Changing your text message sound on a Samsung S21 might seem like a simple task, but it’s an essential aspect of personalizing your smartphone experience. Every time you receive a text, a distinctive sound enhances your enjoyment and makes your device feel uniquely yours. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about changing your text message sound on the Samsung S21, from simple steps to advanced customizable options.
Understanding Text Message Notifications on Samsung S21
When you think of notifications, text messages are likely at the forefront. They play a crucial role in communication, and having a set sound that distinguishes messages from calls, emails, or app notifications can significantly enhance your user experience. Let’s delve into the basics before we jump into the steps to change your notification sound.
Types of Notification Sounds
On the Samsung S21, you have various options for text message sounds. You can either choose from pre-installed sounds, which include default tones provided by the device, or custom sounds that you can download or create.
Default Tones vs. Custom Sounds
- Default Tones: These are sounds that come pre-loaded on your Samsung S21. They range from subtle chimes to more energetic notification rings.
- Custom Sounds: If you want to make your text notifications stand out even more, you can add your own sounds. These could be snippets from your favorite songs, hilarious sound bites, or any audio file that brings a smile to your face.
Steps to Change Text Message Sound on Samsung S21
Now that you understand the importance of having a personalized text message sound, you may wonder, “How can I change it?” The following steps will guide you through the process of changing the text message sound on your Samsung S21 seamlessly.
Step 1: Open the Messages App
Begin by locating the Messages app on your Samsung S21. The Messages app icon resembles an envelope. Tap on it to open the app.
Step 2: Access Settings
Once you’re in the Messages app, follow these steps:
- Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
This action will direct you to various settings specifically for text messages.
Step 3: Navigate to Notifications
Within the settings menu, look for Notifications. This section allows you to customize how you receive alerts for new messages.
Step 4: Change Sound Settings
Now that you’re in the Notifications settings:
- Tap on Notification sound.
- You’ll see a list of available sounds. Scroll through the list and tap on the sound you want to use as your new text message notification.
Adjust Volume and Vibration Settings
While you’re in the Notification settings, consider adjusting the volume and vibration options to further personalize your experience. Keep in mind:
- Volume: Make sure your notification volume is set to an audible level.
- Vibration: You can turn on or off vibration for incoming messages depending on your preference.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
Once you’ve selected your preferred sound and adjusted the volume and vibration settings, ensure that you’ve saved these changes. The sound you chose will now be set as your default text message alert.
Adding Custom Sounds to Your Samsung S21
If you’re not satisfied with the default options and wish to use custom audio files, the good news is that you can do this fairly easily on your Samsung S21. Let’s look into how to add and set custom notification sounds.
Step 1: Download or Transfer Your Audio File
Before you can set a custom sound, you need to have the audio file on your device. You can either:
- Download a sound file directly to your Samsung S21.
- Transfer audio files from your computer using a USB connection or cloud services.
Make sure your audio files are in a supported format such as MP3 or WAV.
Step 2: Move the File into the Notifications Folder
To ensure your device recognizes the custom sound, move the audio file into the Notifications folder. Follow these steps:
- Open the My Files app on your Samsung S21.
- Navigate to the location where you saved your audio file (such as Downloads).
- Long-press the audio file until options appear.
- Select Move and navigate to Internal Storage > Notifications.
- Finally, tap Move here.
Your custom sound is now ready for use.
Step 3: Set Your Custom Sound
Return to the Messages app and follow the same Notifications settings steps as outlined above. However, when you tap on Notification sound, you’ll scroll to the bottom of the sound list. There you’ll find the custom sound you just added.
Simply tap to select it, save your changes, and you’re all set!
Advanced Customization Options
If you’re interested in exploring more customization options, your Samsung S21 allows for a few additional tweaks to your notification settings for text messages.
Utilizing Different Sounds for Different Contacts
One of the exciting features of your Samsung S21 is the ability to set unique notification sounds for individual contacts. This way, when you receive a text from a specific person, you’ll immediately know who it is just by the sound of the incoming message.
How to Set Unique Notification Sounds: Step-by-Step
- Open the Messages app and select the conversation for the contact you want to customize.
- Tap on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner.
- Choose Details from the menu that appears.
- Tap on Notifications.
- Here, you can select a unique notification sound following the same procedure as above. Make sure to save your changes.
Disabling Notifications Temporarily
Sometimes, you might want to take a break from notifications altogether. The Samsung S21 makes this easy:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Sounds and vibration.
