The quickest way to change your ringtone

Open your phone's Settings app, then tap Sound and vibration (or Sounds on some phones). Look for Phone ringtone or Ringtone, tap it, and choose from the list of built-in sounds. Tap the sound to hear a preview, then tap OK or Save to confirm. The change takes effect when ready.

The exact names of these menus vary slightly between phone makers — Samsung calls it one thing, Google Pixel another, and other brands use their own labels. The steps below cover the most common Android phones, but if your phone looks different, the principle is the same: Settings → Sound → Ringtone → Choose → Save.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Android phones store ringtone settings in Settings > Sound and vibration > Phone ringtone, though the exact menu names vary by phone maker.
  • You can choose from ringtones that came with your phone, or read new ones from the Google Play Store or other sources.
  • If you want a custom ringtone, you can use any audio file on your phone — the file must be in MP3 or OGG format and usually no longer than 30 seconds.
  • Setting a ringtone for a specific contact requires opening that contact's details and choosing a ringtone from the contact menu, separate from your default ringtone.

Step-by-step for Samsung phones

On Samsung Galaxy phones, open Settings and scroll down to Sounds and vibration. Tap Ringtone (not notification sounds — that is a different setting). You will see a list of ringtones organized by category: Default, Notifications, and sometimes Samsung. Tap any ringtone to hear it play through your speaker.

Once you find one you like, tap it to select it. The checkmark next to the name confirms your choice. If you want to browse more ringtones, tap Add or the plus icon at the top of the list — this opens your file manager so you can choose an audio file from your phone's storage. When you are done, press the back button or tap outside the menu to save.

Step-by-step for Google Pixel phones

On Pixel phones, open Settings and tap Sound and vibration. Scroll down and tap Phone ringtone. You will see a list of ringtones. Tap any one to hear a preview — it plays for a few seconds so you can decide if you like it.

When you find the one you want, tap it once to select it (a radio button or checkmark will appear next to it), then tap OK at the bottom of the screen. If you do not see OK, the ringtone may have been saved automatically when you tapped it. Go back to Settings to confirm the change took effect.

Using a custom audio file as your ringtone

If you want to use a song, voice recording, or other audio file as your ringtone, the file must be in MP3 or OGG format. Most music files are already MP3, but voice recordings from your phone's voice recorder app may need to be converted — check your phone's file manager to see what format the file is in. The audio should be no longer than 30 seconds; if it is longer, most phones will only use the first 30 seconds.

Move or copy your audio file into your phone's Ringtones folder. On most Android phones, this folder is located at Internal Storage > Media > Ringtones or Internal Storage > Ringtones. If the Ringtones folder does not exist, create it yourself using your file manager app. Once the file is in the right folder, open Settings > Sound and vibration > Phone ringtone, and your custom file should appear in the list.

Setting a different ringtone for one contact

To give a specific person their own ringtone, open your Contacts app and find the person's name. Tap their contact card to open their details. Look for a menu icon (three dots or lines) at the top right, or scroll down to find Set ringtone or Notification sounds. Tap it and choose a ringtone from the list, just as you would for your default ringtone.

When that person calls, your phone will play their custom ringtone instead of your default one. This works on all Android phones, though the exact menu location varies. If you cannot find the option in your Contacts app, try opening the contact and looking for a Settings or Edit button — some phones hide the ringtone option there.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is changing the notification sound instead of the ringtone. Notification sounds are for text messages, emails, and app alerts — they are in a separate menu from your phone ringtone. Make sure you are in the Phone ringtone or Ringtone section, not Notification sounds or Message notifications.

Another mistake is trying to use an audio file that is too long or in the wrong format. If your custom ringtone does not appear in the ringtone list after you move it to the Ringtones folder, check that it is an MP3 or OGG file and that it is under 30 seconds. If you are not sure how to check the file format, open your file manager, find the file, and look at the file extension — it should end in .mp3 or .ogg.

If you set a ringtone but your phone still plays the old one, restart your phone. Sometimes Android does not register the change until you power off and back on. If the problem persists, go back to Settings and re-select the ringtone to make sure it was actually saved.

Where to find more ringtones

Your phone comes with a set of built-in ringtones, but you can read more from the Google Play Store. Search for "ringtone" or "ringtone maker" and you will find apps that let you browse, read, and create custom ringtones. Many of these apps are free, though some charge a small fee for premium ringtones.

You can also read ringtones from websites like Zedge or Notification Sounds, then move the audio files to your phone's Ringtones folder using a file manager or USB cable. Be cautious with downloads from unknown sources — only read from sites you trust, and make sure any file you read is actually an audio file and not malware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my ringtone not changing when I select a new one?

Restart your phone — Android sometimes does not explore ringtone changes until you power off and back on. If that does not work, go back to Settings and re-select the ringtone to confirm it was saved. If you are using a custom audio file, make sure it is in MP3 or OGG format and is in your phone's Ringtones folder.

Can I use a YouTube video or a song from Spotify as my ringtone?

Not directly. You would need to read the audio as an MP3 file first, then move it to your Ringtones folder. Many free online tools can convert YouTube videos or Spotify songs to MP3, but check your local laws — downloading copyrighted music may not be legal in your area. Using a ringtone app from the Google Play Store is usually a safer option.

How do I make my ringtone louder or quieter?

Open Settings > Sound and vibration and look for Volume or Ringtone volume. Use the slider to adjust how loud your ringtone plays. You can also press the volume buttons on the side of your phone while a call is coming in to adjust the volume in real time.

What is the difference between a ringtone and a notification sound?

A ringtone plays when someone calls you. A notification sound plays for text messages, emails, app alerts, and other notifications. They are set in different menus in Settings, so changing one does not affect the other.

Can I set different ringtones for different contacts?

Yes. Open your Contacts app, find the person's name, tap their contact card, and look for a Set ringtone option. Choose a ringtone for that contact only. When they call, your phone will play their custom ringtone instead of your default one.