Your Ring Chime isn’t playing sounds when someone presses your Ring Video Doorbell, or it’s not lighting up, or you hear notifications on your phone but the Chime stays silent. The Ring Chime (or Chime Pro) is designed to extend your doorbell’s reach and ensure you never miss a visitor, but when it stops working, you’re back to relying solely on your phone – which defeats the purpose.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every possible cause and solution to get your Ring Chime working reliably again.
Table of Contents
🔍 Quick Diagnosis: Why Won’t Ring Chime Work?
When your Ring Chime or Chime Pro isn’t working, you’ll typically see one of these symptoms:
| Symptom | Most Likely Cause | Fix Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| No sound when doorbell pressed | Chime not linked to doorbell or volume muted | Easy |
| Chime offline in app | WiFi connection lost or power issue | Easy |
| Blue light spinning continuously | Setup mode stuck or WiFi connection failing | Easy |
| Works sometimes but not always | WiFi signal weak or interference | Medium |
| No light or sound at all | No power to outlet or defective unit | Easy |
| Phone gets notifications but Chime silent | Chime alerts disabled in app settings | Easy |
| Chime plays but doorbell doesn’t ring | Doorbell low battery or offline | Easy |
| Recently stopped working | App settings changed or firmware update issue | Easy |
🔗 Problem #1: Ring Chime Not Linked to Doorbell
This is the #1 cause – about 35% of “not working” issues.
What’s happening:
The Ring Chime must be explicitly linked to your Ring Doorbell in the Ring app. Even though both devices are on the same WiFi network and associated with your Ring account, they won’t communicate unless you connect them together. This connection often gets lost after app updates, device resets, or when adding new Ring devices.
How Ring Chime linking works:
The connection process:
Ring Account → Contains multiple devices
↓
Ring Doorbell (separate device)
↓
Ring Chime (separate device)
↓
Must be LINKED together in app
↓
Doorbell → Sends signal → Chime plays sound
Why linking is necessary:
- One Ring account can have multiple doorbells and Chimes
- You choose which Chimes play for which doorbells
- Example: Front doorbell → Living room Chime only
- Example: Back doorbell → Kitchen Chime only
- Flexible configuration requires manual linking
How to diagnose:
- Doorbell works (shows recordings in app, sends phone notifications)
- Chime is online in app (shows connected, not offline)
- Chime doesn’t make sound when doorbell pressed
- Recently set up new doorbell or Chime
- Recently reset devices or reinstalled app
Solution:
Solution 1: Link Chime to Doorbell in Ring app ⭐ MOST IMPORTANT FIX
Complete linking procedure:
- Open Ring app on smartphone (iOS or Android)
- Tap menu icon (☰ three lines, top-left corner)
- Select Devices
- Tap your Ring Chime (or Chime Pro) from device list
- Tap Device Settings (gear icon or “Device Settings” button)
- Scroll down to “Linked Devices” section
- Tap “Linked Devices”
- Check if doorbell is listed:
- If doorbell NOT listed: Continue to step 9
- If doorbell IS listed: Continue to Solution 2 (already linked)
- Tap “Link Device” or “+” button
- Select your Ring Doorbell from list
- Confirm linking
- Wait for confirmation message: “Device linked successfully”
- Test: Press doorbell button
- Chime should play sound ✓
Visual confirmation:
- After linking, doorbell name appears under “Linked Devices” in Chime settings
- Can link multiple doorbells to one Chime
- Can link one doorbell to multiple Chimes
If doorbell not appearing in list:
- Doorbell may be offline (check doorbell status)
- Doorbell not added to account (set up doorbell first)
- App needs refresh (force close and reopen)
Solution 2: Verify linking is active (if already linked)
Check existing connection:
- Ring app → Devices → Your Chime
- Device Settings → Linked Devices
- Doorbell should be listed with checkmark ✓
- If doorbell listed but grayed out or unchecked:
- Tap doorbell to re-enable
- Toggle off then on
- Confirm change
- Test doorbell press
If doorbell listed but Chime still doesn’t work:
- Continue to other solutions (volume, alerts, WiFi)
Solution 3: Unlink and re-link devices (refresh connection)
Reset the link:
- Ring app → Devices → Your Chime → Device Settings
- Linked Devices
- Tap doorbell name
- Select “Unlink Device” or tap X/trash icon
- Confirm unlinking
- Wait 10 seconds
- Tap “Link Device” again
- Select doorbell
- Confirm linking
- Test doorbell
Why this helps:
- Refreshes connection between devices
- Clears any corrupt linking data
- Re-establishes communication protocol
🔇 Problem #2: Ring Chime Volume Too Low or Muted
This is the #2 cause – about 25% of “not working” issues.
