Ring Doorbell Not Working With Existing Chime? (Fix Fast!)

If you find out that your Ring Doorbell is not working with existing chime, especially when you are ready to set up your new installation, it can be frustrating.

This can leave you without audible indoor alerts, which throws off the entire purpose!

Don’t worry for a moment–this guide provides clear solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the compatibility issue, ensuring your Chime rings as expected.

Ring Doorbell Not Working with Existing Chime – Proven Solutions!

Note: The hardwired Ring doorbells are only compatible with digital and mechanical chimes.

1. Use a Hardwired Ring Doorbell Product

Only hardwired Ring doorbells can interconnect with the existing chime of your system and function properly.

The Wi-Fi-operated Ring products are typically battery-powered or connect with an outlet instead, so there are no terminal points on the mounting bracket for the system.

Note: Some battery-powered Ring doorbells can still interconnect with your system, but for the chime to work, there must be a physical connection. 

Hence, verify that your Ring Doorbell model supports hardwired installation—models like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro or Pro 2 are designed for this setup.

Check your existing wiring for compatibility, typically requiring a 16- 24V transformer AC. 

If it is compatible, connect the doorbell to the existing wiring following the Ring installation guide, then test the setup in the Ring app.

2. Specify the Existing Chime in the App

Your Ring Doorbell might not work with your existing chime if it hasn’t been properly configured to recognize the chime type in your home. 

Configuring the settings through the Ring app ensures the doorbell integrates correctly with your existing chime, whether it’s a hardwired or battery-powered (plus hardwired) device.

2.1 Hardwired Ring Doorbells:

• Open the Ring app and go to the main dashboard.
• Tap the three dots on your Ring Doorbell device.
• Go to Settings, then tap the Device Settings tile.
• Specify the Chime Type under Chime Settings.
• Toggle the in-home chime on and tap on “Save”.

2.2 Battery-Powered + Hardwired Ring Doorbells:

• Open the Ring app and go to the main dashboard.
• Tap the three dots on your Ring Doorbell device.
• Go to Settings and tap In-home Chime Settings.
• Press Automatic Chime Detection and then wait.
• Press “Yes, I have an in-home chime” in the tab.
• Adjust extra options through “Advanced Settings”.

Note: Test the doorbell after each adjustment to check if there is any difference in the output. 

3. Check if You Have a Compatible Chime

Not all chime models are compatible with the Ring doorbell, although the wiring for most is standard and can seamlessly connect with the terminals of your chime.

Either way, we have listed a portion of the most popular models below and a link to the Ring compatibility page.

You should also keep in mind that some models, like the Ring Video Doorbell Wired, do not support internal chimes.

Your option is to either use a Ring plug-in chime or an Alexa speaker.

3.1 Compatible Mechanical Chimes:

• Air King Limited: CK100, CK110
• Broan: 950W, 971
• Carlon: CK225, DH120
• NuTone: BK240LWH, LA100WH
• Heath Zenith: 95B-B, 32SN

3.2 Compatible Digital Chimes:

• Hampton Bay: HB-7611-02, HB-7612-02
• Heath-Zenith: BC3330, DC-3335
• Honeywell: RCW250N1003, RCW3502N
• IQ America: DW1401A, DW2403A
• NuTone: LA600WH

Since the compatibility list is quite lengthy, we recommend searching for your own chime model in the official Ring compatibility section to check if the Ring doorbell supports it. 

Note: Most Ring doorbells support both mechanical and digital chimes.

4. Install & Wire the Ring Chime Kit Setup

The Ring Chime Kit or “Chime Adapter” is an essential component that converts the transformer voltage into compatible values for your existing chime and the Ring doorbell. 

This adapter is only used in hardwired Ring installations in case of persistent power disruptions or overpowering, or underpowering. 

You can order the Ring Chime Kit separately or have it ordered with your hardwired doorbell. 

• Turn off the circuit breaker to safely start the inspection.
• Locate the chime unit, typically in a hallway or living room.
• Remove the chime cover carefully and access the wiring.
• Identify the “Front” and “Trans” terminals within the chime.
• Connect the yellow wire from the Ring Chime Kit to “Front.”
• Connect the green wire from the kit to the “Trans” terminal.
• Secure all connections, ensuring wires are tightly fastened.
• Test the chime and Ring doorbell after restoring the power.

