Having a secure and efficient way to monitor your front door is essential. One popular solution is a Ring doorbell, which sends notifications to your devices when someone is at your door. However, you might want the doorbell to ring inside your home as well, so you don’t miss any important visitors.
Fortunately, the Ring doorbell is designed to be compatible with various accessories that can help you set up an indoor ringing system. This article will guide you through the process of making your Ring doorbell ring inside your home.
TOC
Ring Doorbell and Chime
Ring Doorbell is a popular choice among homeowners for creating a smart and secure home environment. To enhance the functionality of your Ring Doorbell device, Chime and Chime Pro can be used as indoor audible alerts for your doorbell notifications.
Ring Doorbell Models
There are several Ring Doorbell models available, ranging from the basic Ring Video Doorbell to the advanced Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2. Each model offers unique features catering to various user requirements.
Some of the key features include customizable motion detection, two-way audio, and high-quality video streaming.
Here is a quick comparison of the popular Ring Doorbell models:
| Model | Video Quality | Power Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ring Video Doorbell | 720p HD | Battery or Hardwired |
| Ring Video Doorbell 3 | 1080p HD | Battery or Hardwired |
| Ring Video Doorbell Pro | 1080p HD | Hardwired |
Ring Chime and Chime Pro
Ring Chime and Chime Pro are indoor devices, designed to work as an extension of your Ring Doorbell system. They plug directly into an electrical outlet and communicate wirelessly with your Ring Doorbell.
Chime offers customizable tones, volume control, and ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. Chime Pro does everything Chime does, while also boosting the Wi-Fi signal of your Ring Doorbell device to extend its coverage.
- Ring Chime: Indoor notification device, customizable tones, and volume control.
- Ring Chime Pro: Includes Chime features, plus built-in Wi-Fi extender to enhance device coverage.
Compatibility with Chime Kits
It’s important to make sure that your Ring Doorbell can work with a compatible Chime kit before setting it up. The compatibility varies by model and features but, in general, your Ring Doorbell should be compatible with a wide range of Chime kits.
For specific compatibility information, consult Ring’s official documentation on Chime kit compatibility for each Ring Doorbell model.
Setting Up Ring Doorbell Notifications
To make your Ring Doorbell ring inside your home, follow these steps to set up notifications on various devices, including the Ring app, smartphones, Amazon Echo (Alexa), and Google Home.
Using the Ring App
First, you need to install the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. It is available for both Android and iOS devices. Once you’ve installed the app, create an account or sign in with your existing credentials.
Next, connect your Ring Doorbell to the app by following the in-app instructions. After connecting the device, go to the Ring Doorbell settings, and enable notifications. You can also customize the type of alerts you receive, such as motion alerts or ring alerts.
Integrating with Smartphone
After setting up your Ring Doorbell with the Ring app, you can receive notifications directly on your smartphone. To do this, ensure that your phone’s settings allow notifications from the Ring app.
For detailed instructions, refer to your phone’s user manual or documentation to learn how to enable notifications for specific apps.
Alexa and Amazon Echo
To receive alerts on your Amazon Echo devices, you’ll need to enable the Ring Skill in the Alexa app. Follow the steps below:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Go to the Skills & Games section.
- Search for the Ring Skill and install it.
- Link your Ring account to your Alexa account.
- Enable announcements for your Ring Doorbell.
With these settings, your Amazon Echo devices will announce when someone is at your door, and you can use voice commands to communicate with them.
Google Home
If you have Google Home devices, you can also receive alerts from your Ring Doorbell by connecting it to your Google account with the following steps:
- Open the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the ‘+’ icon and select ‘Set up device.’
- Choose ‘Have something already set up?’
- Search for the Ring service and tap it.
- Login with your Ring account credentials to link it to your Google Home.
Once connected, you’ll receive notifications on your Google Home devices about activity at your front door.
Powering Your Ring Doorbell
In this section, we will discuss various power options for your Ring Doorbell, including battery-powered and hardwired solutions, as well as cold weather considerations.
Battery-Powered Doorbells
If your Ring Doorbell is battery-powered, it uses either a removable or built-in battery as its power source. To keep your doorbell functioning properly, monitor the battery level regularly.
When it’s time to replace or recharge the batteries, follow these steps:
- For removable batteries, open the battery compartment, remove the old batteries, and insert new ones.
- For built-in batteries, simply disconnect the doorbell and plug it into an outlet using the charging cable provided.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the type of batteries to use and how often to replace or charge them.
Hardwired Doorbells
If you have a wired Ring Doorbell, such as the Ring Video Doorbell Wired or Ring Video Doorbell Pro, it will require a connection to your home’s electrical system. To power these doorbells, you will need access to wiring and a doorbell transformer.
The wiring process includes:
- Locating your existing doorbell wires and ensuring power is switched off.
