Why Does My Aqara Doorbell Not Ring Inside Find Solutions Here

If your Aqara doorbell isn’t ringing inside, the most common cause is a pairing or Wi-Fi connectivity issue between the doorbell and indoor chime unit. Check that both devices are properly synced, powered, and within range, and ensure your home network meets Aqara’s requirements for stable performance. Firmware updates and factory resets can often resolve persistent audio failures—don’t skip these troubleshooting essentials.

Key Takeaways

• Check power sources: Ensure the doorbell and chime are properly powered and connected.
• Verify Wi-Fi signal: A strong, stable connection is critical for indoor chime functionality.
• Re-pair devices: Reset and re-sync the doorbell and indoor chime via the Aqara app.
• Update firmware: Install the latest firmware to fix bugs and improve performance.
• Disable mute settings: Confirm the indoor chime isn’t muted or on silent mode.
• Test volume levels: Adjust chime volume in the app to ensure it’s audible.

Why Does My Aqara Doorbell Not Ring Inside? Understanding the Issue

If you’ve recently installed an Aqara doorbell and noticed that it doesn’t ring inside your home—despite the outdoor chime or app notifications working—you’re not alone. This is a common frustration among smart doorbell users, especially those new to the Aqara ecosystem. Whether you’re using the Aqara Video Doorbell G2H Pro, the G3, or the Wireless Doorbell Button, the expectation is that a visitor pressing the button should trigger an audible alert inside your home. But when that doesn’t happen, it can feel like a broken promise from your smart home setup.

The Aqara doorbell is designed to integrate seamlessly with your smart home, offering features like two-way talk, motion detection, cloud and local storage, and multi-room chime notifications. However, the internal chime functionality relies on several components working together: the doorbell itself, the chime unit (if wired), a hub, and your mobile app settings. When any of these components are misconfigured or incompatible, the indoor chime may fail to activate. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common reasons behind a non-functioning indoor ring and provide actionable solutions to get your Aqara doorbell working as intended.

1. Hub and Ecosystem Compatibility Issues

The Aqara doorbell operates within the broader Aqara Home or Apple HomeKit ecosystem, and its indoor chime functionality is heavily dependent on a compatible hub. Without a hub, or with an incompatible one, your doorbell may only send push notifications—not sound alerts inside your home.

Understanding the Role of the Aqara Hub

The Aqara hub (such as the M1S, M2, or Camera Hub G3) acts as the brain of your smart home network. It bridges communication between the doorbell and other Aqara devices, including smart speakers, chimes, and lights. For the indoor chime to work, the hub must be:

• Connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your doorbell
• Firmware-updated and online
• Properly paired with the doorbell in the Aqara Home app

For example, if you’re using the Aqara Wireless Doorbell Button without a hub, it will only send app notifications to your phone. To hear a chime inside, you need to pair it with a Smart Plug or Smart Wall Switch connected to a speaker or chime unit via the hub.

Apple HomeKit vs. Aqara Home App

Users who set up their doorbell via Apple HomeKit may experience different chime behavior compared to those using the Aqara Home app. In HomeKit, the chime is often limited to Siri announcements or HomePod alerts, not traditional doorbell sounds. To enable a classic “ding-dong” inside:

• Open the Aqara Home app (not HomeKit)
• Go to Automation > Create Automation
• Trigger: “Doorbell Pressed”
• Action: “Play Sound on Aqara Smart Speaker” or “Turn On Chime-Connected Switch”

Tip: If you prefer HomeKit, use a HomePod mini as your chime device. Set up an automation in the Home app to play a custom sound when the doorbell is pressed.

Hub Firmware and Connectivity

Outdated hub firmware is a silent culprit. Aqara frequently releases updates to improve device compatibility and stability. To check:

• Open Aqara Home app → Devices → Hub → Firmware Update
• Ensure the hub has a strong Wi-Fi signal (RSSI > -65 dBm)
• Reboot the hub if it’s been offline for more than 24 hours

Example: A user in a large house found their hub was in a basement with weak Wi-Fi. After relocating it to a central location and updating firmware, indoor chimes worked perfectly.

2. Incorrect or Missing Chime Device Setup

Even with a hub, your Aqara doorbell won’t ring inside unless you’ve configured a chime device—either a dedicated chime unit, smart plug with speaker, or smart switch connected to a traditional doorbell chime.

