You want to add a Ring Video Doorbell to your home security system, but you’re not sure which one will work with your existing chime.
There are many different ring doorbells on the market, and it can be difficult to determine which one will work with your existing chime.
This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to determine Which Ring Doorbell Works With an Existing Chime? and connect and install your Ring Doorbell with an existing chime.
Does Ring Doorbell Work With an Existing Chime?
Yes, Ring Doorbell does work with an existing chime if the chime is AC-powered and the wired connection yields between eight and twenty-four volts. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is not compatible with any third-party wireless ringer or any bell/intercom system that uses a DC transformer.
However, Ring does make its own chime products, such as the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro, which are separate from the Ring Video Doorbell and allow you to hear the bell when you’re at home. There are certain chimes that are compatible with a Ring Doorbell and some that are not. Luckily, for compatible ones, installation is not too difficult.
Which Ring Doorbell Works with Existing Chime?
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a hardwired doorbell with a wide field of view and robust sensors, including radar, that capture and alert the user of visitors approaching the door. It is the most expensive but also the best video doorbell available. Installation is easy thanks to the step-by-step instructions in the Ring app.
It also has a color night vision, pre-roll video clips, and a “Bird’s Eye View” feature, which reconstructs the path taken by the visitor. Additionally, it integrates with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as Ring’s Protect subscription service.
In order to use the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with an existing chime, you will need to install the included Pro Power Kit. Installation of the Doorbell Pro 2 should take approximately 15 minutes and will require an electric drill, which is not included in the box.
The steps to installation are well documented in the Ring app, and include the following:
- Turn off the power to your chime and doorbell.
- Disconnect the wires from the existing chime.
- Connect the wires from the Pro Power Kit to the wires from the chime.
- Secure the Pro Power Kit to the wall using the provided screws.
- Connect the wires from the Pro Power Kit to the wires from the Doorbell Pro 2.
- Secure the Doorbell Pro 2 to the wall using the provided screws.
- Reconnect the wires from the existing chime.
- Turn on the power to your chime and doorbell.
Once installation is complete, you can enjoy the improved audio quality, 1536p video resolution, advanced motion detection, and two features called Bird’s Eye View and Head to Toe Video of your Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2.
Ring Video Doorbell 3
Yes, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is compatible with existing chimes if the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is connected to the previous doorbell’s existing wires. Mechanical chimes, the Ring Wifi Chimes, and Alexa devices are all compatible options for connecting to the Ring Video Doorbell 3 as a chime.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is an advanced version of the popular Ring Video Doorbell 2, offering an improved 1080p HD video resolution, two-way audio, motion detection, and Alexa compatibility. This doorbell camera is equipped with adjustable motion zones, so you can customize it to fit your property. With the Ring Video Doorbell 3, you can quickly and easily monitor your front door with crystal-clear video and audio, even when you’re away from home.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is compatible with most existing chimes and is easy to install. To get started, you will need to purchase the Ring Video Doorbell 3 kit, which includes a chime connection wire and mounting hardware. Here are the steps to connect the Ring Video Doorbell 3 with your existing chime:
- Install the Ring Video Doorbell 3 by connecting the wires to the terminals.
- Connect the chime connection wire to the terminals on the chime.
- Plug the chime connection wire into the Ring Video Doorbell 3.
- Secure the Ring Video Doorbell 3 to the wall using the included mounting hardware.
- Test the connection by pressing the button on the Ring Video Doorbell 3. The chime should ring.
Once your chime is connected to the Ring Video Doorbell 3, you can customize the settings to your preferences. You can adjust the motion detection sensitivity, video quality, and audio volume. You can also set up chime alerts for when someone rings the doorbell or when motion is detected.
Why you should buy Ring Video Doorbell 4 (2021 release) with Ring Chime Pro (2nd Gen) instead
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 (2021 release) with Ring Chime Pro (2nd Gen) is a better choice than Ring Chime Pro (2nd Gen) due to its wider field of view, robust set of sensors, and larger footprint that makes it more aesthetically appealing. With the Ring Video Doorbell 4, you have 150 degrees by 150 degrees of coverage, allowing you to have a head-to-toe perspective on your porch.
This wider field of view can help you spot packages and identify visitors. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 also comes with a robust set of sensors, including radar which can reconstruct the path a visitor took to your door. This is a great feature to have if you need to check if anyone was casing the joint.
Installation of the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is also much easier than with the Ring Chime Pro– it takes about 15 minutes to install and all the required tools are included in the box, save for an electric drill which is highly recommended.
