Can you customize your notification sound on Android?
What are notification sounds?
Notification sounds on Android devices are audio clips that play when you receive a notification for an app, text message, calendar event, or other system alert. They provide an audible cue that you have a new notification.
Some common notifications that trigger sounds include:
- Incoming text messages
- Email alerts
- Calendar reminders
- Alarm clock
- App notifications like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
- Low battery warnings
By default, Android devices come with a set of predefined notification sounds. For example, most Samsung devices have sounds like “Over the Horizon” and “Whistle” while Pixel phones have tones like “Lattice” and “Eureka.” Users can customize which sound plays for different apps and contacts.
Why Customize Notification Sounds?
There are several benefits to customizing your notification sounds on Android:
Personalization and Customization. Default notification sounds can get repetitive and boring over time. Custom sounds allow you to reflect your personality and interests through unique tones. You can find a sound that suits your style.
Distinguish Between Apps and Contacts. Assigning custom sounds to specific apps or contacts makes it easy to identify who is reaching out without looking at your phone. For example, you could set a fun tone for texts from your best friend.
Avoid Listener Fatigue. The default notification sounds on Android can lead to listener fatigue if you hear the same tones repeatedly throughout the day. Custom sounds help avoid this issue by providing variety.
Overall, custom notification sounds allow you to personalize your device, while making it simpler to identify alerts without constant visual checking. It’s a useful way to reduce notification fatigue. [1] [2]
How to change default notification sound on Android
The default notification sound on Android devices can be changed easily through the Settings app. Here are the steps:
First, open the Settings app and go to the Sounds or Sound & vibration menu (locations vary by device). Look for the option labeled “Default notification sound” and tap on it [1].
This will open up a list of the available notification sound options included on your device. Tap on any sound in the list to preview it. When you find one you like, select it to set it as the new default notification sound.
On Samsung devices, the Sounds menu may be called “Sounds and vibration” instead. But the Default notification sound option works the same. You can browse the available tones and select a new default [2].
That’s all there is to it! The chosen sound will now play for all app notifications moving forward. You can repeat these steps at any time to choose a different default sound.
How to Set Custom Notification Sounds for Apps
Each Android app comes with its own default notification sound when installed. To customize the notification sound for specific apps on your Android device:
Open the Settings app and find the App notifications menu, which may be called App notification settings or similar. On some devices, this may be under Sounds and vibration.
Find the app you want to customize and tap to open its notification settings. There will be an option for Sounds – tap this.
Here you can choose a new notification tone from the defaults available on your device. Simply select one to set it as the new notification sound for that app.
Alternatively, you can tap Add ringtone to upload your own custom audio file like an MP3 to use for that app’s notifications.
Repeat this process to set custom notification tones for other apps. Just dive into each one’s notification settings in Settings and change the Sound option.
How to set custom sounds for contacts
You can assign unique notification tones for individual contacts on your Android phone. This allows you to identify who is contacting you without even looking at your phone.
To set a custom sound for a contact:
- Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want to customize.
- Tap Edit contact and scroll down to the Ringtone option.
- Choose a new tone from the available options or tap Add ringtone to add a custom sound file.
Once saved, you’ll hear the unique tone you picked whenever that contact calls, texts, or emails you. Note that some messaging apps like WhatsApp may not apply custom contact tones for notifications.
Setting custom tones for key contacts is an easy way to personalize and identify their communication. With a large address book, unique sounds can help you quickly determine who is reaching out before you even look at your phone.
Sources:
https://www.androidcentral.com/how-get-custom-text-tones-back-your-samsung-after-android-oreo-update
Best practices when selecting custom tones
When choosing a custom notification sound for your Android phone, it’s important to pick distinctive yet inoffensive tones that are appropriate for the app or contact. Here are some best practices to follow:
Choose sounds that are noticeable but not jarring. Pick tones that stand out from your ringtone and other alerts, but avoid extremely loud or abrasive noises. You don’t want to startle yourself or others around you.