Types of Chime Devices Compatible with Aqara

Aqara supports several ways to generate an indoor chime:

• Aqara Smart Plug (with speaker): Plug in a small speaker or chime unit (e.g., a $15 USB-powered doorbell chime)
• Aqara Smart Wall Switch (with chime): Wired to a mechanical or digital chime
• Aqara Smart Speaker (S1 or S3): Built-in chime sounds and voice announcements
• HomePod / AirPlay 2 Speakers: For Apple HomeKit users

Important: The Aqara Video Doorbell G2H Pro includes a wireless chime unit (sold separately or in bundles). If you didn’t purchase this chime, or if it’s not paired, no indoor sound will play.

How to Pair a Chime Device

Follow these steps to set up a chime:

1. In the Aqara Home app, tap + > Add Device
2. Select your chime device (e.g., Smart Plug)
3. Complete pairing and name it (e.g., “Front Door Chime”)
4. Go to Automation > Create Automation
5. Set trigger: “Doorbell Pressed”
6. Set action: “Turn On Front Door Chime” (for a plug) or “Play Chime Sound on Speaker”

Pro Tip: Use a mechanical chime (e.g., a vintage doorbell) with a Smart Plug. When the plug turns on, it powers the chime solenoid, creating a real “ding-dong” sound. This is ideal for users who dislike synthetic digital tones.

Testing the Chime Setup

After setup, test the chime by pressing the doorbell button. If it doesn’t work:

• Check if the chime device is online (green status in app)
• Verify the automation is enabled (toggle is on)
• Ensure the chime device is not in “Do Not Disturb” mode

Example: A user had a Smart Plug but forgot to plug in a speaker. The automation turned on the plug, but no sound occurred. Once a speaker was connected, the chime worked instantly.

3. Power Supply and Wiring Problems (Wired Models)

If you’re using a wired Aqara doorbell (e.g., G2H Pro with transformer), power issues can prevent the indoor chime from activating—even if the outdoor unit works.

Transformer Voltage and Compatibility

Aqara wired doorbells require a 16–24V AC transformer with at least 10VA power. Using a transformer with insufficient voltage or wattage can cause:

• Doorbell to power on but not trigger chime
• Chime to sound weak or distorted
• Intermittent connectivity

To check your transformer:

1. Turn off power at the breaker
2. Use a multimeter to test output voltage (should be 16–24V AC)
3. Ensure the transformer is not overloaded (total wattage of all devices ≤ 80% of transformer capacity)

Example: A homeowner had a 10V, 5VA transformer. The doorbell lit up, but the chime only worked 30% of the time. After upgrading to a 24V, 20VA transformer, the chime became reliable.

Wiring the Chime Circuit Correctly

The indoor chime must be wired in series with the doorbell and transformer. Common mistakes include:

• Wiring the chime in parallel (causes short or no sound)
• Using undersized wires (18-gauge minimum)
• Loose connections at terminals

Correct wiring sequence:

1. Transformer → Doorbell Terminal (Front)
2. Doorbell Terminal (Trans) → Chime Terminal (Front)
3. Chime Terminal (Trans) → Transformer

Tip: Label wires with tape (e.g., “Front,” “Trans”) to avoid confusion. If you’re unsure, consult a licensed electrician.

Testing the Chime Circuit

With power off, use a continuity tester to verify:

• Path from transformer to chime
• No shorts between terminals
• All connections are tight

Once confirmed, restore power and test the chime. If it still doesn’t work, the chime unit itself may be faulty.

4. App and Automation Configuration Errors

Even with perfect hardware setup, incorrect app settings can disable the indoor chime. The Aqara Home app offers granular control, but misconfigurations are easy to miss.

Check Doorbell and Chime Device Status

Before diving into automations, verify:

• The doorbell is online (green status)
• The chime device is online
• Both are assigned to the same room (e.g., “Front Door”)

Tip: In the app, tap the doorbell → Settings → Device Status. Look for “Last Online” and “Signal Strength.”

Review Automation Rules

Common automation issues include:

• Incorrect trigger (e.g., “Motion Detected” instead of “Button Pressed”)
• Disabled automation (toggle is off)
• Wrong action (e.g., “Turn On Light” instead of “Play Chime”)
• Time or location restrictions (e.g., chime only works at night)

To fix:

1. Go to Automation > All Automations
2. Find the doorbell automation
3. Tap “Edit” and verify trigger and action
4. Remove any unnecessary conditions
5. Enable the automation

Example: A user had an automation that only triggered the chime if the front door was locked. After removing this condition, the chime worked every time.

Use Scene-Based Chimes for Multi-Room Alerts

For larger homes, use Scenes to trigger chimes in multiple rooms:

• Create a scene: “Front Door Chime”
• Add actions: “Play chime on Living Room Speaker,” “Turn on Kitchen Smart Plug”
• Link scene to doorbell automation

This ensures you hear the doorbell whether you’re in the basement or backyard.