What’s happening:
Ring Chime volume is set to minimum or muted completely. You may see blue light flash when doorbell pressed (indicating Chime received signal) but no sound plays. Volume can be accidentally changed in app or by other household members.
How to diagnose:
- Chime is online and linked to doorbell
- Blue light flashes when doorbell pressed (signal received)
- No sound or very quiet sound
- Recently changed settings or someone else has app access
- Worked before, stopped suddenly without obvious cause
Solution:
Solution 1: Check and adjust Chime volume
Volume settings location:
- Ring app → Devices → Your Chime
- Device Settings → Chime Tones
- Check volume slider:
- Slider shows current volume level (0-10 or 0-11)
- If at 0 or 1: Volume too low ✗
- If at 5 or higher: Volume should be audible ✓
- Adjust slider to desired level:
- Start at 5-6 (medium)
- Increase to 8-10 if needed (high volume)
- Save changes (automatic on most app versions)
- Test: Press doorbell button
- Chime should play at new volume ✓
Volume level guide:
| Level | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Muted (no sound) | Not recommended |
| 1-2 | Very quiet | Small room, close proximity |
| 3-5 | Medium | Normal household use |
| 6-8 | Loud | Large room or noisy environment |
| 9-11 | Maximum | Very loud, whole house coverage |
Solution 2: Select audible chime tone
Some tones quieter than others:
Change chime tone:
- Ring app → Devices → Chime → Device Settings
- Chime Tones
- Current tone displayed (e.g., “Ding Dong”)
- Tap current tone to change
- Browse available tones:
- Ding Dong (classic, loud)
- Westminster (classic, loud)
- Pulsing (modern, moderate)
- Strings (subtle, quieter)
- Many others available
- Play preview of each tone (tap to hear sample)
- Select louder tone:
- Ding Dong, Westminster, or Xylophone recommended for clarity
- Adjust volume to appropriate level
- Save and test
Tone recommendations:
- Loudest/clearest: Ding Dong, Westminster, Bell
- Moderate: Pulsing, Xylophone, Chimes
- Quieter: Strings, Mystical, Soothing
Solution 3: Test with Ring app “Test” feature
Verify Chime is working:
Manual test (without pressing doorbell):
- Ring app → Devices → Chime
- Device Settings
- Look for “Test Chime” or “Play Tone” button
- Location varies by app version
- May be under Audio Settings or Chime Tones
- Tap “Test” or “Play”
- Chime should play selected tone immediately ✓
- If plays during test but not when doorbell pressed:
- Linking issue (see Problem #1)
- Doorbell offline or low battery
- If doesn’t play during test:
- Volume issue, WiFi issue, or hardware failure
📶 Problem #3: Ring Chime Offline or WiFi Connection Lost
This is the #3 cause – about 20% of “not working” issues.
What’s happening:
Ring Chime lost connection to your WiFi network, showing as “Offline” in the Ring app. Without WiFi connection, Chime cannot receive signals from doorbell. Can be caused by router changes, WiFi issues, power outages, or weak signal.