- Connecting the wires from your Ring Doorbell to the doorbell transformer.
- Reattaching your doorbell to the wall and switching the power back on.
Consult the installation guide provided by Ring and always ensure safety when working with electrical components.
Power Supplies and Transformers
When hardwiring a Ring Doorbell, a doorbell transformer with an output voltage between 16-24V AC is recommended. If your home’s transformer doesn’t meet these requirements, you may need to upgrade it.
Additionally, an optional power supply can be used as a backup solution if your doorbell transformer fails.
To choose the right power supply or transformer for your Ring Doorbell, consider factors such as compatibility, output voltage, and the amperage rating. It’s essential to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent any damage to your device.
Cold Weather Considerations
In colder climates, the performance of your battery-powered Ring Doorbell could be affected by low temperatures. When the temperature drops, batteries can lose capacity, resulting in decreased performance or the need for more frequent battery changes. T
o maintain optimal functionality during cold weather, you can:
- Install a compatible, cold-weather battery.
- Place the doorbell in a sheltered location.
For hardwired doorbells, transformers and power supplies designed to withstand cold temperatures are available. Invest in a high-quality transformer to ensure your Ring Doorbell performs well, even in the coldest conditions.
Configuring Doorbell Chime Settings
In this section, you will learn how to configure the doorbell chime settings for your Ring Doorbell to ensure it rings inside your home. Different settings, such as Internal Chime Kits, Mechanical and Digital Chimes, and Volume and Sound Options, will be covered to help you achieve the desired chime functionality.
Internal Chime Kits
Internal chime kits are essential to connect your Ring Doorbell with your existing doorbell chime.
To configure this, follow the steps below:
- Open the Ring App on your smartphone.
- Select your Ring Doorbell from the list of devices.
- Tap on the “Device Settings” menu.
- Choose “In-Home Chime Settings” and select “Internal Doorbell Chime Type”.
- Choose the appropriate chime type based on your existing chime.
- Save the changes, and your Ring Doorbell should now trigger your internal chime kit.
Mechanical and Digital Chimes
When setting up your doorbell chime, it’s essential to differentiate between mechanical and digital chimes:
- Mechanical Chime: These chimes produce a physical ringing sound due to a mechanism, such as a hammer hitting a bell.
- Digital Chime: These chimes use an electronic-tone speaker to produce the ringing sound and might have multiple melodies or tones to choose from.
Make sure to select the correct chime type in the “Internal Doorbell Chime Type” setting, as mentioned in the previous sub-section. This step ensures seamless functioning and avoids potential interference or compatibility issues.
Volume and Sound Options
Adjusting the volume and sound settings of your Ring Doorbell will help you hear it better from any room in your home.
- In the Ring App, go to the “Device Settings” menu of your Ring Doorbell.
- Select “Audio Settings” and tap on “Chime Volume” to adjust the internal chime kit’s volume level.
- If you have a digital chime, you may have additional sound options to choose from. Access these by going to “In-Home Chime Settings” and selecting “Chime Tones”.
- Pick the desired chime tone from the list and save the changes.
With the appropriate settings configured, your Ring Doorbell should ring inside your home according to your preferences.
Troubleshooting and Support
In this section, we’ll discuss troubleshooting and support for your Ring Doorbell, focusing on common issues and solutions.
Insufficient Power Issues
If your Ring Doorbell is not ringing inside, it might be due to insufficient power. Check if your battery-powered doorbell’s battery is low or if your hardwired doorbell has any wiring issues.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for battery replacement or seek professional help for wiring problems.
Wi-Fi Signal and Extender Issues
Ensure your Ring Doorbell has a strong Wi-Fi signal. A weak signal could result from interference, distance from the router, or compatibility issues. If necessary, use a Wi-Fi extender to improve your Wi-Fi network’s coverage.
Wi-Fi strength is critical for Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation), Ring Video Doorbell 2, and Ring Video Doorbell 3 to function properly.
Ring Doorbell Not Ringing
Make sure your Ring Doorbell is properly set up and connected to your Wi-Fi network. If using an Alexa device or Google Home, ensure the skill or adapter is installed and configured correctly.
Additionally, check your device’s volume settings, as a low volume or muted setting may prevent the doorbell from ringing inside.
Security and Privacy Concerns
Always treat the Ring Doorbell as a security device, following best practices to ensure your privacy and protect against burglars. Keep your Wi-Fi network secure with a strong password and change it periodically.
Be mindful of any interference or suspicious activity around your Ring Doorbell and report it to the necessary authorities.
Regularly update your Ring Doorbell’s firmware to receive the latest security patches and enhancements.
Contacting Customer Support
If you are unable to resolve the issue, contact Ring’s customer support for assistance. Provide them with the necessary details, such as the doorbell model, installation process, and any troubleshooting steps you’ve tried. Their expert guidance will help you identify and address the problem effectively.