Will Ring Chime Work With Aqara Doorbell Find Out Here

No, the Ring Chime is not officially compatible with the Aqara Doorbell, as they operate on different ecosystems and communication protocols. However, workarounds using smart home hubs like Home Assistant or IFTTT may enable limited integration, though functionality like live alerts and chime syncing isn’t guaranteed.

Key Takeaways

• Direct compatibility: Ring Chime does not natively support Aqara Doorbell without workarounds.
• Bridge required: Use an Aqara Hub to enable Aqara Doorbell with Ring Chime.
• Smart home integration: Pair via Alexa or Google Home for unified alerts.
• App limitations: Ring and Aqara apps won’t sync notifications automatically.
• DIY setup: Configure IFTTT or Home Assistant for custom cross-platform triggers.
• Audio options: Use Aqara’s built-in chime or third-party speakers for doorbell sounds.

Understanding the Compatibility Between Ring Chime and Aqara Doorbell

Smart home technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, offering homeowners unprecedented convenience, security, and control. Among the most popular devices are smart doorbells, which allow users to see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere in the world using a smartphone or tablet. Two prominent names in the smart doorbell space are Ring and Aqara, each offering unique ecosystems and hardware. While Ring is known for its seamless integration with Amazon’s Alexa and its wide range of chimes and accessories, Aqara has carved a niche with its Zigbee-based, Apple HomeKit-compatible devices, particularly popular among Apple users and those invested in the Xiaomi/Mi ecosystem.

One of the most frequently asked questions among smart home enthusiasts is: Will Ring Chime work with Aqara Doorbell? This query stems from users who already own a Ring Chime or are considering purchasing one, but want to pair it with an Aqara Doorbell—either the Aqara Video Doorbell G2H Pro, G3, or the older models. The answer isn’t straightforward, as it involves understanding wireless protocols, app ecosystems, and hardware compatibility. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore whether Ring Chime and Aqara Doorbell can work together, the technical barriers involved, workarounds, and practical solutions to help you achieve a unified smart doorbell experience.

How Ring Chime and Aqara Doorbell Work: A Technical Overview

Ring Chime: Functionality and Connectivity

The Ring Chime is a wireless indoor chime designed to work exclusively with Ring-branded doorbells and security cameras. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network and communicates with Ring devices via the Ring app (available on iOS, Android, and web). When a Ring doorbell is pressed or detects motion, the Ring Chime emits an audible alert—either a standard doorbell tone or a custom sound—so users inside the home are notified even if their phone is out of reach.

Ring Chimes come in two main variants: the Ring Chime (basic model) and the Ring Chime Pro, which also acts as a Wi-Fi extender. Both models use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and are tightly integrated into the Ring ecosystem. They do not support third-party devices natively, meaning they are designed to respond only to signals from Ring-branded hardware. This closed-loop system ensures reliability but limits cross-compatibility.

Aqara Doorbell: Features and Ecosystem Integration

The Aqara Doorbell (such as the G2H Pro or G3) is a Wi-Fi-enabled video doorbell that supports 1080p video, motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision. It connects to the Aqara app (or Apple Home via HomeKit for certain models) and can send push notifications, trigger automations, and stream video to your smartphone or smart display. Unlike Ring, Aqara emphasizes compatibility with multiple smart home platforms, including:

• Apple HomeKit (HomeKit Secure Video for G2H Pro)
• Google Home
• Amazon Alexa (limited support)
• Matter (via Aqara Hubs)

Aqara doorbells typically connect to Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and can be paired with Aqara Hubs (like the M1S or M2) to enable Zigbee-based automations and local processing. However, they do not support direct pairing with Ring Chime or any non-Aqara chime devices out of the box.

Key Differences in Communication Protocols

The core issue preventing direct compatibility lies in ecosystem isolation. Ring devices use a proprietary cloud-based communication system managed through the Ring app, while Aqara devices rely on their own cloud and app infrastructure, with optional local control via HomeKit or Aqara Hubs. There is no native bridge or API that allows Ring Chime to receive alerts from an Aqara Doorbell. Additionally:

• Ring Chime listens for signals from Ring devices only.
• Aqara Doorbell sends alerts to the Aqara app or Apple Home, not to Ring’s servers.
• No shared authentication or device pairing mechanism exists between the two brands.

As a result, you cannot directly connect an Aqara Doorbell to a Ring Chime using standard setup procedures. But as we’ll see, there are clever workarounds.

Why Direct Integration Isn’t Possible (And What It Means for Users)

Ecosystem Lock-In and Vendor Silos

One of the biggest challenges in the smart home industry is vendor lock-in. Companies like Ring and Aqara build closed ecosystems to ensure reliability, security, and user retention. This means that Ring Chime is engineered to work only with Ring devices, and Aqara Doorbell is designed to function within Aqara’s app or Apple’s HomeKit. This intentional isolation prevents cross-brand integration and is a deliberate business strategy to keep users within a single ecosystem.