How to diagnose:
- Ring app shows Chime as “Offline” or “Device Offline”
- Chime has no lights or blue light spinning continuously
- Recently changed WiFi password or router settings
- After power outage
- Router is far from Chime location
Solution:
Solution 1: Check Chime power and placement
Verify basic power:
- Check Chime is plugged in:
- Fully inserted into outlet
- Outlet has power (test with phone charger)
- Check LED status:
- No light: No power (try different outlet)
- Solid blue: Normal, connected ✓
- Spinning blue: Connecting to WiFi or setup mode
- Flashing blue: Connection issue
- White light: Ring Chime Pro (different model, similar troubleshooting)
- Try different outlet:
- Outlet may have issue
- Some outlets are switch-controlled (check wall switches)
- Test outlet with another device first
Optimal placement:
- Not behind metal objects or in cabinets (blocks WiFi)
- Not in bathroom or laundry room (moisture/interference)
- Central location in home (better WiFi coverage)
- Away from other electronics (microwaves, cordless phones)
Solution 2: Reconnect Chime to WiFi
Reset WiFi connection:
Method A: Reconnect via app (preferred):
- Ring app → Devices → Your Chime
- Device Health (or Device Settings → Device Health)
- Check WiFi signal strength:
- RSSI value shown (e.g., “RSSI: -42”)
- Good: -30 to -50 (strong signal)
- Fair: -50 to -65 (acceptable)
- Poor: -65 to -75 (weak, may cause issues)
- Very Poor: Below -75 (connection problems likely)
- If offline or poor signal:
- Tap “Reconnect to WiFi” or “Change WiFi Network”
- Select your WiFi network from list
- Enter WiFi password
- Wait for connection (1-2 minutes)
- Chime should reconnect and show online ✓
Method B: Factory reset and reconnect (if app method fails):
- Hold setup button on Chime:
- Small button on side of device
- Hold for 15 seconds
- Light will flash rapidly, then turn off
- Release button
- Wait for blue light to start spinning (setup mode)
- Open Ring app → Set Up Device
- Select “Chime” or “Chime Pro”
- Follow setup wizard:
- Select WiFi network
- Enter password
- Wait for connection
- Name your Chime
- Re-link to doorbell (see Problem #1)
- Adjust volume and tone (see Problem #2)
Solution 3: Improve WiFi signal strength
If RSSI shows poor signal (-65 or worse):
Option 1: Move Chime closer to router
- Try different outlet closer to WiFi router
- Even 10-15 feet closer can significantly improve signal
- Test different locations before permanent placement
Option 2: Move router closer to Chime
- If router movable, place more centrally
- Elevated position better (shelf, not floor)
- Away from walls and corners
Option 3: Reduce WiFi interference
- Keep Chime away from:
- Microwave ovens (strong 2.4GHz interference)
- Cordless phones (2.4GHz models)
- Baby monitors
- Bluetooth devices
- Large metal objects
Option 4: Use WiFi extender or mesh system
- WiFi range extender ($20-40):
- TP-Link RE220, Netgear EX3700
- Place halfway between router and Chime
- Extends WiFi coverage
- Mesh WiFi system ($99-300):
- Google Nest WiFi, Eero, TP-Link Deco
- Whole-home coverage
- Better solution for large homes
Option 5: Upgrade to Ring Chime Pro
- Ring Chime Pro has built-in WiFi extender
- Improves WiFi for Ring devices
- Better range than standard Chime
- Cost: $49 (vs $29 for standard Chime)
Solution 4: Check router settings
Router compatibility issues:
2.4GHz WiFi required:
- Ring Chime only works on 2.4GHz WiFi (not 5GHz)
- Check router broadcasts 2.4GHz network
- If dual-band router (2.4GHz + 5GHz):
- Ensure 2.4GHz enabled
- Check network names (SSIDs):
- “YourNetwork” = 2.4GHz
- “YourNetwork_5G” = 5GHz (Chime won’t see this)
- Connect Chime to 2.4GHz network only
Router security settings:
- WPA2 security recommended (WPA3 may not work)
- Disable MAC address filtering (or add Chime MAC)
- Disable AP isolation or client isolation (blocks device communication)
Check router firewall:
- Some routers block IoT devices
- Check for “IoT blocking” or “device isolation” settings
- Add Ring Chime to allowed devices list
🔔 Problem #4: Chime Alerts Disabled in Ring App
What’s happening:
Chime alerts are disabled for specific events (doorbell press, motion detection), so Chime stays silent even though it’s online and linked. Settings can be changed accidentally or during app updates.