- Tap on Do Not Disturb. Here, you can customize which notifications you will receive during this period.
Setting this up will ensure that you only receive notifications from selected contacts or apps.
Using Third-Party Apps for More Options
Should the built-in options still not satisfy your whims, third-party apps are available that can offer an extensive library of sounds and additional features for customizing notification settings further. Some popular options include:
- Zedge: A popular application for downloading ringtones, notifications, and wallpapers.
- Audiko: Focuses on customized ringtones and allows you to edit audio files to set as notifications.
Make sure any app you choose is reputable and has good reviews to ensure security and performance on your device.
Conclusion
Personalizing your Samsung S21 is not just a fun way to express yourself, but also a practical approach to managing notifications more effectively. Changing your text message sound can help differentiate messages from other alerts, ensuring that you never miss an important communication again.
By following these detailed steps, you can easily change your text message sound, add custom audio, and explore various settings for a truly unique notification experience. With your new setup, every text you receive will remind you of your personal touch, enhancing your smartphone interactions.
So, get started today, and enjoy the delightful sounds of personalized notifications on your Samsung S21!
What steps do I need to follow to change the text message sound on my Samsung S21?
To change the text message sound on your Samsung S21, start by opening the “Messages” app on your device. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner to access the settings menu. From there, select “Settings” and then navigate to “Notifications.” Under the notifications settings, you’ll find options for “Notification sound.” Go ahead and tap on it to explore the available sound options.
Once you’ve selected the “Notification sound,” you’ll see a list of pre-installed sounds, as well as an option to add custom sounds. If you want to use a new sound, simply tap “Add” or “Ringtones” to choose a file from your device. After you’ve made your selection, don’t forget to save your changes. Now, anytime you receive a text message, it will use the new sound you set.
Can I use my own music as a text message sound?
Yes, you can use your own music or any audio file saved on your device as a text message sound. To do this, first ensure that the sound file you want to use is in a compatible format, such as MP3 or OGG. Next, follow the same procedure as mentioned earlier: go to “Messages” > “Settings” > “Notifications” and then select “Notification sound.”
When you tap on “Notification sound,” look for an option to add or select a ringtone. This will open a file browser where you can locate your chosen music file. Once you find the sound you want, select it to set it as your message notification sound. Keep in mind that certain audio files may not work, so it’s best to use standard audio formats.
What if I don’t see an option to set a custom sound?
If you do not see an option to set a custom sound in the “Notification sound” settings, it might be due to several reasons. First, ensure that your Samsung S21 is fully updated, as software updates can affect settings and features. Go to your device settings and check for any available system updates under “Software update.”
Another common reason could be the limitations of the specific messaging app you’re using. Samsung’s default messages app generally allows for custom sounds, but if you’re using a third-party app, you may need to check its settings or documentation for more information. If you continue to encounter issues, you might want to reach out to Samsung support or consult the user manual for further assistance.
Can I set different sounds for different contacts?
Yes, you can set different text message sounds for specific contacts on your Samsung S21. To do this, you need to go to the “Contacts” app and select the contact for whom you want to set a unique notification sound. After opening their contact details, tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Edit.”
In the edit menu, look for the option labeled “Notification sound.” This allows you to pick a different sound exclusively for that contact. After you’ve chosen the desired sound, be sure to save your changes. When you receive a message from that contact in the future, it will play the custom sound you assigned.
Will changing the text message sound affect other notifications on my phone?
No, changing the text message sound will not affect other notification sounds on your Samsung S21. Each type of notification—whether it’s texts, emails, reminders, or other app alerts—can be customized individually. By changing the text message sound, you are only modifying that specific alert.
If you’d like to personalize other notifications, you’ll need to go into each app’s settings individually to manage their notification sounds. For instance, email apps will have their own notification sound settings, separate from the Messages app. This allows for a highly customizable notification experience tailored to your preferences.
Is it possible to revert to the default notification sound?
Yes, it is very easy to revert to the default notification sound on your Samsung S21. To do this, simply follow the same steps you took to change the notification sound. Go to “Messages” > “Settings” > “Notifications,” then tap on “Notification sound” again.
Once you’re in the notification sound menu, you’ll see the default sound listed among other available options. Select the default sound, and remember to save your changes. After this, your text messages will once again use the standard notification sound that originally came with your device.