WeKnowSmartHome

Smart doorbell

Turns an existing wired doorbell into a smart one: your hub knows when someone rings. IntermediateWi-FiESP8266ESPHome

Updated November 2026

Illustration of what you build. See the maker’s guide for photos of the real device.

Can I build this?

Estimated costAbout $2 for the board (per the tutorial); €5–25 with charger and box (indicative)

Build timeNot stated

DifficultyIntermediate

ToolsComputer and FTDI adapter to flash the firmware

SolderingNo: the tutorial says no soldering is needed

3D printingNot needed (a small project box works)

What you need

ESP-01S with relay board
5 V phone charger
FTDI USB adapter (for the first flash)
Dupont wires
Small project box (optional)

How it works

Board: ESP-01S (ESP8266) with an ESP-01 relay board
Connects via: Wi-Fi with ESPHome (MQTT also possible)
Made by: Franck Nijhof (frenck.dev)

Good to know

The relay lets you keep the normal chime, mute it at night, or ring it from an automation.
Work only on the low-voltage bell wiring; leave the bell transformer and anything on mains power to an electrician.

Build itTutorial on frenck.devFull instructions, wiring and firmware from the maker →

This page summarises the maker’s project; the maker’s own guide is leading. Missing a tool? See In the toolbox. Need a better casing? See 3D printing & enclosures. Keep DIY builds to low voltage (USB or battery).

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