Where to find the sound settings in the Ring app

Open the Ring app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner. Select Devices, then tap the doorbell you want to change. Scroll down until you see Audio Settings or Doorbell Sounds — the exact label depends on which Ring model you own and which app version you have installed.

Once you tap into that section, you will see a list of pre-recorded chime sounds. Each one plays a short sample when you tap it, so you can hear what it sounds like before you commit. Ring includes options like traditional doorbell chimes, musical tones, and alert sounds. Pick the one you want and tap Save or Done.

The change takes effect when ready on your doorbell and on any indoor chime devices you have connected to the same Ring system. If you have multiple doorbells, you can set a different sound for each one — useful if you want to know which door someone is at without looking at your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Ring doorbell sounds are changed through the Ring app under Audio Settings, not through a physical button on the doorbell itself.
  • You can choose from a list of pre-recorded chimes that Ring provides, and each one plays a sample so you can hear it first.
  • The new sound takes effect right away on your doorbell and any indoor chime devices connected to your Ring system.
  • If you have multiple Ring doorbells, each one can have its own unique sound so you know which door someone is at.
  • Some Ring models let you adjust the volume of the chime separately from the sound itself, found in the same Audio Settings menu.

Adjusting volume separately from the chime sound

In the same Audio Settings section where you pick the chime sound, you will often find a Volume slider. This controls how loud the chime plays when someone presses your doorbell — separate from the sound itself. Slide it left to make it quieter or right to make it louder, then save your changes.

If you have an indoor chime device (a small speaker that plugs into a wall outlet and rings when someone presses the doorbell), the volume setting in the app controls that device, not the doorbell itself. The doorbell does not produce sound on its own — it sends a signal to your phone and to any chime devices you have set up. This is why changing the volume in the app affects what you hear indoors but not what the person at the door hears.

What to do if you do not see the audio settings option

Some older Ring doorbell models have limited sound customization. If you cannot find Audio Settings in your app, check which Ring model you own by going to Devices > your doorbell > Device Health. The model name appears at the top.

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) and newer models support sound changes through the app. Older models like the original Ring Video Doorbell may only let you turn the chime on or off, not change the sound itself. If your model does not support sound changes, the only workaround is to use a third-party indoor chime device that has its own sound options — but that requires buying additional hardware.

If your model should support audio settings but you still do not see the option, try closing the Ring app completely and opening it again. Sometimes the menu does not load fully on the first try. If that does not work, uninstall and reinstall the app, as an outdated version can hide features that your doorbell actually has.

Using a separate indoor chime device for more sound options

If the Ring app's built-in sounds do not suit you, you can buy a third-party indoor chime device and connect it to your Ring doorbell. Devices like the Honeywell Home Wireless Doorbell or the Philips Hue Play work with Ring and often come with more sound options than Ring provides in the app.

To use a third-party chime, you typically connect it to your Wi-Fi network through its own app, then tell the Ring app to send signals to that device when someone presses the doorbell. The exact steps vary by device, so check the instructions that come with the chime. Most of these devices also let you adjust volume and sound independently of the Ring app, giving you more control over what you hear indoors.

Keep in mind that a third-party chime is an extra purchase and requires its own power source (usually batteries or a plug-in outlet). It also adds another device to manage and troubleshoot if something goes wrong. For most people, the sounds Ring provides in the app are enough, but this option exists if you want something more specific.

Troubleshooting when the sound does not change

If you pick a new chime sound in the Ring app but your doorbell still plays the old one, first check that you actually tapped Save or Done after selecting the new sound. It is straightforward to pick a sound, hear the sample, and then navigate away without saving.

Next, make sure your doorbell has an active internet connection. Go to Devices > your doorbell > Device Health and look for the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it shows no connection or a very weak signal, your doorbell may not have received the new sound setting yet. Move your Wi-Fi router closer to the doorbell or check if anything is blocking the signal between them.

If the connection is strong and you saved the setting, try restarting your doorbell. Go to Devices > your doorbell > Device Settings and look for a Restart Device or Reboot option. This forces the doorbell to read the new sound from Ring's servers. Wait about two minutes for it to restart, then test it by pressing the doorbell button or asking someone to ring it.

Why Ring doorbell sounds matter for your home

The chime sound you pick affects how quickly you notice someone at the door, especially if you are in another room or outside. A louder or more distinctive sound means you are less likely to miss a delivery or a visitor. If you live in a busy household, a unique sound for each doorbell helps everyone know which entrance someone is at without checking their phone.

Some people choose quieter sounds if they have pets that react to loud noises, or if they live in an apartment and do not want to disturb neighbors. Others pick sounds that match their home's style or personal preference. Because Ring lets you change this without any technical knowledge or tools, it is one of the easiest ways to customize how your smart doorbell fits into your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload my own custom sound to my Ring doorbell?

No, Ring does not currently allow you to upload custom audio files through the app. You are limited to the pre-recorded sounds Ring provides. If you want a completely custom sound, your only option is to use a third-party indoor chime device that supports custom audio.

Will changing the doorbell sound affect my phone notifications?

No. The chime sound is what plays on your indoor chime device or speakers when someone presses the doorbell. Your phone will still send you a notification and ring or vibrate based on your phone's notification settings, which are separate from the doorbell sound.

What happens to the sound setting if I reset my Ring doorbell?

If you reset your doorbell to factory settings, it will go back to the default chime sound. You will need to open the Ring app and pick your preferred sound again. This is why it is a good idea to note which sound you like before you reset the device.

Can I set different sounds for different people pressing the doorbell?

No, the Ring app does not support conditional sounds based on who is at the door. Everyone who presses the doorbell will trigger the same chime sound. However, you can see who rang in the Ring app's event history, so you can check after hearing the chime.

Does the doorbell sound play outside where the visitor can hear it?

No. The chime sound only plays on your indoor chime device and sends a notification to your phone. The person at the door does not hear the chime — they only hear the mechanical button click when they press the doorbell button, or nothing at all if your doorbell is silent.