Finally, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 has a larger footprint and design that is more aesthetically pleasing than the Ring Chime Pro. With the Ring Video Doorbell 4, you can also enjoy features like Alexa Greetings, which allows Alexa to answer your door if you can’t get to it.
How to wire and connect a Ring Video Doorbell with an existing chime?
1. Charge The Ring Doorbell
Charging your Ring Doorbell is an easy process. To begin, connect the micro USB cable that comes with your doorbell to the back of the device and a power source. This will activate the blue LED light on the front. Once the light is fully lit, the battery should be at 100%.
2. Remove Current Doorbell
If you want to install a Ring Video Doorbell, the first step is to remove the existing doorbell which is typically attached with two small screws. Once this is removed, you can check to see if there are existing wires to connect the doorbell to. If so, it is important to turn off the power at the breaker before proceeding. Next, you’ll need to mount the bracket, connect the wires, and install the diode if you are using a digital doorbell.
3. Wire Existing Wires To Ring Doorbell
Connecting a Ring Video Doorbell to an existing chime is a relatively simple process that doesn’t require any special skills or tools. To begin, you’ll need to turn off the power at the breaker and remove the cover from the chime. Then, loosen the “Front” and “Trans” terminal screws and connect the jumper cable.
Next, you’ll need to uninstall your existing doorbell button and mark the screw holes. After this, connect the doorbell wires and screw in the Ring Doorbell.
4. Secure Base Plate To Door Frame
To secure the Ring Doorbell base plate to the door frame, first make sure the base plate is level by using the included level. Then, take the screws that are provided with the doorbell and use a screwdriver or a screw gun to attach the base plate to the door frame.
Make sure the screws are tight to ensure the doorbell base plate is securely attached. Finally, use the security screw that is provided to lock the Ring Doorbell onto the base plate. This will ensure the Ring Doorbell is secure and will not move or be displaced.
5. Adjust WiFi/Video Settings
In order to adjust the WiFi/Video settings for a Ring Video Doorbell connected to an existing chime, you will need to take the following steps:
- Download the Ring app and log in to your account.
- Press the button on your Ring Doorbell to check its video quality.
- If the video quality is not what you want, you may need to adjust your WiFi settings, move your router, or use a Ring Chime Pro which can be used as a WiFi extender.
- Increase the internet download speed to at least 2 Mbps if necessary.
- Enable rich notifications in the Ring app by going to each device and selecting the option for smart notifications.
- Turn on the option to have alerts open full-screen video.
- Customize the motion capture range and area by going to the app menu, selecting the device, and then motion settings.
- Put motion detection on a schedule by going to advanced settings in motion detection.
- Turn off motion notifications in the Ring app if desired.
- Snooze your motion alerts for a specified amount of time through the app.
6. Attach the Ring Doorbell To the Base Plate
To attach the Ring Doorbell to the base plate, start by loosening the two screws at the bottom of the doorbell and sliding it over the base plate until it latches on. Then use the screwdriver that was included with the device to tighten the screws. After this, secure the base plate to the door frame using the screws provided. It is recommended that you use a screw gun to ensure the plate is even and secure.
Once the base plate is secure, take the existing wires coming out of the wall and thread them through the Ring’s base plate. Then attach the wires to the two screws that are in the base plate and tighten them down. For digital doorbells, you will also need to install the included diode between these two screws.
7. Adjust Settings From the Ring App
If you want to connect a Ring Video Doorbell with an existing chime, you can adjust the settings via the Ring app. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
- Download the Ring app and create an account. Log in to your account to set up your Ring and adjust its settings.
- Select “Chime Tones” and pick the one you like from the list. This will change the doorbell tone.
- You can also adjust the volume. Once you select a tone, the Chime will flash to indicate that it’s downloading. When the light becomes solid blue, this means the download is complete and you can start using the new tone.
- Press the button on your Ring Doorbell to check its video quality and adjust the WiFi and Video Settings.
- Go to your Device Settings in the Ring app, and make sure the buttons for both Ring notifications and Motion notifications are set to the blue “On” position.
- To turn the volume all the way down, go to settings, select “Doorbell Tone Volume” and toggle the button to off.
- To enable rich notifications and have alerts open full-screen video, head into the app menu and find your device. Select the settings cog and turn on the options.
- You can also customize the motion capture range and area. Head into the app menu, select your device, then motion settings. Here you can change the range, zone, and frequency or use the wizard.
