Changing the chime sound requires the Ring app and applies to notifications on connected Chime devices or smartphones. The process differs slightly depending on whether the user is adjusting a Chime device or mobile notification.

Changing Chime Device Sound

1. Open the Ring app and tap the three-line menu icon (top left).
2. Select Devices, then choose the Ring doorbell from the list.
3. Tap Audio Settings (some models label this as Doorbell Chime Tones).
4. Select Chime Tones to view available sounds.
5. Tap a tone to preview it. The Chime device will play the sound immediately.
6. Tap Save or Done to apply the new tone.

Some Ring doorbells allow users to customize seasonal alert tones for holidays or special occasions. Seasonal tones appear in the Chime Tones menu when Ring releases them, typically around major holidays.

Changing Mobile Notification Sound

Mobile notification sounds are controlled by the smartphone’s operating system, not the Ring app. On iOS, go to Settings > Notifications > Ring > Sounds to select a tone. On Android, open Settings > Apps & notifications > Ring > Notifications > Ring Alerts, then choose a sound.

Ring app notification settings also include toggles for motion alerts and doorbell press alerts. Disabling either notification type silences mobile alerts entirely for that event.

Adjusting Volume Settings for Your Ring Doorbell

Volume controls exist for both the doorbell’s external speaker (heard by visitors) and connected Chime devices (heard inside the home). Adjustments are made through the Ring app.

Doorbell Speaker Volume

1. Open the Ring app and select the doorbell from the Devices menu.
2. Tap Audio Settings or Device Settings (varies by model).
3. Look for Doorbell Volume or Speaker Volume.
4. Drag the slider to adjust. Some models offer a range from 0 (muted) to 11 (maximum).
5. Test the volume by pressing the physical doorbell button.

Note: Battery-powered Ring doorbells may not include volume adjustment for the external speaker. Hardwired models typically offer full control.

Chime Device Volume

1. In the Ring app, go to Devices and select the Chime or Chime Pro (not the doorbell).
2. Tap Audio Settings.
3. Adjust the Chime Volume slider. Chime devices usually offer a 0-10 range.
4. Press the doorbell button to confirm the volume level.

Chime devices also include a Snooze feature that temporarily silences alerts for 30 minutes to 4 hours, useful during naps or video calls. Snooze is toggled via the Chime device settings in the app.

Customizing Alert Tones Through the Ring App

Ring’s app offers additional alert customization beyond basic chime selection. Users can differentiate motion alerts from doorbell presses, adjust alert frequencies, and link multiple Chime devices to a single doorbell.

Setting Different Tones for Motion vs. Doorbell Press

Some Ring models allow separate tones for motion detection and button presses. This helps homeowners distinguish between someone approaching the door and someone actively ringing the bell.

1. Open the Ring app and select the doorbell.
2. Tap Motion Settings.
3. Look for Motion Alert Tones (not all models support this feature).
4. Choose a tone distinct from the doorbell press chime.
5. Save changes and test by triggering motion in front of the doorbell.

If the Motion Alert Tones option doesn’t appear, the doorbell model doesn’t support separate motion tones. In that case, motion notifications will use the default smartphone alert sound.

Linking Multiple Chime Devices

Homes with multiple Chime devices can assign different tones to each unit. For example, a Chime in the kitchen might play a loud, attention-grabbing tone, while a Chime in a home office plays a quieter alert.

1. In the Ring app, select the first Chime device.
2. Set its Chime Tone and Volume as described earlier.
3. Return to Devices and select the second Chime.
4. Assign a different tone and volume.
5. Test by pressing the doorbell. All linked Chime devices should sound, each with its assigned tone.

For households wanting smarter home tech integration, Ring doorbells also connect to Alexa-enabled devices. Users can set custom Alexa announcements like “Someone is at the front door” instead of traditional chimes.

Changing Sound Settings on Ring Chime and Chime Pro Devices

Ring Chime and Chime Pro devices function as dedicated alert speakers, offering more robust sound options than smartphone notifications. Setup and customization require the Ring app and a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Initial Chime Setup

1. Plug the Chime device into a standard 120V AC outlet. The front LED will pulse blue, indicating setup mode.
2. Open the Ring app and tap Set Up a Device.
3. Select Chime or Chime Pro from the device list.
4. Follow the in-app prompts to connect the Chime to Wi-Fi and link it to the doorbell.
5. Once connected, the app will prompt the user to choose a chime tone and volume.

Chime Pro includes a built-in Wi-Fi extender to boost Ring doorbell connectivity. It’s ideal for homes where the doorbell is far from the router or in areas with weak signal. Standard Chime lacks the extender but costs less and serves purely as an alert speaker.

Selecting Chime Tones

Ring regularly updates its library of chime tones. To access the full list:

1. Open the Ring app and select the Chime device.
2. Tap Audio Settings > Chime Tones.
3. Scroll through categories like Classic, Seasonal, or Fun.
4. Tap a tone to preview. The Chime will play it at the current volume setting.
5. Select Save to apply.

For users who enjoy step-by-step project tutorials, Ring’s seasonal tone updates offer opportunities to match home alerts with holidays or personal milestones. Tones are updated automatically via the app: no manual firmware updates are required.

Troubleshooting Common Ring Doorbell Sound Issues

Sound problems with Ring doorbells typically stem from app settings, Wi-Fi connectivity, or device firmware. Most issues resolve with basic troubleshooting.

Chime Device Not Playing Sound

• Check volume settings. Open the Ring app, select the Chime device, and confirm the volume slider isn’t set to 0.
• Verify Wi-Fi connection. If the Chime’s LED is solid red, it’s disconnected from Wi-Fi. Restart the router and Chime device.
• Relink the Chime to the doorbell. In the Ring app, go to the Chime device settings and tap Linked Doorbells. Ensure the correct doorbell is selected.
• Update firmware. Check the Chime’s Device Health section in the app. If an update is available, install it.

Doorbell Speaker Too Quiet or Silent

• Adjust speaker volume. Navigate to the doorbell’s Audio Settings in the app and increase the Doorbell Volume slider.
• Check power source. Battery-powered doorbells may reduce speaker volume when the battery is low. Recharge or replace the battery.
• Inspect wiring (hardwired models). If the doorbell is hardwired, verify the transformer supplies adequate voltage, Ring doorbells typically require 16-24V AC, 30VA minimum. Use a multimeter to check voltage at the doorbell terminals.

Mobile Notifications Not Sounding

• Enable notifications. On the smartphone, go to Settings > Notifications (or Apps & notifications on Android) and confirm Ring has notification permissions.
• Check Ring app alert settings. In the Ring app, select the doorbell, tap Device Settings > Alert Settings, and ensure Ring Alerts and Motion Alerts are toggled on.
• Restart the app and phone. Force-close the Ring app, restart the smartphone, and test again.

Delayed or Missing Alerts

Delayed alerts often result from weak Wi-Fi signal. Check the doorbell’s Device Health in the Ring app. An RSSI (signal strength) value above -60 dBm is ideal: anything weaker than -70 dBm may cause delays. Consider adding a Chime Pro (which extends Wi-Fi range) or repositioning the router for better coverage.

Conclusion

Customizing Ring doorbell sounds improves home security awareness and fits personal preferences. The Ring app provides straightforward controls for chime tones, volume, and alert types, while Chime devices expand options for multi-room audio. Troubleshooting sound issues usually involves checking app settings, Wi-Fi connectivity, or power supply. With these adjustments, homeowners can ensure every doorbell press and motion alert is heard exactly how and where they want it.