When your doorbell chime stops working, it can feel like a small problem, until you miss a delivery, a neighbour calling by, or a tradesperson you’ve been waiting for all morning. In many cases, a doorbell chime not working is caused by something simple: loose wiring, a worn button, or a power issue. But other times, it’s a sign your system needs repair or replacement. In this guide, you’ll find clear steps to identify the cause, practical fixes you can try yourself, and advice on when it’s worth replacing the unit.
Common Causes of Doorbell Chime Malfunctions
If your doorbell chime isn’t working, whether it’s a traditional chime or a smart video doorbell chime, the issue could be something simple or a bit more technical. Here are the most common causes to look out for:
- No power from the transformer: this might be due to the wrong voltage or VA rating, a failed transformer, or no transformer installed at all (especially in newer builds).
- Loose, corroded or broken wiring at the doorbell button, chime unit, or transformer terminals.
- Mechanical chime parts jammed or dirty, for example, the plunger or striker might not move freely.
- The chime volume is turned down or muted, or a physical switch on the chime box is set to “off”.
- Smart doorbell settings disabling the chime. Features like “Indoor Chime” or “Do Not Disturb” might be turned on in the app.
- Wi-Fi or network problems affecting wireless or app-based notifications.
- For battery-powered smart doorbells, if the battery is low or dead, it won’t trigger the chime or send alerts.
How to Fix a Doorbell Chime Not Working
Before you dive into any fixes, make sure you stay safe, especially if you’re dealing with wired components. Always turn off the power at your consumer unit and verify the circuit is dead before touching any wiring.
Here’s how to fix a doorbell chime not ringing:
Quick Checks Anyone Can Do
Start with the easy stuff:
- Inspect the chime unit: Remove the cover and check for a mute switch or stuck parts. The plunger should move freely. If it’s dusty inside, brush it gently, but don’t use oil.
- Test the doorbell button: Make sure it’s not jammed or sticking. Tighten any loose wires and trim back corroded ends.
- Have someone press the button while you watch the chime, see if anything moves or buzzes, even slightly. That can give clues about what’s working.
Fixes for Traditional Wired Chimes
If you’ve got a traditional wired doorbell with a mechanical or electronic chime:
Test the button directly
Temporarily bridge the two wires at the doorbell button; if the chime rings, the button itself is faulty and should be replaced. Be sure the power is off again before reconnecting wires.
Clean the mechanical chime
If your chime uses a plunger and striker, check they aren’t stuck. Gently clean away dust or debris. If parts are badly worn or damaged, it may be time to replace the unit.
Check the transformer output
If your doorbell chime isn’t working, it’s worth checking whether the transformer is supplying the correct power. Most wired doorbells require between 8–24V AC (16 volts is the most common output) and a minimum VA (Volt-Amps) rating. You’ll usually find these requirements printed on the back of the doorbell or in the manual.
To check your transformer, look for a label showing its output, for example, “16V AC 10VA.” If the voltage or VA rating is too low, the chime will not work properly, even if the doorbell appears to have power.
If you’re confident using a multimeter, you can measure the output at the terminals while the power is on (briefly). If the transformer isn’t meeting the required specs or shows no output at all, it likely needs replacing with one that matches the doorbell’s VAC and VA needs.
Inspect the wiring
Make sure the connections between the doorbell button, chime and transformer are all intact. Look for broken wires, loose screws, or signs of corrosion. Reconnect or replace as needed. For complex or hidden wiring issues, it’s best to contact a professional.
Fixes for Smart Doorbells and Wireless Chimes
Is your smart eufy or Ring doorbell chime not working? These modern setups can be a bit trickier, as they rely on both physical wiring (or battery) and software settings. Work through these checks:
Check battery status (for battery-powered models)
If you’re using a battery-powered smart doorbell, make sure the battery isn’t dead or running low. Even if the light or camera still seems to work, a weak battery can prevent the chime from triggering properly.
Open the doorbell app to check the battery level or remove the unit and charge/replace the battery. Once fully powered, reattach it and test the chime again.
Wired power issues
If you’re using a wired setup, it’s crucial to check that your transformer meets the power requirements of your smart doorbell. Unlike traditional models, smart doorbells need more power, typically in the range of 16–24 volts AC or more, with the correct VA rating (often 30VA or more) to operate reliably.
