How Do I Change My Notification Sound on Android and iPhone?
How Do I Change My Notification Sound on Android and iPhone?
4 Answers

Notifications keep us in the loop, but those default sounds can get pretty annoying. Here’s how you can easily change them up and add a bit more personal flair:
Why Switch Notification Sounds?
- Personal Touch: Changing your notification sound can give your phone a bit of your personality. Whether you’re a fan of quirky tones or classic chimes, there’s something that can match your vibe.
- Quick Identifications: Assigning different sounds to different types of notifications means you can tell what’s happening on your phone without even looking. Imagine knowing it’s a message from your best friend rather than a work email just by the sound.
- Better Experience: Custom sounds can make using your device more enjoyable. It’s those little things that count, right?
How to Change Notification Sounds
Changing the Default Sound on Your Device
On Android:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap on “Sound & Vibration” or just “Sound.”
- Find “Default notification sound” and pick a new one.
You can also add your own sounds by placing files in the “Notifications” folder on your device.
On iOS:
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Go to “Sounds & Haptics.”
- Tap on “Text Tone” or another category and select a new sound.
Changing Sounds for Specific Apps
On Android:
- For specific apps like Google Messages, go into the app’s settings and find the notification settings. You can choose different sounds there.
- Alternatively, go through “Settings” > “Apps” > “See all apps,” then dig into the notification settings for each app.
On iOS:
- Find the app in your “Settings,” go to “Notifications,” and change the sound under “Sounds.”
Specific Contacts
On Android:
- Open a chat with the contact in your messaging app, hit the three-dot menu, and select “Details” > “Notifications” > “Sound.”
On iOS:
- Open the “Contacts” app, tap on the contact, hit “Edit,” and scroll to “Text Tone” to pick a sound.
Fiddling with Other Settings
Adjust Vibration Patterns:
- On Android, navigate to “Settings” > “Sound & Vibration.”
- On iOS, tweak vibration patterns under “Settings” > “Sounds & Haptics.”
Managing Notification Categories:
- Some apps let you set different sounds for different types of notifications. Say, in email apps, you could have one sound for new emails and another for social media updates.
Troubleshooting
- Custom Sounds Not Appearing: Make sure your custom sound file is in a compatible format (MP3, OGG, WAV) and in the correct folder. Double-check that the file name doesn’t have any weird characters.
- No Sound After Changing Settings: Check your device’s volume. Also, ensure the selected sound file isn’t corrupted and that you saved your changes correctly.
By switching up your notification sounds, you not only get a kick out of hearing something new but also make your device that much easier to use.

To change your notification sound on your Android phone, follow these steps I usually take when my ringtone gets a little too familiar. Depending on your phone model, things might look a bit different, but this guide should set you in the right direction.
Here’s how you can switch it up:
- Find the Settings: First, unlock your phone and head to the “Settings” app. The icon usually looks like a gear. You know the drill!
- Check Out the Sound Settings: Look for “Sound” or “Sound & Vibration” in the menu. You’ll need to dive into this to tweak your sounds. Sometimes it’s under “Apps & notifications” if you have one of those quirky Android versions.
- Pick Your Default Sound: When you’re in Sound settings, you’ll see “Default notification sound.” This is where you choose your go-to sound for all notifications. Tap it and explore the list of options.
- Choose Your Favourite Tune: Scroll through the list. Tap each sound to have a listen. Once you find the one that hits the mark, save or confirm it—don’t want any awkward mix-ups later!
- Personalize App Sounds (Optional): Want distinct sounds for apps like Messages or Gmail? Head back to the main menu, select “Apps & notifications,” and pick the app you’re jazzing up. Go to “Notifications” and swap the current sound for a new one if that’s your jam.
- Go Custom: Into custom sounds? Make sure your music files are stored in your phone under “Notifications.” You can do this through a computer transfer or by downloading an app like Zedge. These custom melodies should pop up in the list when you’re changing the sounds.
- Give It a Test Run: Once you’ve made your changes, send yourself a message or wait for that next notification. Double-check that everything sounds just right.
So there you have it—customizing your Android notification sound in a few easy steps! Whether it’s a subtle ping or a full-on ringtone, it’s your call.

