You can change your Ring doorbell sound in the Ring app in under a minute
The Ring app lets you pick from dozens of built-in chime sounds, or upload your own audio file. The change takes effect immediately on your doorbell and any indoor chime you have connected. You do not need to restart the doorbell or touch any physical buttons — everything happens through the app on your phone.
The process is the same whether you have a Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Doorbell Pro, or any other Ring model. If you have not installed the Ring app yet, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then sign in with the email and password you used to set up your doorbell.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Ring app, tap the three-line menu, select your doorbell device, and go to Notification Settings to find the chime sound options.
- Ring offers 70+ built-in sounds ranging from traditional doorbells to musical tones, and you can preview each one before saving.
- You can upload a custom sound file in MP3 or WAV format if you want a unique chime that Ring does not include.
- Changes to your doorbell chime sound take effect immediately and also update any indoor Ring Chime device you have paired with the doorbell.
- If your doorbell has a physical speaker muted, the app setting will not produce sound — check that the speaker is turned on in the device settings.
Finding the chime sound settings in the Ring app
Open the Ring app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top left corner. You will see a list of your devices. Tap the doorbell you want to change the sound for.
Once you are in that doorbell's settings, look for Notification Settings or Sound Settings — the exact name depends on your Ring model and app version, but it will be near the top of the menu. Tap it to open the chime sound options.
Choosing from Ring's built-in chime sounds
Ring includes over 70 pre-recorded chime sounds. When you open the sound settings, you will see them listed by category: Traditional, Musical, Nature, Sci-Fi, and others. Tap any sound to hear a preview play through your phone's speaker.
Listen to a few options before you decide. Some sounds are loud and sharp, others are gentle and musical. Think about what will be noticeable in your home but not startling to visitors. Once you find one you like, tap it to select it. The doorbell will use that sound the next time someone presses the button.
You can change the sound again anytime by returning to the same menu. There is no limit to how many times you switch between sounds.
Uploading a custom chime sound
If you want a sound that Ring does not include, you can upload your own audio file. Look for an Upload Sound or Custom Sound option in the Notification Settings menu. Tap it and select a file from your phone's storage.
Ring accepts MP3 and WAV files. The sound file should be between 1 and 30 seconds long. If your file is longer, edit it down using a free audio app like Audacity (on computer) or Voice Memos (on iPhone) before uploading.
Once you upload the file, it will appear in your sound list and work exactly like a built-in sound. You can use it as your doorbell chime or switch back to a Ring sound anytime.
Making sure your doorbell speaker is turned on
If you have changed the sound but hear nothing when someone rings the doorbell, the speaker may be muted. Open the Ring app, go to your doorbell's settings, and look for Audio Settings or Speaker. Make sure the toggle is switched on (usually shown in blue or green).
Some Ring doorbells also have a physical mute button on the device itself. If your model has one, check that it is not pressed in. The button is usually on the side or back of the doorbell.
If the speaker is on but you still hear no sound, restart the doorbell by turning off power at your breaker for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Wait two minutes for the doorbell to reconnect to your Wi-Fi, then test it again.
Syncing the sound across multiple Ring devices
If you have an indoor Ring Chime (the small speaker you plug into a wall outlet), it will play the same sound as your doorbell when someone rings. The chime syncs automatically — you do not need to change the sound in two places.
If you have multiple doorbells, each one can have its own sound. Change the sound for each doorbell separately in the app by selecting that specific device before you go into Notification Settings.
Troubleshooting when the sound does not change
If you selected a new sound but the doorbell still plays the old one, force close the Ring app and open it again. Sometimes the app does not sync the change right away.
If that does not work, check your internet connection. Your doorbell needs to be connected to Wi-Fi to receive the sound change from the app. Open the Ring app's device settings and look for the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it shows a weak connection, move your Wi-Fi router closer to the doorbell or restart your router.
If you uploaded a custom sound and it did not work, the file may be too large or in the wrong format. Try converting it to MP3 using a free online tool like CloudConvert, then upload it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have different chime sounds for different people?
No. Ring doorbells play the same sound for everyone who rings the button. You cannot set one sound for family members and another for guests. The sound is tied to the doorbell device, not to individual visitors.
Will changing the chime sound affect motion alerts?
No. The chime sound only plays when someone presses the doorbell button. Motion alerts use a separate notification sound that you can change in your phone's notification settings, not in the Ring app.
What happens if I upload a sound that is too long?
Ring will reject files longer than 30 seconds. If your custom sound is too long, trim it using a free audio editor before uploading. Most doorbell chimes work best between 2 and 10 seconds anyway.
Can I use a song or music clip as my doorbell chime?
Technically yes, but copyright holders own the rights to most songs. Uploading a copyrighted song as your chime may violate the copyright. Use royalty-free music from sites like Free Music Archive or create your own sound instead.
Does the chime sound change if I switch Wi-Fi networks?
No. Once you set a chime sound, it stays on the doorbell even if you change your Wi-Fi network or move the doorbell to a different location. The sound is stored on the device itself, not on your phone or in the cloud.