How to Change iPhone's Default Notification Sound

Discover how to customize your iPhone's notification sound and make it truly unique.

Are you tired of constantly missing important notifications on your iPhone because you simply cannot hear them? Fear not, because the latest update to iOS 17.2 allows for customization of your notification sounds. If you're one of the many users who found the Rebound alert tone introduced in iOS 17 too soft and difficult to hear from across the room, this guide is for you. Here's a step-by-step process on how to change your iPhone's default notification sound:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.

The first step to customizing your iPhone's notification sound is to launch the Settings app on your device. This can be accessed from your home screen or by swiping down from the top right-hand corner if you have an iPhone X or newer model.

Step 2: Tap on "General" in the Settings menu.

Once you're in the Settings app, scroll down until you see "General" and tap on it. This will take you to the general settings menu for your iPhone.

Step 3: Select "Software Update" and make sure your device is up-to-date.

Before you proceed to change your notification sound, make sure your iPhone is running on the latest software update. To do this, scroll down to the bottom of the General settings menu and select "Software Update." If there is an update available, download and install it so that you have access to the new customization options.

Step 4: Choose "Sound and Haptics" from the General settings menu.

After updating your iPhone's software, go back to the General settings menu and select "Sound and Haptics." This will take you to a menu where you can customize various sound and vibration settings for your device.

Step 5: Select your preferred notification sound from the list provided.

In the Sound and Haptics menu, you'll see a section labeled "Sounds and Vibration Patterns." Under this section, you'll find a list of all the default notification sounds available on your iPhone. You can choose any of these sounds as your new default notification tone by tapping on the sound you want.

Step 6: Return to the default sound before iOS 17 by selecting "Tri-tone."

If you're not a fan of the new Rebound alert tone introduced in iOS 17 and want to return to the default sound before the update, simply select "Tri-tone" from the list of sounds in the Sound and Haptics menu.

Step 7: Keep in mind that not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 17.

It's important to note that not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 17, and therefore, won't be able to customize their notification sounds. If you're not sure whether your device is compatible, check the iOS version in the Software Update section of the General settings menu.

Step 8: Reminders, Messages, and Calendar notifications will remain unchanged unless you individually change them.

Keep in mind that changing your default notification sound will only affect apps that use default alerts. Reminders, Messages, and Calendar notifications will remain unchanged unless you individually change them. To do this, go to the specific app's settings and select the notification sound you want.

Step 9: Custom iPhone ringtones can also be set from this same menu.

The Sound and Haptics menu also allows you to set custom ringtones for your iPhone. To do this, scroll down to the Ringtone section and select "Ringtone." From there, you can choose from the list of default ringtones or select "Tone Store" to purchase and download new ones.

Customizing your iPhone's notification sound is a simple and straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. With the release of iOS 17.2, you now have the flexibility to choose a notification sound that best suits your auditory needs. Whether you prefer a louder sound or want to return to the classic Tri-tone, the Sound and Haptics menu has got you covered. So go ahead and customize away, and never miss an important notification again!