How to install video doorbell without existing doorbell

The Arlo Video Doorbell requires a voltage between 16-24V AC to operate and is designed to replace an existing wired doorbell. However, to install your Arlo Video Doorbell without an existing doorbell or chime, you can use a plug-in AC transformer that provides 16-24V AC, with at least 1A output. Continue reading this article for instructions to install your Arlo Video Doorbell with a plug-in AC transformer.

Note: The installation steps to install the Arlo Video Doorbell with a plug-in AC transformer are different than those provided within the Arlo app.  You will need to skip some screens and follow this article instead.

Alternatively, you can consult an electrician to install an appropriate doorbell transformer and chime, with voltage between 16-24V AC, 10VA.

What you need

To install your Arlo Video Doorbell, you must have the following items:

• An Arlo Video Doorbell
• A plug-in AC transformer that provides 16-24V AC with at least 1A output
• The flat mounting plate (attached to the doorbell in the box)
• (Optional) The angled mounting plate
• The Security Release Pin
• The Arlo app
• A screwdriver
• (Optional) A power drill

Before you begin

The Arlo app provides instructions on how to replace an existing wired doorbell with the Arlo Video Doorbell, so you must skip these screens in the onboarding process.

To skip past the wiring instructions in the Arlo app:

1. Launch the Arlo app on iOS (Apple) or Android.
   The Devices screen appears.
2. Tap Add New Device, and follow the introductory screens for the Video Doorbell.
3. Skip “Locate your existing chime box” by tapping Continue.
4. Skip “Turn off power at the breaker” by tapping Continue.
5. Skip “Find the Power Kit” by tapping Continue.
6. Skip “Remove the cover of the chime box” by tapping Continue.
7. Skip “Which looks like your chime box?” by selecting Wires.
8. Skip “How many wires do you see connected?” by selecting Two.
9. Skip “What are your chime terminals labeled as?” by selecting Front, Trans, Rear.
10. Swipe left to skip past all screens.
11. Skip “Replace chime cover” by pressing Continue.
12. Follow the instruction to mount your Arlo Video Doorbell.

Install your Arlo Video Doorbell

Select the appropriate mounting location for your Arlo Video Doorbell. 

Note: Most plug-in AC power adapters are only indoor rated and should not be plugged into an outdoor power outlet.  You may need to drill a hole through your home’s exterior wall for the power cable to connect to your Arlo Video Doorbell.  Contact a local electrician or contractor if you are not comfortable with this work.

To install your Arlo Video Doorbell:

1. Keep the Arlo Video Doorbell onboarding process in the Arlo app open.
2. With the plug-in AC power adapter unplugged, route the AC wires to the desired location for your Arlo Video Doorbell.
   If you need the AC power adapter to be plugged in, turn off the power at the breaker.
3. Install your Arlo Video Doorbell with or without the mounting wedge.
   For more information, visit How do I use the angled mounting wedge that came with my Arlo Video Doorbell?.
4. Plug in the AC power adapter or turn on the power at the breaker.
5. Ensure that the LED ring on the front of your Arlo Video Doorbell are white.
   • If the LEDs are solid amber, your plug-in AC transformer might not supply 16-24V AC. To check the voltage level, visit How do I measure the voltage of my doorbell transformer?.
   • If the LEDs are off, your Arlo Video Doorbell might be booting up. Wait for a few minutes to confirm. If the LED remains off, visit What do the LED behaviors mean on my Arlo Video Doorbell?.
   • If the LEDs are flashing amber, the temperature or battery is too low, and the device needs to stay powered for a moment before it can operate.
6. Connect your Arlo Video Doorbell to an Arlo base station or directly to a router.
   Note: Use the Arlo app for detailed instructions on both of these processes.
7. At the end of the installation process, select None as the Traditional Chime option to avoid any damage to your plug-in AC power adapter.

If you have purchased a Ring doorbell and don’t have an existing doorbell, you don’t need to worry. There are still options on the market to do it yourself and not hire an electrician. The options that I will cover here are going to allow you to set up the doorbell camera for under $15.

How to Install a Ring Doorbell without a Existing Doorbell

In order to install a ring doorbell camera without an existing doorbell, you will need to purchase a 18 VAC doorbell power supply adapter that gets plugged into an outlet near the door. You will then drill a tiny hole to run the wires outside and tie them into the base plate.

From there you just follow the instructions like normal for installing the camera.

Here is a quick video of how this youtuber did his.

Here is another good video on how to connect the wires to the doorbell camera itself.

Voltage Requirements for Ring Doorbell Cameras

Ring Doorbell 2, 3, and 3 plus

These cameras need a voltage between 8-24 V AC.

Ring Doorbell pro

This camera needs a voltage between 16-24 V AC.

This is why I recommend 18 VAC doorbell power supply adapter since it will work on any of these cameras. However, you can use any type of power supply adapter as long as it fits between the recommended voltage.

Does the Ring doorbell hook up to my existing chime?

If you are hooking up the Ring doorbell to an already wired doorbell, then it will automatically connect to your existing chime. The camera itself will chime, and the chime will play from the box inside this house from that the previous doorbell used. If you don’t have an existing chime there are other options.

What if I don’t have an existing chime?

If you don’t have an existing chime, there are still several ways that you can have your doorbell chime without using a chime box. The most popular is to buy a Ring chime box that you simply plug into the wall. The other option is if you have a Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Either one of those will connect to the doorbell camera. Finally, you can always have the app alert you on your phone if the doorbell detects someone. Most of us have our phone on us 24/7 anyways.

Purchase a Ring chime box

The easiest way to get a chime if you don’t have a chime box already is to buy one from Ring. You simply plug this device into an outlet and sync it up to the door bell via the app. From the app, you can choose between different sounds that best fits what you are looking for. This is the most affordable option for getting a chime box if you don’t have one already.

Ring chime box on Amazon

Connect the Ring Doorbell to your Google Home or Amazon Alexa

Another option is to connect the Ring doorbell to your Google Home or Amazon Alexa. You can use either one of these to play a chime. This is a great option because many people have one of these devices already. You can simply move the device around the house to make sure that you hear it.

How to connect Ring to Google Home

How to connect Ring to Amazon Alexa

Turn on notifications to your phone

The last option is to turn on notifications to your smartphone. Most of us have our phone on us 24/7 anyways. You can receive push notifications anytime the camera is alerted. From there, you can use the app to see who is at the door and even talk to them through it.

Does the Ring work without a chime?

Yes, the Ring works even without a chime box.

Even if you don’t want to use one of the options above, there is no need to have a chime at all. Although most people would prefer one.

Final Thoughts

Wiring up the doorbell is a great option to not have to worry about recharging the batteries. Using the techniques above will also help prevent you from having to hire an electrician. For under $15 you can have the power of the Ring doorbell camera hard wired into the home.