If you want a video doorbell that rings your existing mechanical chime, the most reliable options are specific wired models from Ring, Blink, and Arlo. The critical requirement for a video doorbell existing chime compatibility is a standard low-voltage transformer delivering 8-24V AC (or 16-24V AC for Arlo), which most older homes already have. For battery-powered models you can tell when a Ring doorbell is fully charged by checking the solid green light on the front. Below, you'll find the exact models that trigger your in-home chime, plus the ones that bypass it entirely.
Which video doorbell works with your existing Chime?
The short answer: Ring Video Doorbell Pro, Pro 2, Wired Plus, and 2nd Gen; Blink Video Doorbell (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, and Battery 2K+); and Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wired. All of these are designed to connect directly to your current doorbell wiring and trigger your mechanical chime. Before buying, check your transformer's voltage, it must be within the 8-24V AC range (16-24V AC for Arlo) and rated appropriately (e.g., 40VA max for Blink). If your transformer is older or underpowered, the chime won't ring reliably.
Ring doorbells that ring your mechanical Chime
Ring offers four models that work with existing chimes: the Video Doorbell Pro, Pro 2, Wired Doorbell Plus, and Video Doorbell (2nd Gen). These wired models connect to your current doorbell wires and, when configured correctly, will sound your mechanical chime every time someone presses the button. To enable this, open the Ring app, go to Device Settings → In-home Chime Settings → Advanced Settings, and select "Mechanical" under Chime Type. This tells the doorbell to send the correct power pulse to your chime. If you skip this step, the chime may buzz or stay silent.
Blink doorbells and existing Chime compatibility
Blink's battery-powered models, Video Doorbell (1st Gen), Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), and Battery Doorbell 2K+, can connect to your existing mechanical or digital chime, provided the system delivers 8-24 VAC at 50-60Hz and doesn't exceed 40VA. These models use a small included module that wires inline with your chime, allowing the doorbell to trigger it. However, the Blink Wired Doorbell 2K+ does not support in-home mechanical chimes at all. For that model, you'll need a separate Blink Chime, a Blink Mini camera, or an Alexa device to get audible alerts. If you're set on keeping your existing chime, avoid the Wired 2K+.
Arlo wired doorbell and your current Chime
The Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wired is explicitly designed to replace an existing wired doorbell and use your current chime. It requires a transformer providing 16-24V AC with a minimum of 10VA, this is slightly higher than Ring's minimum, so check your transformer's label before purchasing. Arlo connects directly to the two existing wires that powered your old doorbell, and it will ring your mechanical chime without any additional modules. If you're ready to make the switch, you can replace your existing wired doorbell with ring video doorbell using a similar wiring process. One note: Arlo's compatibility is limited to standard mechanical chimes; digital or electronic chimes may not work. If you have a newer digital chime, consider the Ring or Blink options instead.
Doorbells that bypass your existing Chime
Some video doorbells deliberately ignore your existing chime, so you'll need a different alert method. The Wyze Video Doorbell Pro and the original Wyze Video Doorbell do not work with mechanical chimes, during installation, you bypass the chime entirely and rely on the included Wyze Chime Pro (a plug-in wireless chime) for indoor notifications. Similarly, if you choose a doorbell that isn't chime-compatible, most brands offer their own wireless plug-in chimes as an alternative. This works well if you already have smart speakers throughout your home.
How to install a doorbell that works with your Chime
Installing a compatible video doorbell is a DIY-friendly project if you're comfortable with basic wiring. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Turn off power at the breaker
Locate the circuit breaker that controls your doorbell and switch it off. This is critical for your safety, never work on live wires.
Step 2: Remove the old doorbell
Unscrew the old doorbell button from the wall or door frame. You'll see two low-voltage wires connected to it. Loosen the screws and pull the wires free, then set the old button aside.
Step 3: Connect wires to the new video doorbell
Attach the two wires to the corresponding terminals on your new video doorbell. If the wires are frayed, trim them and strip a small amount of insulation for a clean connection. For Ring and Blink models that include a chime module, you'll also need to connect that module inside your existing chime box, follow the included wiring diagram carefully.
Step 4: Configure the Chime in the app
Restore power at the breaker, then open the manufacturer's app. Follow the setup wizard to connect the doorbell to Wi-Fi. This ensures the doorbell sends the correct signal to ring your chime. Test by pressing the doorbell button, your chime should sound immediately.
Troubleshooting when your Chime doesn't ring
If your chime stays silent after installation, work through these common fixes:
Check wiring connections: Ensure the wires are securely fastened to both the doorbell and the chime module. Loose connections are the #1 cause of a silent chime. Also, verify that the wires aren't touching each other, which can cause a short.
Verify transformer voltage: Use a multimeter to test the voltage at the transformer. It should read within the range specified for your model (8-24V AC for Ring/Blink, 16-24V AC for Arlo). If it's below the minimum, the chime won't have enough power to ring. You may need to replace the transformer with a higher-rated one.
Ensure the app's mechanical chime setting is enabled: For Ring, go to Advanced Settings → Chime Type and select "Mechanical." For Blink, check the "Chime" toggle in the device settings. If this is set incorrectly, the doorbell may power on but never trigger the chime. After changing the setting, press the doorbell again to test.
If you've checked all three and the chime still doesn't ring, try bypassing the chime temporarily with a wire jumper to isolate the issue. If the doorbell works with the jumper, the problem is in the chime mechanism itself, which may need cleaning or replacement. For persistent electrical issues, consult a licensed electrician.
If you're curious about the power requirements in more detail, you can read about how a Ring Video Doorbell is powered.
