Where notification sounds live and how to find them

Notification sounds are controlled in different places depending on what device you use and which app is making the noise. On most phones and computers, you have at least three layers of control: a master sound setting for all notifications, individual app settings, and sometimes a per-conversation setting within the app itself. The fastest route is usually the app's own settings, not your device's main settings.

On an iPhone, notification sounds are in Settings > Notifications > [App Name]. On Android, they're in Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Notifications. On Windows, Settings > System > Notifications. On Mac, System Settings > Notifications > [App Name]. Each path is slightly different, but the principle is the same: find the app, then find its sound option.

Key Takeaways

  • Most apps let you turn off sound while keeping visual notifications, so you still see what came in without hearing it.
  • Turning off sound for one app does not affect other apps — you control each one separately.
  • On phones, you can often silence notifications by app, by contact, or by conversation thread without touching your device's main volume.
  • Some apps hide their notification settings inside a separate preferences or settings menu within the app itself, not in your device settings.

Silencing notifications on iPhone

Open Settings, tap Notifications, then find the app you want to silence. Tap it and look for "Sound" or "Sounds and Haptics". You'll see options like "Default", "None", or a list of specific sounds. Tap "None" to turn off the sound completely. The notification will still appear on your lock screen and in Notification Center — you just won't hear it.

If you want to silence notifications from one person or group chat, open the conversation in Messages, Mail, or whatever app it's in, tap the contact or group name at the top, then look for "Hide Alerts" or "Mute". This silences that specific thread without changing your settings for everyone else who messages you.

Silencing notifications on Android

Open Settings, go to Apps, find the app you want to silence, then tap Notifications. Look for "Sound" or "Notification sound" and tap it. You'll see a list of sounds or an option for "None" or "Silent". Select that option. Like iPhone, the notification will still show up visually — you're only removing the audio.

Some Android apps also let you mute individual conversations. In Gmail, long-press a sender's name and tap "Mute". In Messages, long-press a conversation and tap "Mute notifications". These settings override your general app settings for that specific sender or thread.

Silencing notifications on Windows

Open Settings, go to System > Notifications, and scroll down to "Notifications from apps and other senders". Find the app in the list and toggle off "Sounds". You can also turn off all notifications from that app entirely by toggling off the app's main switch, though that will hide visual notifications too.

If you want to silence notifications system-wide during work or sleep, use Focus information. Open Settings > System > Focus information and choose "Work", "Gaming", or "Sleep". You can customize which apps are allowed to notify you during each focus mode, and the rest will be silent.

Silencing notifications on Mac

Open System Settings, go to Notifications, and find the app in the list on the left. Click it and uncheck "Play sound for notifications". The notification will still appear as a banner or in Notification Center — you're only removing the sound.

You can also use Focus modes on Mac the same way you do on iPhone. Click the Focus icon in the menu bar, choose which focus mode you want (Work, Sleep, Do Not Disturb), and set which apps are allowed to notify you. During that focus mode, other apps will be silent.

Turning off sound for specific apps without disabling notifications

The key difference is between "muting the sound" and "turning off notifications entirely". If you turn off notifications completely, you won't see the message, email, or alert at all. If you turn off just the sound, you'll still see it on your lock screen, in a banner, or in your notification center — you just won't hear a beep or buzz.

For most people, turning off sound is the better choice. You still know something arrived when you look at your phone or computer, but you're not interrupted by noise. This is especially useful for work apps, email, or group chats that notify constantly but don't need when ready audio attention.

When the app's settings don't have a sound option

Some apps don't give you a sound option in your device settings. Instead, they hide it inside the app itself. Open the app, look for Settings, Preferences, or a gear icon, and search for "Notifications" or "Sound". Slack, Discord, and some messaging apps work this way — the sound setting is in the app's own menu, not in your phone or computer settings.

If you can't find a sound option anywhere, your last resort is to mute the app's notification category entirely in your device settings, then turn on visual notifications only. This removes all audio from that app but keeps you informed visually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off notification sound also turn off my alarm or ringtone?

No. Notification sounds are separate from alarms, ringtones, and media volume. Changing notification sound settings affects only notifications from apps — your alarm will still ring, and phone calls will still ring through.

Can I turn off sound for one app but keep it for others?

Yes. Each app's notification settings are independent. You can silence Mail but keep sound on for Messages, or vice versa. You control each app separately.

If I turn off notification sound, will I still see the notification?

Yes. Turning off sound removes only the audio. The notification will still appear on your lock screen, in a banner, or in your notification center, depending on your device and app settings.

How do I silence notifications from one person without silencing the whole app?

Most messaging and email apps let you mute individual conversations or senders. In Messages, Mail, or similar apps, find the conversation, tap the contact name, and look for "Mute" or "Hide Alerts". This silences that person or group without affecting notifications from others.