This is a common cause of an eufy doorbell chime not working. Take the eufy Video Doorbell C31 as an example. It supports both battery and hardwired power options. Hardwiring the unit enables extra features like 24/7 continuous recording and 5-second pre-roll for motion-activated clips, features that rely on a stable, higher-power input.
For it to work reliably, you need a 16–24V AC, 30VA transformer. If the transformer provides less than this, you might find the doorbell powers on, but the chime doesn’t ring, or the advanced features don’t function consistently.
Always check the label on the doorbell, the user manual, or the manufacturer’s website to confirm the exact voltage and VA requirements. If your existing transformer doesn’t meet the spec, replacing it with a compatible one is often the only solution.
Smart app settings
Open your doorbell app and look for settings like “Indoor Chime” or “Do Not Disturb”. Make sure the chime feature is turned on and any quiet hours are disabled. These settings are a common cause of silent doorbells.
Network problems
If your chime connects over Wi-Fi, make sure it’s online and properly paired. Poor signal or disconnections can stop the chime working. Try moving it closer to the router, restarting your Wi-Fi, or using a range extender.
Reboot or reset if needed
If everything seems correct but the chime still won’t work, try rebooting the doorbell and the chime. As a last resort, perform a factory reset using the app or the reset button, then set everything up again from scratch. This can often fix bugs or connection glitches.
When to Replace Your Doorbell?
Most doorbell chime issues can be sorted with a bit of troubleshooting, but there comes a point when replacing the unit makes more sense than continuing to patch things up.
You should consider a replacement if:
- You’ve already ruled out wiring problems and power supply issues, but the chime still isn’t working reliably.
- There’s visible damage, like cracked casing, rusted or corroded terminals, water ingress, or burnt-out components inside the chime or doorbell unit.
- The firmware or app support is outdated, leading to dropped connections, missed notifications, or unreliable performance.
- The cost of replacing components like the transformer or chime adds up to more than simply installing a new, reliable smart doorbell.
- You’re ready to move on from an old, traditional setup and upgrade to a smart video doorbell system, getting modern features like live video feeds of your doorstep and visitors, motion-activated alerts, parcel detection, two-way audio, clear night vision, and more.
If you’re ready to upgrade, here are two excellent options from eufy that offer reliable performance:
The eufy Video Doorbell C210 is a great option if you want a reliable, no-fuss smart doorbell without existing wiring. It offers 1080p resolution with a 4:3 head-to-toe field of view, so you can clearly see visitors from top to toe. The battery lasts up to 120 days on a single charge, and recordings are saved locally on a microSD card inside the included Wi-Fi chime, meaning no subscription costs. It also features on-device AI human and motion detection and works with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
For a more advanced setup, the eufy Video Doorbell E340 delivers 2K video and features dual cameras: one to see your visitors, and a second downward-facing lens to monitor parcels left at your door. It also includes colour night vision, using a built-in motion-activated dual light system for better visibility in low light.
You can use it on battery power or connect it to an existing doorbell circuit. It supports local storage with 8GB of built-in memory, features AI human/package detection and face recognition, and works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Conclusion
A doorbell chime not working is often due to issues such as dead batteries, loose wiring, or faulty components. Many of these can be fixed with basic tools, but if you’re unsure or dealing with electrical parts, it’s best to call a professional. For older or unreliable systems, upgrading to a smart doorbell can improve reliability and security. With regular maintenance, you can prevent most problems and keep your doorbell working smoothly.
FAQs
Why is my doorbell not chiming?
Common culprits are a muted or low chime volume or Do Not Disturb in the app, a flat battery or no low-voltage power, loose wiring, a stuck or faulty push button, or a transformer that doesn’t meet your doorbell’s power needs. Try checking app settings, testing power, cleaning the chime, and inspecting wiring and the button to fix the issue.
How to tell if a doorbell chime is bad?
A faulty doorbell chime often makes no sound at all, produces a weak or distorted tone, or only works intermittently. You can test it by pressing the doorbell button while listening closely for any sound or humming inside the unit. If the wiring and transformer are fine but the chime remains unresponsive, it’s likely the chime mechanism itself is worn out and may need replacing.
How do I reset a chime doorbell?
To factory reset your chime doorbell, locate the small reset button, which is often in a pinhole on the side or back of the device. With the chime plugged in, press and hold this button—using a paperclip if necessary—for approximately 10 to 20 seconds, until the status light flashes or you hear a confirmation prompt indicating the reset has begun. If the reset fails, try unplugging the chime for 30 seconds to power cycle it before attempting the process again.
