Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just a means of communication, turning into a powerful multimedia center, but the basic call function remains one of the most important. Many users actively use the mode of two active SIM cards, separating work and personal contacts or using different operators to save on tariffs. In such a situation, there is a logical need to individualize incoming calls in order to instantly understand which line is being called without taking the phone out of your pocket.
Unfortunately, the standard Android settings do not always offer an obvious path to solving this problem, especially if the device manufacturer decided to hide this option in the depths of the menu or shift the responsibility to third-party applications. Owners of budget models often encounter a situation where both SIM cards call with the same track, which creates confusion in important situations. Our detailed guide, covering different shells and versions of the operating system, will help you understand this issue.
The setup process may differ radically depending on which particular interface is installed on your gadget. Manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi or Honor make significant changes to the standard Android code, creating unique settings menus. We will look at universal methods, as well as specific solutions for popular brands, so that you can set up personalized notifications for each SIM card.
Standard setup method through the system menu
The first step is to turn to the built-in capabilities of the operating system, since in most modern versions of Android this function is implemented natively. Usually, sound settings are divided into general parameters and parameters for specific SIM cards, but finding them can be difficult due to the way the menu is organized by manufacturers.
You need to go to the section Settings, and then find the item responsible for sound. In pure Android, this is often a tab Sound and vibration, where, in addition to the media volume and alarm clock, ringtone settings are located. Here you should look for a subsection related specifically to phone calls, and not to application notifications.
If your smartphone supports two active SIM cards, the system should offer a choice of sound source. Please note that there is a drop-down list or switch that allows you to select SIM 1 or SIM 2. After selecting the desired card, a standard audio player or a list of preinstalled ringtones will open from which you can select the desired track.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices with an outdated version of Android (below 9.0), separate settings for ringtones may not be available in the standard menu. In this case, the system will use one common file for all incoming calls, regardless of the number.
It is important to understand that changing the settings for the second SIM card should not affect the first one if you did everything correctly. However, after selecting a melody, it is recommended to make a test call from another number to both of your lines to ensure that the configuration works correctly. Sometimes you need to reboot the device to apply the changes.
Setting features on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones
The shell MIUI and its successor HyperOS from the company Xiaomi have one of the most advanced sound control systems among all Android smartphones. Here, the developers have brought the setting of ringtones for different SIM cards to a prominent place, making the process as intuitive as possible for the user.
First, open the settings and go to the section Sound and vibration. At the top of the screen, you will see tabs or switches that allow you to select which SIM card you want to configure at the moment. This is a key difference from stock Android, where you often need to look for a deep submenu.
After selecting the tab SIM 2 click on the item Ringtone. A list of available tracks will open, including system sounds and files saved in the device memory. You can select any song, and it will be linked exclusively to the second SIM card.
- 📁 Use the built-in file manager to upload your own MP3 files to the folder
Ringtones. - 🔊 Make sure that the ringer volume for the second SIM card is not set to minimum in profile
Silent. - 📞 Check if Do Not Disturb mode is activated, which can block audio contacts.
Interface MIUI also allows you to assign different vibration patterns to each SIM card, which adds another layer of incoming call recognition. This feature is especially useful in noisy places where the sound may be difficult to hear, but the tactile sensation will help identify the source of the call.
If you do not see your music files in the list of Xiaomi ringtones, try moving them to the root folder of the internal memory or to a specially created Ringtones directory through the explorer.
Setting up ringtones on Samsung Galaxy devices
Smartphones of the South Korean giant run a shell One UI, which has its own specifics in organizing the settings menu. Users Samsung often encounter the fact that the option to select a SIM card is hidden in a non-obvious way, which raises questions among beginners.
The algorithm of actions begins with logging in Settings and selecting a section Sounds and vibration. Here you need to find the item Ringtone. Unlike other manufacturers, Samsung can immediately show a list of SIM cards when you click on this item, or require additional action.
In some versions firmware, you must first go to the settings of the SIM cards themselves through the menu Connections -> SIM card manager, and from there manage the sound profiles. However, most often it is enough to simply select the desired SIM card in the dialog box that appears after clicking on the ringtone setting.
| Smartphone model | One UI version | Path to settings | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 | One UI 4.0 | Sounds and vibration -> Ringtone | Select SIM in the pop-up window |
| Samsung Galaxy A52 | One UI 3.1 | Sounds and vibration -> Ringtone | Source selection required |
| Samsung Galaxy M32 | One UI 4.1 | Sounds and vibration -> Ringtone | Supports system ringtones only |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | One UI 5.0 | Sounds and vibration -> Ringtone | Advanced sound effects |
It is worth noting that on flagship models Samsung a function is available Adaptive soundthat can change the nature of the melody depending on the environment. Make sure that this function does not conflict with your manual settings for the second SIM card if you want to hear exactly the selected track.
