What to do if Galaxy J7 can’t use custom notification sounds for contacts after Android Oreo update

Many Android users are disappointed to know that they can no longer use custom ringtone and notification sounds after updating their #GalaxyJ7 to Android Oreo. If you’re one of those users, make sure to read on why this is so and how to fix it.

Problem #1: Galaxy J7 can’t use custom notification sounds for contacts after Android Oreo update

Android updated software yesterday on my Samsung J7. It seems they removed the feature of being able to have separate ringtones for messaging; I can’t find that feature in the edit section of contacts any longer. Is there any way to recover that or has Android basically screwed everyone over by removing it with the latest update?  

Solution: This is a recent development and only observed on Samsung devices.

Reason why custom notifications no longer works

If your Galaxy J7 has updated to Android Oreo, that can be the reason why your messaging app has lost the ability to use custom or non-default notification sounds. This is definitely not Android Oreo’s fault. Other Android devices running this Android version can still continue using non-default notification sounds. What we know so far is that it’s just a Samsung Messages app issue. Other messaging apps like Google’s Android Messages, Chomp, Textra, etc. can still use custom ringtones and notifications after Android Oreo update.

Use another messaging app

There’s no word from Samsung if they’re planning on bringing back this capability on their own Messages app so if you really want to have a customized notification sound for certain contacts, we suggest that you use another app. There’s no need to uninstall Samsung Messages app (you can’t anyway) so once you’ve installed a new messaging app, simply open it and make it as the default. We would suggest that you use Android Messages app from Google. You can also visit the Play Store for other similar third party messaging apps.

Problem #2: Galaxy J7 keeps getting deleted text messages when rebooted

Hi there. After the most recent update on my Samsung Galaxy J7, anytime after my phone is rebooted or restarted… I get a MASSIVE amount of deleted received messages sent to my phone again. I literally received 147 “new” messages within 10 minutes of my phone rebooting itself. These were all deleted messages. Every time I power off/back on my device, the same thing happens. Though this time, I only had to delete 46 “new” text messages over again. It’s fairly annoying. Any clue how to correct it?

Solution: If you have a carrier-branded J7, meaning your device runs the software of a specific carrier, the problem may be caused by a bug somewhere in the system. It’s also possible that this comes from the network side. To fix it, here are the things that you can try:

Forced Reboot

This is the first basic step when troubleshooting any Android issue. To forcefully clear the system, we recommend that you do a forced reboot instead of doing a normal restart. To do that, simply remove the back cover of the phone and disconnect the battery for 10 seconds. Afterwards, put the battery back in and observe the phone. If the problem returns, proceed to the next steps below.

Cache partition wipe

Wiping the cache partition is a necessary troubleshooting step especially if the problem occurs right after a system update. Sometimes, the system cache may get corrupted after an Android update, causing all sorts of issues. To fix the problem, you want to clear the cache partition with these steps:

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key, then press and hold the Power key.
  3. When the device logo screen displays, release only the Power key
  4. When the Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
  5. Press the Volume down key several times key to highlight ‘wipe cache partition.’
  6. Press the Power key to select.
  7. Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘yes’ and press the Power key to select.
  8. When the wipe cache partition is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
  9. Press the Power key to restart the device.

Clear messaging app cache

To check if your text messaging app has a cache problem, the following steps should do:

  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 Cache button.
  8. Restart your J7 and check for the problem.

Clear messaging app data

Another way to deal with the text messaging app directly is to ensure that you clear its data. By doing so, you are clearing the app’s customizations and other user-related information. You will also be returning the app to its factory defaults so be sure to back your messages up ahead of time. You can use Smart Switch to back your phone’s software information to your PC.

To clear an app’s data:

  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 J7 and check for the problem.

Reset network settings

Some text messaging issues are sometimes caused by incorrect cellular configuration in a device. Some network settings may have changed after updating to Oreo so you want to ensure that everything is back to their proper configurations. To do that, make sure that you reset your network settings with these steps:

  1. From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
  2. Tap General Management > Reset settings.
  3. Tap Reset network settings.
  4. If you have set up a PIN, enter it.
  5. Tap Reset settings. Once complete a confirmation window will appear.

Clear SIM Toolkit data

Some users were able to successfully fix text messaging issues by clearing their SIM Toolkit app. This is the app that manages your SIM card functions and if it’s become buggy after an update, this may be the reason why deleted texts are being resent to your device. To clear the SIM Toolkit app data, follow the steps above on how to clear an app’s data.

Contact carrier

If all our suggestions above fail to fix the problem, the most likely reason for it must be coming from your network. In other words, there may be an issue with the system of your network operator to send previously deleted messages. Keep in mind that your network operator keeps a copy of your messages for some time before they are permanently purged from their system. The solution may be beyond your carrier’s customer service department so be sure to escalate the issue to higher support team.


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