To avoid further issues, confirm the transformer provides 16- 24V AC, as required by most Ring Doorbell models for proper chime integration. 

Note: Bypassing the chime adapter setup may lead to insufficient voltage, potentially causing the chime to damage the transformer.

5. Inspect the Ring Doorbell Terminals

Yet another reason why the existing chime is not working with Ring doorbell could be improperly connected or has loose terminal wires. 

Every wired doorbell, including all hardwired Ring models, must connect with a total of two wires from your existing system–an A/C (TRANS) wire and a chime  (FRONT/REAR) wire.

1. Shut off the power at the circuit breaker for safety.
2. Use a prying tool to carefully remove the doorbell.
3. Find the terminals on the doorbell’s mounting plate.
4. Disconnect the “TRANS” wire (+) from the housing.
5. Wait 15–20 seconds, then reconnect the “TRANS”.
6. Now, reconnect the “FRONT” to the Ring doorbell.

The “TRANS” wire provides the main power from the breaker to the doorbell, while the “FRONT” wire, sometimes called the “chime” wire, links the doorbell to your mechanical or digital chime. 

6. Test & Replace the Installation Transformer

An underpowered or outdated transformer might be the reason why your Ring doorbell does not trigger the indoor chime.

The transformer should deliver 16–24V AC (8V is the minimum but often unreliable), and replacing it with a compatible one can ensure consistent performance.

6.1 How to Test the Transformer Voltage:

• Turn off the doorbell system power at the circuit breaker for safety.
• Locate the A/C transformer, which is often near the electrical panel.
• Set the multimeter to “AC Voltage” in order to proceed with the testing.
• Touch the meter’s leads with the plus and minus on the transformer.
• Next, turn the power back on and check if the output is 16- 24V AC.

6.2 Replace with a Compatible Transformer:

• Purchase a 16V or 24V 30VA compatible transformer.
• Disable the electricity and disconnect the existing wires.
• Now, connect the new transformer to the existing wiring.
• Mount the new transformer and turn the power back on.
• Test the Ring Doorbell to confirm the chime now works.

Note: If you are hesitant about replacing the transformer yourself, consider getting in touch with a local technician or directly with Ring customer support. 

7. Clean the Housing of the Chime

Note: Only proceed with this step if your installation uses a mechanical chime.

Any dust buildup or wear inside the chime compartment might cause issues with the ringing and prevent it from ringing properly.

So, cleaning and inspecting the chime housing can help resolve these problems and restore functionality.

Follow these steps to inspect the chime housing:

• Turn off the circuit breaker A/C to ensure safety.
• Locate the chime unit, typically in a central area.
• Remove the cover to access the unit hardware.
• Next, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any dust.
• Inspect the components for any wear or damage.

Note: A mechanical chime produces sound using a traditional bell and hammer mechanism for your Ring Doorbell, while a digital chime plays pre-recorded tones through a speaker. 

8. Reset the Ring Doorbell to Default Settings

You can address most issues with your Ring doorbell by performing a factory reset, as long as the problem is on the doorbell’s end.

All you have to do is locate the “Reset” button, regardless of the doorbell model, and hold it until the factory reset is activated.

• For Ring 1, hold the Orange button on the back side for 20 seconds and release it.
• For Ring 2, hold the Black button on the front for about 20 seconds and release it.

Note: All of the doorbell settings and configurations will be erased after the factory reset.

9. Consider Chime Alternative to Ring (Workaround)

If the Ring Doorbell is not working with the existing chime after all the steps so far, an alternative chime can ensure you still hear alerts when someone rings the doorbell.

Ring provides options like the plug-in Ring Chime or Alexa integration, both bypassing your in-home chime system. 

Method #1 Use the Plug-In Ring Chime

The plug-in Ring Chime, included with most Ring Doorbells, acts as a standalone chime that doesn’t need your existing in-home chime. 

Simply plug it into an outlet, connect it to Wi-Fi via the Ring app under Devices, link it to your doorbell, and test to confirm it rings.

Method #2 Add the Ring Chime to Alexa

Well, using Alexa as a chime alternative lets your Echo device announce Ring Doorbell presses, which is ideal if your chime isn’t compatible. 

So, enable the Ring skill in the Alexa app, link your account, add the doorbell under Devices, turn on Doorbell Press Announcements, and test it.

Note: To ensure consistency, the Wi-Fi must be stable for both the Ring doorbell and chime!