How to diagnose:
- Chime is online and linked to doorbell
- Volume is up
- Chime lights up (blue flash) but no sound
- Some alerts work but not others (e.g., motion works but doorbell button doesn’t)
Solution:
Solution 1: Enable Chime alerts for doorbell press
Check alert settings:
- Ring app → Devices → Your Doorbell (not Chime)
- Device Settings → Alert Settings
- Ring Alerts:
- Check “Ring on App” enabled ✓ (phone notifications)
- Check “Ring on Chime” enabled ✓ (Chime plays sound)
- If “Ring on Chime” is OFF:
- Toggle ON
- Save changes
- Test doorbell press
- Chime should now play ✓
Motion alerts (separate setting):
- Ring app → Devices → Your Doorbell
- Device Settings → Alert Settings
- Motion Alerts:
- “Motion on App” – phone notifications for motion
- “Motion on Chime” – Chime plays for motion detection
- Enable as desired:
- Many users disable motion alerts on Chime (too frequent)
- Keep doorbell press alerts enabled
- Save and test
Solution 2: Check Chime-specific alert schedule
Snooze or Do Not Disturb may be active:
- Ring app → Devices → Your Chime
- Device Settings → General Settings
- Check for:
- “Snooze Alerts” – Temporarily disables alerts
- “Alert Schedule” – Disables alerts at certain times
- If Snooze active:
- Shows time remaining (e.g., “Snoozed for 30 minutes”)
- Tap to disable snooze
- If Alert Schedule active:
- Check schedule (e.g., “Silent 10 PM – 7 AM”)
- Modify or disable schedule as needed
- Save changes and test
Solution 3: Check modes (Home/Away/Disarmed)
Ring has mode-based alert control:
If using Ring Alarm system:
- Ring app → Dashboard or Modes
- Current mode shown (Home, Away, Disarmed)
- Each mode has different settings:
- Tap mode → Tap Edit or gear icon
- Check Chime alerts enabled for current mode
- Adjust mode settings as needed
Note: Most users without Ring Alarm don’t have modes feature
🔋 Problem #5: Ring Doorbell Offline or Low Battery
What’s happening:
The doorbell itself is offline or has dead battery, so it can’t send signals to Chime. Chime is working fine but has nothing to play because doorbell isn’t functioning. Easy to overlook because focus is on Chime, not doorbell.
