Enabling sound notifications for Messenger on your computer is easy and allows you to hear when new messages arrive even if you don’t have the app open. Here are some quick answers about turning on Messenger sounds:
On Windows
If you are using Messenger for Windows, follow these steps to turn on message sounds:
- Open the Messenger app.
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Notifications” in the left sidebar.
- Under the “Message sounds” section, toggle “Play sound when I get new messages” to the on position.
Once enabled, you will hear a ping, ding, or other sound each time a new message comes in. You can click on the drop-down menu to choose between available sound options.
On Mac
Users of Messenger for Mac can similarly enable audible notifications by:
- Launching the Messenger app.
- Clicking on Messenger in the menu bar.
- Selecting “Preferences…”
- Going to the “Notifications” tab.
- Checking the box for “Play sound for new messages.”
The default alert sound will play whenever you receive a new message. You can click “Play Sound” to preview it or choose a different system sound from the drop-down menu.
In a Web Browser
If you use Messenger through a web browser, turning on sound notifications takes just a few clicks:
- Go to www.messenger.com and log in.
- Click on your profile picture in the top left corner.
- Select “See All Settings.”
- Click on “Notifications” on the left.
- Under “Messages,” toggle “Play a sound when receiving a new message” to the on position.
This will enable a brief sound to play each time someone sends you a message. Unfortunately, you cannot customize the sound from browser settings.
On Mobile
On your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, activating sound notifications for Messenger involves:
- Opening the Messenger app.
- Tapping your profile picture (iOS) or the 3 horizontal lines menu (Android).
- Going into Settings.
- Tapping “Notifications.”
- Checking the box or toggling on the switch for “Sounds.”
You may also be able to select a custom sound for new messages from device notification settings.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’ve enabled sounds for Messenger but still aren’t hearing anything when receiving new messages, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
- Double check that system volume is turned up and not muted.
- Try playing the selected sound in Messenger settings to confirm it works.
- Restart the Messenger app and your device.
- Check OS and Messenger app notifications settings.
- Update your sound drivers if on a desktop computer.
- Use default system sounds which are more reliable.
Additionally, keep in mind that Messenger notification sounds will only play when the app is running in the background. If you have Messenger open and active on your screen, incoming messages will be silent.
Customizing Notification Sounds
The default sounds Messenger uses for new messages may get repetitive after awhile. Fortunately, you can customize the notification sound in most versions of the app:
| Platform | Custom Sound Options |
|---|---|
| Windows | Select from preset sounds in Settings > Notifications |
| Mac | Choose any system sound in Preferences > Notifications |
| iOS | Pick sounds in device Settings > Sounds > Messenger |
| Android | Use notification sounds from device Settings > Sounds > Messenger |
On mobile devices, you may need to go into the main device notification settings rather than just the Messenger app to customize sounds. Try short sound clips or upbeat tones that will catch your attention when chatting.
Silencing Notifications During Focus Time
While Messenger sounds can help you stay on top of conversations, they can also be distracting if they go off at inopportune times like:
- During work or study sessions
- While watching movies or videos
- When trying to sleep
Fortunately, there are easy ways to temporarily mute Messenger sound notifications when needed on all platforms:
- Desktop: Click your profile picture > Toggle “Mute Notifications” on.
- Web: Click profile picture > Toggle “Pause Notifications” on.
- Mobile: Swipe down from the top and toggle Do Not Disturb or Mute on.
This will silence Messenger sounds while keeping them enabled for when you want them on again. You can also schedule Do Not Disturb on mobile to automatically silence notifications overnight or during events.
Conclusion
Having Messenger notification sounds enabled can help you stay on top of conversations by announcing new messages as they arrive. Whether on Windows, Mac, in-browser, or on mobile, activating sounds only takes a few steps in Messenger settings. Troubleshoot issues with sound playback if needed, pick custom alert tones to personalize the experience, and take advantage of Do Not Disturb when you need to minimize distractions. With Messenger sounds on, you’ll never miss an important message again.