Set Different Volume Levels for Each App

This guide shows you how to set different volume levels for each app on Windows and Android. You’ll learn to control individual app volumes without affecting the overall system volume, which is useful for balancing game audio with music or muting notifications while watching videos. We’ll cover built-in settings and third-party tools where needed.

What You’ll Need

Windows 10 or Windows 11 (for the Windows method)
Android 10 or newer (for the Android method)
Optional: A third-party volume mixer app for Android (e.g., “Volume Control” or “Per-App Volume”)

Step-by-Step

Windows 10 and Windows 11

Open the Volume Mixer by right-clicking the speaker icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the taskbar) and selecting Open Volume mixer. Alternatively, press Windows + G to open the Game Bar, then click the audio icon in the widget bar (Windows 11 only).
You’ll see a list of apps that are currently playing audio. Each app has its own slider. Drag the slider for the app you want to adjust. For example, lower the browser volume while keeping your music player loud.
If an app isn’t listed, make sure it’s playing audio. The Volume Mixer only shows apps that are actively producing sound. Start playing something in that app, and it should appear.
To mute a single app, click the speaker icon below its slider. The icon will change to a muted speaker, and the volume will be set to zero.
Adjust the Device slider (the top one) to set the master volume. This affects all apps. Use it as a global limit.

Android (Stock and Most Brands)

Open Settings and go to Sound & vibration (or Sounds and vibration on some devices).
Look for Volume or Media volume. Some phones have an option called Advanced or More sound settings that reveals per-app volume controls. If you see it, tap it.
If your phone doesn’t have built-in per-app volume, you’ll need a third-party app. Install a reliable one from the Play Store, such as “Volume Control” or “Per-App Volume”. Open the app and grant the required permissions (like “Modify system settings” or “Appear on top”).
In the app, you’ll see a list of installed apps. Tap one to set its volume level. Some apps allow you to set a volume for each app, and even set different volumes for media, notifications, and alarms.
Test by playing audio in the app you adjusted. The volume should be different from the system volume.

Common Mistakes

Adjusting the master volume instead of the app volume: The top slider in the Volume Mixer is the device volume. Changing it affects everything. Make sure you’re dragging the slider under the specific app name.
Expecting the Volume Mixer to show all apps: It only shows apps that are currently playing sound. If an app is paused or silent, it won’t appear.
Forgetting to unmute the app: If you muted an app, it will stay muted even if you raise the system volume. Check the speaker icon under the app’s slider.
Using the wrong volume type on Android: Media volume is separate from notification and alarm volumes. If you change the media volume, it won’t affect ringtones or notifications.
Not granting permissions to third-party Android apps: Without the required permissions, the app cannot control individual app volumes. Read the permission prompts carefully.

Tips

On Windows, you can quickly open the Volume Mixer by pressing Win + Ctrl + V (this is a direct shortcut that works in most versions).
If you want to set different volumes for apps that are not currently playing, you can start playing audio in each app, then adjust. The settings will be remembered for that session, but may reset when the app restarts.
For persistent per-app volumes on Windows, consider using a third-party mixer like “EarTrumpet” (available in the Microsoft Store). It adds a per-app volume slider to the taskbar and remembers settings across restarts.
On Android, some launchers (like Nova Launcher) offer per-app volume shortcuts. You can create a home screen widget that adjusts a specific app’s volume.
If you often switch between scenarios (e.g., gaming vs. work), you can create separate Windows sound schemes using the Sound control panel (mmsys.cpl) and switch between them via the Sound icon.

Troubleshooting

App volume doesn’t change: Make sure the app is actually producing audio. If it’s using exclusive mode (like some games), the Volume Mixer may not work. Close and reopen the app, or disable exclusive mode in the app’s audio settings.
Volume Mixer doesn’t show the app: Restart the app or the Volume Mixer. Sometimes the list doesn’t refresh. You can also try restarting Windows if the issue persists.
Android per-app volume not working: Check that the app is not in “Do Not Disturb” mode. Also, some Android versions have a bug where per-app volumes reset after a reboot. Re-apply the settings.
Third-party Android app fails to control volume: Reinstall the app and grant all permissions. Some apps require Accessibility service permission to read the current app. Enable that in Settings > Accessibility.
Volume changes affect all apps: If you’re using the hardware volume buttons on Android, they control the media volume by default, which affects all apps. Use the in-app volume slider or the third-party app to set specific app volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a different volume for each app on macOS?

Yes, macOS doesn’t have a built-in per-app volume mixer, but you can use third-party apps like “BackgroundMusic” or “Volume Mixer” to achieve the same effect.

Will the per-app volume settings persist after restarting my computer?

On Windows, the built-in Volume Mixer resets to the system volume after a restart. However, third-party tools like EarTrumpet can remember your settings. On Android, it depends on the device and the app; some remember, some don’t.

Why can’t I see the Volume Mixer on Windows?

The Volume Mixer is available in Windows 10 and 11. If you can’t find it, right-click the speaker icon and look for “Open Volume mixer”. If it’s missing, your audio driver may be outdated. Update your audio driver.

Can I set different volumes for system sounds and notifications?

Yes, on Windows you can adjust the “System Sounds” volume in the Volume Mixer separately. On Android, you can set the notification volume separately from media volume in the Sound settings.

Is it possible to mute a specific app without muting others?

Yes, in the Volume Mixer on Windows, click the speaker icon under the app’s slider to mute that app only. On Android, you can use a third-party app to mute a specific app.

What does “exclusive mode” mean and why does it affect volume?

Exclusive mode allows an app to take full control of an audio device, bypassing the system mixer. This means the Volume Mixer won’t work for that app. You can disable exclusive mode in the app’s audio settings or in the sound device properties (Windows).

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

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