How to diagnose:
- Chime is online and set up correctly
- Pressing doorbell button produces no response (no recordings, no notifications)
- Doorbell shows offline in Ring app
- Battery-powered doorbell showing low battery warning
- Hardwired doorbell recently lost power
Solution:
Solution 1: Check doorbell status in app
Verify doorbell online:
- Ring app → Devices → Your Doorbell
- Check status:
- “Online” or green indicator = Working ✓
- “Offline” or red indicator = Problem ✗
- Check battery level (if battery-powered doorbell):
- Above 20%: Good ✓
- Below 20%: Charge soon ⚠️
- Below 10%: Charge now ✗ (may not function)
- If offline:
- Continue to doorbell troubleshooting
- If online but low battery:
- Charge or replace battery
Solution 2: Charge or replace doorbell battery
For battery-powered Ring Doorbells:
Battery removal and charging:
- Remove doorbell from mount:
- Lift up or press release tab (varies by model)
- Or unscrew security screw at bottom
- Remove battery:
- Push release tab (most models)
- Battery slides out
- Charge battery:
- Use included micro-USB cable
- Plug into USB power adapter (5V/1A minimum)
- Charge 4-6 hours until LED shows fully charged
- Reinsert battery:
- Slide back into doorbell
- Should click into place
- Remount doorbell
- Check app: Battery should show 100%
- Test doorbell press
- Chime should work now ✓
For hardwired Ring Doorbells:
- Should have continuous power
- If offline, check doorbell transformer (electrical box)
- May need electrician if wiring issue
Solution 3: Reconnect doorbell to WiFi
If doorbell offline due to WiFi:
- Ring app → Devices → Your Doorbell
- Device Health → Reconnect to WiFi
- Follow prompts to reconnect
- Or press setup button on doorbell (back or side)
- Hold 20 seconds for reset
- Re-setup doorbell in app
- Re-link to Chime after reconnecting
🛠️ Problem #6: Ring Chime Hardware Failure or Defect
What’s happening:
Physical defect in Ring Chime preventing it from functioning. Can be manufacturing defect, power surge damage, or component failure. Less common but does occur, especially in first few months or after power events.
How to diagnose:
- All software settings correct (linked, volume up, alerts on)
- WiFi connection good
- No lights on Chime or unresponsive to button presses
- Tried multiple outlets
- Recently purchased or after power surge/lightning
Solution:
Solution 1: Factory reset Ring Chime
Hard reset procedure:
- Locate setup button:
- Small button on side of Chime
- May need paperclip or pin to press
- Hold setup button 20-30 seconds:
- Light will flash rapidly
- Then turn off completely
- Then start spinning blue (setup mode)
- Release button
- If enters setup mode (blue spinning):
- Chime hardware functional ✓
- Re-setup in app (see Problem #3, Solution 2, Method B)
- If no lights or response:
- Hardware failure likely
- Continue to Solution 2
Solution 2: Test in different outlet
Eliminate outlet issues:
- Unplug Chime
- Plug into different outlet:
- Different room
- Known working outlet
- Check for lights:
- Should power on automatically
- Blue light should appear
- If works in different outlet:
- Original outlet has issue (not Chime)
- Check circuit breaker
- If doesn’t work in any outlet:
- Hardware failure confirmed
- Proceed to warranty/replacement
Solution 3: Check warranty and replacement
Ring Chime warranty:
- Standard warranty: 1 year limited warranty
- Ring Protect Plus: Extended warranty included (if subscribed)
Contact Ring Support:
Ring Support channels:
- Phone: 1-800-656-1918 (US)
- Website: support.ring.com → Contact Support
- Ring app: Menu → Help → Contact Support
- Chat: Available on Ring website
Information to have ready:
- Order number or proof of purchase
- Chime model (Chime or Chime Pro)
- Serial number (on device or in app)
- Description of issue and troubleshooting attempted
Replacement process:
- If under warranty: Free replacement
- If out of warranty: May need to purchase new unit
- Ring often offers courtesy replacements for known issues
Cost of replacement:
- Ring Chime (2nd Gen): $29.99
- Ring Chime Pro (2nd Gen): $49.99
- Consider upgrading to Chime Pro (WiFi extender feature)
📋 Complete Troubleshooting Checklist
Check Linking and Settings First:
- ✅ Chime linked to doorbell in Ring app (most common issue)
- ✅ Volume level 5 or higher (not muted)
- ✅ Audible chime tone selected (Ding Dong, Westminster, etc.)
