Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Signal notification audio is controlled at two levels: inside Signal Desktop and in Windows 11. Start with Signal > profile/avatar > Preferences > Notifications > Play audio notification. If Signal is still silent, check its Windows notification settings as well.
Turn Signal notification sounds on
- Open Signal Desktop.
- Select your profile/avatar.
- Choose Preferences, then open Notifications.
- Enable Play audio notification.
This enables Signal’s own message-notification audio. Signal’s official notification settings are documented in Signal’s In-App Notification Options guide.
Next, confirm that Windows is allowed to make Signal audible:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Open Start > Settings > System > Notifications.
- Under Notifications from apps and other senders, select Signal or the Signal Desktop entry shown on your PC.
- Make sure notifications are enabled.
- Open the app’s notification options and turn on Play a sound when a notification arrives.
Windows can independently control Signal’s banners, Notification Center alerts, and notification sounds. See Microsoft’s current Windows notification settings documentation.
Turn Signal sounds off but keep visual notifications
To silence Signal while retaining banners and Notification Center alerts, clear Play audio notification in Signal > profile/avatar > Preferences > Notifications.
You can instead leave Signal’s setting enabled and disable only Windows-generated audio:
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- Go to Start > Settings > System > Notifications.
- Select Signal under the app list.
- Leave notifications enabled, but turn off Play a sound when a notification arrives.
The Signal-level control is the more focused choice when you want Signal itself to remain quiet. The Windows-level control is useful when managing Signal alongside other applications.
Disable all Signal notifications
If you want no Signal banners, sounds, or Notification Center alerts, turn off Signal notifications in its Windows app settings. Signal’s own notification preferences also include an option to disable notifications.
This is broader than muting audio: it removes visual alerts too. Windows may still retain previously delivered notifications in Notification Center depending on the notification state.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Control incoming-call sounds separately
Message-notification audio and incoming-call audio are separate Signal settings. To control calls, open:
Signal > profile/avatar > Preferences > Calls > Play call sounds
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Signal also provides call-related controls such as Enable incoming calls and Always relay calls. Turning off message audio does not necessarily turn off call sounds, and disabling call sounds does not necessarily silence message notifications.
Mute one Signal conversation
To quiet a single chat without changing Signal’s global notification setting:
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
- Open the conversation in Signal Desktop.
- Open the chat header or conversation details.
- Choose Mute.
- Select a duration, such as 1 hour, 8 hours, 1 day, 1 week, or Always.
Chat muting applies to that conversation and does not change the global Play audio notification setting.
Check Do Not Disturb and Focus
If Signal notifications arrive silently or appear late, review Windows interruption controls:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
- Open Settings > System > Notifications > Do not disturb.
- Check scheduled times and automatic rules, including gaming, full-screen apps, and display duplication.
- Review whether Signal is allowed through priority notifications.
- End any active Focus session and test Signal again.
Do Not Disturb can suppress banners and sounds while notifications are placed in Notification Center, subject to Windows priority settings. Microsoft’s Focus guidance also explains that Focus sessions can temporarily suppress notifications, sounds, and alerts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix Signal when notifications have no sound
Check the settings in this order:
- Signal: Confirm Preferences > Notifications > Play audio notification is enabled.
- Windows: Confirm Signal notifications and Play a sound when a notification arrives are enabled.
- Interruption modes: Temporarily disable Do Not Disturb and Focus.
- Chat status: Check that the conversation is not muted. Test another chat if necessary.
- Output device: Open Windows sound controls and verify that the intended speakers, headphones, monitor, dock, or Bluetooth device is selected and not muted.
- Per-app volume: If Signal appears in Windows’ volume mixer while producing audio, ensure its channel is not muted or routed to another output.
- Restart: Fully close and reopen Signal Desktop. Restart Windows if notification permissions or audio devices were recently changed.
- Delivery and linking: Confirm the desktop app is linked correctly and receiving messages.
- Updates: Install available updates for Signal Desktop and Windows.
Signal recommends checking both its notification preferences and the operating system’s notification settings when desktop alerts do not work. Its notification troubleshooting guide and message-receiving guide cover additional delivery problems.
Keep the sound but hide message details
Signal’s notification-content options let you choose how much information appears in a desktop alert:
- Show name, content, and actions
- Show name only
- Show no name or content
- Disable notifications
These choices change the text displayed in the notification. They do not necessarily disable the alert sound. Choose a privacy-focused display option if you want an audible alert without exposing message content on screen.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchUse a visual alert instead of sound
Windows can provide a visual alternative to audio notifications. Open Start > Settings > Accessibility > Audio, then find Flash my screen during audio notifications. Depending on your preference, Windows can flash the title bar, the active window, or the entire screen. This is a Windows accessibility feature rather than a Signal-specific setting; see Microsoft’s visual alternatives to sounds guidance.
Quick Recap
Which setting should you change?
| Goal | Use this control |
|---|---|
| Silence Signal while keeping visual alerts | Signal’s Play audio notification setting |
| Silence only Windows notification sounds for Signal | Windows’ per-app Play a sound when a notification arrives setting |
| Stop banners, sounds, and alerts | Disable Signal notifications in Windows or Signal |
| Silence one conversation | Signal’s chat Mute control |
| Silence calls but keep message sounds | Signal’s Preferences > Calls > Play call sounds setting |
| Temporarily quiet many apps | Windows Do Not Disturb or Focus |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
