How to Customize Samsung's Notification Sounds

This article explains how to set global and custom notification sounds and ringtones on Samsung smartphones.

How to Change Ringtones on a Samsung Device

Your phone can be configured to have a global ringtone for all callers. That's the typical setup. But if you like to know who's calling before you look at your phone, you can set a custom ringtone for specific contacts.

Choose a Universal Ringtone for All Calls

There's an option in the Settings app that makes it simple to select a global ringtone. Here's what to do:

1. Open Settings. One way to get there is to swipe down from the top of the screen, then select the settings/gear icon.

2. Go to Sounds and vibration > Ringtone.
   

3. Choose the sound you want as your ringtone. If what you want to use isn't in the list, tap the + (plus) icon at the top right to pick a file stored on your phone.
   

   How to Get Free Ringtones

   

Choose a Custom Ringtone for a Single Contact

While the universal ringtone will play the same sound for everyone who calls you, a custom ringtone will overrule it. This means you can set individual tones for each contact. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Contacts app.

2. Choose a contact you wish to give a custom ringtone.

3. Select the Edit option (pencil icon).

4. Tap View more to expand the page to include more settings.

5. Scroll down and tap Ringtone, and then pick a new sound.

   

6. Tap the back button at the top left of the ringtones list, and then select Save on the contact's details page.

How to Change Notification Sounds on a Samsung Device

Your phone sends a notification sound when your apps try to tell you something, like for new emails, food delivery alerts, or social media messages. Much like ringtones, you can set a system-wide tone for all notifications or pick a particular sound to play for certain apps only.

Choose a Universal Notification Sound

Follow these steps to set a sound that should be used for all text notifications and other app alerts.

1. Open the Settings app, either by searching for it or tapping the gear/settings icon in the notifications panel.

2. Select Sounds and vibration from the Settings menu.

3. Tap the Notifications sound option to select from a list of available tones.

4. Choose the tone or song you want and you’re done.

   

   Unlike what you can do with ringtones, you must choose a tone that's included in this list. To use a different sound, ensure it's stored locally in one of your phone's Notifications folders. You can copy sounds to the right folder with the My Files app.

Choose a Custom Sound for a Single App

Set custom app notification sounds to help differentiate alerts that come from all your different apps.

1. Open the Settings app. You can find it through a search or by swiping down from the top of the screen; tap the gear icon at the top right.

2. Scroll down and select Apps.

3. Find the app you wish to customize in the list and select it.

   

4. On the app info page, scroll down and choose Notifications.

5. Select Notification categories, then tap on the type of notification you want to change.

6. Select Sound and then choose the sound you wish to use.