Use of third-party applications for flexible settings
If standard system tools do not allow you to set a unique melody on the second SIM card, specialized applications from store Google Play. These utilities intercept call management and allow you to assign any audio files to specific numbers or SIM cards with high accuracy.
One of the most popular solutions is an application Silent Phone or similar call managers. After installing such software, you will need to give it permission to access your phone and contacts so that it can correctly process incoming calls and replace the standard ringtone.
The interface of such applications usually has a clear division into profiles or SIM cards. You can create a rule: “If the call is on SIM 2, play file X.” This gives enormous flexibility, allowing you to put different ringtones even on contacts within the same SIM card, not to mention dividing the lines.
⚠️ Attention: Third-party dialer applications may consume more battery power than the system solution, since they run in the background constantly. Regularly check your energy consumption statistics.
Another advantage of third-party software is the ability to download ringtones directly from the application. You don't need to search for files on the Internet and transfer them to the phone's memory manually - everything is done in a few clicks inside the app interface.
Why may applications not work on new Androids?
Starting with Android 10 and higher, Google has tightened security policies, limiting the access of third-party applications to manage calls. Some apps require additional permissions via ADB or may work unstable on the latest versions of the system.
Manually installing files through a file manager
For those who prefer full control over the file system of their device, there is a method of manually organizing audio files into system folders. This method works on most Android smartphones, but requires care when creating directories.
The essence of the method is that the operating system scans certain folders upon boot and adds the audio files located there to the list of available ringtones. To configure the sound for the second SIM card, sometimes it helps to create specific folder names that the system associates with a specific slot.
Use any file manager, for example Files by Google or the built-in explorer. Go to the internal memory and create a folder named Ringtones_sim2 or simply Ringtones2. Place the desired MP3 file there and restart the phone.
- 📂 Make sure that the file format is compatible (it is best to use
.mp3or.ogg). - 🔒 Check the file permissions - it should not be read-protected by the system.
- 🔄 After copying the file, be sure to reboot the device to update the media database.
This method does not guarantee 100% success on all models, since manufacturers can ignore custom folders for the second SIM card, but it often works on devices with pure Android or custom firmware. If after a reboot a new melody appears in the sound settings, you can assign it to the desired one. SIM card.
Creating the Ringtones_sim2 folder in the internal memory is the easiest way to make the system see your file as a separate ringtone without using a computer.
Solving common problems and conflicts
Even if all instructions are followed correctly, users may encounter a situation where the settings are not saved or are applied incorrectly. This is often caused by. conflicts between system profiles, power saving mode or third-party themes.
One of the common problems is resetting the settings to default after a reboot. This can happen if the selected audio file was deleted or moved, or if it was located on a memory card that was incorrectly unmounted.
It is also worth checking whether the mode "Do not disturb" with special rules for the second SIM card is enabled. In some smartphones, you can configure this mode so that calls from one line will be sounded, and calls from the other will be blocked or vibrate, which can be perceived by the user as a melody setting error.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may change with software updates. If you do not find the described item, use the settings search by entering the word “ringtone” or “SIM.”
If all else fails, try clearing the application cache Phone i Settings. Accumulated temporary files sometimes interfere with the correct application of new sound configurations. This can be done in the section Applications -> Manage applications.
☑️ Diagnosing a sound problem
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to set the same melody, but with different volumes for different SIM cards?
Unfortunately, standard Android tools do not provide separate adjustment of the ringer volume for different SIM cards. The ringer volume is a common parameter for the entire device. However, some third-party caller applications can emulate this function, programmatically enhancing or weakening it. signal before playback.
Why were the ringtone settings reset after updating Android?
When major updates to the operating system (for example, switching from Android 12 to 13), user settings are often reset to factory settings to ensure the stability of the new software. You will have to reselect the ringtones for both SIM cards through the settings menu.
How to install. voice notification of the caller's name for the second SIM card?
This function is usually located in the accessibility settings or in the settings of the Phone application itself. Look for the item "Voice Caller ID" or "Voice Caller ID". On some devices, this option can be activated separately for each SIM card, on others it works globally.
It does. does the choice of melody affect the speed of answering a call?
No, the choice of audio file for a ringtone does not in any way affect the technical speed of the connection or the speed of answering the call. The only exception is if you are using a very heavy, low-quality audio file on an extremely weak device, which can cause a micro-delay when starting playback, but this will not affect the connection.
Is it possible to use online services to create ringtones directly on your phone?
Yes, there are many online designers and applications that allow you to cut a fragment from a song and save it as a ringtone. After creating the file, just save it to a folder Ringtonesand it will appear in the list of available ringtones in the sound settings for your second SIM card.