For example, when you press the Aqara Doorbell, it sends an event to the Aqara cloud, which then pushes a notification to your phone via the Aqara app or Apple Home. The Ring Chime, however, only monitors Ring’s cloud for events from Ring devices. Since there’s no data exchange between the two clouds, the Ring Chime never “knows” the Aqara Doorbell was pressed.

Lack of Open Standards and APIs

Another technical barrier is the absence of open APIs or webhooks that would allow third-party devices to trigger Ring Chime. While Ring offers limited developer access through the Ring API (available via the Ring Developer Program), it is primarily intended for integrations with Alexa, IFTTT, and select security platforms—not for direct hardware control like chime activation.

Similarly, Aqara does not provide public APIs for triggering external chimes. Even if you could intercept the doorbell press event, there’s no official way to send that signal to a Ring Chime. This lack of interoperability is a growing concern in the smart home space, especially as consumers demand more flexibility and less platform dependency.

User Experience Implications

For users, this means that if you want both an Aqara Doorbell and a Ring Chime, you’ll need to rely on workarounds rather than seamless integration. You may end up with:

• Multiple apps (Aqara app + Ring app)
• Multiple notifications (phone alerts from both systems)
• No unified chime experience (Ring Chime remains silent for Aqara events)

This fragmentation can be frustrating, especially if you’ve already invested in Ring accessories or prefer the sound options of the Ring Chime. However, as we’ll explore next, there are practical solutions to bridge this gap.

Workarounds and Smart Solutions to Make Them Work Together

Using IFTTT (If This Then That) for Cross-Platform Automation

One of the most effective ways to connect an Aqara Doorbell to a Ring Chime is through IFTTT, a web-based automation platform that supports both Ring and Aqara (via webhooks or integrations).

How it works:

1. Create an IFTTT account and connect your Aqara Doorbell (via Aqara’s IFTTT integration or Apple Home if using HomeKit).
2. Connect your Ring account to IFTTT (requires Ring Developer access or Ring’s official IFTTT channel).
3. Create an applet: “If Aqara Doorbell is pressed, then trigger Ring Chime.”

Example Setup:

• Trigger: “Doorbell pressed” from Aqara (via Apple Home or Aqara cloud)
• Action: “Turn on Ring Chime” using Ring’s IFTTT action (if available) or a simulated “doorbell press” via Ring API (advanced)

Note: As of 2024, Ring’s IFTTT channel supports “Turn on Chime” as an action, but it may require enabling developer mode or using a Ring Chime Pro. This method is not 100% reliable due to cloud latency (1–3 seconds delay), but it’s the closest you can get to real-time chime activation.

Leveraging Apple HomeKit and Shortcuts

If you’re using an Aqara Doorbell that supports Apple HomeKit (like the G2H Pro), you can use iOS Shortcuts and HomeKit automations to trigger a Ring Chime indirectly.

Steps:

1. Add the Aqara Doorbell to Apple Home.
2. Create a HomeKit automation: “When the doorbell is pressed, run a shortcut.”
3. In the shortcut, use the “Run IFTTT Webhook” action to trigger a Ring Chime via IFTTT.

Alternatively, if you have a HomePod or HomePod Mini, you can set it to play a doorbell sound when the Aqara Doorbell is pressed. While this doesn’t activate the Ring Chime, it provides an audible alert inside the home—similar to what the Chime would do.

Pro Tip: Use a custom sound on the HomePod to mimic your Ring Chime tone for consistency.

Using a Smart Plug as a Chime Simulator

For a hardware-based solution, consider using a smart plug and a traditional mechanical chime or sound device.

How it works:

1. Plug a small speaker or chime (like a doorbell ringer) into a smart plug (e.g., Aqara Smart Plug, TP-Link Kasa, or Meross).
2. Use IFTTT or Apple Shortcuts to turn on the smart plug when the Aqara Doorbell is pressed.
3. The smart plug powers the chime, creating a physical ring.

This method bypasses the need for Ring Chime entirely but allows you to use a chime with your preferred sound. You can even use a Bluetooth speaker with a pre-recorded Ring Chime sound for a more authentic experience.

Using a Raspberry Pi or Node-RED for Advanced Users

Tech-savvy users can build a custom bridge using a Raspberry Pi and Node-RED, a visual programming tool for IoT.

Setup:

• Connect the Pi to your home network.
• Use the Aqara MQTT bridge (via Aqara Hub) to detect doorbell presses.
• Send an HTTP request to the Ring API to trigger the Chime (requires Ring API credentials).

This method offers the lowest latency and highest reliability but requires technical knowledge, ongoing maintenance, and adherence to Ring’s API terms of service.

Alternative Chime Options Compatible with Aqara Doorbell

If integrating with Ring Chime proves too complex or unreliable, consider using chimes that are designed to work with Aqara or are platform-agnostic.

Aqara Wireless Doorbell Chime (Recommended)

Aqara offers its own Wireless Doorbell Chime (sold separately or in kits), which connects via Zigbee to an Aqara Hub (like the M1S or M2). When the Aqara Doorbell is pressed, the chime rings instantly with customizable sounds. It’s reliable, low-latency, and fully supported within the Aqara ecosystem.

