How to Change the Notification Alert Sound in Ubuntu

Changing the default notification alert sound in Ubuntu isn’t obvious, but it’s straightforward once you know where to look. If you’re tired of hearing the same system beep or you want a more pleasant sound, follow these steps to customize your Ubuntu experience.

Step 1: Find or Download a New Sound

First, you’ll need a replacement sound file. Ubuntu supports .ogg files for system sounds.

• If you have a favorite notification sound, make sure it’s in .ogg format.
• If it’s in another format (like .mp3 or .wav), convert it using an audio tool like Audacity or the command line tool ffmpeg:
  ffmpeg -i yourfile.mp3 newfile.ogg

Step 2: Locate the System Sounds Folder

System alert sounds are stored in:

/usr/share/sounds/Yaru/stereo/

“Yaru” is the default Ubuntu sound theme. If you’re using a different theme, adjust the folder name.

Step 3: Backup the Original Sound

Before making changes, it’s smart to back up the original alert sound. The standard alert is called dialog-information.ogg.

Open Terminal and run:

sudo cp /usr/share/sounds/Yaru/stereo/dialog-information.ogg ~/dialog-information-backup.ogg

Step 4: Replace the Alert Sound

Copy your new .ogg file to replace the default. For example, if your new sound is myalert.ogg and it’s in your home folder:

sudo cp ~/myalert.ogg /usr/share/sounds/Yaru/stereo/dialog-information.ogg

Step 5: Test Your New Sound

Trigger a notification to test it. You can use the following command:

notify-send "Test Alert" "Did you hear the new sound?"

If you want to change other system sounds, look at the other .ogg files in the /usr/share/sounds/Yaru/stereo/ directory. Replace any you like with your preferred sound, keeping the filename the same.

Troubleshooting

• Permission Denied?
  You need sudo because you’re editing a system folder.
• No Sound?
  Make sure your new .ogg file isn’t corrupted, and it plays in your media player.
• Want to Switch Back?
  Restore the backup you made earlier:
  sudo cp ~/dialog-information-backup.ogg /usr/share/sounds/Yaru/stereo/dialog-information.ogg

Final Thoughts

A custom notification sound can make your desktop feel more personal. Just remember to keep backup copies of any original system files you change. For advanced control over alert sounds or for using different sound themes, check out the Sound settings under Settings > Sound, or look into installing new sound themes for even more customization.

Need more Ubuntu tips? Drop your questions in the comments below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!