You can change your Ring doorbell sound through the Ring app on your phone in about one minute

Open the Ring app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right, select your doorbell device, and tap Device Settings. Scroll down to Audio or Doorbell Tone depending on your Ring model. You'll see a list of available sounds — tap one to hear a preview, then tap it again to confirm your choice. The change takes effect immediately on your doorbell and inside chime if you have one connected.

The exact menu names vary slightly between Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Ring Video Doorbell Elite, and older models, but the path is always: app menu → your device → Device Settings → audio settings. If you don't see an audio option, your model may not support sound changes, or you may need to update the Ring app from your phone's app store.

Key Takeaways

  • Ring doorbells come with multiple built-in sounds you can switch between using only the Ring app — no physical buttons or wiring changes needed.
  • You can also adjust the volume of the doorbell sound separately from the chime volume if you have an indoor chime connected.
  • Some Ring models let you upload a custom sound file, though this feature is not available on all versions.
  • Changes sync across all your devices (phone, tablet, indoor chime) within seconds of saving.

Finding the audio settings in the Ring app

Start by opening the Ring app and signing in with your account. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner of the screen. You'll see a list that includes your devices — find and tap the doorbell you want to change. This opens that device's main screen, where you'll see a live view and several options below it.

Look for a gear icon or the word Settings — tap it to enter Device Settings. Scroll down through the options until you find Audio, Doorbell Tone, Chime Tone, or Sound, depending on your model year. Tap that section to see your available sounds.

Previewing and selecting a new doorbell sound

Once you're in the audio settings, you'll see a list of sounds with names like "Ding Dong," "Chime," "Beep," "Buzzer," or custom names. Tap any sound once to hear a preview — it will play through your phone's speaker so you can hear what it will sound like. Listen to as many as you want before deciding.

When you find one you like, tap it again to select it. A checkmark or highlight will show which sound is now active. The change saves automatically and takes effect on your doorbell within a few seconds. If you have an indoor chime plugged in, it will also play the new sound the next time someone rings.

Adjusting volume separately from the sound itself

Ring lets you control volume independently from the sound choice. In the same audio settings section, look for a Volume slider or Doorbell Volume option. Drag the slider left to lower the volume or right to raise it. Some models show volume as a percentage or a scale of 1 to 10.

If you have an indoor chime connected, you may see two separate volume controls: one for the doorbell itself and one for the chime. This means you can have the doorbell ring quietly outside while the chime inside is loud, or vice versa. Test the volume by tapping a "Test" or "Ring" button if your app offers one, so you hear the actual volume before someone rings.

Using custom sounds on compatible models

Some newer Ring models, including the Video Doorbell Pro and Elite, allow you to upload your own sound file to use as your doorbell tone. In the audio settings, look for an option labeled Custom Sound, Upload Sound, or Add Custom Tone. Tap it and select an audio file from your phone's storage.

Ring typically accepts MP3 and WAV files that are under 30 seconds long and under 1 MB in size. Once uploaded, your custom sound will appear in the list alongside the built-in options. You can switch between custom and built-in sounds anytime. If your model doesn't show a custom sound option, it may not support this feature — check your device's product page on Ring's website to confirm.

Troubleshooting when sounds won't change

If you select a new sound but it doesn't stick, first check that your Ring doorbell has a strong Wi-Fi connection. In Device Settings, look for Wi-Fi or Network and verify the signal strength. A weak connection can prevent settings from saving. If the signal is poor, move your router closer or restart both the doorbell and your router.

If the connection is strong but the sound still won't change, try closing the Ring app completely and reopening it. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom to close it; on Android, swipe up from the bottom and hold. Then reopen the app and try selecting the sound again. If that doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall the Ring app from your phone's app store — this clears any corrupted data that might be blocking the change.

For older Ring models or if you're still having trouble, check whether your doorbell firmware is up to date. In Device Settings, look for Firmware or Device Information and see if an update is available. Outdated firmware can prevent audio features from working properly.

What happens to your old sound setting

When you change your doorbell sound, the old sound is simply replaced — it doesn't get deleted or archived anywhere. You can switch back to it anytime by going through the same steps and selecting it again. Ring doesn't limit how many times you can change your sound, so you can adjust it seasonally, for different times of day, or whenever you want.

If you have multiple Ring doorbells (front door, side door, back patio), each one has its own independent sound setting. Changing the sound on your front doorbell won't affect your side door doorbell. This is useful if you want to know which door someone is at based on the sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a song or voice recording as my doorbell sound?

On models that support custom sounds, yes — as long as the file is an MP3 or WAV under 30 seconds and 1 MB. You can record your own voice or extract a short clip from a song using a free audio editor. However, not all Ring models support custom uploads, so check your device's specifications first.

Will changing the sound affect my indoor chime?

Yes, your indoor chime will play the same sound you select for the doorbell. However, you can control the volume of each separately, so you can make the doorbell quiet and the chime loud, or vice versa. If you want the chime to play a different sound entirely, you would need to change it through the chime's own settings or app.

What if I don't see an audio settings option?

Older Ring models or certain regional versions may not support sound changes. Check your device's product page on Ring's website to see if audio customization is listed as a feature. If it's not, your model may only have one built-in sound. Updating the Ring app to the latest version may also unlock this feature if it was added in a recent update.

Does changing the sound require a subscription?

No. Changing your doorbell sound is a free feature available to all Ring users, whether or not you pay for Ring Protect (the subscription service). You only need the free Ring app and an internet connection.

Can I schedule different sounds for different times of day?

The Ring app does not have a built-in scheduling feature for sounds. You would need to manually change the sound through the app whenever you want to switch. Some users set phone reminders to change the sound at certain times, but this is not automatic.