Alert Tones · Android
How to Change Your Notification Sound on Android
Updated
Open Settings → Sound (or Sounds and vibration) → Default notification sound and pick a new one. To change the sound for one app, go to Settings → Notifications → App notifications, choose the app and change the sound for that notification type.
Change the default notification sound
- 1
Open Settings
On Pixel tap Sound & vibration. On Samsung tap Sounds and vibration.
- 2
Tap the notification sound
It's called Default notification sound on Pixel and Notification sound on Samsung.
- 3
Choose or add a sound
Pick from the list, or use My Sounds / + to add your own file.
Change the sound for one app
- 1
Open the app's notifications
Go to Settings → Notifications → App notifications and choose the app.
- 2
Choose a notification type
Apps split notifications into categories, like Messages or Mentions. Tap the one you want.
- 3
Tap Sound
Pick a different sound for just that type.
Exact names vary between Samsung, Pixel and other manufacturers. Some apps, like WhatsApp, also have sound settings inside the app.
Add your own notification sound
- 1
Save a short audio file
MP3 works best. Keep it to a few seconds.
- 2
Move it to Notifications (optional)
With the Files app, moving it into the Notifications folder makes it appear in every sound list.
- 3
Select it
Choose it from the notification sound picker.
Troubleshooting
- My custom sound doesn't appear
- Move the file into the Notifications folder, or use the + option in the picker to browse to it.
- The app ignores my sound
- Check the app's own notification settings — they can override the system sound.
FAQ
Can each app have its own sound on Android?
Yes. Android lets you change sounds per app and even per notification type.
How long should a notification sound be?
1–5 seconds. Short sounds are easier to notice and less annoying.