- ✅ “Ring on Chime” enabled in doorbell alert settings
- ✅ No snooze or alert schedule active (disabling alerts)
Verify Chime Online:
- ✅ Chime shows “Online” in app (not offline)
- ✅ Blue light visible on Chime (has power)
- ✅ Plugged into working outlet (test outlet with other device)
- ✅ WiFi signal strength good (RSSI -50 or better)
- ✅ Connected to 2.4GHz WiFi (not 5GHz)
Test Doorbell Separately:
- ✅ Doorbell online in Ring app
- ✅ Doorbell battery charged (if battery-powered, >20%)
- ✅ Phone receives notifications when doorbell pressed (proves doorbell working)
- ✅ Doorbell records video when pressed (confirms functioning)
Chime Functionality:
- ✅ Test chime manually in app (Play Tone button)
- ✅ Chime flashes blue when doorbell pressed (signal received)
- ✅ Try different chime tone (some louder than others)
- ✅ No “Do Not Disturb” active on phone (separate from Chime settings)
WiFi and Network:
- ✅ Router 2.4GHz network enabled (required for Chime)
- ✅ No MAC filtering or add Chime MAC to allowed list
- ✅ AP isolation disabled on router
- ✅ Chime not too far from router (move closer or use extender)
Advanced Troubleshooting:
- ✅ Unlink and re-link devices (refresh connection)
- ✅ Factory reset Chime and re-setup
- ✅ Update Ring app to latest version
- ✅ Restart router (power cycle for fresh connection)
- ✅ Test in different outlet (rule out outlet issue)
If Nothing Works:
- ✅ Contact Ring Support (may be defective unit)
- ✅ Check warranty status (1 year standard)
- ✅ Consider replacement ($29 for Chime, $49 for Chime Pro)
🔑 Key Takeaways
Top 5 causes of Ring Chime not working (85% of cases):
- Chime not linked to doorbell (35%) – Link in Ring app
- Volume muted or too low (25%) – Set volume to 5+
- Chime offline/WiFi issue (20%) – Reconnect to WiFi
- Alerts disabled (10%) – Enable “Ring on Chime” in doorbell settings
- Doorbell offline/low battery (5%) – Charge doorbell battery
Critical setup requirements:
- ✅ Chime must be linked to doorbell in app (not automatic)
- ✅ Volume must be 5 or higher (audible level)
- ✅ “Ring on Chime” enabled in doorbell alert settings (not Chime settings)
- ✅ Chime must be online (connected to WiFi)
- ✅ Doorbell must be online and charged (if battery-powered)
Understanding the linking process:
- Devices don’t automatically connect
- Must manually link in Ring app: Chime settings → Linked Devices → Add doorbell
- Can link multiple doorbells to one Chime
- Can link one doorbell to multiple Chimes
- Linking gets lost after resets or sometimes after app updates
WiFi requirements:
- Ring Chime requires 2.4GHz WiFi only (won’t work on 5GHz)
- Signal strength RSSI should be -50 or better (closer to router = better)
- Router must have 2.4GHz network enabled (check dual-band routers)
- AP isolation must be disabled (blocks device communication)
Volume and tone tips:
- Default volume often too low (start at 5-6)
- Some tones much quieter than others (Ding Dong and Westminster loudest)
- Test volume with “Play Tone” button in app before relying on doorbell press
- Volume 8-10 needed for large homes or noisy environments
Common mistakes:
- Checking Chime settings instead of doorbell settings (alerts configured on doorbell, not Chime)
- Assuming devices auto-link (they don’t – must manually link)
- Connecting to 5GHz WiFi (Chime only works on 2.4GHz)
- Not checking doorbell battery (focus on Chime but doorbell is problem)
- Volume set to 0-2 (inaudible or nearly inaudible)
Alert settings location confusion:
- “Ring on Chime” setting is in DOORBELL settings (not Chime settings)
- Go to: Doorbell → Device Settings → Alert Settings → Ring Alerts → Ring on Chime
- This is where you enable Chime to play sound
- Chime settings only control volume, tone, and linked devices
When to upgrade to Chime Pro:
- WiFi signal weak at Chime location (Chime Pro extends WiFi)
- Have multiple Ring devices (Chime Pro helps all Ring devices)
- Large home (Chime Pro better range)
- Cost: $49 vs $29 for standard Chime ($20 difference)
💬 Still Not Working?
