Calls to WhatsApp on smartphones Samsung Galaxy by default they are accompanied by a standard melody, which quickly gets boring. This is especially annoying when you use Messenger for work calls or want to differentiate notifications from other apps. Unfortunately, the developers have not added the ability to change the ringtone directly in the application settings - but this does not mean that the task is impossible.

In fact, there is 5 working methods change the ringtone in WhatsApp on Androiddevices Samsung, including models with shell One UI 5.0/6.0. Some methods require minimal technical skills, while others are suitable even for beginners. In this article we will analyze all the options - from simple to advanced - and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if the new ringtone is not used.

Important: configuration options may vary depending on the version WhatsApp and firmware Samsung. For example, in One UI 6.1 (Android 14) there are additional restrictions on changing system sounds, but workarounds still work.

📊 What version of Android are you using?
Android 12
Android 13
Android 14
Old version (Android 11 or lower)
I don’t know

Method 1: Using a file manager (without root)

The most reliable method that works on most devices Samsung this is a manual replacement of the standard sound file WhatsApp through a file manager. You will not need superuser rights (root), but you need to follow the instructions exactly.

Action algorithm:

  1. Download the melody you like in the format .mp3 or .ogg (duration up to 30 seconds, size up to 1 MB).
  2. Rename the file to whatsapp_call.ogg (this is the name the application uses).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (for example Solid Explorer) to go to the path: 
    /sdcard/Android/media/com.whatsapp/Notifications/

    If folder Notifications no - create it manually.

  4. Place the renamed file in this folder and reboot the phone.

After the reboot WhatsApp automatically pick up a new sound for incoming calls. If the melody has not changed, check:

  • 🔹 Correct file name (case is important!)
  • 🔹 File format (only .ogg or .mp3)
  • 🔹 File access permissions for WhatsApp (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions → Memory)

☑️ Preparing a file to replace the call

Done: 0 / 5
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Samsung (for example, One UI 5.1) the system may reset custom sounds after updating the application. In this case, repeat the procedure or use alternative methods.

Method 2: Applications for replacing sounds (Zedge, Ringtone Maker)

If manual replacement seems difficult, use specialized applications from Google Play. The most popular:

  • 🎵 Zedge —a database of ringtones and notifications with the ability to assign them to specific applications.
  • 🔊 Ringtone Maker —allows you to trim tracks and save them as calls for WhatsApp.
  • 📱 Notification Sound Changer —direct assignment of sounds for instant messengers.

Instructions for Zedge:

  1. Install the application and find the sound you like in the category Notification Sounds.
  2. Click Set → select WhatsApp Call (if the option is available) or Save for manual assignment.
  3. Go in Phone settings → Sounds and vibration → Application sounds and manually assign the saved file to WhatsApp.

On devices Samsung s One UI the path to the application sound settings may differ. If the option Application sounds is missing, use workaround by creating a duplicate of the system sound (described in Method 4).

💡

B Zedge there is a hidden category "WhatsApp Ringtones" - enter this name in the search to find ringtones optimized for the duration of the call in the messenger.

Method 3: Setting up through Android system sounds

On some firmware Samsung (especially on Android 12-13) you can assign a custom sound to WhatsApp through standard system settings. To do this:

  1. Place the desired sound file (format .mp3 or .ogg) to the folder /Ringtones or /Notifications on the internal storage.
  2. Open Settings → Sounds and vibration → Application sounds.
  3. Find WhatsApp in the list and select your file.

If WhatsApp is not in the list of applications:

  • 🔧 Install any file manager with access to system folders (for example, FX File Explorer).
  • 📁 Go to /system/media/audio/notifications and copy any standard sound (for example, Whistle.ogg).
  • 🔄 Paste the copy into the same folder, renaming it to whatsapp_call.ogg, and replace the original file with yours.
⚠️ Attention: Changing files in the folder /system may cause OS malfunctions. Before editing, create a backup copy of the original file.

