In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is essential, with instant messaging being one of the most convenient ways to communicate. The Samsung Galaxy S21, known for its sleek design and advanced features, allows you to customize various aspects of your device to suit your personal taste. One way to make your smartphone experience more enjoyable is by changing the message notification sound. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to change the message sound on the Samsung S21, explore available options, and explain the benefits of customization.
Why Change Your Message Sound?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s reflect on why you might want to change your message sound. The default notification sound may not always capture your personality or might be too similar to other sounds from your apps.
Changing the notification tone can help you:
- Personalize Your Experience: Adding a unique sound can make your phone feel more ‘you’.
- Identify Messages Easily: Custom sounds help you distinguish between texts and notifications, ensuring you never miss an important message.
Now that we understand the significance, let’s get right into how to make these changes on your Samsung S21.
Steps to Change Message Sound on Samsung S21
Changing the message sound on your Samsung S21 is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to customize your notification experience.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To start, locate the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy S21. You can find this by:
- Swiping down from the top of your screen to access the notification shade.
- Tapping on the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner.
Step 2: Access Sound and Vibration Settings
Once you are in the Settings menu:
- Scroll down and tap on Sounds and vibration. This section allows you to modify all sound-related settings on your device.
Step 3: Select Notifications
Within the Sounds and vibration menu:
- Click on Notification sound or look for the Default notification sound option.
- This will lead you to a list of available notification sounds for your device.
Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Message Sound
You’ll find various preset notification sounds to choose from:
- Explore the available tones; listen to them by tapping on each sound.
- Once you find a sound you like, simply tap on it to select it as your new notification tone.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
After selecting your preferred message sound, ensure that you confirm your changes by:
- Tapping on the Back button to exit the menu.
- Your new message sound is now set!
Using Custom Sound Files
If you want to take personalization a step further, Samsung S21 allows you to use custom sound files for your notifications. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Prepare Your Custom Sound File
To set a custom sound, ensure that the audio file is stored on your phone. Here’s how to prepare:
- Select an audio file that is in a supported format, such as MP3 or WAV.
- Download the chosen sound from the internet or transfer it from a computer.
Step 2: Move the File to the Notifications Folder
To make your custom sound accessible for notifications, you’ll need to place it in the designated folder:
- Using a file management app, navigate to the Internal Storage.
- Find and open the Notifications folder. If you don’t see it, you can create one.
- Move or copy the selected audio file into this folder.
Step 3: Set Custom Sound as Notification Tone
Now that your custom sound file is in place, follow these short steps:
- Go back to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Notification sound.
- Scroll to the bottom of the list, where you should now see your custom sound file.
- Select it, and tap on the Back button to save your changes.
Setting Different Sounds for Different Contacts
Another nifty feature of the Samsung S21 is the ability to set unique notification sounds for different contacts. This can be especially useful for identifying who is messaging you without looking at your phone screen.
Step 1: Open Contacts App
- Locate the Contacts app on your home screen or app drawer.
Step 2: Select a Contact
- Tap on the contact for whom you want to set a custom notification sound.
- Click on Edit (pencil icon).
Step 3: Set Custom Notification Sound
- Scroll down until you find the Notification tone option.
- Tap on it to choose a dedicated sound for this contact.
- Save your changes by tapping Save or the checkmark icon.
Additional Customization Options
The Samsung Galaxy S21 offers a variety of sound settings that can be adjusted based on individual preferences. Here are other sound-related adjustments you may want to consider:
Changing Ringtones
Similar to changing notification sounds, you can customize your ringtone. This allows you to have a unique sound for calls, ensuring you can quickly differentiate it from message alerts.
- Follow the same steps as you did for notifications but instead select Ringtone under Sounds and vibration.
Adjusting Volume Levels
Sometimes, it’s not just about the sound you choose but also about how loudly it rings:
- Return to Sounds and vibration settings.
- Adjust the sliders for Ringtone, Media, and Notifications based on your environment and preference.
Tips for Choosing the Right Message Sound
When selecting a sound for your messages, consider the following tips:
1. Keep it Simple
Choose sounds that are not too long or complex, as they can become annoying over time. Short tones are often the best choice.
2. Consider Your Environment
If you often find yourself in quiet environments, a subtle tone might be best. In contrast, if you’re in noisy places frequently, a slightly louder sound could be beneficial.
