How to Change Instagram Notification Sound on iPhone [Step by Step Guide]

Customizing your Instagram notification sound can make your phone experience more personal and help you instantly recognize alerts. Although Instagram itself doesn’t allow you to change notification sounds directly within the app, iPhone users can use settings and workarounds to achieve this customization. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.

1. Why Customize Instagram Notification Sounds?

Customizing Instagram notification sounds provides the following benefits:

• Personalization: Makes alerts more distinct and recognizable.
• Efficiency: Helps differentiate Instagram notifications from other apps.
• Better Management: Ensures you don’t miss important updates while filtering out distractions.

2. Can You Change Instagram Notification Sounds Directly?

Currently, Instagram does not allow you to change its notification sounds directly within the app. However, iOS provides some settings and features to customize notification sounds at the system level or through creative workarounds.

3. Steps to Change Notification Sound on iPhone

Step 1: Open the Settings App

1. Unlock your iPhone and locate the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Notifications.

Step 2: Locate Instagram in Notifications

1. Scroll through the list of apps under Notifications and find Instagram.
2. Tap on Instagram to access its notification settings.

Step 3: Customize Notification Settings

1. Toggle the Allow Notifications switch if it’s not already on.
2. Under Sounds, you’ll notice that Instagram’s notifications use the default system sound.
   • iOS doesn’t allow changing the sound for individual apps like Instagram, but you can change your overall system alert tone.

4. Workarounds to Customize Instagram Notification Sound

If you’re determined to have a unique Instagram notification sound, consider these workarounds:

Option 1: Use Focus Mode with Specific Sounds

1. Open the Settings app and go to Focus.
2. Create a new Focus mode or customize an existing one.
3. Assign Instagram as an allowed app under Notifications.
4. Set a custom sound for the Focus mode under Settings > Sounds & Haptics.

This method applies a specific sound when notifications arrive while the Focus mode is active.

Option 2: Enable Custom Sounds via Ringtone Apps

1. Download a ringtone app like Zedge or GarageBand.
2. Create or download a unique sound.
3. Assign the sound as your default notification sound through Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
   • Note: This will change notification sounds for all apps that use the default tone, not just Instagram.

Option 3: Third-Party Automation with Shortcuts

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Create a new automation for Instagram notifications.
3. Use the Play Sound action to trigger a custom audio file whenever Instagram sends a notification.
   • This is a more advanced method but allows greater customization.

5. Common Issues and Solutions

Here are some challenges you may face and how to resolve them:

• No Sound Option in Instagram Notifications: Ensure your phone isn’t in silent mode and check your system volume under Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
• Custom Sound Not Working: Verify the file format of your custom tone and ensure it’s compatible with iOS.
• Focus Mode Overwrites Other Settings: Customize Focus mode settings to prevent conflicts with other app notifications.

6. Alternative Notification Management

If changing the sound proves too complex, you can enhance your notification experience in other ways:

• Vibration Patterns: Customize vibration patterns for Instagram alerts under Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Vibration.
• LED Alerts: Enable flash alerts for Instagram by going to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > LED Flash for Alerts.

7. Future Updates to Look Out For

Instagram may introduce built-in customization features for notifications in future updates. To stay informed:

• Regularly update the Instagram app.
• Follow Instagram’s official support pages for announcements.

Conclusion

Although Instagram doesn’t allow direct customization of notification sounds, iPhone users can personalize their experience through iOS settings, Focus modes, and third-party tools. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can make your Instagram notifications stand out and ensure you never miss an important update.