A Human’s Guide to Notification Sounds: Make Them Unique!
Got a notification sound that’s driving you nuts? Fret not! We’ve got some tips and tricks to switch things up, whether you’re using an Android, iOS, or Windows device.
Change That Tune: Different Methods for Different Platforms
Android Devices
- System-wide Sounds
-
- Jump into your Settings, hunt down Sound & vibration, and tap on Notification sound.
- Pick one of the sounds or hit Add to throw your own tune into the mix.
- App-Specific Ringtones (Like GroupMe)
-
- Open up GroupMe and go straight to its Settings.
- Find Notifications, then Group/Direct Message Sound, and choose your new jam.
iOS Devices
- Default Sounds
-
- Dive into Settings, tap on Sounds & Haptics, and choose Text Tone (or hit up another notification).
- Pick a noise or browse the Tone Store for some fresh finds.
- App-Specific Tweaks
-
- For apps like GroupMe:
-
- Open the app, tap on your profile, hit Settings, then go to Notifications.
- You can personalize all your alerts here.
Windows (Desktop Apps)
- If you’re using GroupMe on Windows, sadly, no dice for changing sounds directly. You’ll have to tweak system sounds by doing this instead:
-
- Head to Settings, dive into System, then Sound, and check out App volume and device preferences.
- You can adjust app volumes or stick with the system’s default sounds.
Spice It Up with Custom Sounds
- What Works: Most of our trusty devices love MP3, WAV, or M4A.
- Get Creative:
-
- Android: Drop those audio files in the Notifications folder using a file manager. They’ll show up when you need them.
- iOS: Use iTunes or the Files app to bring in your tunes from the Tones library.
Trouble? Here’s How to Fix It
Can’t Hear Those Notifications?
- Possible Culprits:
-
- Do Not Disturb: Make sure this pesky setting is turned off!
- App Settings: Double-check notification permissions in your device and app settings.
- Software Too Old: Update your operating system or app to solve any hiccups.
Your Custom Sound Didn’t Show Up?
- Android: Put files in the right folder, and if they’re not corrupted, give your device a restart.
- iOS: Remember, tones must be 30 seconds or less. Trim them with GarageBand or another tool.
App Not Letting You Change Sounds?
- If apps like GroupMe on Windows won’t budge, use system-level adjustments or reach out to the app support team for updates.
Want to Go Further with Customization?
- Android (API 26+): You can program custom sounds using the
NotificationChannel
viasetSound()
. - Third-Party Goodies: Apps like Zedge or Audiko offer ready-made tunes and make installations easy-peasy.
What You Really Need to Know
- Don’t forget to test it after you make changes.
- Backup your custom tones so you don’t lose them.
- Look over app documentation to see what’s needed for sound tweaks.
By taking these steps, you’ll be able to make your notification sounds uniquely yours across any device, and sorting out most gremlins in the system will soon be water under the bridge.

Looking to give your phone a little personality with new notification sounds? Let’s dive into how you can change things up on Android and iPhone!
For Android peeps:
- Find Your Way to Settings: Open up the “Settings” app on your phone—it’s like the control room for everything.
- Head to Sound & Vibration: Skim through until you see “Sound & vibration” or “Sounds.” Different phones might call it differently, so keep an eye out!
- Pick Your Default Sound: Tap “Default notification sound” and scroll through the noise buffet. Pick something that tickles your fancy.
- Jazz It Up with Custom Sounds: If you want to go the extra mile with a custom tone, you’ll need to get an audio file involved. Here’s the scoop:
- Grab the sound you want—either download it or transfer it from your computer.
- Drag the file over to the “Notifications” folder using a file manager app.
- Head back to “Default notification sound” and pick your newbie.
iPhone folks, here’s your section:
- Start with Settings: Give “Settings” a tap—this is your gateway to modifications.
- Move to Sounds & Haptics: Hit “Sounds & Haptics” if you’re using newer models. Older ones might just say “Sounds.”
- It’s Tone Time: Swipe down to “Text Tone” or whichever notification sound you’re gunning for. Tap to see the list of prospects.
- Pick a Winner: Go on, select the sound that jumps out at you. Want a flavor of your own? Here’s how:
- Sync your custom tunes through iTunes.
- They’ll pop up in your “Ringtones” list once you’re all synced up.
And if you’re thinking about app-specific sounds—here’s the kicker:
- Dive Into the App: Open the app that’s making or breaking your day with notifications.
- Snoop Around App Settings: Usually lurking somewhere around your profile or menu icon.
- Tweak Notification Settings: Look for something like “Notifications” or “Notification settings.” Cross your fingers that the app lets you pick a sound of your own!
Changing those notification sounds isn’t rocket science. Just follow along and you’ll be grooving to new tunes in no time!