How to Change Ringtone on Samsung Galaxy Phones

This guide walks you through setting a custom ringtone on any recent Samsung Galaxy phone running One UI. You’ll learn how to pick a built-in sound, use a song from your library, and even trim an audio file to make the perfect ringtone—all without installing any extra apps.

What You’ll Need

A Samsung Galaxy phone (steps apply to One UI 4.0 and newer)
An audio file (MP3, M4A, WAV, or OGG) if you want to use your own music
Optional: a file manager app if you plan to move audio files into the Ringtones folder

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel, then tap the gear icon. Alternatively, find the Settings app in your app drawer.
Go to Sounds and Vibration. Scroll down and tap Sounds and vibration. On some older One UI versions, this may just be labeled Sounds.
Tap Ringtone. Under the “Sound” section, tap Ringtone. This opens the ringtone selection screen.
Choose a built-in ringtone. You’ll see a list of Samsung’s default ringtones. Tap any of them to preview it. When you find one you like, tap OK or Apply at the bottom of the screen to set it.
Use your own audio file. If you want to use a song or a sound you’ve downloaded, tap the Add button (a plus icon) at the top of the ringtone list. This opens your file picker.
Navigate to your audio file. Browse to the folder where your audio file is stored. Common locations include Download, Music, or My Files. Select the file and tap Done.
Trim the audio (optional). If you picked a long song, Samsung will open a simple editor. Drag the yellow handles to select the portion you want as your ringtone. The default is usually the first 30 seconds. Tap Save when you’re satisfied.
Confirm your selection. Your new ringtone will appear at the top of the list with a label like “Custom”. Tap it to preview, then tap OK to set it as your default ringtone.

Common Mistakes

Choosing a file that isn’t supported. Samsung Galaxy phones support MP3, M4A, WAV, and OGG formats. If you try to use a file with a different extension (like FLAC or AAC), it may not appear in the picker or may fail to play.
Forgetting to tap “OK” or “Apply”. Previewing a ringtone doesn’t change anything. You must confirm your selection at the bottom of the screen.
Setting the ringtone for the wrong SIM. If you have dual SIM, the ringtone screen may have two tabs (SIM 1 and SIM 2). Make sure you’re setting the ringtone for the SIM you actually use for calls.
Using a file that’s too long. While you can select a full song, it’s better to trim it to 30 seconds or less. Some carriers or older phones may have a limit on ringtone length.

Tips

Use the Ringtones folder. For a more permanent method, create a folder called Ringtones in your phone’s internal storage (or on an SD card) and copy your audio files there. They’ll automatically appear in the ringtone list without needing to use the “Add” button.
Set a different ringtone for individual contacts. Open the Contacts app, select a contact, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Set ringtone. This lets you know who’s calling without looking at the screen.
Use a ringtone maker app. If you want more editing features (like fade-in/out or precise cuts), try a dedicated ringtone maker app from the Galaxy Store or Google Play. Many are free and let you export directly to the Ringtones folder.
Check the volume. If your ringtone sounds too quiet, go to Settings > Sounds and vibration and increase the ringtone volume slider. Also make sure your phone isn’t in Silent or Vibrate mode.

Troubleshooting

My custom ringtone doesn’t appear in the list. First, make sure the file is in a supported format (MP3, M4A, WAV, OGG). If it’s still missing, try moving it to the Ringtones folder using My Files. If that doesn’t work, restart your phone—sometimes the media scanner needs a refresh.

I can’t find the “Add” button. On some One UI versions, the “Add” button is hidden behind a three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the ringtone screen. Tap that menu and select Add from the dropdown.

My ringtone plays but only for a second. This usually happens when the audio file is corrupted or the format isn’t fully compatible. Try converting the file to MP3 using a free converter app or a computer, then try again.

The ringtone I set keeps reverting to the default. This can happen if you have a third-party “sound booster” or “volume manager” app that overrides system settings. Try uninstalling such apps, or check if your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” schedule is set to override ringtones.

I can’t trim the audio file. The trimming editor only appears when you add a file that’s longer than 30 seconds. If you’re not seeing it, the file may already be short enough, or the format isn’t supported for editing. In that case, use a separate ringtone maker app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a YouTube video as a ringtone?

Not directly. You’ll need to download the audio first using a third-party app or website, then follow the steps above to add it. Be mindful of copyright and YouTube’s terms of service.

Will changing the ringtone affect my alarm or notification sounds?

No. Ringtone, notification sound, and alarm sound are separate settings. You can change them independently in the Sounds and Vibration menu.

How do I set a ringtone for a specific contact?

Open the Contacts app, select the contact, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Set ringtone. You can pick any sound from your ringtone list, including custom ones.

Can I use a ringtone from an app like Zedge?

Yes. Apps like Zedge let you download ringtones directly. Once downloaded, the file is usually saved in your Downloads folder. You can then add it using the “Add” button in the ringtone settings.

Why is my ringtone not playing when I get a call?

Check that your phone isn’t in Silent or Vibrate mode. Also, go to Settings > Sounds and vibration and make sure the ringtone volume is turned up. If you have a Bluetooth device connected, calls may route audio through that device—disconnect it and test again.

Is there a limit to how long my ringtone can be?

Most Samsung Galaxy phones allow ringtones up to about 30 seconds when you trim them in the built-in editor. If you add a file without trimming, it may still work, but some carriers or older models may enforce a limit.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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