How to set custom WhatsApp notification sounds to never miss an important message again

Want to know who's messaging you without checking your phone? Here’s how to set custom WhatsApp notification sounds for specific contacts quickly.

WhatsApp offers several ways to help users stay connected and manage communication more efficiently. However, sometimes it gets overloaded with a flood of text messages, and we end up missing important ones that remain unread. To address this, WhatsApp has now introduced an option for users to set custom notification sounds for specific contacts, so you won’t miss any important messages and can instantly recognize who is messaging you without even looking at your phone screen. Whether you need to prioritize alerts from family, friends, or work contacts, assigning distinct tones can enhance your messaging experience and save time.

Know how to set custom WhatsApp notification sounds for specific contacts on Android and iPhone devices. (Pexels)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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So, here we’ll guide you through the process of how to set custom notification sounds on WhatsApp for both Android and iPhone users.

How to Set Custom Notification Sounds on Android

• Launch WhatsApp and open the chat of the contact you want to assign a unique tone to.
• Tap the contact’s name at the top of the chat screen to access their profile.
• Scroll down to find and select the "Notifications" option.
• Under the notification settings, tap on "Notification tone." Choose your preferred sound for messages and calls from the list.
• Confirm your selection by tapping "OK" or "Save." The contact will now have their own notification sound.

How to Set Custom Notification Sounds on iPhone

1. Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat of the contact whose notification sound you want to change.
2. Tap the contact’s name at the top to open their contact info.
3. Select the "Notification" section and then tap “Alert Tone.”
4. Choose a sound from the available options.
5. Save your changes. The new tone will play when this contact sends a message or calls you.

Note: Keep in mind that if your device is set to ‘Do Not Disturb’ or ‘Silent Mode’, custom tones may not play. Make sure your notification settings allow sounds to be heard. Additionally, users can also tweak options like vibration settings or popup alerts to fine-tune their experience. Also, make sure to keep WhatsApp updated to access the latest features and upgrades.

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