How to set custom ringtones for individual contacts on Galaxy S7 after Android Oreo update

While #GalaxyS7 users are glad that Android Oreo is finally rolling out for their devices, many are also wondering why they are no longer able to set a non-default ringtone for particular contacts. In this troubleshooting article, we explain why that is the case and offer a workaround for it. We also cover two other Facebook-related issues so we hope you’ll find this post helpful.

Problem #1: Galaxy S7 custom notification ringtone for contacts disappeared after Android Oreo update, How to set custom ringtones for individual contacts on Galaxy S7 after Android Oreo update

I used to have individual sounds for different contacts when they sent messages. When my phone updated yesterday my individual notification sounds disappeared and I only have one notification sound now. I went into contacts and expanded one to re-do individual notification sounds, but the spot to do that is not even there anymore. Please help. — Tiffany

I am very unhappy since my phone did the update the other night. I can no longer assign individual notification tones to my contacts! Why would you get rid of such a great feature. This just pisses me off royally. The way technology is going and you have to go an delete this option. IT almost makes me want to switch phones! — Christina

I upgraded my Galaxy S7 Edge from AT&T a couple of days ago to Oreo.  My only problem that I have is that I see where they have removed the ability to have different text message notification tones for each contact.  I liked having that feature because it would quickly allow me to know whether it was family member texting or whether it was a text that I could ignore for a little while.  Do you know if there are plans to put that back or any kind of workaround that I can try? Thanks. — Gary Bertrand

Latest S7 update seems to have removed any personalized text message notifications i had in place. I am getting notifications. But i used to have certain contacts that had different “ring” tones when i received a text. This seems to have vanished all together, and while trivial for some, is important for me because I use my phone for work. Ive noticed that my general notifications have greatly reduced as well. Facebook is no longer on my dropdown bar for notices. Neither are emails. I get 10 at a time once a day instead of as they come in through out the day. — C.spears17

Solution: Android is constantly evolving and with each iteration, new changes may be introduced while other features may disappear. This is the main reason why custom ringtones for individual contacts is no longer available.

We understand that this may be a small part of the entire overhaul of Android but a lot of Samsung users depend on it. Many Android users find assigning a particular ringtone for an individual contact immensely useful but unfortunately, Samsung devices appear to have let it go with Android Oreo. Some smartphones (non-Samsung) which are now running Android Oreo still have the ability to assign custom tones to contacts so we know that this is just happening on Samsung and other select brands. We have no idea if Samsung will eventually return this useful feature anytime soon so at the moment, you’re stuck with what we have.

If you really find custom text tones important, the only workaround that we know of is by using other messaging apps. Right now, the problem seems to only affect Samsung Messages app but if you’re aware of a third party app that also lost this feature, kindly let us know so we can update this article.

At this time, we’ve only able to test a few third party messaging apps that retains the ability to allow custom ringtones for an individual contact. These are the apps that you can try:

  • Pulse
  • Textra
  • Mood Messenger
  • Android Messages

Each of these apps has its own specific way to set custom ringtone for a contact. Just try to play around with options under the Settings menu, or use Google on how to do it.

Problem #2: How to make Galaxy S7 edge show notification content for Facebook on lock screen

Hi. So, i have a Samsung Galaxy S7 edge and when someone sends me a message on Facebook Messenger i receive it and the notification Light starts Lighting up but i can’t See the Preview on my lockscreen. i can only See it in the scroll down bar once i unlocked the phone. I Hope this makes sense and you can help me. For Whatsapp and normal Messages the lockscreen works fine and i can See the Preview…. Thank you. —  Miriam  

Solution: Your Facebook app may not be set to display notifications on your lock screen. To change that, follow the steps below:

  1. Open Settings app.
  2. Tap Notifications.
  3. Tap ADVANCED.
  4. Find Facebook app and tap it.
  5. Enable Allow notifications by moving the slider to the right.
  6. Tap On lock screen.
  7. Select Show content.
  8. Restart your S7 to allow the new change to take effect.

Problem #3: Galaxy S7 Facebook Messenger notifications are not showing

I have a big problem with my facebook messenger notifications. They were working perfectly beforehand but now the little bubble doesn’t appear anymore, the push-notification banners don’t appear at the top of my screen, it doesn’t make a sound or vibrate, doesn’t appear on the lock-screen. — Tom Tredrea

Solution: You can follow the steps above on how to allow Facebook app to display notifications on your lock screen. If you tried that before contacting us, then the rest of the solutions below should help.

Delete cache and data of Facebook Messenger app

Apps may sometimes act erratically if their cache or data are corrupted. Be sure to keep your Facebook app’s cache and data by doing these steps:

How to clear an app’s cache:

  1. Open Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Tap on More settings at the upper right (three-dot icon).
  4. Select Show system apps.
  5. Find and tap your app.
  6. Tap Storage.
  7. Tap Clear Data button.
  8. Restart your S7 and check for the problem.

How to clear an app’s cache:

  1. Open Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Tap on More settings at the upper right (three-dot icon).
  4. Select Show system apps.
  5. Find and tap your app.
  6. Tap Storage.
  7. Tap Clear Data button.
  8. Restart your S9 and check for the problem.

Swap network connection type

Some users were able to fix Facebook issues before by simply toggling their wifi on and off. Others were also able to regain full use of their app by switching from wifi to mobile data or vice versa. Keep in mind that some apps may not work properly if you have slow internet connection. If the problem keeps happening when you’re on poor mobile data connection, consider switching to wifi or move to a location with better cellular reception.

Reset network settings

Many Facebook app issues are due to poor network performance. If switching to a better network connection type won’t help, you can try to reset your device’s network settings. This procedure deletes all current network setup and replace them with factory settings. This process will also erase all wifi networks and their passwords, VPN settings, and cellular settings.

Here’s how to reset all your S8 network settings:

  1. Open Settings app.
  2. Tap General management.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. Tap Reset Network settings.
  5. Tap RESET SETTINGS button to confirm.
  6. Restart your S8 and check for the problem.

Log out, then sign back in

Some users claim to have fixed Facebook issues by simply logging out from their Facebook account. Make sure not to skip it.

Reinstall Facebook Messenger app

If all else fails, you can delete Facebook app, restart, then re-install it. Reinstallation is often an effective way to fix app-specific issues. Just be sure to set your notifications up properly for Facebook after you install it. You can go under Settings > Notifications to do that.


TheDroidGuy Mailbag

🛠️If you have questions, check our Help section for details on how to submit your questions.💡


Posts You Might Like

Leave a Comment