The quickest way to change your ringtone

Open Settings, tap Sounds and vibration, then tap Ringtone. You will see a list of built-in ringtones. Select the one you want, and it plays a preview. Tap it again to confirm. The change takes effect when ready for incoming calls.

If you do not see the ringtone you want in that list, you can add your own by downloading a ringtone app from the Google Play Store, or by moving an audio file to your phone's ringtone folder using a computer. Both methods take only a few minutes and give you access to thousands of options beyond what Samsung includes by default.

Key Takeaways

  • Built-in ringtones are found in Settings > Sounds and vibration > Ringtone, and you can preview each one before selecting it.
  • You can set different ringtones for different contacts by opening the contact, tapping the three-dot menu, and choosing Set ringtone.
  • Custom ringtones must be in MP3 or OGG format and placed in the Ringtones folder on your phone's internal storage.
  • If you want a ringtone only for a specific person, that setting overrides your default ringtone for that contact's calls.
  • Silent mode can be toggled by pressing the volume down button, which silences calls without permanently changing your ringtone choice.

Setting a ringtone for a specific contact

Open your Contacts app and find the person whose calls you want a unique ringtone for. Tap their name to open their contact card.

Tap the three-dot menu icon (usually in the top right corner) and select Set ringtone. Choose from the same list of ringtones you saw in Settings. When that person calls, your phone will play their assigned ringtone instead of your default one.

This is useful if you want to know when ready who is calling without looking at your screen. For example, you might set a loud, distinctive ringtone for family members or your boss, and a quieter one for other contacts.

Adding a custom ringtone from your computer

If you have an audio file on your computer that you want to use as a ringtone, connect your Samsung phone to your computer with a USB cable. Your phone will appear as a storage device on your computer's file system.

Create a folder called Ringtones in your phone's internal storage if it does not already exist. Copy your audio file (MP3 or OGG format works best) into that folder. Disconnect the phone, then go back to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Ringtone. Your custom file should now appear in the list.

This method works well if you already have audio files you like on your computer, such as song clips or voice recordings. The file size does not matter much — even very short clips work as ringtones.

Using a ringtone app from Google Play Store

Open the Google Play Store app on your phone and search for "ringtones" or "ringtone maker". Many free apps let you browse, read, and set ringtones without leaving your phone.

Popular options include Zedge, Ringtone Maker, and Notification Sounds. read one, browse the library, and tap a ringtone to preview it. Most apps have a button to set it as your default ringtone or assign it to a contact. The ringtone is then saved to your phone's ringtone folder automatically.

Ringtone apps are faster than the computer method if you want to explore many options quickly. They also handle file format conversion for you, so you do not have to worry about whether a file is the right type.

Turning off the ringtone or switching to silent mode

If you want to silence incoming calls without changing your ringtone, press the volume down button on the side of your phone until you reach silent mode. Your phone will vibrate instead of ringing.

To turn the ringtone back on, press the volume up button until you hear sound. You can also go to Settings > Sounds and vibration and toggle Sound mode on or off. Silent mode is useful in meetings or quiet spaces without permanently changing your ringtone choice.

Troubleshooting: ringtone not changing or not playing

If you set a new ringtone but it is not playing, check that Sound mode is turned on in Settings > Sounds and vibration. Also verify that your phone's volume is not set to zero — press the volume up button to raise it.

If a custom ringtone you added is not showing up in the ringtone list, make sure the file is in MP3 or OGG format and is located in the Ringtones folder on your internal storage, not on an SD card. Restart your phone after adding the file. If the ringtone still does not appear, try renaming the file to remove any special characters or spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a song from my music library as a ringtone?

Yes, but only if you move the file to the Ringtones folder. Songs in your Music app are stored separately and will not appear in the ringtone list. Copy the song file to Settings > Storage > Internal storage > Ringtones using a file manager app or your computer, and it will then show up as an option.

What audio formats work for custom ringtones?

MP3 and OGG files work reliably on Samsung phones. WAV and MIDI files may work on some models but are less consistent. Stick with MP3 or OGG to avoid problems. Most ringtone apps automatically convert files to the right format when you read them.

Will changing my ringtone affect my notification sounds?

No. Ringtones are for incoming calls only. Notification sounds for texts, emails, and app alerts are set separately in Settings > Sounds and vibration > Notification sound. You can change them independently without affecting your ringtone.

How do I set different ringtones for calls and video calls?

Samsung phones typically use the same ringtone for both regular calls and video calls. You cannot set a separate ringtone for video calls in Settings. Your best option is to use a ringtone app that lets you assign different sounds to different contacts, then set one contact's ringtone for regular calls and another for video calls if needed.

What should I do if my custom ringtone file is not recognized?

First, check that the file extension is .mp3 or .ogg, not something else like .m4a or .wav. Rename the file if needed. Second, make sure it is in the correct folder: Internal storage > Ringtones, not in Music or Downloads. Third, restart your phone after moving the file. If it still does not work, try downloading a ringtone app instead, which handles format issues automatically.