5. Network and Connectivity Limitations

Aqara doorbells rely on stable Wi-Fi and Zigbee/Z-Wave connections. Network issues can cause delayed or failed chime triggers.

Wi-Fi Signal Strength

The doorbell needs a strong Wi-Fi signal (RSSI > -65 dBm). Poor signal causes:

• Delayed app notifications
• Failed automation triggers
• Interrupted video streaming

To improve signal:

• Move the router closer to the door
• Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system (e.g., Aqara Mesh Router)
• Reduce interference (e.g., move away from microwaves, cordless phones)

Tip: Use the Aqara app’s “Signal Strength” tool to test RSSI at the door.

Zigbee Interference (Hub-Dependent Devices)

Chime devices like Smart Plugs use Zigbee, which can suffer from interference from:

• Microwaves
• Bluetooth devices
• Other Zigbee networks

Solution: Reposition the hub or chime device, or switch to Wi-Fi-based chimes (e.g., Smart Speaker).

Bandwidth and Router Settings

Old routers or congested networks may drop packets. Ensure:

• Router firmware is updated
• QoS (Quality of Service) is enabled for smart home devices
• No firewall rules block Aqara’s servers (check aqara.com/support for IPs)

Example: A user’s chime failed during peak hours (7–9 PM). After upgrading to a dual-band router and prioritizing the hub’s traffic, the chime became reliable.

Data Table: Common Aqara Doorbell Chime Issues and Fixes

Issue	Likely Cause	Solution	Time to Fix
No sound inside	No chime device paired	Add Smart Plug/Speaker and create automation	15–30 min
Chime delayed by 5+ seconds	Weak Wi-Fi/Zigbee	Relocate hub/router; use extender	10–20 min
Chime works intermittently	Low transformer voltage	Upgrade to 24V, 20VA transformer	1–2 hours
Only app notification, no sound	Automation disabled	Enable automation in Aqara app	2–5 min
Chime too quiet	Undersized speaker or wiring	Use 18-gauge wire; upgrade speaker	30–60 min

Conclusion: Getting Your Aqara Doorbell to Ring Inside

A non-functioning indoor chime on your Aqara doorbell is rarely due to a hardware defect. Instead, it’s typically caused by ecosystem misconfiguration, missing chime devices, power issues, or network limitations. By methodically checking your hub, chime setup, wiring, app automations, and network, you can resolve the issue in under an hour.

Start by verifying your hub and chime device are online and paired. Then, inspect wiring (for wired models) and test your transformer. In the app, review automations and ensure they’re enabled with the correct triggers. Finally, optimize your Wi-Fi and Zigbee coverage to eliminate delays.

Remember, the Aqara ecosystem shines when all components work together. With a little troubleshooting, your doorbell won’t just notify you—it will announce visitors with a satisfying chime, just like a traditional doorbell, but smarter. Whether you’re using a vintage mechanical chime or a sleek Aqara speaker, the result is the same: peace of mind, convenience, and a truly connected home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Aqara doorbell not ring inside the house?

If your Aqara doorbell isn’t ringing inside, check the chime’s power connection and Wi-Fi signal strength. Ensure the indoor chime is properly paired with the doorbell via the Aqara app and isn’t muted or set to low volume.

How do I fix my Aqara doorbell if it’s not ringing inside?

First, verify that the indoor chime unit has power and is within range of the doorbell. Re-sync the devices through the Aqara app and confirm the chime settings (e.g., volume, ringtone) are correctly configured.

Why is my Aqara doorbell not ringing inside but shows online in the app?

A stable app connection doesn’t guarantee chime functionality. Check for firmware updates, ensure the chime isn’t blocked by interference (e.g., thick walls), and confirm the doorbell’s event logs show successful triggers.

Does the Aqara doorbell require a specific hub to ring inside?

Yes, some Aqara doorbell models (e.g., Video Doorbell G2H) require an Aqara Hub (like M1S or M2) to enable indoor chimes. Without the hub, the doorbell may only send app notifications instead of triggering the chime.

Why does my Aqara doorbell not ring inside after a power outage?

Power outages can disrupt device pairing. Restart the chime and doorbell, then re-pair them via the Aqara app. Also, check for automatic firmware updates that may have reset settings.

Can Wi-Fi issues cause my Aqara doorbell to not ring inside?

Weak or unstable Wi-Fi can delay or block chime signals. Ensure the doorbell and chime are on the same network, and consider using a Wi-Fi extender if they’re far from the router.