How to change the ringtone on Android: 5 methods for all versions

The phone ringing is the first thing others hear when someone calls you. Standard Android ringtones quickly become boring, and a poorly chosen sound can even be annoying. Fortunately, you can change it to something more original or pleasant to the ear in a couple of minutes - and you don’t have to be a technical guru for this.

In this article we will look at all the possible ways to change the ringer sound: from standard settings to setting custom melodies through the file manager. You will learn how to put your song on a call, where to download free ringtones, and what to do if the desired sound is not displayed in the list. We’ll also reveal the secrets of setting up separate melodies for different contacts and SIM cards.

The instructions are suitable for all modern versions of Android (from Android 10 to Android 15), including smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Google Pixel and others. Even if you have an outdated model, most methods will remain working.

1. Standard method: change through Android settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools. It does not require the installation of additional applications and works on all devices, regardless of manufacturer.

To change the ring sound through the settings:

1. Open the application "Settings"** (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration (on some phones it may be called Sounds or Sound and notifications).
3. Click on the item Phone call (or Call melody).
4. Select one of the suggested melodies in the list. To listen, click on the track.
5. Confirm button selection OK or Save.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy) the path may be slightly different: Settings → Sounds and vibration → Ringtone.

Make a backup copy of current sounds (if necessary)

Check free space on the phone (for custom melodies)

Close background applications (so as not to interfere with listening)

Connect headphones (for convenience selection)-->

If there is no suitable melody in the list, you can add your own. More on this in the next section.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) after updating the system, the standard melodies may be reset. Check them after installing new versions. Software.

2. How to put your own music on a call

Do you want your favorite song or unique sound to play on your call? Android allows you to use any audio files in the formats .mp3, .wav, .ogg or .m4a (only MP3is supported on some devices). - so that the duration of the track does not exceed 30–40 seconds (otherwise it will be cut off).

Instructions for installing a custom melody:

1. Download or transfer the desired audio file to your phone (for example, via Google Drive, Telegram or USB cable).
2. Open any file manager (for example, Files by Google, Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
3. Find the downloaded file and press your finger on itto open context menu.
4. Select item Use as → Ringtone (or Set as call).
5. Confirm the action. Now your track will appear in the list of standard melodies.

If the item Use as is not present, move the file to the folder Ringtones (create it in the root directory of the phone's memory, if it is not there). settings.

What formats are supported on all phones?

On most devices, files in the format MP3 with a bitrate of up to 320 kbps work without problems.

The format WAV is supported less frequently and may take up too much space.

M4A (AAC) and OGG work on most modern smartphones, but problems may arise on older versions of Android (below 8.0).

If the melody does not play, convert it to MP3 via online services (for example, Online-Convert or Audacity).

File format	Android support	Max. duration	Recommended bitrate
MP3	All versions	40 sec	128–320 kbps
WAV	From Android 5.0	30 sec	1411 kbit/s (CD-quality)
M4A (AAC)	From Android 6.0	40 sec	192–256 kbit/s
OGG	From Android 8.0	35 sec	160–224 kbit/s

3. Applications for downloading and creating ringtones

If you don’t want to bother with converting files or searching for suitable ringtones manually, use specialized applications. They allow you to download ready-made ringtones, trim songs, and even create unique ones. sounds.

Top 5 applications for working with calls:

• 🎵 Zedge —the largest database of free ringtones, notifications and wallpapers. There is categorization by genre and the ability to preview.
• ✂️ Ringtone Maker —a tool for trimming songs and creating custom melodies from any audio files.
• 🔔 Audiko —an application with a huge collection of ringtones, including hits and memes. Supports export to MP3.
• 🎶 MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker —a simple editor for cutting tracks with a visual timeline.
• 📱 Ringtones for Me —an application with a user-friendly interface and the ability to assign different ringtones for calls and notifications.

How use Zedge (for example):

1. Download the application from Google Play and open it.
2. In the menu, select the section Ringtones.
3. Use search or browse categories (for example, Trends, Classics, Nature).
4. Click on the sound you like → Download → Set as call.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Zedge) may request access to storage and contacts. Deny access to contacts if it is not needed for functionality.

4. contacts

To quickly determine who is calling you without looking at the screen, assign unique ringtones to important contacts. This works for both calls and SMS notifications.

