If your chime still rings, you usually only need a new cover. On most wired chimes the cover is a separate part, and swapping it doesn't touch the wiring. Replace the whole chime only if it no longer works, you want a different sound, or you're changing your doorbell system.
Quick answer: chime or cover?
Ask yourself four questions:
- Does it still ring? If yes, keep it.
- Do you want to keep your current chime? If yes, keep it.
- Is the only problem how it looks? Yellowed, cracked, missing or the wrong style? Then you need a cover, not a chime.
- Is the chime dead, buzzing in a way you can't fix, or not compatible with the doorbell you want? Then replace the whole chime, or call an electrician.
In short: a working chime with an ugly box is a cover problem. A chime that doesn't work is a chime problem.
What's actually inside a doorbell chime box
A wired doorbell chime has two parts. The mechanism (the tone bars or tubes and the plungers that strike them) is mounted on a back plate on the wall. The decorative cover sits over it. As Graue's puts it, "in most cases, the cover and the chime unit are separate components" (graues.com).
That's why changing the cover is a decor job, not an electrical one. According to wikiHow, most covers come off by sliding them up, pressing a tab, or removing a few screws. Once it's off, you can see the mechanism and measure it.
When replacing the whole chime makes sense
A new cover won't fix a chime that doesn't work. Replace the whole unit in these cases.
The chime no longer rings or sounds weak
If nothing happens when someone presses the button, or the tone is faint and dull, the problem is in the mechanism, the button or the wiring. A cover can't help. Replacing a chime means disconnecting and reconnecting wires (wikiHow), so hire an electrician if you're unsure.
You want a different sound or more doors
If you want a longer melody, or the chime needs to signal more than one door, you need a chime that does that. The cover doesn't change what the mechanism can play.
You're switching to a video or wireless doorbell
Some video doorbells work with your existing chime and some don't, and many depend on your transformer. Check compatibility with the doorbell maker before you buy anything. If the answer means replacing the chime or transformer, hire an electrician if you're unsure.
What a new chime costs: prices vary widely. On one NuTone distributor's list, wired chimes go from about $24 (for example, the LA126WH) to several hundred dollars for wood models with real brass tubes, such as the LA501CY (amerisponse price list). That's the chime only; installation is extra if you hire it out.
When you only need a new cover
If the chime works, a cover is usually the simpler fix.
It works, it just looks dated or yellowed
Old plastic covers yellow and look out of place after a remodel. The chime behind it is fine. A new cover changes the look without touching the wiring.
The original cover is cracked or missing
Covers "get broken, get beat up, get lost," as Knock Doorbells notes, and exact vintage replacements are rare. Many homeowners assume covers aren't sold separately. They are, either as stock replacements for specific models or made to your chime's size. If that's your case, follow our step-by-step guide on how to replace a missing or broken doorbell chime cover.
You want to keep your existing chime
Many people want to keep their original chime. Replacing only the cover leaves your existing chime mechanism and wiring in place.
Your cover options (honest comparison)
Paint the old cover
This is the most common answer on homeowner forums: paint it white to match the trim, the wall color, or matte black. It's cheap and quick. The downside is that the shape and bulk of the old box stay the same.
Stock "cover only" replacements
NuTone sells a CHIMECOVER, and Newhouse Hardware sells the CHIMECOVER2: a white plastic, snap-on cover, 9 x 5 in outside, with an inner space of 6.75 x 4.75 x 1.75 in. Newhouse warns it "may not work with other chime models" (Newhouse Hardware). If your model is on the list, it's a good, simple fix.
A made-to-measure decorative cover
iledecor covers are made to your chime's height, width and depth, so they don't depend on a model list. They slide on with a snug friction fit and need no rewiring. You can choose from 5 patterns (Louver, Two-Tone Louver, Stars, Flowers and Arches) in 10 colors, plus 6 two-tone pairs. Each measurement can be up to 12.5 in. Covers are made to order in PLA and can be painted, and they start at $25.99, with free US shipping on every order, no minimum.
For a deeper look at fit, see made-to-measure vs. stock doorbell chime covers.
Comparison table
| Option | Touches wiring? | Fit | Looks | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New chime | Yes | New unit, new mounting | New design | Highest; electrician if unsure |
| Paint the old cover | No | Same as before | Same shape, new color | Low |
| Stock cover | No | Only listed models | Plain white | Low |
| Made-to-measure cover | No | Made to your chime | Choice of patterns and colors | Low; measure first |
Prices: new NuTone wired chimes run from about $24 to several hundred dollars on one distributor's list; iledecor covers start at $25.99.
How to measure for a replacement cover
Take the old cover off. Measure the height and width of the flat back plate, then the depth from the wall to the part that sticks out the most. Round each number up to the nearest 1/16 in. Each measurement can be up to 12.5 in.
Step-by-step photos are in how to measure a doorbell chime box, and the size guide explains how the sizes work. If you have a long-tube chime, email your measurements to info@iledecor.com before you order.
FAQ
Can I replace just the doorbell chime cover?
Yes. On most wired chimes the cover is a separate part that slides, snaps or screws over the mechanism, so you can change it without replacing the chime or touching the wiring.
Do I need an electrician to replace a chime cover?
No. Swapping a cover doesn't involve the wiring. Replacing the whole chime does involve low-voltage wiring and the transformer, so hire an electrician if you're unsure.
Are doorbell chime covers universal?
No. Stock "cover only" replacements fit specific models (for example, the Newhouse CHIMECOVER2 lists an inner size of 6.75 x 4.75 x 1.75 in). Measure your chime before buying, or get a cover made to your measurements.
My chime's original cover is missing. What can I use?
Exact vintage covers are hard to find. A made-to-measure cover sized from your chime's height, width and depth is the most reliable replacement.
Is it cheaper to replace the cover or the whole chime?
It depends on the models. New wired NuTone chimes on one distributor's list run from about $24 to several hundred dollars, while iledecor covers start at $25.99 with free US shipping on every order, no minimum. A cover avoids any wiring work.
Do I need to change anything on my chime to use a new cover?
No. The cover slides over your existing chime with a friction fit; the mechanism and wiring stay in place.
What are iledecor covers made of?
PLA, and they can be painted.
Keep the chime you have, change the look
Measure once and we make a cover to fit it. Start with the Louver, or check the size guide first. Free US shipping on every order, no minimum.
