Using the Video Doorbell with a Chime

This article describes chime sound options for your Video Doorbell. When the doorbell button is pressed, chime can sound from the Blink app, the Video Doorbell, an in-home chime system, the Mini camera, and compatible Alexa devices.

Chime options

In-home chime
When connected to compatible chime wiring, your in-home chime will sound with doorbell presses. Mechanical or digital chime systems must provide 16 - 24 VAC at 50 - 60Hz, and 40VA maximum to the doorbell. Learn more about wiring your doorbell to chime wiring.

Mini camera
If your Mini camera and Video Doorbell share the same system, the Mini can chime sound for doorbell presses. Normal chime sounds and notifications still happen in the Blink app. Learn more about using your Mini camera as a chime.‍

Compatible Alexa enabled device
Once you enable the Blink SmartHome Skill in the Alexa app and turn on Doorbell Press Announcements, doorbell presses will play the doorbell sound from your Alexa device. To learn more, visit using Alexa enabled devices with the Blink Video Doorbell.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the Video Doorbell can be connected to mechanical or digital chime systems that provide 16 - 24 VAC at 50 - 60Hz, and 40VA maximum. When connected to compatible chime wiring, your in-home chime will ring with doorbell presses. Learn more about Wired installation.

Even when wired, the doorbell is always powered by size AA, 1.5-volt, lithium non-rechargeable batteries.

If your existing chime has less than than 16 VAC, the doorbell enters Event Response‍ mode.

Third-party wireless chimes are not compatible with the Video Doorbell.

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How do I know if my chime system is mechanical or digital?

  • Mechanical chimes have physical moving parts that produce the familiar “ding dong” noise when the doorbell button is pressed. 
  • Digital chimes have a speaker that plays a sound or melody when the doorbell button is pressed.
Mechanical or digital chime systems must provide 16 - 24 VAC at 50 - 60Hz, and 40VA maximum to the doorbell. To check your chime system's voltage, visit How do I find my doorbell's system voltage?

Note: Blink products do not support third party Bluetooth or wireless accessories at this time. For indoor chime options for your doorbell, visit how to use your Mini camera as a chime, or learn about using Alexa enabled devices as a chime.

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Can I use my Mini camera as a Blink Video Doorbell chime?

Yes. As long as the doorbell and Mini belong to the same system, the Mini can chime sound when the doorbell button is pressed. Your Mini can act as a chime for one or more Video Doorbells, or any combination of Video Doorbells and Mini cameras. Normal chime sounds and notifications still happen in the Blink app. The following table describes Mini camera and Video Doorbell combinations needed for the Mini to chime for your doorbell.

Blink device Using Mini as a Chime
Sync Module 2 and Video Doorbell Add a Mini to the Sync Module system
Sync Module 2 with a Mini Add a Video Doorbell to the Sync Module system
Video Doorbell only Add a Mini to the Video Doorbell's system
Mini Camera only Add a Video Doorbell to the Mini's system

Can I change the doorbell sound my Echo Show plays?

Yes, you can customize the sound your Alexa device makes when someone presses your Video Doorbell. Learn more about using Alexa Doorbell Announcements‍.

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Can I control the doorbell chime volume?

Yes, you can adjust the chime volume during or after setup. To learn more, visit changing your chime volume.

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Technical information for Wiring your Video Doorbell

How do I find my doorbell system's voltage?

Mechanical or digital chime systems must provide 16 - 24 VAC at 50 - 60Hz, and 40VA maximum to the doorbell. To check your chime system's voltage, visit How do I find my doorbell's system voltage?

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What is a failed power analysis?

Mechanical or digital chime systems must provide 16 - 24 volts AC at 50 - 60Hz, and 40VA maximum to the doorbell. If the power level is outside of range, one of the following warning messages may display when setting up your doorbell. If your chime wiring is not compatible, doorbell presses will not sound your in-home chime.

If you have connected the doorbell to your chime wiring but your doorbell system is not compatible, the Video Doorbell defaults to Event Response mode. Learn more about finding your doorbell system voltage and Event Response mode.

Without a Sync Module

With a Sync Module

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Wired Installation Setup

The Video Doorbell can be connected to mechanical or digital chime systems that provide 16 - 24 VAC at 50 - 60Hz, and 40VA maximum. When connected to compatible chime wiring, your in-home chime will ring with doorbell presses. Learn more about Wired installation.

Even when wired, the doorbell is always powered by size AA, 1.5-volt, lithium non-rechargeable batteries.

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Transformer Information

A doorbell chime operates on low voltage through your transformer. The transformer takes the standard electrical voltage, usually around 110-120 volts, and lowers it to approximately 10-24 volts.

The Video Doorbell is compatible with doorbell transformers that output 16-24 VAC (volts alternating current) with a maximum of 40VA (volt-amps). 16 VAC and 10VA is the smallest recommended transformer to power the Video Doorbell.

Risk of electrical shock. Always use caution when handling electrical wiring.

Many builders install the doorbell transformer near the main electrical panel or inside the doorbell’s chime or bell housing for easy access. Voltage and Volt-Amps (VA) are listed on the transformer. This may appear as "max load" or "max power consumption rating." 

Example of a US transformer

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