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Replacing a doorbell isn't as complicated as you think. Whether your original doorbell stopped working or you're weary of security related to your modern smart doorbell, swapping this feature is something you can do on your own.
I've replaced doorbells at every home I've ever occupied—swapping broken doorbells, upgrading from traditional to video doorbells, changing from one smart doorbell to another brand—so hopefully this recap helps cover all scenarios.
From choosing the right replacement doorbell to safely installing it, what I know for sure is: A little planning makes this a straightforward home improvement project.
How to Choose a New Doorbell
There are three main categories to consider: traditional wired doorbells , a wireless doorbell kit, and modern smart doorbells. Each type has advantages, and your decision should be based on your home’s setup and your preferences.
- Traditional wired doorbells: These are straightforward to install if your existing electrical wiring is in good condition. They don’t rely on batteries and typically have a timeless, low-maintenance design. Many homeowners appreciate the reliability of a wired system and its compatibility with traditional chimes.
- Wireless doorbell kits: These are a good replacement solution if you need to add additional doorbells to your setup where there weren't wires previously. Maybe your backdoor never had one so a battery option would be an easy way to add one.
- Smart doorbells: These bring added functionality to your home. They connect to your Wi-Fi network, enabling features such as live video feeds, motion detection, and two-way communication. Most models also integrate seamlessly with smart home systems like Amazon Echo and Alexa or Google Home. We're linking to a Chamberlain myQ doorbell that we've used and trust.
Don't overlook the following related to smart home technology:
- Power source: Some smart doorbells are battery-powered, while others require a wired connection.
- Compatibility: Check whether your smart doorbell will work with your existing doorbell chime unit or if you’ll need to replace it with a compatible version.
- Features: Decide which features are important to you, such as video quality, app functionality, or motion detection range.
- Privacy: Understand how data collected is used by the manufacturer or cloud-based storage provider. Privacy settings are often customizable and vary by product.
- Subscription fees: Some smart doorbells offer advanced features only through paid subscriptions, so factor this into your decision.
Tools and Parts Needed
- Screwdriver
- Drill (if you need new pilot holes)
- Electrical Tape
- Wire Strippers
- Wall Anchors
- Fish Tape (if you lose the wires in the wall or need to run new wires)
How to Remove an Old Doorbell and Chime
The first step to replacing a standard doorbell is removing the old one, which can involve a bit of troubleshooting if you’re unfamiliar with basic doorbell wiring.
Most common doorbells consist of three parts:
- the doorbell button on the outside of your home
- the chime box inside
- a doorbell transformer that converts your home's 120-volt (V) power to the lower voltage power requirements (usually 16 V) used by the system.
You’ll be working with the exterior button first.
- Start by turning off the power to your doorbell circuit at your home’s breaker panel. This step is non-negotiable; even though most doorbells operate on low voltage, avoiding any risk of electrical hazards is safer.
- Remove the cover plate of the doorbell button using a screwdriver. This will reveal the button wires attached to the back.
- Before disconnecting the wires, take a picture or note their arrangement; this could be helpful when connecting the new one later, even though usually the order of doorbell wires doesn't matter.
- Once you’ve documented the wiring, unscrew the pair of wires and carefully pull them out of the wall. Note: DO NOT lose them down into the wall cavity, trust me.
If you’re replacing the chime box as well, disconnect that next. The chime location is typically near the front door or in a central hallway.
- Remove its cover and disconnect the chime wires, again taking note of their placement.
- Inspect the wires for damage, such as fraying or corrosion. If the wires are in poor condition, you may need to replace them, which could require additional tools or a professional electrician.
Installing the New Doorbell
With your new doorbell in hand, it’s time to install it. The process varies depending on whether you’ve chosen a wired or wireless doorbell model, but the general steps are similar.
- Start by threading the existing electrical wires through the new mounting plate. If the hole locations line up, use the screws to attach the plate securely to the wall or doorframe. If they don't, the new one may come with a screw hole template for new pilot holes. (If you’ve chosen a wireless doorbell, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching it to the surface.)
- Make the wire connections to the new button. For wired models, match the wires to the corresponding terminals and tighten the screws to hold them in place. If your new model requires additional wiring or a transformer upgrade, check the manufacturer’s instructions. This is likely the only scenario where you should consider hiring a qualified electrician. Most doorbell swaps don't need extra wiring or upgrades.
- For smart doorbells, you’ll also need to complete the setup process using the associated smartphone app. This involves connecting the doorbell to your home Wi-Fi network and customizing the settings to suit your preferences. If your smart doorbell has a built-in battery, make sure it’s fully charged before use.
- Finally, turn the power back on at the breaker panel and test your work. Ring the button to confirm that the chime works and check any smart features through the iPhone or Android app. If everything functions as expected, you’re all set.
FAQ
Why isn't my new doorbell working?
Some common issues that may cause the doorbell to malfunction:
- Tripped circuit breaker (check breaker box)
- Bad electrical connections (loose wire nuts, wires or screw terminals dirty or corroded, if so you may need to clean wires with wire brush or clean doorbell terminals)
- Broken wiring (if the old one worked, the same wiring should work, but you never know)
- Chime internal mechanism (is it broken, blocked, super dusty?)
- Faulty transformer (use a voltage meter to check transformer output)
If you're uncomfortable dealing with the transformer, call a licensed electrician that can test and install a new one for you if needed.
Can I replace a wired doorbell with a wireless one?
Sure can! A wireless doorbell doesn’t require existing wiring, so you can simply cap or remove the old wires and mount the new device. Most wireless models come with adhesive or screws for easy installation.
Do I need to hire an electrician to replace my doorbell?
In most cases, no. Replacing a doorbell is a DIY-friendly project that doesn’t require professional help. As long as you’re comfortable working with basic tools and following safety precautions, you can handle the task yourself. If along the way you encounter damaged wiring, are unsure about your home’s electrical setup, or need to install a new transformer, call a local electrician for help.
