Your ringtone is the sound that alerts you to incoming calls. Choosing one you love—or even a custom tune—makes your phone feel personal and lets you instantly recognize when someone is calling. In this 1,500-word guide, you’ll discover 12 practical methods to change and manage ringtones on virtually any Android device, complete with step-by-step instructions.

How do I change ringtone on my Android phone?

Change to a Preinstalled System Ringtone

Most Android phones come with a selection of built-in ringtones. This is the quickest way to switch.

  • Open Settings
    Tap the Settings (gear) icon from your home screen or app drawer.
  • Navigate to Sound
    Scroll to and select Sound or Sound & vibration (label varies by OEM).
  • Select Phone Ringtone
    Tap Phone ringtone (sometimes under Advanced).
  • Browse the List
    You’ll see a list of system ringtones—tap each to preview.
  • Choose and Confirm
    When you hear one you like, tap OK or Save to apply it.

Note: Some skins (One UI, MIUI) label this Ringtone under Sounds and vibration.

Set a Custom MP3 as Ringtone via Settings

If you have a favorite song saved on your phone, you can use it as your ringtone.

  • Move Your MP3
    Copy your desired MP3 file to your phone’s Ringtones folder using a file manager or by connecting to your PC.
  • Open Settings → Sound
  • Tap Phone Ringtone
  • Add from Files
    • Scroll to the bottom and select Add ringtone or + icon.
  • Select Your MP3
    Navigate to the MP3 in Internal storage > Ringtones and tap it.
  • Confirm
    Preview the sound, then tap Save to set it.

Tip: If no Ringtones folder exists, create one in the root of your internal storage.

Assign Ringtone to a Specific Contact

Use different ringtones for family and friends so you know who’s calling without looking.

  • Open Contacts App
  • Select a Contact
    Tap the person you want to customize.
  • Edit Contact
    Tap the Edit (pencil) icon.
  • Set Ringtone
    Tap Ringtone or More fields → Ringtone.
  • Choose Tone
    Select from system ringtones or tap Add ringtone to pick a custom MP3.
  • Save
    Tap Save to apply.

Note: On some devices, you first tap the three-dot menu → Set ringtone.

Use a Third-Party Ringtone App

Apps offer thousands of free tones, organized by genre and mood.

  • Open Google Play Store
  • Search “Ringtones”
  • Install a Top-Rated App
    Popular choices: Zedge, MTP Ringtones, Audiko.
  • Browse and Preview
    Open the app, navigate categories, tap to preview.
  • Download and Apply
    Tap Download then Set as ringtone—the app will redirect you to Settings to confirm.

Caution: Watch for ads and unwanted permissions. Choose a reputable app.

Create a Custom Ringtone from a Song

Trim a specific part of a song for your ringtone.

  • Install an Audio Editor
    Apps like MP3 Cutter, Ringdroid, or GarageBand.
  • Open the App and Select File
    Grant storage permission, then tap Open file.
  • Trim Start/End
    Drag sliders to choose the 15–30-second segment.
  • Save as Ringtone
    Tap Save, choose Ringtone as the file type.
  • Apply via Settings
    Go to Settings → Sound → Phone ringtone and select your newly created tone.

Tip: Keep ringtones under 30 seconds to avoid cutting off too early.

Use Music App’s “Set as Ringtone” Feature

Some music players let you set a track directly as ringtone.

  • Open Your Music App (e.g., Spotify local files, Poweramp).
  • Play the Song you want.
  • Tap the Three-Dot Menu next to the track.
  • Select “Set as Phone Ringtone”
  • Confirm via the shortcut in Settings if prompted.

Note: Spotify’s streaming tracks cannot be used—only downloaded local files.

Change Notification and Alarm Sounds

You can also customize other alert tones.

  • Notification Tone:
    • Settings → Sound → Default notification sound.
    • Choose or add a custom file just like in ringtone selection.
  • Alarm Tone:
    • Open the Clock app → Alarm → tap an alarm.
    • Tap Alarm sound and select from system or custom tones.

Benefit: Personalize message alerts separately from call ringtones.

Troubleshoot Ringtone Not Changing

If your new ringtone won’t stick, try these fixes:

  • Check File Format: Only MP3, WAV, or OGG are supported.
  • Verify Volume: Ensure your Media and Ringtone volumes are high.
  • Restart: Reboot the phone after adding new files.
  • Clear Settings Cache:
    • Settings → Apps & notifications → See all apps → Show system → Settings → Storage & cache → Clear cache.
  • Re-add the File: Sometimes a bad copy prevents recognition; re-copy the MP3.

Manage Dual SIM Ringtones

With two SIMs, you can set separate ringtones for each number.

  • Settings → Sound → SIM 1 ringtone (or SIM & network → SIM card settings).
  • Repeat for SIM 2 ringtone.
  • Choose different tones to know which line is ringing.

Note: On some Oreo/Pie devices, you’ll find this under Calls → SIM settings.

Automate Ringtone Changes by Time or Location

Use automation apps to switch ringtones based on context.

  • Install Tasker (paid) or MacroDroid (free tier).
  • Create a New Profile: e.g., Time (9 AM–5 PM).
  • Add Task: Audio → Ringtone volume and Audio → Set ringtone to your chosen file.
  • Add Exit Task: Reset to your default outside that timeframe.
  • Test by waiting for scheduled change or toggling time.

Use Cases: Quiet ringtone at night, loud tone at work.

Share Ringtones via Bluetooth or Messaging

Send a ringtone file to another Android user.

  • File Manager → Internal storage → Ringtones
  • Long-press the file → Share → Bluetooth (or WhatsApp, Email).
  • Recipient saves the MP3 to their Ringtones folder.
  • They select it in Settings → Sound as you did.

Benefit: Quickly swap tones with friends without cloud storage.

Factory Reset Ringtone Settings (Last Resort)

If your ringtone settings are corrupt and nothing else works:

Preparation

  • Note down any custom ringtones or contact-specific assignments you’ve made.

Steps

  • Settings → System → Reset options → Reset app preferences to restore default notification and ringtone handlers.
  • If still broken, Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset).
  • After reset, set up your language/region, then reapply your ringtone choices.

Warning: Factory reset erases all personal data—use only if corrupted system settings prevent ringtone changes.

Conclusion

Changing your Android phone’s ringtone should be easy, but with the steps above you can handle every scenario—from using built-in tones and custom MP3s to per-contact assignments, third-party apps, and automation. Troubleshoot stuck settings, manage dual-SIM ringtones, and even share your favorite tones with friends. By following these 12 detailed methods—and troubleshooting tips—you’ll enjoy a fully personalized ringtone experience every time your phone rings.

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