Where to find notification sounds on your device
The path to change a notification sound depends on whether you use Android or iPhone, and whether you want to change the sound for all notifications or just one app. On both systems, the main settings are in your phone's Settings app — not in individual apps themselves, though some apps do let you override the system default.
On Android, go to Settings, then Sound and vibration (the exact name varies by manufacturer — Samsung calls it Sounds and haptics, Google Pixel calls it Sound and vibration). On iPhone, go to Settings, then Sounds and Haptics. Both will show you the current notification sound and let you pick a different one from the built-in library.
If you want to change the sound for just one app instead of all notifications, you'll need to go into that app's own settings. Most apps have a Notifications section in their settings menu where you can pick a custom sound — but not all apps offer this choice.
Key Takeaways
- Android notification sounds live in Settings > Sound and vibration; iPhone sounds are in Settings > Sounds and Haptics.
- You can change the default notification sound for your whole phone, or go into individual apps to change sounds for just that app.
- Both Android and iPhone come with built-in sounds you can choose from without downloading anything.
- Some apps don't let you change their notification sound — you're limited to what the app developer chose.
- Custom sounds (ones you record or download) require different steps on Android versus iPhone and may not work in all apps.
Changing the default notification sound on Android
Open Settings and find Sound and vibration (or Sounds and haptics on Samsung). Look for the option labeled Notification sound or Default notification sound. Tap it and you'll see a list of built-in sounds — usually 10 to 20 options with names like Chime, Ping, Whisper, or Bells. Tap the one you want to hear; your phone will play a preview so you know what it sounds like before you commit.
Once you've picked one, tap OK or Save (the button name varies). That sound is now your default for all apps that don't have their own notification sound set. If you change your mind later, you can come back to the same menu and pick a different one.
Some Android phones also let you set a separate sound for text messages versus other notifications. Look for Notification sound and Message notification sound as separate options in the same menu.
Changing the default notification sound on iPhone
Open Settings and tap Sounds and Haptics. Scroll down to find Notification Sounds (it's below the Ringtone and Text Tone options). Tap it and you'll see Apple's built-in notification sounds — usually around 25 options with names like Chime, Bells, Marimba, or Radar. Tap one to hear a preview, then tap it again to select it.
Unlike Android, iPhone doesn't let you set separate sounds for different types of notifications in the main settings. All notifications will use the sound you pick here, unless an individual app overrides it with its own sound.
If you don't see a Notification Sounds option, make sure you're on the latest version of iOS. Older versions had this setting in a different location or didn't offer it at all.
Changing notification sounds for a single app
If you want Gmail to chime but Messages to buzz, you can set different sounds for each app — but only if the app's developer built that feature in. Open the app, go to its Settings or Preferences (usually found in a menu icon or in your phone's Settings under the app's name), and look for Notifications or Sound settings.
Not every app offers this choice. Many smaller apps use whatever default sound your phone is set to and don't let you change it. If you don't see a sound option in the app's settings, that app doesn't support custom notification sounds.
For apps that do support it, the process is the same as changing your default: you'll see a list of sounds, tap one to preview it, and tap again to save. Some apps let you pick from your phone's built-in sounds; others let you upload a custom sound file.
Using custom sounds you've recorded or downloaded
Both Android and iPhone let you use sounds other than the built-in ones, but the process is different on each system and more complicated than picking a preset.
On Android, custom sounds need to be saved in a specific folder on your phone: Android/media/com.android.systemui/notification_sounds (or sometimes just Notifications). You can download a sound file from the internet, use a file manager app to move it to that folder, then it will appear in your notification sound list. Some apps also let you pick a custom sound directly from your phone's storage without moving it to that folder first.
On iPhone, the process is more restricted. You can't simply download a sound and use it — you need to use a computer and iTunes, or use an app designed to create custom notification sounds. The sound file also has to be in a specific format (usually M4R). This is why most iPhone users stick with Apple's built-in sounds.
If you find a notification sound online, check whether it's in a format your phone can use. Android accepts MP3 and WAV files; iPhone requires M4R files or sounds created through a dedicated app.
Troubleshooting when your notification sound won't change
If you've picked a new sound but your phone still plays the old one, check whether Do Not Disturb is turned on. When Do Not Disturb is active, your phone may silence notifications or play a different sound. Turn it off in Settings (or swipe down from the top of your screen on Android, or up from the bottom on iPhone) and try again.
On Android, also check whether your phone is set to vibrate-only mode. If the volume for notifications is turned all the way down, you won't hear any sound at all — you'll only feel vibration. Go to Settings > Sound and vibration and make sure Notification volume is turned up.
If a specific app's notification sound won't change, restart the app completely (close it and open it again). Sometimes the app needs to reload its settings to pick up the change you made.
Why some apps don't let you change their sound
App developers decide whether to let you customize notification sounds. Some apps — especially messaging and social media apps — give you full control. Others, particularly banking apps or security alerts, use a single sound that you can't change because the developer wants to make sure you notice important alerts.
If an app's notification sound bothers you and you can't change it, your only options are to turn off notifications for that app entirely (in your phone's Settings under Notifications) or mute the app's notifications in your phone's Do Not Disturb settings so it only vibrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a song as my notification sound?
On Android, yes — you can use any MP3 or WAV file, including songs from your music library. On iPhone, it's much harder. You'd need to convert the song to M4R format using a computer and iTunes, or use a third-party app designed for this purpose. Most iPhone users find it easier to stick with built-in sounds.
Will changing my notification sound affect my ringtone?
No. Your ringtone (the sound when someone calls) and your notification sound (the sound for messages and app alerts) are separate settings. Changing one doesn't change the other.
Why does my notification sound keep reverting to the default?
This usually happens when you've set a custom sound that's stored in a location your phone can't access, or when an app update resets the app's settings. Try picking a built-in sound instead. If you want to use a custom sound, make sure it's saved in the correct folder for your phone type.
Can I set different notification sounds for different contacts?
For text messages and calls, yes — most phones let you assign a custom ringtone or message tone to individual contacts. For app notifications like email or social media, it depends on the app. Some apps let you set sounds per contact or per conversation; most don't.
What if I can't find the Sounds and Haptics setting on my iPhone?
Make sure you're in the main Settings app, not an individual app's settings. Scroll down to find Sounds and Haptics — it's usually near the top of the list. If it's still not there, your iPhone may be running an older version of iOS that doesn't have this option in that location.