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To change the sound for incoming texts on a Samsung Galaxy, change the notification sound—not the call ringtone. For one general alert, go to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Notification sound. To give a messaging app or message category its own tone, use that app’s notification-category settings instead.
Change the default notification sound
This changes the general notification alert, which may be used by messages as well as other apps. Samsung distinguishes message alerts from regular call ringtones; changing the ringtone alone will not change your message sound. See Samsung’s guide to setting a ringtone and message tone.
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- Open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Notification sound.
- Choose a sound from the list.
- Return to the previous screen. Send yourself a test message, if practical, to check the result.
Set a different sound for a messaging app or category
Use category settings when you want a messaging app’s alerts to sound different from the phone’s general notifications. The exact categories depend on the app. Samsung says category controls may be hidden until you enable the setting for managing notification categories.
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- Open Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings.
- Turn on Manage notification categories for each app, if that option is available and off. Samsung Canada documents this switch in its Galaxy notifications guide.
- Go to Settings > Apps, select your messaging app, and open Notifications > Notification categories.
- Choose the category that matches the messages you want to change, then tap Sound and select a tone.
The category path is documented in a Samsung Community moderator guide for a UK Galaxy Z Flip6 running One UI 6.1.1, and in a community solution for text alerts. Treat it as a useful path rather than a guarantee that every Galaxy model or app presents identical labels: Samsung Community guide to app notification sounds.
#1 Best Overall
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB, Black
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
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Use a personal audio file, if your phone offers it
Samsung India’s instructions for supported setups say to copy or move the audio file into the phone’s Notifications folder, then select it in notification settings: Samsung India’s custom notification tone instructions.
Custom-file support is not established as universal. Samsung France’s guidance, updated July 1, 2026 and based on a Galaxy S26+ running Android 16 / One UI 8.5, describes choosing among sounds shown in the picker. Check the options displayed on your own phone before relying on the folder method: Samsung France’s ringtone and notification guidance.
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Best Value
Samsung Galaxy S26, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Black
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
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Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
If the sound does not change
- Check that you changed the right setting. A call ringtone and message notification sound are separate.
- Check the app category. If you set a category-specific sound, make sure you selected the category used for incoming texts, rather than a different type of alert.
- Look for category controls. If they are missing, check Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings for Manage notification categories for each app.
- Check the app’s own controls. Available categories and notification options vary by messaging app.
- Use the labels on your device. Samsung notes that screens and methods can vary by model and software version. A Galaxy S22+ owner’s 2024 question, for example, identified Android 14 and One UI 6; that does not establish the same menu layout for other versions. See the Samsung Community text-notifications discussion.
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.
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