Method 4: Using ADB (for advanced users)

If the previous methods did not work, you can use the command ADB to force the assignment of sound. This method requires connecting the phone to the PC and installing Android Debug Bridge.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable USB Debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → Developer Options → USB Debugging).
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell settings put system notification_sound your_path/whatsapp_call.ogg

    Replace your_path with the real path to the file (for example, /sdcard/Ringtones/whatsapp_call.ogg).

  3. Restart the device.

To check the current notification sound, use the command: 

adb shell settings get system notification_sound
What to do if ADB does not recognize the command?

Make sure that Samsung drivers are installed on the PC, and debugging permission for this computer is granted in the phone settings. Also check that ADB is updated to the latest version (the minimum required is 1.0.41).

Method 5: Alternative WhatsApp clients (GBWhatsApp, FMWhatsApp)

Modified versions of the messenger, such as GBWhatsApp or FMWhatsApp, offer advanced settings, including changing ringtones directly in the application interface. However, this method has significant disadvantages:

  • 🚫 Violation of policy WhatsApp (risk of account blocking).
  • 🛡️ Security problems (modified clients may contain malicious code).
  • ⚠️ Lack of updates security.

If you still decide to use the modified version:

  1. Download the APK from the official website GBWhatsApp (check the file hash!).
  2. Install the application after making a backup copy of the chats.
  3. Go to GBWhatsApp Settings → Notifications → Ring Sound and select the file.
⚠️ Attention: Use of unofficial clients may lead to loss of access to your account without the possibility of recovery. WhatsApp active blocks such applications, especially in case of mass complaints.

Method compatibility table with Android and One UI versions

Method Android 12 (One UI 4.0) Android 13 (One UI 5.0) Android 14 (One UI 6.0) Root required?
File manager ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⚠️ Partially* ❌ No
Applications (Zedge) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ No
System sounds ✅ Yes ⚠️ Via ADB ❌ No ❌ No
ADB ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ No
Modified clients ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ No

* On One UI 6.0 may require additional assignment of sound through Settings → Sounds and vibration → Advanced.

💡

The most universal method is to use a file manager (Method 1). It works on 90% of Samsung devices without the risk of account blocking or loss of warranty.

Problem solving: why the call does not change?

If after all the manipulations WhatsApp continues to use standard sound, check the following points:

🔍 Frequent reasons and solutions:

  • 📱 Application cache: Clear cache WhatsApp in Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Storage → Clear cache.
  • 🔕 Sound conflict: Make sure that Settings → Sounds The "Silent" or "Do not disturb" mode for notifications is not set.
  • 🔄 Updating the application: After the update WhatsApp the sound may be reset. Repeat the setup.
  • 📂 Access rights: Grant WhatsApp permission to access memory (Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Permissions).

🛠️ Advanced diagnostics:

  1. Check the system event log via ADB: 
    adb logcat | grep -i "whatsapp.*sound"

    This will help identify errors in loading the sound file.

  2. If you use Samsung Knox, temporarily disable it (may block changes to system files).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the call in WhatsApp

Is it possible to put your music as a call in WhatsApp without third-party applications?

Yes, but only through manual file replacement whatsapp_call.ogg (Method 1). Standard settings WhatsApp do not allow you to select custom ringtones.

Why does the call sound reset after WhatsApp update?

The application overwrites some system files when updating. To avoid resetting, use Zedge or assign sound through the Android system settings (Method 3).

Does the ADB method work on the Samsung Galaxy S23?

Yes, but One UI 6.0 may require additional confirmation of rights through adb shell pm grant. Also make sure that USB debugging is enabled for your PC.

Is it possible to set different ringtones for different contacts in WhatsApp?

No, WhatsApp does not support custom ringtones for contacts. This feature is only available in standard Android calls.

Is it safe to use GBWhatsApp to change the call?

No, modified clients violate the terms of use WhatsApp and may lead to account blocking. We recommend using the official application with the methods from this article.