Pros:

• Native compatibility
• Multiple volume levels and tones
• No Wi-Fi required (Zigbee)

Cons:

• Requires an Aqara Hub
• Limited to Aqara ecosystem

Third-Party Zigbee or Wi-Fi Chimes

Brands like Sonoff, Meross, and Tuya offer smart chimes that can be triggered via IFTTT, Home Assistant, or Apple Shortcuts. For example:

• Sonoff S31 Smart Plug + Chime: Use IFTTT to turn on when Aqara Doorbell is pressed.
• Meross Smart Wi-Fi Door Chime: Supports Alexa, Google, and IFTTT; can be automated to ring on Aqara events.

These options are often more affordable than Ring Chime and offer greater flexibility.

Using Smart Speakers as Chimes

Smart speakers like Echo Dot, HomePod Mini, or Google Nest Mini can double as chimes. Set up automations to play a doorbell sound when the Aqara Doorbell is pressed.

Example (HomePod):

• Automation: “When Aqara Doorbell is pressed, play ‘Doorbell Sound’ on HomePod.”
• Use a custom audio file for a Ring-like tone.

This is a simple, effective solution that leverages existing devices.

Performance Comparison: Ring Chime vs. Alternatives with Aqara

Feature	Ring Chime	Aqara Wireless Chime	Smart Plug + Speaker	Smart Speaker (HomePod)
Compatibility with Aqara	❌ No (without workarounds)	✅ Yes (native)	✅ Yes (via automation)	✅ Yes (via HomeKit)
Setup Complexity	High (requires IFTTT/Raspberry Pi)	Low	Medium	Low
Latency	2–5 seconds (cloud-dependent)	<1 second (local)	1–3 seconds	1–2 seconds
Custom Sounds	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (via audio file)	✅ Yes
Wi-Fi Required	✅ Yes	❌ No (Zigbee)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Cost (USD)	$30–$60	$40–$50	$25–$40 (plug + speaker)	$99+ (device cost)

This table highlights the trade-offs between using a Ring Chime versus alternatives. While the Ring Chime offers familiar sounds and a sleek design, its lack of native Aqara support and higher latency make it less ideal. The Aqara Wireless Chime is the most seamless option, while smart plug + speaker offers a cost-effective DIY solution.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Smart Home

So, will Ring Chime work with Aqara Doorbell? The short answer is: not directly. Due to ecosystem silos, proprietary protocols, and lack of open APIs, there’s no plug-and-play way to make these two devices work together out of the box. However, with the right tools—like IFTTT, Apple Shortcuts, smart plugs, or a Raspberry Pi—you can achieve a functional integration that mimics the desired experience.

The best approach depends on your technical comfort level, existing smart home setup, and priorities:

• For simplicity and reliability: Use the Aqara Wireless Chime with an Aqara Hub.
• For Apple users: Leverage HomeKit and Shortcuts with a HomePod.
• For budget-conscious users: Use a smart plug and a speaker with IFTTT.
• For tech enthusiasts: Build a custom bridge with Node-RED and a Raspberry Pi.

Ultimately, the smart home is about flexibility. While Ring and Aqara may not play together natively, the ecosystem of automation tools today makes it possible to create a unified, responsive doorbell experience—even across brand lines. As Matter and other open standards mature, we may see more cross-compatibility in the future, but for now, creativity and automation are your best allies.

Whether you stick with Ring, go all-in on Aqara, or mix and match, the goal is the same: a smarter, safer, and more convenient home. And with the strategies outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to achieve just that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Ring Chime work with Aqara Doorbell for seamless notifications?

No, Ring Chime is not officially compatible with Aqara Doorbell. The two systems operate on different protocols and ecosystems, so they won’t pair directly for synchronized alerts.

Can I use an Aqara Doorbell with a Ring Chime via a third-party hub?

While both devices can connect to some smart hubs (like Home Assistant), Ring Chime and Aqara Doorbell won’t natively integrate. You’d need workarounds like IFTTT, which may lack reliability or delay notifications.

Is there a way to make my Aqara Doorbell trigger Ring Chime sounds?

Direct triggering isn’t possible, but you can explore custom automation platforms like Home Assistant or Node-RED. These require technical setup and may not offer plug-and-play functionality.

What’s the best alternative to Ring Chime for an Aqara Doorbell?

Aqara’s own indoor chime or smart speakers (e.g., Google Home, Alexa) are better alternatives. They integrate smoothly with the Aqara Doorbell for instant, reliable alerts without compatibility issues.

Does Aqara Doorbell support Wi-Fi or only Zigbee for chime connectivity?

Most Aqara Doodbells use Zigbee for communication with the Aqara hub, not direct Wi-Fi. This limits pairing options with Wi-Fi-based devices like Ring Chime without additional hubs or adapters.

Will future updates enable Ring Chime and Aqara Doorbell compatibility?

Unlikely, as Ring and Aqara maintain separate ecosystems. Unless both brands announce a partnership, users should rely on native integrations or third-party workarounds for cross-platform functionality.