How much does Doorbell repair cost?

Does your home have a broken doorbell? If the bell won’t ring, the buzzer doesn’t buzz, or the chimes don’t chime, you’re missing out on one of today’s truly helpful conveniences—a sound that alerts you when guests or deliveries are at the door. And if a high-tech video doorbell isn’t functioning properly, you could lose the ability to see and speak with visitors remotely. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about typical costs associated with doorbell repair.

There are 3 basic types of doorbells: classic wired doorbells, wireless doorbells, and smart (video) doorbells. Each operates differently, and requires unique types of repair when something goes wrong.

Wired doorbells are usually installed by an electrician when a home is built. Low-voltage wires are routed from the doorbell button to a doorbell transformer (a power supply that reduces standard 120-volt electrical current to safer low voltage). The transformer powers the bell, buzzer, or chimes. 

Repairs often involve electrical components: replacing the button or transformer, cleaning connectors, or reconnecting doorbell wires. If new wires are needed, replacing an old doorbell with a new wireless doorbell may be the quickest, easiest, and least-expensive solution.

Wireless doorbells, as their name implies, don’t need wires. They consist of two parts—a transmitter (usually battery-powered) mounted at the front door, and a receiver (or several receivers) mounted in a central location inside the house. The transmitter connects with the receiver via radio waves. Most problems involve components that fail to communicate with one another. In many cases, the fix is as simple as battery replacement. 

Smart doorbells, such as Nest, Wyze, or Ring doorbell systems, work with your home’s Wi-Fi to connect a transmitter at the door (which often includes a video camera) to another device on the same network—including smartphones, tablets, or laptop computers. Some are wired and others are wireless. Problems typically involve failure to connect with the hub or smartphone. Solutions are sometimes as easy as turning the device off and on again or resetting your home’s Wi-Fi router. (To learn more about how smart doorbells work, read Smart home security.) 

Some DIY solutions to simple problems with wireless or smart doorbells can be found in the manufacturer’s instructions. But for expert repairs, different types of pros may be needed. To fix a wired doorbell, contact an electrician or a qualified handyperson with doorbell experience. To repair a wireless or smart doorbell, contact a home security professional. 

The national average cost to repair an existing doorbell is $125–275, including materials and labor. If replacement is necessary, the installation cost of a new doorbell can range from $175–500, depending on the device type and your home’s specific needs.

To work on conventional (wired) doorbells, homeowners can hire a qualified electrician at a rate of $50–100 per hour, and sometimes a minimum service fee of $75–150. To replace a ringer button, the total cost might be as little as $60–110, depending on the minimum fee. Replacing a faulty transformer can be slightly more expensive, because they’re often hidden in a closet, attic, or basement, making them hard to locate. Total cost can average $80–130.

For repairs to a wireless, “smart,” and/or video doorbell system, you’re more likely to need the help of a home-technology or security pro. Like electricians, these pros may charge a minimum service fee of $75–150, which usually includes 1–2 hours of their time and expertise. After that, expect to pay $75–150 per hour, plus $50–350 for a new doorbell, if replacement is required.

The following elements may affect your total costs for doorbell repairs. 

How much does it cost to repair a doorbell?

The average cost of doorbell repair ranges $125–275. If you choose to replace your doorbell, a new installation will cost an average of $175–500, depending on the type (wired, wireless, or “smart”) and your home’s specific requirements. 

Do I need an electrician to replace a doorbell?

Hiring a professional electrician to work on a conventional doorbell is advisable in many cases. Wired doorbells typically have both low- and standard-voltage electrical components, and standard voltage can present a safety risk when handled improperly. A licensed electrician will generally charge $75–150 per hour, and there’s sometimes a minimum service fee.

How do you fix a non-working doorbell?

For a wired doorbell, hiring a qualified electrician is often your best bet. For wireless, smart, and video doorbells, check your owner’s manual to see if any simple fixes can get it working again. If not, hire a home technology or security pro, or a qualified handyperson with experience working on that type of device.

Find an electrician, home security professional, or handyperson in your area.