Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Select Your Replacement Doorbell Button

A man installing and synching a smart video doorbell.

Before you shop, consider the following tips:

Doorbell buttons have two different profiles on their back. One has a hole in the siding to accommodate the button; the other sits flush with the siding. Check your existing doorbell to see which one you have.
While you’re choosing a new doorbell button, have a look at the doorbell power transformers near the doorbell display. These turn 120-volt house current into a safer, low-voltage current to power the doorbell. Knowing what they look like will make yours easier to spot when you get home so you can switch off power to it.
The mounting holes for your new doorbell may not line up with the existing holes. So, if your doorbell attaches to a brick, stucco, or masonry wall, buy a replacement with identical screw spacing or pick up a masonry drill bit and the smallest wall anchors that will accept the new doorbell button mounting screws. There are also doorbell mounting plates that can adapt the new doorbell with the old drill holes.
Consider investing in a smart doorbell to add extra security to your home. WiFi-connected doorbell options feature video and audio capabilities that allow you to see and speak with visitors and delivery persons, and receive alerts through a smartphone or tablet app. A bonus is that you can do this almost anywhere you have a WiFi connection.

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Remove the Old Doorbell

In addition to a screwdriver, you may also need a utility knife for this part of the project.

Instructions

When working with electricity always:

Turn OFF electricity at the main fuse box (or circuit breaker box) that controls the power to the fixture or the room you're working on.
Test the wires to ensure the power is OFF.
Place the wall switch in the OFF position.
All electrical connections must be in agreement with local codes. Check with local authorities to see if a permit is required.
If in doubt, contact a qualified electrician.

In the basement or crawl space directly beneath your front door, look for a thin wire (thinner than electrical wire, anyway). Follow it to the doorbell transformer, which may be attached to an electrical junction box or even directly to the breaker box. Shut off power to that electrical box, and check for current at the transformer using a voltage meter.

Caution

Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for safety, warning and caution information.

Good to Know

Light fixtures with pull-chain switches usually mount on electrical boxes. These boxes always have electricity running through their wires and are attached to joists in the open, making them perfect power sources for doorbell transformers.

A person pulling an old doorbell button away from the wall, revealing the wires and connectors.

Remove the screws from the existing doorbell. If the doorbell was caulked in the past, use a utility knife to cut through the caulk before removing the button.

To keep water, dirt and bugs out of your doorbell button, mount it flat against the siding with no gaps. If necessary, scrape off rough spots, caulk or other obstructions on the siding that would keep the back of the doorbell from resting flat against the house.

Attach a clip, locking pliers or use masking tape on the doorbell wiring if there’s the chance it will accidentally fall behind the siding. Loosen the two screws holding the doorbell wires to the button on the back, disconnect the wires, and discard the old button.

Don’t worry if you forget which wire was on the top or bottom of the doorbell button. The order isn’t important for installing the new switch.

Install the New Doorbell Button

Below are basic installation instructions. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your doorbell button.

Instructions

A person attaching a wired doorbell button to a mounting place on a yellow porch wall.

Screw the doorbell button to the siding or attach it to the mounting plate, making sure the wires are completely concealed. Switch on the power to the transformer and check the doorbell button to make sure it operates correctly. If it does, you have completed installing a doorbell.

If your doorbell doesn’t work or light up (for illuminated models), use a voltage meter to check the power output from the transformer. Most produce 10 or 16 volts. Shut off power to the transformer and replace the transformer following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Watch Our DIY Basics Videos

Here are some DIY videos on the basic steps used to remove and replace your doorbell button.

How Do I Strip a Wire?

How Do I Connect Two Wires?

What's in My Breaker Box?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on replacing a doorbell button.

Do I need to turn off the power to replace a doorbell button?

In most cases the power does not need to be turned off when replacing or repairing a doorbell. Thanks to the transformer, power is reduced to 24 volts or lower, making it generally safe to work with. It is also strongly recommended to use screwdrivers and pliers that have been rated for electrical use and are insulated.

Do I need an electrician to replace a doorbell?

Replacing a doorbell is one of the easier DIY home project that almost anyone can do. With just a few tools and a little time, you can have a new doorbell for your home. The only time an electrician would be necessary is when there isn’t any existing wiring for a doorbell in your home. But thanks to battery-powered doorbells, even in homes without wiring, this can be a simple replacement.

Is it safe to touch doorbell wires?

Regular doorbells have wiring that connects to the button and to the transformer. The transformer will convert standard power to low voltage power. Because of this conversion to low voltage, doorbell wiring and components are generally safe to handle.

How to Replace a Doorbell Button in 6 Easy Steps

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Select Your Replacement Doorbell Button

Remove the Old Doorbell

Instructions

Install the New Doorbell Button

Instructions

Watch Our DIY Basics Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the power to replace a doorbell button?

Do I need an electrician to replace a doorbell?

Is it safe to touch doorbell wires?

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