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To change the sound for incoming texts on a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Notification sound and choose an alert. For a different sound in a specific messaging app—or for a particular message category—change that app category’s notification sound instead. A call ringtone is a separate setting.
Change the default notification sound
- Open Settings > Sounds and vibration.
- Tap Notification sound.
- Choose the sound you want, then return to the previous screen.
This sets the default notification alert; it does not change your call ringtone. Samsung explains that message alerts and regular ringtones are set separately in its Galaxy ringtone and message-tone instructions.
Set a different sound for one messaging app or category
Use app notification categories when you want one app—or one type of alert within an app—to sound different from the phone’s default. The available categories depend on the app.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- If you do not see category controls, open Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings and turn on Manage notification categories for each app. Samsung Canada documents this switch in its notification settings guide.
- Open Settings > Apps, select your messaging app, and tap Notifications > Notification categories.
- Choose the category for the messages you want to customize, tap Sound, and select a tone.
Choose the category that actually corresponds to the alert you want to change. Samsung Community’s moderator guide documents this category path for One UI 6 and Android 14 and later, using a UK Galaxy Z Flip6 running One UI 6.1.1 as its example: personalize app notification sounds.
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Use a personal audio file, if your phone offers it
Support for choosing your own audio file varies. Samsung India’s instructions say to copy or move the file into the phone’s Notifications folder, then select it in the relevant notification sound settings: Samsung India’s custom notification tone steps.
That method is not guaranteed on every Galaxy model or software version. Samsung France’s guide, updated July 1, 2026 and based on a Galaxy S26+ running Android 16 / One UI 8.5, says the notification picker is limited to the sounds displayed in its list: Samsung France’s ringtone and notification guidance. Check the sound picker on your own phone; if your file does not appear, your current setup may not support selecting it there.
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
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- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
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If the sound does not change
- Check the selected category. A messaging app can expose multiple notification categories. Change the category tied to the message alert you want to hear.
- Enable category management. If Notification categories is missing, look for Manage notification categories for each app under Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings.
- Check the app’s own controls. Menu paths and available options can vary with the messaging app.
- Confirm your software version. Samsung cautions that settings and steps vary by Galaxy model and operating system. A Samsung Community post about a Galaxy S22+ running Android 14 and One UI 6 illustrates the specific question of using a different sound for text messages: Samsung Community discussion of text notifications.
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