Where to find notification sounds on your phone or computer
The steps to change a notification sound depend on which device you use and which app is sending the alert. On most phones and computers, you control notification sounds through two places: the device's main settings, and the individual app's own settings. The device settings control what happens across all apps unless an app overrides them. The app settings let you customize just that one app.
Start by deciding whether you want to change the sound for one specific app (like text messages) or for all notifications on your device. If it's one app, go into that app's settings first. If it's everything, go to your device's main settings. Either way, look for a section labeled "Notifications," "Sound," or "Alerts."
Key Takeaways
- Most phones let you change notification sounds through Settings > Notifications, then selecting the app you want to customize.
- Some apps override your device settings and keep their own notification sound, so you may need to change the sound inside the app itself.
- You can usually choose from built-in sounds, upload your own sound file, or turn notifications silent for specific apps.
- On computers, notification sounds are often controlled through the same settings menu as your phone, or sometimes through the app itself.
- Testing the sound before you save ensures you pick something you can actually hear and tolerate throughout the day.
Changing notification sounds on Android phones
On Android, open Settings and scroll down to find "Apps" or "Applications." Tap the app whose notification sound you want to change — for example, Gmail or WhatsApp. Inside that app's settings, look for "Notifications" or "Sound and vibration." Tap it, and you should see a list of notification sounds to choose from.
If the app doesn't have its own notification settings, go back to your main Settings menu and tap "Notifications." Find the app in the list, tap it, and look for "Sound" or "Notification sound." Android usually shows you a preview of each sound before you select it, so you can hear what it will sound like. Once you pick one, tap "Done" or the back arrow to save your choice.
Some Android phones let you upload your own sound file as a notification. To do this, you typically need to place an audio file (usually in .mp3 or .wav format) in a folder called "Notifications" on your phone's storage. Then when you open the notification sound menu, your custom file should appear in the list. Check your phone's manual or search "[your phone model] custom notification sound" if this option doesn't appear.
Changing notification sounds on iPhones and iPads
On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap "Notifications." Scroll down and find the app you want to customize. Tap it, then look for "Sound" or "Notification Sound." iOS shows you a list of built-in sounds — tap one to hear a preview. When you find one you like, tap it again to confirm your choice.
Unlike Android, iPhones do not let you easily upload custom sound files as notifications through the Settings menu. If you want a custom sound, you have two options: use a shortcut app like Apple Shortcuts to play a sound when a notification arrives, or use an app that manages its own notifications (like Slack or Discord) and set a custom sound inside that app instead of in iOS Settings.
If you want to turn off the sound entirely for one app, go to that app's notification settings and toggle off "Sound." The app will still send you notifications, but they will arrive silently. You can still see them on your lock screen or in the notification center.
Changing notification sounds on Windows computers
On Windows 10 or 11, open Settings and go to "System" > "Notifications & actions." Scroll down to find the app whose notification sound you want to change. Click it, and you should see options for "Sound" or "Notification sound." Click the dropdown menu to see available sounds, then select one.
If the app has its own settings, you may need to change the notification sound there instead. Open the app, go to its Settings or Preferences menu, and look for "Notifications" or "Alerts." Some apps like Slack, Discord, and Zoom manage their own notification sounds and ignore the Windows system settings.
Windows also lets you change the default notification sound for all apps at once. Go to Settings > "System" > "Sound" > "Advanced" > "Volume mixer." Find "System sounds" and adjust the volume, or go to "Sound" settings and look for "Notification sound" to pick a different default sound for everything.
Changing notification sounds on Mac computers
On a Mac, click the Apple menu and go to "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions). Click "Notifications," then find the app in the list on the left. Click it, and you should see a dropdown menu for "Sound." Select the sound you want from the list.
Some Mac apps manage their own notification sounds. Open the app, go to Preferences or Settings, and look for "Notifications" or "Alerts." Apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom often have their own notification sound settings that override the system settings.
If you want to use a custom sound on a Mac, you can place an audio file in the Library/Sounds folder in your home directory. The sound file should be in .aiff, .wav, or .mp3 format. After you save it there, it should appear in the notification sound dropdown menu.
Why some apps ignore your notification sound settings
Some apps override your device's notification settings and use their own sound instead. This happens because the app developer programmed it that way. Common culprits include messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, work apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams, and video call apps like Zoom. These apps often let you customize the notification sound inside the app itself, separate from your device settings.
To change the notification sound for an app that ignores your device settings, open the app and look for "Settings," "Preferences," or "Notifications" in its menu. Inside, you should find an option for "Sound" or "Notification sound." If the app does not have this option, you may not be able to change the sound — you can only turn notifications off or on.
Testing your new notification sound before you rely on it
After you pick a new notification sound, test it before you go about your day. Most phones and computers play a preview when you select a sound, but the preview is often quieter than the actual notification will be. Send yourself a test message or email to hear the real volume and tone.
Pay attention to whether the sound is loud enough to hear when your phone is in your pocket or bag, but not so loud that it startles you or bothers people around you. If you work in a quiet office or library, a subtle sound is usually better. If you work in a noisy environment, you may need something louder or more distinctive. You can always change it again if it does not work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set different notification sounds for different contacts?
Yes, but only for certain apps. Most messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Gmail let you set a custom notification sound for specific people. Open the app, find the contact or conversation, tap "Info" or "Details," and look for "Notification sound" or "Alert tone." Not all apps support this feature, so check your app's settings to see if it is available.
Why is my notification sound not changing even after I select a new one?
The app may be overriding your device settings. Try changing the notification sound inside the app itself rather than in your device's main settings. Also check that notifications are actually turned on for that app — if notifications are disabled, you will not hear any sound. On some phones, you may need to restart the app or restart your device for the change to take effect.
How do I turn off notification sounds without turning off notifications?
On most devices, go to the app's notification settings and toggle off "Sound" while leaving "Notifications" on. The app will still send you alerts, but they will arrive silently. You can still see them on your lock screen or in your notification center. Some phones also have a "Do Not Disturb" mode that silences all notifications during certain hours.
Can I upload a song as my notification sound?
On Android, yes — you can place an audio file in your Notifications folder and use it as a notification sound. On iPhone, this is not possible through the standard settings, though some third-party apps may offer workarounds. On computers, you can usually upload a custom sound file to the system sounds folder, but the file size and format matter — check your device's documentation for the exact requirements.
What if I want different notification sounds for different types of alerts?
Some apps let you set separate sounds for different types of notifications. For example, Gmail may let you set one sound for new emails and a different sound for calendar reminders. Open the app's notification settings and look for options like "Email sound," "Message sound," or "Alert sound." If the app does not offer this level of customization, you can only set one sound per app.