How to set a personal call for a contact:

1. Open the application "Contacts" (or "Phone").
2. Find the desired contact and click on it.
3. Tap on the icon ⋮ (three dots) or Edit.
4. Select item Ringtone (on some phones it is hidden in Advanced).
5. Specify standard or custom melody from the list.
6. Save the changes.

On devices Samsung the path may look like this: Contacts → Select contact → Edit → View more → Melody call.

If you use two SIM cards, you can assign different ringtones for each of them: Settings → Sound and vibration → Ringtone SIM 1 / SIM 2.

5. Problems and solutions: why the ringer sound does not change

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the new melody is not installed or is reset to the standard one. Let's look at the most common causes and ways to eliminate them.

Problem 1: The custom melody does not appear in the list.

• 🔍 Check that the file is in the folder Ringtones, Notifications or Alarms (in the root of the memory).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone - sometimes the system does not immediately scan new files.
• 📁 Make sure that the file format is supported (best MP3).

Problem 2: The call is reset after the update.

• 📥 Re-assign the melody through the settings.
• 🔧 Check if the sound settings have been reset in the section Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset settings sound.
• 🛡️ If the problem persists, use applications like Ringtone Schedulerthat record the selected sounds.

Problem 3: The melody plays with a delay or cuts out.

• 🎵 Make sure that the file is not damaged (try listening to it in the player).
• ⚡ Check if the power saving mode is turned on - it may limit background processes.
• 🔊 Turn off Bluetooth headphones or speakers - sometimes the call sound is played through them with delay.

⚠️ Attention: On some phones Huawei and Honor with firmware EMUI custom melodies may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, only installing a third-party application for managing calls will help.

6. Alternative methods: ADB and custom firmware

If the standard methods did not work, and you are ready to experiment, you can try more advanced solutions. They are suitable for experienced users.

Method 1: Installation via ADB

C. Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) you can manually specify the path to the melody in the system settings. This is relevant if the phone does not see the files in the folder Ringtones.

adb shell settings put system ringtone /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/your_tone.mp3

Method 2: Custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience offer advanced sound settings, including the ability to assign different ringtones for different types of calls (for example, for work and personal contacts). Please note that installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and may void the warranty.

Method 3: Automation with Tasker

App Tasker allows you to create rules for automatically changing ringtones depending on time, location or other conditions. For example, you can set up a quiet ringer at work and a loud one at home.

7. download free ringtones for Android

Don’t want to cut songs yourself? Use trusted sources for downloading ready-made ringtones. The main thing is to choose sites without viruses and hidden subscriptions.

The best resources for downloading ringtones:

• 🌐 Zedge.net - the official website of the application with a huge database of sounds. viruses.
• 🎼 Mobil9 —a collection of ringtones divided into categories (movies, games, music hits).
• 🔊 Tone7 —a service with the ability to preview and download in MP3.
• 🎵 MyTinyPhone —ringtones in MP3 and M4R format (for iPhone, but also suitable for Android).
• 📱 RingtonesHub —a regularly updated database with meme sounds and classic melodies.

How to download safely:

• 🛡️ Use an ad blocker (for example, uBlock Origin in your browser) to avoid intrusive advertising.
• 🔍 Before downloading, check reviews about the site on the forums (for example, 4PDA or Reddit).
• 📂 First save the downloaded files to your computer and scan with an antivirus (for example, VirusTotal).

Important: Never download ringtones from sites that require registration or payment for “premium access” to free files. These are often fraudulent schemes.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the ringtone

Is it possible to put your song on a call without cutting?

Yes, but the system will automatically cut it to 30-40 seconds To avoid an abrupt cut. it is better to trim the track in the editor in advance (for example, Audacity or MP3 Cutter).

Why is my melody quieter than the standard ones?

This may be due to the low volume of the original file. Increase the volume in the audio editor or normalize the sound through online services (for example, MP3Louder). Also check if the mode is turned on Do not disturb.

How to return standard Android ringtones?

Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Ringtone and select one of the built-in options (usually they are at the top of the list. If the standard sounds are gone, reset the sound settings in). section Settings → System → Reset settings.

Can I assign different ringtones for WhatsApp and regular calls?

Yes, but call settings in messengers (for example WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) change separately. To do this, open the settings of the application itself and find the section Notifications → Ring sound.

Why were all the ringtones reset after the Android update?

This is the standard behavior of some firmwares (especially on Xiaomi i Samsung).To avoid the problem, make a backup copy of the folder before updating Ringtones or use applications like Ringtone Backup.