Opt for shorter sounds for text message and email notifications. Brief beeps or chimes work well for apps that deliver frequent notifications. Leave longer sounds for fewer critical alerts.
Use meaningful sounds that relate to the app or contact. For example, choose a bird chirp for Twitter or cash register noise for payment apps. Match distinct sounds to VIP contacts so you recognize them instantly.
Check the sound on different devices if you can. Notification tones can sound different depending on phone model, volume and speakers. Verify it’s not too soft or piercing before setting.
Set a consistent overall volume for custom tones. Avoid blaring loud sounds that exceed your usual notification volume and ringtone level.
Change any notification sound that becomes annoying over time. As your tastes change, don’t hesitate to try a new custom tone.
By following these tips, you can choose custom notification sounds that are useful, appropriate and pleasing to hear throughout your day.
Where to find new notification tones
There are a few different ways to find new notification tones for your Android device:
You can download ringtone and notification apps from the Google Play Store. Apps like Zedge, Winamp, and Notification Sounds offer thousands of free ringtones and notification sounds to choose from.
You can also search for free sound effect libraries online to find unique notification tones. Sites like Freesound allow you to download Creative Commons licensed sounds.
Finally, you can convert your own MP3 songs or audio clips into notification tones using an app like Ringdroid. This allows you to customize notifications with your favorite music.
How to add custom sound files
One way to set a custom notification sound is by adding your own sound files to your Android device. Here are the steps to add custom sound files and use them for notifications:
First, you’ll need to get the sound files onto your Android device. The easiest way is to connect your Android to your computer with a USB cable and transfer the files over. Place the sound files into the Notifications folder on your Android. For most devices, you can find this folder at internal storage/Notifications.
Another option is to use a file manager app on your Android to access the Notifications folder directly. Apps like File Manager and MiXplorer allow you to easily copy files from cloud storage or another folder on your device into the Notifications folder.
Once your custom sound files are in the Notifications folder, go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Default notification sound. Tap on the option to open the file explorer. Here you can navigate to the Notifications folder and select your custom sound file. This will set the file as the default notification sound.
Following these steps allows you to add any short sound clip, song excerpt, or other audio file as your notification tone on Android. Just make sure the files are in an compatible format like MP3 or WAV.
Limits and compatibility issues
When setting custom notification sounds on Android, there are some limits and compatibility issues to be aware of:
File format, size and length limits
Android supports .MP3, .OGG, .WAV, and .M4A audio files for custom notification sounds. The maximum file size is around 1-2 MB, and the recommended length is under 30 seconds for best compatibility [1].
OS and device specific compatibility
Custom notification sounds may not work properly on all Android devices and OS versions. For example, some Samsung devices have compatibility issues using custom sounds with certain apps [2]. Testing on your specific device is recommended.
Troubleshooting tips
If a custom notification sound isn’t working, try restarting the device, double checking the sound file format and length, and testing different apps. If issues persist, check for OS or device specific limitations. As a workaround, some launchers and apps allow setting custom tones just for that app.
Summary
Customizing your notification sounds on Android is easy and offers many benefits. Here are the key steps we covered:
- Go to Settings > Sound to change the default notification sound for all apps.
- Long press on an app icon and select App notifications to set a custom sound just for that app.
- Edit a contact and tap the ringtone option to assign a special tone for calls or messages from that person.
Setting unique notification sounds for different apps and contacts helps you identify alerts without having to look at your phone. You can choose sounds that match a person or app’s personality. Custom tones also allow you to separate work and personal notifications.
When selecting new sounds, aim for short clips that aren’t too abrasive or loud. Check for compatibility issues with your Android version. Look on sites like Zedge for a wide selection of free tones and sound effects.
With the power to customize your notification sounds, you can make your phone work better for you. No more confusion over which app is pinging you. Just listen for the unique tone and you’ll know if it’s time to check your messages, calendar or email.