- Lastly, you can put motion detection on a schedule. Head into the app menu, and you’ll find options for motion alerts in the Video Doorbell, as well as for your Chimes. You can turn off those alerts if you don’t want them.
Once you have completed all the steps, your Ring Video Doorbell should be successfully connected to an existing Chime with your desired settings.
Tips For Finding Out If Your Ring Doorbell Can Work With An Existing Chime
Finding out if your Ring Doorbell will work with an existing chime can be easily determined by following these steps:
- Determine the type of doorbell chime you have. This can be done by the sound it makes; a mechanical chime makes sound through a physical bell and a mechanical hammer, while an electronic chime uses digital sounds.
- Check to see if your chime is compatible with a Ring Doorbell. Ring doorbells are compatible with AC-powered mechanical chimes that operate between 8 to 24V, but not with wireless chimes or intercom systems with a DC transformer. You can find out which chimes are compatible with Ring Doorbell here.
- Connect your Ring Video Doorbell to the old wired doorbell’s AC chime. If the Ring Doorbell system is connected to the previous doorbell’s existing wires, then it can work with the existing chime.
- Turn off the doorbell chime if desired. If a doorbell chime is not desired, then it can be disabled, so that it doesn’t make noise when that may be undesired such as during naptime.
- Purchase Ring’s own chime if necessary. Ring Chime Pro wifi and All-new Ring Chime Pro are Ring’s own chime or bell products. They are separate from the Ring Video Doorbell and it isn’t required when buying a video doorbell. However, these are fantastic devices for letting you know that a visitor is outside your door.
By following these steps, you should be able to easily determine if your Ring Doorbell can work with an existing chime.
FAQs
Can a Ring Doorbell be used with an existing chime?
Yes, a Ring Doorbell can be used with an existing chime. If the Ring Doorbell system is connected to the old doorbell’s existing wires, then it can work with the existing chime. Additionally, it is also possible to turn off the doorbell chime so that it doesn’t make noise when that may be undesired such as during naptime. Certain chimes are compatible with the Ring Doorbell and some are not. If the chime is compatible, installation is not too difficult.
Does the Ring Doorbell chime inside the house?
Does the Ring Doorbell chime inside the house? With a Ring Chime or Chime Pro, you can get the Doorbell to chime inside the house. It connects to your doorbell through WiFi and sends you real-time notifications as well as a chime when someone presses the doorbell. Set up the Chime where you spend a lot of time, like the home office or living room. If you feel adventurous, you can even get multiple Ring Chimes and set them up all over the house.
How does Ring Doorbell connect to the existing wireless chime?
Ring Doorbells are compatible with AC-powered mechanical chimes that operate between 8 to 24V, but are not compatible with wireless chimes or intercom systems with a DC transformer. If your existing chime is AC-powered, you can use it with your Ring Doorbell. If your existing chime is DC-powered, it won’t be compatible with your Ring Doorbell.
Can A Ring Doorbell Work With An Old Chime?
Yes, a Ring Doorbell can work with an old chime if the chime is AC-powered and yields between eight and 24 volts. Ring doorbells are compatible with AC-powered mechanical chimes and the Ring Chime and Ring Chime Pro products.
It is not compatible with wireless chimes or intercom systems with a DC transformer. If desired, it is also possible to turn off the old doorbell chime so that it doesn’t make noise when that is undesired.
Does Ring Pro 2 work with existing chime?
Yes, the Ring Pro 2 does work with existing chime. This is a great option for those who want to have the alarm system and doorbell all in one. The installation process is not too difficult and can be completed in a few steps. Make sure you have the right tools handy before getting started.
What if I Can’t Connect My Doorbell to My Existing Chime?
If you are not able to connect your doorbell to your existing chime, you can purchase an additional chime that is compatible with your doorbell. There are many different types of chimes to choose from, so you can find one that best suits your needs. If you can’t connect your Ring Doorbell to your existing chime, don’t worry.
You have a few other options. First, you could use the built-in chime on your Ring Doorbell. This will make a sound when someone rings the doorbell. Second, you could use the Ring Chime Pro. The Chime Pro is a wireless extension that plugs into an electrical outlet and will play the same sound as your Ring Doorbell’s built-in chime.
You can still wire a standard or pro version of the wired ring to your existing doorbell and chime. So both can still work. Here is a video on how to do the wiring https://youtu.be/c1PcRQ5Z1Qk
Thank You!