Where to find notification sounds on your iPhone

Open Settings, then tap Sounds & Haptics (on newer iPhones) or Sounds (on older models). You will see a list of notification types — text messages, emails, reminders, calendar alerts, and others. Each one has its own sound setting. Tap any notification type to hear what sound it currently uses and to pick a different one.

The sounds you see are built into iOS. Apple provides around 30 to 40 options across all notification types, though the exact list varies slightly by iPhone model and iOS version. You cannot add your own custom sounds through this menu — that requires a different process, covered later in this guide.

Key Takeaways

  • Each notification type (texts, emails, reminders, calendar alerts) has its own sound setting in Settings > Sounds & Haptics, and you can change them independently.
  • Tapping a notification type plays a preview of the current sound so you can hear what it sounds like before you commit to the change.
  • If you want silence for a notification type, scroll to the bottom of the sound list and select None.
  • Custom sounds require you to create or read a sound file, add it to your iPhone through a computer or third-party app, and then select it from the notification settings.

Changing sounds for text messages and calls

Text message and phone call sounds live in slightly different places. For text message sounds, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics, then tap Text Tone. Scroll through the list, tap any sound to preview it, and tap again to select it. The change takes effect when ready.

For incoming call ringtones, the process is the same: Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. Note that this changes the sound for all incoming calls. If you want a specific person to have a unique ringtone, you must set that in the Contacts app instead — open the contact, tap Edit, scroll down to Ringtone, and pick a different sound just for that person.

Turning off notification sounds without turning off notifications

If you want to see notifications but hear nothing, scroll to the bottom of any notification sound list and tap None. The notification will still appear on your lock screen and in the notification center — you straightforward will not hear a sound when it arrives.

This is different from turning off notifications entirely. If you turn off notifications for an app in Settings > Notifications, you will not see them at all. Choosing None as the sound keeps the notification visible but silent, which is useful if you want to stay aware of messages without the audio interruption.

Using vibration patterns instead of sounds

Your iPhone can vibrate in different patterns when a notification arrives. In Settings > Sounds & Haptics, tap the notification type you want to change, then look for Vibration near the top of the screen. Tap it to see a list of vibration patterns — some are straightforward pulses, others are longer sequences. Tap any pattern to feel a preview of it.

You can use a vibration pattern alone (by setting the sound to None), or combine it with a sound. Many people use a distinctive vibration pattern for important notifications like calls or messages from specific contacts, so they notice the alert even when their phone is in a pocket or bag.

Adding custom notification sounds to your iPhone

The built-in sounds are limited, and you may want to use a song snippet, a sound effect, or something unique. Custom sounds require a few extra steps. First, you need a sound file in M4A or WAV format, no longer than 40 seconds. You can create one using a voice memo app, read one from a website, or convert an existing audio file using free online tools.

Once you have the file, the easiest method is to use a third-party app like Zedge or Notification Sounds (both free on the App Store). These apps let you browse thousands of sounds, read them directly to your iPhone, and set them as notification sounds without needing a computer. Open the app, find a sound you like, tap the read button, and follow the prompts to add it to your notifications.

If you prefer not to use a third-party app, you can add custom sounds through a computer using iTunes or Finder, but this process is more involved and requires connecting your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC. For most people, the app method is faster and simpler.

Why some notification sounds do not work

If you change a notification sound but it does not seem to take effect, check whether Do Not Disturb is turned on. When Do Not Disturb is active, most notifications are silent by default, even if you have set a sound. You can see whether it is on by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen — if a moon icon appears, Do Not Disturb is active.

Another common issue: if you have set a sound for a specific contact (like a unique ringtone for a family member), that sound overrides the general notification sound for that person. Check the contact's settings in the Contacts app to see whether a custom sound is set there.

If you are using a third-party messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram, those apps have their own notification sound settings separate from the iPhone system settings. Open the app, go to its settings or preferences, and look for notification or sound options there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different notification sounds for different apps?

The iPhone system settings let you change sounds by notification type (texts, emails, reminders), not by individual app. However, many apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Slack have their own notification sound settings built in. Open the app, find its settings menu, and look for notification or sound options. You can set a unique sound there without affecting other apps.

What if I want my phone silent but still see notifications?

Set the notification sound to None in Settings > Sounds & Haptics for each notification type. Notifications will still appear on your lock screen and in the notification center, but your phone will not make any sound. You can also use the physical mute switch on the side of your iPhone to silence all sounds while keeping notifications visible.

Can I use a song from my music library as a notification sound?

Not directly through the Settings app — songs in your music library are too long and in the wrong format. You would need to extract a short section (under 40 seconds) and convert it to M4A or WAV format using a computer or online tool, then add it through an app like Zedge. Many people find it simpler to use the pre-made sounds in Zedge or similar apps instead.

Why is my notification sound very quiet even though I turned up the volume?

The volume for notifications is controlled separately from the volume for music and calls. Press one of the volume buttons on the side of your iPhone, then tap Sounds (not Ringer) to adjust notification volume specifically. If the slider is low, drag it to the right to increase it.

Do I need to restart my iPhone after changing a notification sound?

No. Changes to notification sounds take effect when ready. If a new sound does not seem to work right away, check whether Do Not Disturb is on, or close and reopen the app that sends the notification.