Where to find Instagram notification settings
Instagram notification sounds live in your phone's settings, not inside the Instagram app itself. On both iPhone and Android, you control which sounds play for Instagram alerts through your device's main settings menu — the same place you adjust volume and ringtones for calls and texts.
The exact path depends on your phone type, but the principle is the same: you tell your operating system which sound to use when Instagram sends you a notification. Instagram does not let you pick a sound from within the app. You have to go to your phone's settings first.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram notification sounds are controlled through your phone's settings, not through the Instagram app itself.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > Instagram and choose a sound from the list under "Sound".
- On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Notifications and select a sound category, then pick a specific sound.
- You can set different sounds for different types of Instagram alerts — messages, likes, comments — if your phone's operating system supports it.
- If you do not see a sound option, check that notifications are turned on for Instagram in your phone's settings.
Steps for iPhone users
Open Settings on your iPhone and scroll down to find Notifications. Tap Notifications, then scroll through the list of apps until you see Instagram. Tap Instagram to open its notification settings.
Once you are in Instagram's notification panel, look for the option labeled "Sound" or "Notification Sound". Tap it to see a list of available sounds. Your phone comes with a set of default notification tones — scroll through and tap the one you want to hear. A preview will play so you can confirm before you save it.
If you want different sounds for different types of alerts — such as a separate sound for direct messages versus likes — check whether Instagram offers separate notification categories in this same menu. Not all versions of iOS show this option, but if it is there, you can set a unique sound for each type.
Steps for Android users
Open Settings on your Android phone and look for Apps or process Manager (the exact name varies by manufacturer). Scroll down to Instagram and tap it. Look for Notifications or App Notifications and tap that option.
You should see a list of notification categories — Messages, Likes, Comments, and so on. Tap the category you want to change. Look for Sound or Notification Sound and tap it. Android will show you available sound options, organized by category. Select the sound you want and it will be saved automatically.
Some Android phones let you set a different sound for each notification type, while others explore one sound to all Instagram alerts. If you see only one Sound option at the top level of Instagram's notification settings, that sound will explore to all Instagram notifications regardless of type.
Using custom sounds on your phone
Both iPhone and Android let you add custom sounds to your notification options, but the process is different for each.
On iPhone, custom notification sounds must be added through iTunes or Finder on a computer, then synced to your phone. The sound file must be in .m4r format and shorter than 40 seconds. This is a more involved process than selecting a built-in sound, so most people stick with the default options.
On Android, you can often add custom sounds by placing audio files in your phone's Notifications folder using a file manager app. The exact process depends on your manufacturer and Android version. Some phones make this straightforward; others require more steps. Check your phone's documentation or search for your specific model and Android version for detailed instructions.
What to do if you cannot find the sound option
If you go to Instagram's notification settings and do not see a Sound option, the most common reason is that notifications are turned off entirely for Instagram. Go back to the main notification settings for Instagram and make sure the toggle for notifications is switched on.
On iPhone, look for a toggle labeled "Allow Notifications" at the top of Instagram's notification panel. On Android, look for a toggle at the top of the notification settings that says something like "Show Notifications" or "Allow Notifications". Turn it on, then go back and look for the Sound option again.
If notifications are already on and you still do not see a Sound option, your phone's operating system may not support sound customization for that app. This is rare, but it can happen on older devices or with certain Android versions. In that case, you can only control the overall notification volume on your phone.
Turning off Instagram notifications entirely
If you want to silence Instagram notifications completely rather than just change the sound, you can turn off notifications for the app in the same settings menu. On iPhone, toggle off "Allow Notifications" at the top of Instagram's notification panel. On Android, toggle off "Show Notifications" or "Allow Notifications" at the top of the notification settings.
You can also silence notifications without turning them off completely by setting the sound to "None" or "Silent" if that option appears in your sound list. This way, Instagram can still send you notifications, but they will not make a sound — you will only see them when you check your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set different sounds for messages versus likes on Instagram?
It depends on your phone. iPhone and newer Android versions often let you set separate sounds for different notification types if Instagram supports it. Look in Instagram's notification settings for separate categories like Messages, Likes, or Comments. If you see them, you can set a different sound for each. If not, one sound applies to all Instagram alerts.
Why is there no sound option in Instagram's notification settings?
The most common reason is that notifications are turned off for Instagram entirely. Go to your phone's main Settings, find Notifications, and make sure the toggle for Instagram is on. If it is already on and you still do not see a sound option, your phone may not support sound customization for that app, or you may need to update your operating system.
Can I use a song from my music library as a notification sound?
On iPhone, you can convert a song to .m4r format and add it through iTunes, but it must be shorter than 40 seconds. On Android, you can sometimes place audio files in the Notifications folder, but support varies by phone. Most people find it easier to stick with the built-in notification sounds your phone provides.
Will changing the notification sound affect other apps?
No. Each app has its own notification sound setting. Changing Instagram's sound will not affect notifications from text messages, email, or other apps. You control each one separately in your phone's settings.
What if I want to hear Instagram notifications but silence my phone for everything else?
Use your phone's Do Not Disturb or Focus mode (iPhone) or Do Not Disturb mode (Android) and set Instagram as an exception. This way, Instagram notifications will still make a sound even when your phone is otherwise silent. The exact steps vary by phone, so check your device's settings for how to add exceptions to silent mode.