3. Test Different Sounds
Don’t be afraid to try various options and listen to how they fit into your routine and daily activities.
Conclusion
Customizing the message sound on your Samsung Galaxy S21 is not only a fun way to make your device uniquely yours but also improves usability. With a simple series of steps, you can achieve a personalized smartphone experience that reflects your style. Whether you prefer the default sounds, unexpected custom tones, or individualized notifications for contacts, the flexibility of the Samsung S21 makes it a breeze to adapt your device to your needs.
By exploring these sound settings, you embrace the full capabilities of your smartphone. So go ahead, take the time to pick the perfect message alert sound that resonates with your personality and lifestyle—after all, your phone should feel just as unique as you are!
What is the process to change the message sound on my Samsung S21?
To change the message sound on your Samsung S21, begin by opening the “Messages” app. Tap the three-dot menu icon located in the upper-right corner and select “Settings” from the dropdown menu. From there, choose “Notifications” and then tap on “Notification sound.” You will see a list of available sounds that you can choose from.
Once you have selected your preferred sound, make sure to save your changes by tapping “Save” or “OK.” After you’ve done this, your new notification sound will be set, and you should hear it the next time you receive a message. If you feel like trying out different sounds, simply repeat the above steps to explore more options.
Can I use custom sounds for my notifications on the Samsung S21?
Yes, you can use custom sounds for your notifications on the Samsung S21. To do this, you will need to ensure that your desired audio file is saved on your device, either in the internal storage or on an SD card. Once you have the sound file ready, follow the same steps to access the notification sound settings in the “Messages” app.
After reaching the “Notification sound” selection, scroll to the bottom of the list and choose “Add” or “Sound picker.” This will grant you access to your device’s storage, allowing you to browse for the custom audio file. Once you have selected the custom sound, confirm your choice, and it will replace the default notification sound.
How do I restore the default notification sound on my Samsung S21?
If you want to restore the default notification sound on your Samsung S21, navigate back to the same settings where you changed your notification sound. Open the “Messages” app, go to “Settings,” and then select “Notifications.” Tap on “Notification sound,” and this will allow you to see the list of available sounds once again.
Scroll through the list until you find the “Default” option, usually indicated by a similar name or sound. Select it and then save your changes. Your notification sound will now revert to the original default sound that comes with the Samsung S21, allowing you to return to the original settings whenever you wish.
Why can’t I find an option to change my message sound?
If you cannot find the option to change your message sound, it may be due to navigating a different version of the messaging app or the Samsung One UI. Make sure you are using the standard “Messages” app provided by Samsung, as third-party messaging apps may not offer the same customization settings.
Another reason might be that your app permissions need to be reviewed. Ensure that the “Messages” app has the necessary permissions to access your device’s sound settings. If issues persist, consider updating your device software or the messaging app to the latest version to unlock potential customization features.
Will changing the message notification sound affect other notification sounds on my Samsung S21?
No, changing the message notification sound on your Samsung S21 will not affect other notification sounds. Each app on your device has its own unique notification settings, allowing you to customize sounds for different notifications according to your preferences. By modifying only the message sound, you can maintain distinct notification tones for apps such as email, social media, and others.
However, if you want to change sounds for other notifications, you will need to do so individually by going into the specific app’s notification settings. This offers flexibility and personalization, enabling each app to have its distinctive sound alert.
Can I set different message sounds for different contacts?
Yes, you can set different message sounds for different contacts on your Samsung S21. To do this, open the “Messages” app and select the conversation of the contact for whom you want to set a custom sound. Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner and choose “Details” or “Contact info,” depending on your version of the app.
Within the contact-specific settings, look for the option labeled “Notification sound” or “Sound” and tap on it. This allows you to choose a distinct notification sound for that particular contact. Once you have selected the sound, be sure to save your changes. This way, you’ll easily identify messages from important contacts based on the sounds you’ve assigned.
Is there a way to test the new message sound after changing it?
Yes, after changing your message notification sound on the Samsung S21, you can easily test it to ensure that it is set to your satisfaction. To do this, you can request someone to send you a message to hear the new sound in action. Alternatively, you can create a test message by sending one to yourself.
Additionally, some versions of the Samsung “Messages” app might allow you to preview sounds while selecting them in the notification settings. If this feature is available, simply tap on different sounds from the list, and you will hear a preview before making a final selection. This helps you quickly find the sound that suits your preferences without sending multiple test messages.