Calls, notifications and media are different sound tasks. Decide which one you want to change before editing your phone, and test one setting at a time.
Change the default notification tone
Google's Android guide uses Settings, Sound & vibration, then Default notification sound. Select a tone and save it. Phone makers and software versions can present different labels, so use the visible controls on your device rather than treating an illustration as an exact screenshot.
Keep calls separate
The ringtone setting is a separate choice for incoming calls. Changing notification audio is not the same operation as changing that ringtone. Likewise, changing a music-volume slider is not a reliable way to select a new notification tone.
When one app still sounds different
Google notes that apps can have their own notification sounds and points users to settings inside the app. If the new default works elsewhere, investigate the particular app before replacing the default again.
Check the result methodically
Choose an obviously different test sound, then arrange a normal notification from the app you care about. Note whether it sounded and which tone you heard. If you cannot reproduce the problem, leave your original settings noted so you can return to them later. Screens in this article are route diagrams, not device captures or evidence of physical-device testing.
Source and review
Official Google documentation. Reviewed 8 October 2026. Documentation checked; no physical-device test was performed.