Discord lets you replace the default ringtone, incoming call, and outgoing call sounds with your own audio files, so you can personalize how calls sound on both desktop and mobile. This guide walks you through the exact steps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and covers common pitfalls and fixes.
What You’ll Need
- Discord account with permission to change server settings (for server-wide sounds) or just your own user settings (for personal sounds).
- Audio files in MP3, WAV, or OGG format, under 8 MB each. M4A and AAC files are not supported for call sounds.
- Access to the server where you want to apply the sounds (if changing server-wide). For personal sounds, no server access is needed.
Step-by-Step
On Desktop (Windows / macOS)
- Open Discord and log in.
- Click the gear icon (User Settings) at the bottom-left, next to your username.
- In the left sidebar, scroll down to App Settings and click Sounds.
- Under Call Sounds, you’ll see three options: Incoming Ring, Outgoing Ring, and Call Connected.
- Click the Upload button next to the sound you want to change. A file picker will open.
- Select your audio file (MP3, WAV, or OGG) and click Open. The file will upload and become active immediately.
- To test it, click the play button next to the sound name. If you don’t like it, click Reset to revert to the default.
- Repeat for the other sounds if desired. Changes save automatically.
On Phone (Android / iOS)
- Open the Discord app on your phone and log in.
- Tap your avatar in the bottom-right corner to open User Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Sounds (under App Settings).
- Tap the sound you want to change: Incoming Ring, Outgoing Ring, or Call Connected.
- Tap Upload and choose the audio file from your device. On iOS, you may need to use the Files app; on Android, use your file manager.
- After uploading, the sound will be set. You can tap the play icon to preview it.
- To reset, tap the sound and choose Reset to Default.
Server-Wide Sounds (Desktop only)
Server owners and administrators can set custom sounds for everyone in the server. This is done in Server Settings, not User Settings.
- Open your server and click the server name at the top-left.
- Select Server Settings from the dropdown.
- Go to Sounds in the left sidebar.
- Upload your audio files for the same three call sounds.
- Members will hear these sounds when they receive or make calls in that server, overriding their personal settings.
Common Mistakes
- Using unsupported file formats – M4A, AAC, and FLAC files will not upload. Convert to MP3, WAV, or OGG first.
- File too large – The 8 MB limit is strict. Compress the audio or trim it to fit.
- Uploading to the wrong place – Personal sounds go in User Settings > Sounds. Server sounds go in Server Settings > Sounds. They are separate.
- Expecting the sound to play on all devices – Custom sounds are stored locally on each device. You need to upload them separately on your phone and desktop.
- Not testing before relying on it – Always use the preview button to verify the sound works before you need it.
Tips
- Use short, loud sounds (1-2 seconds) for ringtones so they are noticeable.
- Keep the volume consistent with Discord’s default sounds to avoid sudden jumps in loudness.
- If you want the same custom sound on both desktop and phone, upload the same file to both devices.
- For server-wide sounds, make sure you have the “Manage Server” permission (or are the owner).
- You can use the same sound for all three call events if you like.
Troubleshooting
Upload fails or says “File not supported” – Convert the file to MP3 or OGG using a free converter, and check that it’s under 8 MB.
Sound doesn’t play when a call comes in – Check that your device’s volume is up and that Discord’s notification sounds are enabled in your OS settings. On Android, ensure Discord has notification permission. On iOS, check that “Allow Notifications” is on for Discord.
Custom sound plays on desktop but not on phone – Remember that sounds are per-device. Upload the file again on your phone.
Server sounds don’t change for members – Members need to restart Discord to pick up server sound changes. Also, if a member has set a personal sound, that overrides the server sound for them.
Reset button doesn’t work – Try restarting Discord. If the issue persists, clear Discord’s cache (desktop: Ctrl+R to reload, mobile: restart the app).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any audio file as a call sound?
Only MP3, WAV, and OGG files under 8 MB are accepted. Other formats like M4A or FLAC will be rejected.
Will my custom sound sync across devices?
No. Custom sounds are stored locally on each device. You must upload them separately on every device you use.
Can I set a different sound for each type of call (DM, group, server)?
No, Discord only offers three sound slots: incoming ring, outgoing ring, and call connected. These apply to all calls.
Do server members need to do anything to hear server sounds?
They just need to restart Discord after the server owner uploads new sounds. Personal sounds they set will override server sounds.
Can I use a song snippet as a ringtone?
Yes, as long as it’s under 8 MB and in a supported format. Keep it short to avoid annoyance.
Why is my uploaded sound very quiet?
The file’s volume is preserved. Use audio editing software to normalize the volume to around -14 LUFS, which is typical for notification sounds.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
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