How to Change Chime on Aqara Doorbell Quick Guide

How to Change Chime on Aqara Doorbell Quick Guide

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Changing the chime on your Aqara Doorbell is quick and easy—simply open the Aqara app, select your doorbell, and customize the sound from the “Chime Settings” menu. Choose from multiple built-in tones or upload your own for a personalized touch, ensuring you never miss a visitor again.

Key Takeaways

  • Access settings: Open the Aqara app to adjust chime preferences quickly.
  • Select chime: Choose from multiple built-in tones for your doorbell.
  • Adjust volume: Modify chime loudness directly in the app settings.
  • Test changes: Press the doorbell to confirm your new chime works.
  • Sync devices: Ensure all Aqara hubs are updated for consistent chimes.
  • Customize schedules: Set chime times to avoid nighttime disturbances.

How to Change Chime on Aqara Doorbell: A Complete Guide

Understanding Your Aqara Doorbell System

What Is an Aqara Doorbell?

The Aqara Doorbell is a smart home device designed to provide seamless integration with modern home automation systems. Whether you’re using the Aqara Hub or pairing it with third-party platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa, this doorbell offers high-quality audio, motion detection, and customizable chimes. Unlike traditional doorbells that rely on wired connections and fixed sounds, the Aqara Doorbell is wireless, battery-powered, and fully programmable—making it a favorite among tech-savvy homeowners.

One of the standout features of the Aqara Doorbell is its ability to customize the chime, both on the indoor chime unit (if you have one) and through your smartphone or smart speaker. This flexibility allows you to personalize your doorbell experience, whether you want a classic “ding-dong” for your front door or a festive tune during the holidays. The chime customization isn’t just about aesthetics—it can also improve usability for families with hearing impairments or those who want different tones for different zones (e.g., front door vs. back door).

Types of Aqara Doorbells and Chime Options

Aqara offers several doorbell models, including:

  • Aqara Video Doorbell G2H – Features 720p video, night vision, and two-way audio. Compatible with indoor chime and smart speakers.
  • Aqara Doorbell D1 – A more compact, battery-powered model with motion detection and cloud/local storage options.
  • Aqara Smart Doorbell (non-video) – A simple audio-only version ideal for budget-conscious users.

Each model supports chime customization, but the method varies slightly depending on whether you’re using an indoor chime unit (Aqara Wireless Doorbell Chime) or relying on smart speakers (via Apple Home, Alexa, etc.). Understanding which setup you have is the first step in changing your chime.

Why Change Your Aqara Doorbell Chime?

There are several compelling reasons to update your doorbell sound:

  • Personalization: Choose sounds that match your home’s aesthetic—modern, classic, playful, or seasonal.
  • Hearing Accessibility: Select louder or more distinct tones if you or a family member has hearing difficulties.
  • Multiple Zones: Use different chimes for front and back doors so you instantly know where someone is.
  • Integration: Sync chimes with routines (e.g., play a gentle tone at night to avoid waking kids).
  • Branding: Some users even upload custom sounds (e.g., a business logo chime for home offices).

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Changing the Chime

Hardware and Software Requirements

Before diving into the chime change process, ensure you have the following:

  • Aqara Doorbell (any model) – Fully charged or connected to power.
  • Aqara Hub (if using indoor chime) – Required for the Wireless Doorbell Chime to function.
  • Aqara Wireless Doorbell Chime (optional) – If you want a physical indoor speaker.
  • Smartphone or tablet – iOS or Android device with Bluetooth 4.0+.
  • Aqara Home App (latest version) – Download from the App Store or Google Play.
  • Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz) – The doorbell and hub must be on the same network.
  • Smart speaker (optional) – For chime via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.

Tip: Always update your Aqara Home App to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues. Outdated apps often lack new chime options or bug fixes.

Checking Device Compatibility and Firmware

Not all chime features are available on older firmware. To ensure full functionality:

  1. Open the Aqara Home App and tap on your doorbell.
  2. Go to Settings > Device Information > Firmware Version.
  3. If an update is available, tap Update Now. This may take 5–10 minutes.
  4. For the indoor chime, repeat the process under its device card.

Example: A user with an Aqara G2H doorbell updated from v2.1.0 to v2.3.5 and gained access to 10 new chime sounds, including “Jazz Bell” and “Forest Chime.”

