Changing the default ringtone is one of the first steps in personalizing your smartphone. In the operating system Android 7 Nougat, which was released several years ago, this process differs from modern firmware versions. Users often encounter the fact that downloaded music is not displayed in the list of available signals or the system simply does not see new files.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to add custom audio files. You will learn exactly which folder you need to place music in order to system player it be detected, and how to assign a unique melody to a specific contact. The instructions are relevant for most devices based on this version of the OS, including models from Samsung, Xiaomi and Meizu.
Regardless of whether you use the built-in file manager or connect the phone to a computer, the result will be the same - your gadget will sound the way you want. The main thing is to ensure the correct path to the files and audio format.
Preparing an audio file and checking formats
Before you start installation, you need to make sure that your file is compatible with the system. Android 7 supports a wide range of codecs, but for stable call operation it is better to use universal formats.
The ideal option is considered to be a format MP3 with a bitrate of up to 320 kbit/s. The system also works correctly with WAV and OGGformats. If your melody is recorded in a rare codec, for example FLAC or AAC, some standard ringtones may not pick it up, although the media player will play it without problems.
It is also important to pay attention to the duration of the track. Songs that are too long may be cut off by the system or cause a delay before playback starts when there is an incoming call. The optimal duration is from 15 to 30 seconds.
- 🎵 Use the format MP3 for maximum compatibility with all models.
- ✂️ Trim the track to 30 seconds to avoid long waits for a response.
- 📂 Make sure that the file is not protected by DRM copyright, otherwise the system will not see it.
⚠️ Attention: If you downloaded the ringtone from an unverified source, check the file extension. Sometimes executable files with the extension
.exeor.apkare hidden under the guise of music, which can harm the device.
Before installing, listen to the file on your phone to make sure there are no sound artifacts or silence at the beginning of the track.
Installation method via built-in Settings
The simplest method, which does not require connecting to a PC, is to use the standard system interface. However, Android 7 the settings menu may differ depending on the manufacturer's shell.
You need to go to the main menu and find the section Sounds and vibration. In pure Android this item is located right in the list of settings, while in shells like MIUI or TouchWiz it can be hidden inside the tab Advanced.
After entering the section, select Ringtone or Ringtone. A standard list of preset songs will open. At the bottom of this list (sometimes you need to scroll to the very bottom) there should be a button Add or Select file.
Clicking on this button will open the built-in file manager. Here you need to navigate to the folder where your music is. After selecting a file, the system will automatically assign it to a common incoming call.
Manual installation via file manager
It often happens that the required “Add” button in the settings is missing or does not work. In this case, the most reliable solution is to manually move the file to the system directory. This ensures that media scanner the operating system will detect the track.
Open the application Files, Explorer or any other file manager installed on your device. You need to find the downloaded audio file, which is usually located in the folder Download or Downloads.
Next you need to go to the root of the device’s internal memory. Here you should find a folder named Ringtones. If there is no such folder, you need to create it manually. Pay attention to the case of letters - the name should be exactly Ringtonesand not ringtones or Melodies.
Copy or cut your audio file and paste it into this folder. After this, it is recommended to restart the smartphone so that the system updates the media file database.
☑️ Manual installation algorithm
After reboot, go back to the sound settings. Your file should appear at the very top or at the very bottom of the list of system ringtones, depending on the sorting.
Using a computer to transfer files
If there is little free space on your smartphone or the file manager is not working correctly, the easiest way is to use a computer. A USB connection provides high transfer speeds and convenient access to the file system.
Connect your smartphone to your PC using a USB cable. A request for connection mode will appear on the phone screen. Select mode Transferring files or MTP. Do not select the “Charging only” mode, otherwise the computer will not see the device.
On your computer, open “My Computer” and find your device in the list of drives. Go to the internal memory (not the memory card, if you want the ringtone to always work).
Internal memory → RingtonesIf there is no folder, create it in the root directory. Copy the prepared MP3 file from your computer and paste it into this directory. After disconnecting the cable, the phone will immediately see a new melody. Ringtones no, create it in the root directory. Copy the prepared MP3 file from your computer and paste it into this directory. After disconnecting the cable, the phone will immediately see the new ringtone.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Make sure that the USB cable is working and supports data transfer, not just charging. Try a different USB port or install drivers for your smartphone model from the manufacturer's official website.
| Memory type | Folder path | Reliability | Access speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal memory | /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones | High | Instant |
| SD card | /storage/sdcard1/Ringtones | Medium | Depends on the card |
| Folder Music | /storage/emulated/0/Music | Low | Requires scanning |
Setting up an individual ring for a contact
One of the useful features Android 7 is the ability to assign different melodies to different people. This allows you to find out who is calling without taking the phone out of your pocket.
Open the application Contact or Phone and go to the section with the list of subscribers. Find the person you need and open his card.
Click on the menu button (three dots in the corner) and select Set ringtone. In some shells, this item is placed directly on the main contact editing screen. The same list of ringtones will open as in the general settings, including your user files.
Select a track and save changes. Now, when you call from this subscriber, a unique composition will play.
⚠️ Attention: If you have several numbers saved in your phone book for one contact (for example, “Mobile” and “Work”), the ringtone can only be assigned to the main number. Check this in the contact settings.
Custom ringtones only work for contacts saved in the phone memory or Google account, but not for numbers from the SIM card.
Solution and elimination of errors
Sometimes users encounter situation when the file was copied correctly, but it is not in the selection list. This may be due to the way the media scanner works. Try clearing the cache of the Media Storage application ( media scanner Android.
Try clearing the cache of the Media Storage application (Media Storage). To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find "Media storage" in the list and click Clear cache, and then Clear data. After this, be sure to restart the device.
Another common problem is that the file is located in a folder Notifications instead Ringtones. The system separates the sounds of notifications and calls. Make sure you put the file in the correct directory.
If all else fails, check the file permissions. In rare cases, the downloaded file may have the "Read Only" attribute or be damaged during download.
- 🔄 Rebooting the phone starts rescanning the media files.
- 📁 Check if the file is in a subfolder inside Ringtones (the system may not see subfolders).
- 🔊 Make sure that the ringer volume is not turned to zero at the time of checking.
Why does the ringtone reset to standard after a reboot?
This can happen if the file is stored on a removable SD card, which does not have time to mount before the system boots. Move the file to the internal memory.
Is it possible to set a ringtone for SMS in Android 7?
Yes, the procedure is similar to setting a call, but the file must be placed in a folder Notifications, and select "Notification sound" in the settings section.
Why the ringtone does not work for a specific contact?
Perhaps the contact is duplicated in the phone book. Combine duplicates or delete unnecessary entries, leaving one main card.
What is the maximum ringtone file size?
There is no technical limit, but large files (more than 5-10 MB) can take a long time to load into memory when there is an incoming call, which will lead to the first seconds of the call being missed.