If Ring Chime still won’t work after trying all solutions:
- Verify absolute basics one more time:
- Chime plugged in and has blue light (power confirmed)
- Linked to doorbell in app (double-check under Chime → Linked Devices)
- Volume at 5+ (audible level)
- “Ring on Chime” enabled in doorbell settings (not Chime settings)
- Doorbell online and charged (check doorbell separately)
- Test each component independently:
- Test doorbell: Press button, check if phone gets notification
- If phone notification works: Doorbell is functioning ✓
- If no phone notification: Doorbell is the problem, not Chime
- Test Chime: Use “Play Tone” in Chime settings
- If plays manually: Chime hardware working ✓
- If doesn’t play: Chime defective or volume/WiFi issue
- Test linking: Unlink and re-link devices completely
- Test doorbell: Press button, check if phone gets notification
- Check Ring Service Status:
- Visit: status.ring.com
- Check for outages or service disruptions
- Ring servers down = nothing works (wait for Ring to fix)
- Try complete fresh start:
- Factory reset Chime (hold setup button 20 seconds)
- Remove Chime from app (Devices → Chime → Device Settings → Remove Device)
- Unplug Chime for 30 seconds
- Plug back in
- Set up as new device in app
- Link to doorbell
- Configure volume and tone
- Test
- Check for known issues:
- Search online: “Ring Chime not working [current year]”
- Reddit r/Ring for recent reports
- Ring Community forums (community.ring.com)
- May be widespread app bug or firmware issue
- Contact Ring Support:
- Phone: 1-800-656-1918 (US)
- International: support.ring.com for local numbers
- Chat/Email: support.ring.com → Contact Us
- Hours: 24/7 support available
- Have ready:
- Order number or proof of purchase
- Device serial number (in app or on device)
- Ring account email
- Description of issue and troubleshooting steps completed
- Warranty claim process:
- Standard warranty: 1 year from purchase
- Ring Protect Plus subscribers: Extended warranty
- Ring may replace defective units free under warranty
- Keep proof of purchase (email receipt, order number)
- Replacement vs repair:
- Ring Chime is not user-repairable (no replacement parts)
- If defective: Must replace entire unit
- Cost: $29 (Chime) or $49 (Chime Pro)
- Often cheaper to replace than extended troubleshooting
Alternative solutions if Chime won’t work:
Option 1: Use phone notifications only
- Not ideal but works
- Enable phone notifications in doorbell settings
- Use multiple phones in household
Option 2: Add second Ring Chime
- Place in different location
- May have better WiFi signal
- $29 additional cost
- Acts as backup
Option 3: Upgrade to Ring Chime Pro
- Built-in WiFi extender (improves all Ring devices)
- Better hardware, more reliable
- Nightlight feature
- $49 (only $20 more than standard Chime)
Option 4: Use Amazon Echo as Chime
- Alexa devices can act as Ring Chimes
- Ring skill in Alexa app
- Announce doorbell presses
- Already own = free solution
Option 5: Mechanical doorbell (hardwired doorbells only)
- If doorbell is hardwired (not battery)
- Install traditional mechanical chime
- Always works (not dependent on WiFi)
- $10-30 for basic mechanical chime
Most Ring Chime issues are simple settings problems (not linked, volume low, alerts disabled) rather than hardware failures. Work through the linking process first (Chime → Device Settings → Linked Devices → Add Doorbell), then check volume (5+) and alert settings (Doorbell → Alert Settings → Ring on Chime). These three steps solve 80% of Chime problems!
If hardware is fine but connection unreliable, consider upgrading to Ring Chime Pro ($49) for built-in WiFi extender, or use Amazon Echo devices as backup Chimes through Alexa skill integration (free if you already own Echo devices).