Setting Up Your Indoor Chime (If Applicable)

If you’re using the Aqara Wireless Doorbell Chime (sold separately), follow these steps:

  1. Plug the chime into a standard wall outlet near your door.
  2. Press and hold the Pairing Button (on the side) for 5 seconds until the LED flashes blue.
  3. In the Aqara Home App, go to Devices > Add Device > Sensors > Wireless Doorbell Chime.
  4. Follow on-screen instructions to pair it with your hub.
  5. Once paired, assign it to the same room as your doorbell for easier management.

Note: The chime unit has a maximum volume of 85 dB and supports 12 default chime sounds. Custom sounds require third-party integration (covered later).

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Chime via Aqara Home App

Accessing Chime Settings in the App

The primary method for changing your Aqara Doorbell chime is through the Aqara Home App. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Aqara Home App and log in to your account.
  2. Tap the Doorbells category or locate your specific doorbell device.
  3. Tap on the doorbell to open its control panel.
  4. Scroll down to Chime Settings (labeled as “Ringtone” or “Chime Sound” depending on model).
  5. Tap Chime Sound to view available options.

At this point, you’ll see a list of preloaded chime sounds. The exact number varies by model (typically 10–15). Tap any sound to preview it. A green checkmark indicates the currently selected chime.

Selecting and Applying a New Chime

Once you’ve chosen a chime:

  1. Tap the desired sound (e.g., “Classic Ding-Dong,” “Digital Beep,” “Birdsong”).
  2. Wait for the app to sync the change—this takes 10–30 seconds.
  3. Press the doorbell button to test the new chime.
  4. If using an indoor chime, ensure it’s within 30 meters of the hub for reliable transmission.

Pro Tip: Use the Volume Control slider (below chime selection) to adjust loudness. For large homes, set it to 80–100% to ensure audibility.

Creating Chime Schedules and Automation

The Aqara Home App allows you to automate chime changes based on time, location, or other triggers:

  • Time-Based Schedule: Change chimes at night (e.g., use a soft “Night Bell” after 9 PM).
  • Geofencing: When your phone leaves the house, switch to a louder chime.
  • Motion Triggers: If motion is detected at the back door, play a distinct chime.

To set up automation:

  1. Go to Automation > Create Automation > Add Trigger (e.g., “Time of Day”).
  2. Set conditions (e.g., “After 9:00 PM”).
  3. Add an action: Device Action > Doorbell > Set Chime Sound > Night Bell.
  4. Save and enable the automation.

Example: A family with young children created an automation to play a gentle chime after 8 PM to avoid startling the kids.

Changing Chime Using Smart Home Platforms (Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google)

Integrating with Apple HomeKit

If you use Apple HomeKit, you can change the chime via the Apple Home App:

  1. Open the Apple Home App and tap the + icon.
  2. Select Add Accessory > Scan Code (use the QR code on your doorbell).
  3. Follow setup prompts to pair the doorbell with HomeKit.
  4. Once added, tap the doorbell icon > Settings (gear icon).
  5. Scroll to Chime Sound and select from 5–8 available tones (e.g., “Glass,” “Wind Chime”).

Note: Apple HomeKit has fewer chime options than the Aqara app, but you can still use Scenes to change sounds based on time or location. For example, create a “Good Night” scene that sets the chime to “Soft Bell.”

Using Amazon Alexa for Chime Control

For Alexa users:

  1. Open the Amazon Alexa App and go to Devices > Add Device > Smart Home > Aqara.
  2. Log in to your Aqara account and enable the skill.
  3. Discover devices and select your doorbell.
  4. Say, “Alexa, ask Aqara to change the doorbell chime to ‘Jingle Bells'”.

Alternatively, use the Alexa app:

  1. Tap your doorbell > Settings > Chime Sound.
  2. Choose from 6 default sounds (e.g., “Ding Dong,” “Digital,” “Fog Horn”).

Tip: Alexa supports Routines—create one that plays a festive chime when you say, “Alexa, it’s Christmas time!”

Google Home Integration

For Google Assistant:

  1. Open the Google Home App and tap Add > Set up device > Works with Google > Aqara.
  2. Log in and sync your doorbell.
  3. Say, “Hey Google, change the front door chime to ‘Bird Song'”.

Or use the app:

  1. Tap your doorbell > Settings > Chime Sound.
  2. Select from 7 options (e.g., “Classic,” “Electronic,” “Nature”).

Limitation: Google Home doesn’t support custom chime uploads, but you can use Routines to automate changes.

