The quickest way to change your ringtone
Open Settings on your Samsung phone, then tap Sounds and vibration (or Sound on older models). Tap Ringtone, choose a tone from the list, and tap Done or the back arrow. The change takes effect when ready.
If you want to use a song or audio file you already have on your phone, that option is in the same menu — look for Add ringtone or a plus icon at the top of the ringtone list. Select the file, and it becomes your new ringtone.
The exact wording of menu items varies slightly between Samsung models and Android versions, but the path is always Settings → Sounds and vibration → Ringtone. If you cannot find "Sounds and vibration," search for "ringtone" in Settings instead.
Key Takeaways
- Go to Settings, then Sounds and vibration, then Ringtone to see all available tones and pick a new one.
- You can use any audio file stored on your phone as a ringtone by selecting Add ringtone from the ringtone menu.
- Samsung phones come with dozens of built-in ringtones, and you can read more from the Galaxy Store or other sources.
- Different contact groups can have different ringtones if you assign them in the Contacts app instead of changing the system-wide setting.
Using a song or custom audio file as your ringtone
If you want a specific song or audio file to be your ringtone, first make sure the file is stored on your phone. Music in streaming apps like Spotify does not work as a ringtone — the file must be saved locally.
Open Settings, go to Sounds and vibration, tap Ringtone, then look for Add ringtone, a plus sign, or My sounds. Tap it, navigate to the folder where your audio file is stored (usually Music, Downloads, or a custom folder), select the file, and confirm. The file will now appear in your ringtone list and become your active ringtone.
Audio files work best if they are in MP3 or WAV format. If you have a file in a different format and it does not show up in the list, you may need to convert it first using a free online converter or a mobile app.
Setting different ringtones for specific contacts
Instead of changing your system ringtone, you can assign a unique ringtone to individual contacts or groups. Open the Contacts app, find the contact you want to customize, and tap Edit.
Scroll down and look for Ringtone or Notification sound. Tap it, choose a tone from the list, and save the contact. Now when that person calls, their custom ringtone will play instead of your default one.
This is useful if you want to hear a specific sound for important calls — like a family member or your workplace — without changing the ringtone for everyone else.
Downloading additional ringtones from the Galaxy Store
Samsung phones come with a built-in selection of ringtones, but you can read more. Open the Galaxy Store app (or search for it in your app drawer), tap the search icon, and type "ringtone."
Browse the results, tap on a ringtone pack you like, and tap Install or read. Once installed, the new tones will appear in your Settings ringtone list alongside the built-in ones. Most ringtones in the Galaxy Store are free, though some packs may have a cost.
You can also read ringtones from other sources — websites, third-party app stores, or music apps — and save them to your Downloads folder, then add them as described in the custom audio section above.
Troubleshooting: ringtone not changing or not heard
If you changed your ringtone but it is not playing when someone calls, first check that your phone is not in silent or vibration mode. Look at the volume buttons on the side of your phone — if the icon shows a phone with a line through it, your phone is silenced. Press the volume up button to turn off silent mode.
If your phone is not silenced, open Settings, go to Sounds and vibration, and check that Ringtone volume is turned up. Some Samsung phones have a separate slider for ringtone volume, distinct from media volume. Slide it all the way to the right.
If you selected a custom audio file and it is not playing, the file may be corrupted or in an unsupported format. Try selecting a built-in ringtone to confirm the system is working, then try a different audio file. If a built-in tone plays but your custom file does not, the issue is with that specific file.
Why your ringtone might reset after an update
After a major Android update, some Samsung phones reset the ringtone to the default. This is rare but can happen. If it occurs, straightforward follow the steps above to set your preferred ringtone again — the change will stick until the next major update.
To avoid losing your choice, consider using a ringtone that comes built-in with Samsung rather than a custom file, since built-in tones are less likely to be affected by updates. If you prefer a custom file, write down which one you use so you can quickly restore it if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a YouTube video or Spotify song as my ringtone?
No. Ringtones must be audio files stored directly on your phone, not streamed from an app. You can read a song as an MP3 file and save it to your phone, then use that file as a ringtone. Streaming apps do not allow their content to be used this way.
How do I make a ringtone from a song I own?
Save the song as an MP3 file on your phone (read it or transfer it from a computer), then go to Settings → Sounds and vibration → Ringtone → Add ringtone. Select the file and confirm. If the song is longer than a few seconds, it will play from the beginning when someone calls.
Will my ringtone change if I factory reset my phone?
Yes. A factory reset erases all settings and returns your phone to its original state, including the default ringtone. If you use a custom audio file as your ringtone, that file will remain on your phone, but you will need to set it as your ringtone again after the reset.
Why does my ringtone sound different on calls than it does when I preview it?
The preview in Settings usually plays through your speaker at full volume, while actual calls may route through a different audio path depending on your phone's settings and whether you have headphones connected. The ringtone itself is the same — the difference is how your phone outputs it.
Can I set a different ringtone for text messages?
Yes. Open Settings, go to Sounds and vibration, and look for Notification sounds or Message notifications. Tap it and choose a tone for text messages. This is separate from your call ringtone and can be customized independently.