How to Set Different Notification Sounds on Android

As smartphone users, we rely heavily on notifications to inform us of new messages, emails, news, and other events. However, receiving the same notification sound for every incoming notification can be frustrating, especially if you have multiple apps that send notifications frequently. The ability to set different notification sounds for different apps can make it easier to identify the source of a notification and improve your mobile experience. In this article, we will provide several methods to help you set different notification sounds on Android.

Video Tutorial:

Key Point

Different notification sounds for different apps can improve mobile user experience by enabling you to quickly identify which app has sent a notification.

Method 1: Change Notification Sounds on Android 10 and Above

If you have an Android smartphone running on Android 10 and above, it’s very easy to set custom notification sounds for your apps. Follow the steps below to set notification sounds for individual apps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Tap on ‘Apps & notifications’
3. Tap on ‘See all apps’
4. Tap on the app for which you want to set a custom notification sound.
5. Tap on ‘App notifications’
6. Scroll down to ‘Notification sound’ and tap on it.
7. Select the notification sound you want to set for the app and tap ‘Save.’

Pros:
– Modern Android versions make it easy to set different notification sounds
– The process is quick and requires no technical skills
– You can change the notification sound for multiple apps all at once

Cons:
– This method is only available for Android versions 10 and above.

Method 2: Use Third-Party Notification Apps

If you are not comfortable with the default notification settings on your Android device, you can use third-party notification apps that offer more flexibility and customization options. These apps let you set custom notification sounds for individual apps, specific contacts, and even different types of messages. Some of the popular notification apps include:

– Zedge
– NotifiCon
– Notification Box

Follow the steps below to use a third-party notification app to set custom sounds for your apps:

1. Download and install your preferred notification app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and choose the app for which you want to set a custom notification sound.
3. Select the notification sound you want to set and save.

Pros:
– Third-party apps offer more customization options than default Android settings
– You can set notification sounds for specific contacts and message types
– Some apps include additional features like custom notification icons and vibration patterns.

Cons:
– Third-party apps may consume more memory and battery power compared to default Android settings.
– Some apps may require in-app purchases.

Method 3: Manual Notification Sound Assignment

If you have an Android device running on an older version of Android, or you prefer to manually assign notification sounds to individual apps, you can follow the steps below:

1. Locate the notification file you want to use as your custom notification sound. You can download notification files from the internet or create your own.
2. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Copy the notification file to the ‘Notifications’ folder on your Android device.
4. Open the app for which you want to set a custom notification sound.
5. Tap on ‘Settings’ or ‘Preferences’ depending on the app.
6. Select ‘Notification settings’
7. Select ‘Notification sound’
8. Choose the notification sound you copied to your phone and save.

Pros:
– This method can work with any version of Android.
– You can use any notification sound file that is compatible with your Android device.

Cons:
– This method is more time-consuming and requires technical skills.
– The process of finding and downloading custom notification sounds can be a challenge.

Why Can’t I Set Different Notification Sounds on Android?

1. Unsupported Android Version

If you have an Android smartphone running on an old version of the operating system (OS), you may not be able to set custom notification sounds. Android versions before 5.0 (Lollipop) don’t have this feature available in the settings menu.

Fix:
Upgrade to a supported Android OS version or use a third-party notification app.

2. Limited App Capabilities

Some apps do not allow users to set custom notification sounds, especially if the app is managed by an enterprise or organization. This is often the case with messaging apps and email clients.

Fix:
Use a different app that allows custom notification sounds or contact the app developer for assistance.

3. Incorrect Notification Settings

If you have set up custom notification sounds, but they are not working, it may be because you have not enabled notifications for the app or for the specific type of notification.

Fix:
Check the notification settings for the app and enable notifications for the app and the notification type you want to customize.

Additional Tips

– If you receive a lot of notifications for a particular app, consider setting a custom vibration pattern to differentiate it from others.
– Be mindful of the notification sounds you choose – some loud or repetitive sounds can be annoying for yourself as well as those around you.
– Test your notification sounds to make sure they are audible and distinguishable in different environments.

FAQs

Q: Can I set notification sounds for group messages?

A: Yes, depending on your messaging app, you can set custom notification sounds for group messages or conversations.

Q: Can I set notification sounds for specific contacts?

A: Yes, using a third-party notification app or some messaging apps, you can set custom notification sounds for individual contacts.

Q: Can I use my music files as notification sounds?

A: Yes, some Android OS versions and third-party notification apps allow you to use music files as custom notification sounds.

Q: Do notification sounds affect battery life?

A: Yes, using custom notification sounds or third-party notification apps can have a minor impact on battery life.

Q: Can I change notification sounds for system notifications?

A: It may not be possible to customize notification sounds for all system notifications, but it depends on your Android version and device.

Final Words

Customize your Android notification sounds to make your mobile experience more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you use a default Android setting, a third-party app, or create your own custom sound file, tailor your notification sounds to better suit your needs. Follow the steps and tips mentioned above to set different notification sounds and improve your mobile user experience.