Advanced: Custom Chimes and Third-Party Tools

Uploading Custom Chime Sounds (Workarounds)

The Aqara Home App doesn’t natively support custom chime uploads, but you can achieve this using:

  • IFTTT (If This Then That): Create an applet that triggers a custom sound via a smart speaker (e.g., Sonos, Bose).
  • Home Assistant: Advanced users can use YAML scripts to play custom audio files when the doorbell rings.
  • Bluetooth Speaker: Pair a portable Bluetooth speaker with your phone and set it as the doorbell notification device.

Example IFTTT Setup:

  1. Create an applet: IF Aqara Doorbell is pressed, THEN Play “Custom_Chime.mp3” on Spotify.
  2. Upload your sound to Spotify (private playlist).
  3. Link your Spotify account to IFTTT.
  4. Test by pressing the doorbell—Spotify will play your custom sound on connected speakers.

Using Home Assistant for Full Customization

Home Assistant users can leverage the Aqara integration and media_player services to play any audio file:

  1. Add your doorbell to Home Assistant via the Aqara Cloud integration.
  2. Use the Automation Editor to create a trigger: “When doorbell is pressed”.
  3. Add an action: Call Service > media_player.play_media.
  4. Set the media content to a local file (e.g., /media/doorbell_custom.mp3) or a URL.

Pro Tip: Convert your audio to MP3 (128 kbps, 44.1 kHz) for optimal playback.

Troubleshooting Custom Chime Issues

Common problems and fixes:

  • Chime not playing: Check speaker volume, internet connection, and file format.
  • Delay in playback: Reduce file size (under 500 KB recommended).
  • App crashes: Update Home Assistant and Aqara integration to the latest version.

Data Table: Aqara Doorbell Chime Comparison

Feature Aqara Home App Apple HomeKit Amazon Alexa Google Home
Number of Preloaded Chimes 12–15 6–8 6 7
Custom Chime Support Via IFTTT/Home Assistant No No No
Automation Schedules Yes (Time, Location, Motion) Yes (Time, Location) Yes (Routines) Yes (Routines)
Volume Control Yes (10 levels) Yes (5 levels) Yes (3 levels) Yes (4 levels)
Indoor Chime Unit Required Yes (for physical chime) No (uses Apple TV/Speaker) No (uses Echo devices) No (uses Nest speakers)
Maximum Chime Duration 30 seconds 15 seconds 10 seconds 12 seconds

Conclusion: Personalize Your Doorbell Experience

Changing the chime on your Aqara Doorbell is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your smart home. Whether you prefer the classic “ding-dong” or a custom melody, the process is straightforward—especially with the Aqara Home App. For advanced users, platforms like Home Assistant and IFTTT unlock endless customization possibilities, from seasonal chimes to branded sounds for home offices.

Remember, the key to success is ensuring your devices are up-to-date and properly integrated. Test your new chime in different scenarios (e.g., at night, with background noise) to confirm it meets your needs. With the right setup, your Aqara Doorbell won’t just notify you of visitors—it’ll reflect your personality and lifestyle.

Now that you know how to change the chime on your Aqara Doorbell, why not experiment with a new sound today? Whether it’s a calming chime for a peaceful home or a fun tune for the holidays, your doorbell can be as unique as you are. Happy customizing!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the chime on my Aqara Doorbell?

To change the chime on your Aqara Doorbell, open the Aqara app, select your doorbell device, and navigate to the “Chime Settings” or “Ringtone” option. Choose from the available tones or upload a custom chime if supported.

Can I customize the Aqara Doorbell chime sound?

Yes, you can customize the chime on your Aqara Doorbell via the Aqara app. Go to device settings, select “Ringtone,” and pick from preset options or upload an MP3 file (if your model allows).

Why isn’t my Aqara Doorbell chime changing after I update the settings?

This may occur due to a weak Wi-Fi connection or outdated app version. Ensure your doorbell is online, restart the app, and reapply the chime change to fix the issue.

Does the Aqara Doorbell support third-party chime integration?

Some Aqara Doorbell models (like the Video Doorbell G2H) work with Aqara hubs to trigger third-party chimes. Check compatibility in the app under “Smart Home” or “Automation” settings.

How do I change the volume of the Aqara Doorbell chime?

Adjust the chime volume by going to the Aqara app, selecting your doorbell, and using the “Volume” slider under “Chime Settings.” Test the sound to confirm the new level.

What file formats work for custom Aqara Doorbell chimes?

Custom chimes typically require MP3 or WAV files (under 1 MB). Upload them via the Aqara app’s “Ringtone” section, but confirm format support for your specific doorbell model first.