Last Updated on February 18, 2026 by Bestusefultips
Want to set a custom message tone for texts? If you’re using Google Messages on Android, you can easily change the notification sound for incoming SMS and RCS chats. Also, set different notification sounds for different apps on your Android devices.
Here’s a complete guide to help you customize your message alert sound.
Read More:
How to Change Google Messages Notification Sound [Updated]
Follow the method to set a custom Google Messages notification sound on any Android device. This method works on most Android devices, including Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, and others.
Note: The steps below are for a Google Pixel 10 (Running Android 16) device.
Method 1: How to Change Notification Sound on Google Messages
- Open Google Messages app on your Android.
2. Tap on the Profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Tap on Message settings.
4. Tap on Notifications.
5. Tap on Behavior, sound & more.
6. Tap on Incoming messages (Older Version). If your Pixel device is running the latest Android 16 Beta/Android 15, tap on Default settings > Incoming messages.
7. Tap Sound.
8. Select a sound category from the default notification sound list (My Sounds, if you have a Pixel device) to set your preferred notification tone.
9. Tap on the + icon at the bottom right.
10. Choose a Tone from your downloaded song list/mp3 or any other audio file from your phone.
11. Select a text notification sound and tap on Save/OK at the top right.
If you want a unique tone for each app, read how to set custom notification sound for apps.
How to Change Google Messages Notification Sound on Samsung Phone: One UI 8.5/8/7
Long-press the Google Messages app > i Icon > Notifications > Notification categories (If you can’t see, you need to enable it) > Incoming messages >Sound > Choose a notification sound
- To show the notification categories option on app settings, go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Toggle on “Manage notification categories for each app”
Change Notification Sound for Specific Contacts Android
You can also set a different sound for important contacts:
- Open the contact
- Tap the 3-dot menu or Settings gear icon
- Tap Contact ringtone
- Choose a Custom sound
- Tap Save
This helps you identify who is messaging you without checking your phone.
You can also learn how to assign custom notification sound to contacts on Android for other apps.
How to Set a Custom Notification Sound on Samsung Phone
If you want a custom MP3 tone:
- Download the sound file
- Move it to the Notifications folder in internal storage
- Go back to Sound settings
- Your custom tone will appear in the list
- Select the tone and tap Save or OK.
Now you can fully personalize your SMS alerts.
If the Notification Sound Is Not Changing
Try these fixes:
✔ Restart your phone
✔ Clear Google Messages cache
✔ Check notification permission is enabled
✔ Update the app
How to Set Notification Sounds for Different Apps on Android
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Click Apps.
Step 3: Tap on the See all apps.
Step 4: Select the App (E.g., WhatsApp) you want to change the notification sound for.
Step 5: Click Notifications.
Step 6: Tap Chats.
Step 7: Tap Group notifications or Message notifications.
Step 8: Tap Sound.
Step 9: Choose a sound from your phone or the default notification sound.
Step 10: Select a sound and tap Save at the top right.
How to Change Messaging App on Android
To change the default SMS app:
Settings > Apps > Default apps > SMS app > Choose an app from the list
Final Thoughts
Changing the Google Messages notification sound is quick and easy. Whether you want a louder alert, a unique tone for special contacts, or a custom MP3 file, Android gives you full control.
Read Also:
- How to Change Notification Sound on Google Pixel
- How to Change WhatsApp Notification Tone/Custom Ringtone (Song) on Android
- How to Change Ringtone on Android
- How to Change WhatsApp Group Notification Sound
- How to Change the Snapchat Notification Sound
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I change my Google Notification Sound on Android 17?
You can change the Google notification sound on Android 17 using the app’s settings. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Google > Notifications > Sound > Choose a notification tone > Save.
How do I change my text message sound on Android?
To change the Android text notification sound: Long-press the text message app > Tap i icon > Notifications > Notification categories > Incoming messages > Sound > Choose a sound or tone.
How do I Change the Notification Sound on my Samsung?
To change the custom notification sound on your Samsung device (One UI 8.5), go to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Notification sound, then select the sound you want.
