How to Connect an Outside Doorbell Button

Scout out a location for the doorbell button. The place should be easy to find and reach for anyone who arrives at your door. If you have a wired doorbell, run the wires from the speaker unit to where you plan to mount the button. You might have to make a hole in the plaster of the wall or pass the wires through the rubber sealant around the front door.

Drill holes for the mounting bracket in your chosen location. A quarter-inch drill bit is usually the right size for most doorbell mounts. Push plastic wall plugs into the drill holes, place the mounting bracket in position with the wires passing through, and tighten the screws in place.

Remove the cover of the doorbell speaker unit and select a frequency for the unit if you own a wireless model. Set the doorbell button to operate on the same frequency and test to see if the unit works. The frequency is usually controlled by a dial or set of buttons. Skip this step if you are installing a wired doorbell.

Pry off the cover of the doorbell button and loosen the screws of the wiring connections. Wrap the ends of each wire around the screw and tighten to complete the connection. Snap the plastic cover back in place and hang the button on its mounting bracket. Test the doorbell with a push of the button.