Why Won't My Arlo Video Doorbell Chime Work?
- Wire-free doorbell not wired to a chime
- No Arlo Chime paired for a wire-free doorbell
- Mechanical chime incompatible/miswired
Problem Description
Your Arlo Video Doorbell's chime isn't working — the in-home chime doesn't ring when someone presses the button. Arlo doorbells can ring a traditional mechanical chime only if hardwired to it, or an Arlo Chime over WiFi; a wire-free doorbell with no Arlo Chime simply has nothing to ring indoors, so the fix depends on your setup.
Why This Happens in Real Homes
Whether your Arlo doorbell rings indoors depends entirely on the chime setup. A hardwired doorbell can ring a compatible mechanical chime; a wire-free doorbell has no chime of its own, so it needs an Arlo Chime (or a compatible smart speaker) to sound inside — without one, you only get phone notifications.
Start by identifying your setup: for hardwired, confirm the mechanical chime is compatible and correctly wired; for wire-free, pair an Arlo Chime and keep it online within WiFi range. Then set the ringtone/rule and volume; a phone alert working while the indoor chime is silent almost always means no chime device is set up.
Symptoms
- In-home chime will not ring
- Mechanical chime silent
- Arlo Chime not sounding
- Phone alerts but no chime
- Chime rings intermittently
- Wrong chime sound
- Chime offline
- Button press not chiming
Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.
Common Causes
- Wire-free doorbell not wired to a chime
- No Arlo Chime paired for a wire-free doorbell
- Mechanical chime incompatible/miswired
- Arlo Chime offline or out of WiFi range
- Chime volume low or muted
- Doorbell-to-chime rule not set
- Push notifications confused with the chime
- Firmware out of date
Most fixes happen in the first 3 steps.
Hardwired installation involves working with electrical wiring. Turn off the breaker before touching any wires. If you are not comfortable with basic wiring hire a licensed electrician. Some older homes may need a transformer upgrade from 10V to the 16-24V required by modern video doorbells.
Tools & Requirements
These tools will help you complete this fix.
Level
9 Inch Torpedo Level Magnetic, Shock-Proof Small Lev...
microsd card
4 Channel 360° Dash Cam Front Rear Inside & Left Rig...
Multimeter
Klein Tools 80196 Digital Multimeter Kit with Case, ...
Replacement batteries
Duracell Coppertop Double AA Batteries with Power Bo...
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Step-by-Step Solution
Check if the doorbell is hardwired to the chime
The Arlo Video Doorbell can ring a traditional mechanical chime only if it is hardwired to your existing doorbell wiring. If you installed the doorbell as battery-only (no wiring), it cannot ring a mechanical chime — you need the Arlo Chime 2 accessory instead. Check the doorbell power source in the Arlo app to confirm whether it is hardwired or battery-powered.
Verify the transformer voltage
Mechanical doorbell chimes require 16-24V AC from a transformer. If the transformer is underpowered (less than 16V), the doorbell may work but not have enough power to ring the chime. Locate your transformer (usually in the basement, utility closet, or near the breaker panel) and check the voltage rating printed on it. If it is 10V or 12V, replace it with a 16-24V transformer rated for at least 10VA.
Check the chime type compatibility
The Arlo doorbell works with most mechanical ding-dong chimes but may not work with all digital or wireless chimes. If you have a digital chime, check the Arlo compatibility list. Some digital chimes require a specific wiring configuration or a chime bypass adapter. If your chime is incompatible, switch to the Arlo Chime 2 for a reliable wireless chime.
Install or check the chime bypass module
Some Arlo doorbells include a small chime bypass module that installs at the chime. This module ensures compatible power delivery. If your chime rings erratically, sounds weak, or hums continuously, the bypass module may be missing or incorrectly installed. Connect it across the chime terminals as shown in the Arlo installation guide. Without it, some chimes receive inconsistent power and malfunction.
Use the Arlo Chime 2 as an alternative
If your mechanical chime is causing problems, the Arlo Chime 2 is a simpler and more reliable solution. It connects wirelessly through your WiFi — no wiring needed. It supports custom tones, adjustable volume, and can act as a WiFi extender for the doorbell. Many users find the Chime 2 more reliable than trying to maintain compatibility with old mechanical chimes.
Quick Solutions
Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.
Camera issues that start suddenly almost always trace back to an upload bandwidth drop — run a speed test before assuming hardware failure.
Set up motion scheduling or snooze alerts during times when regular activity is expected like when kids come home from school. Use pre-recorded quick replies so the doorbell can respond to visitors automatically when you cannot answer.
This issue almost always looks more complex than it is — the majority of cases trace back to a single setting, a stale credential, or a default that shipped wrong.
- Wire-free doorbell not wired to a chime
- No Arlo Chime paired for a wire-free doorbell
- Mechanical chime incompatible/miswired
- Arlo Chime offline or out of WiFi range
- Chime volume low or muted
Before you go — try one of these (they fix most cases).
Most popular upgrades chosen by Arlo Video Doorbell owners.
Arlo Video Doorbell 2K 2nd Generation & Chime 2 Bundle, 2...
Arlo Pro SmartHub, Arlo Certified Accessory - Connects Ca...
Arlo Ultra SmartHub, Arlo Certified Accessory, Connects C...
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Official Manufacturer Manual
Arlo provides official product documentation through their online manual rather than downloadable PDF. Access setup guides, troubleshooting steps, and product specifications for your Arlo Video Doorbell.
Source: us.arlo.com
Need More Help? Arlo Support
Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Arlo's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.
How Does Arlo Compare?
Before replacing your Arlo device, see how it stacks up against alternatives in our full comparison guides.
