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In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is more important than ever. But there are times when we need to put our phones on silent mode, like during meetings or when we just want some peace and quiet. However, we don’t want to miss important calls from certain contacts either. That’s where the challenge of making certain contacts ring on silent Android devices comes in. In this blog post, we will explore methods to overcome this challenge and ensure that we never miss important calls, even when our phones are on silent mode.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Making Certain Contacts Ring on Silent Android:
Silent mode on Android devices is a handy feature that allows us to mute all incoming calls and notifications. While this is great for reducing distractions, it can also lead to missed important calls. This becomes a challenge when we have certain contacts that we want to always hear from, even when the phone is on silent.
Whether it’s our family members, close friends, or crucial professional contacts, missing their calls can have serious consequences. However, Android does not offer a built-in solution to specify certain contacts that can ring even when the phone is on silent mode. That’s why we need to explore other methods and workarounds to overcome this challenge.
Things You Should Prepare for:
Before diving into the various methods to make certain contacts ring on silent Android, there are a few things you should prepare for. These preparations will ensure a smoother implementation of the methods and help you customize your phone’s settings accordingly.
1. Contact List: Make a list of the contacts that you want to always hear from, even when your phone is on silent. This will be crucial when setting up the methods.
2. Notification Sounds: Decide on a specific notification sound that you want to assign to these important contacts. It should be distinct and easily recognizable, so you can immediately identify important calls.
Now that you’re prepared, let’s explore the methods to make certain contacts ring on silent Android.
Method 1: Using Priority Mode
Using Priority Mode is one of the easiest ways to make certain contacts ring on silent Android. This mode allows you to specify certain contacts as priority, and their calls will ring even when your phone is on silent. Here’s how you can set it up:
Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Sound & vibration" or "Sound" depending on your device.
Step 3: Look for "Do Not Disturb" or "Notifications" in the list and tap on it.
Step 4: Tap on "Priority only" or "Priority interruptions."
Step 5: In the Priority only mode settings, tap on "Calls."
Step 6: Select "From contacts only" or "Custom" if you want to choose specific contacts.
Step 7: Tap on "Choose contacts" and select the contacts from your prepared list.
Step 8: Press the back button or the home button to save the settings.
Pros:
1. Easy to set up and customize.
2. Allows you to prioritize important calls without completely disabling all other notifications.
3. Seamless integration with the Android system.
Cons:
1. Limited to specific Android devices and versions.
2. Some devices may have different names or locations for the settings.
3. May not override other settings like "Do Not Disturb" or "Silent" mode.
Method 2: Via Third-Party Apps
If your device does not have the Priority Mode feature or if you prefer more customization options, you can use third-party apps to make certain contacts ring on silent Android. There are several apps available on the Google Play Store that offer this functionality. Here’s a general guide on how to accomplish it using a third-party app:
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Search for "priority call" or "ring on silent" apps.
Step 3: Choose an app that has good reviews and ratings.
Step 4: Install the app on your device.
Step 5: Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
Step 6: Grant the necessary permissions for the app to access your contacts and notifications.
Step 7: Customize the settings to assign specific contacts as priority and choose the desired notification sound.
Pros:
1. Offers more customization options compared to built-in features.
2. Can work on a wider range of Android devices and versions.
3. Some apps may provide additional features, like blocking unwanted calls.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing a third-party app.
2. Some apps may display ads or require in-app purchases for advanced features.
3. May consume additional system resources and impact battery life.
Method 3: Using Favorite Contacts
Another method to make certain contacts ring on silent Android is by utilizing the "Favorite" feature in the Contacts app. This method allows you to mark important contacts as favorites, and their calls will bypass silent mode. Here are the steps to set it up:
Step 1: Open the Contacts app on your Android device.
Step 2: Find the contact you want to mark as a favorite.
Step 3: Tap on the contact to open their details.
Step 4: Look for the "Star" or "Favorite" icon and tap on it to mark the contact as a favorite.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2-4 for all the contacts you want to prioritize.
Step 6: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 7: Scroll down and tap on "Sound & vibration" or "Sound" depending on your device.
Step 8: Look for "Do Not Disturb" or "Notifications" in the list and tap on it.
Step 9: Tap on "Priority only" or "Priority interruptions."
Step 10: In the Priority only mode settings, make sure "Calls" is selected.
Step 11: Enable the "From starred contacts only" option.
Pros:
1. Simple and built-in feature of Android.
2. Does not require any additional apps or downloads.
3. Easy to manage contacts as favorites.
Cons:
1. Limited to specific Android devices and versions.
2. May not provide as much customization as third-party apps.
3. Depends on the Contacts app and may not override other settings like "Do Not Disturb" or "Silent" mode.
Method 4: Using Custom Do Not Disturb Rules
Android allows you to create custom Do Not Disturb rules based on time, events, or contacts. By using this feature, you can define rules that make certain contacts ring even when your phone is on silent. Here’s how you can set it up:
Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Do Not Disturb" or "Sound & notification" depending on your device.
Step 3: Tap on "Custome rules" or "Automatic rules" depending on your device.
Step 4: Choose "Add more rules" or "Add rule" to create a new custom rule.
Step 5: Select "Calls" as the rule type.
Step 6: Choose "Allow only from specific contacts" or "Allow incoming calls from…"
Step 7: Tap on "Selected contacts" or "Customize" to choose the contacts from your prepared list.
Step 8: Customize other rule settings, if desired.
Step 9: Save the new custom rule and enable it.
Pros:
1. Offers a high level of customization for Do Not Disturb rules.
2. Allows you to create rules based on specific contacts, events, or time.
3. Can work on a wider range of Android devices and versions.
Cons:
1. Requires some time to set up and configure the custom rules.
2. May vary in settings and options depending on the Android device.
3. Other apps or settings may override these rules and affect their functionality.
Why Can’t I Make Certain Contacts Ring on Silent Android:
While Android provides various methods to customize notifications and prioritize certain contacts, there can still be instances where you might not be able to make certain contacts ring on silent. Here are some possible reasons why this might happen:
1. System Limitations: Depending on your Android device and version, certain limitations may exist regarding customization and priority settings. Not all devices have built-in features to make certain contacts ring on silent.
2. Settings Conflict: If you have conflicting settings enabled, such as "Do Not Disturb" mode or other notification settings, they may override the specific contact priority settings. Make sure to disable any conflicting settings that may interfere with your desired outcome.
3. App Restrictions: Some apps or services installed on your device can have their own notification settings that override the system settings. Check if any such apps are interfering with the priority settings for certain contacts.
Fixes:
1. Update Android Version: If your device is running an outdated Android version, try updating it to the latest version. This can potentially bring new features and customization options that were not available before.
2. Use Third-Party Apps: If built-in features are not sufficient, consider using third-party apps specifically designed to customize notifications and prioritize contacts. These apps often offer more flexibility and options to make certain contacts ring on silent.
3. Consult Device Manufacturer: If you cannot find a solution or encounter limitations with your Android device, reach out to the manufacturer’s support or community forums. They may provide additional insights or workarounds specific to your device.
Additional Tips:
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience with making certain contacts ring on silent Android:
1. Experiment with Different Methods: Not all methods may work optimally for every Android device. Feel free to try different methods and combinations to find the one that best suits your needs.
2. Test the Settings: After configuring the desired settings, test them by placing a call from the prioritized contacts. Make sure the specified contacts ring even when your phone is on silent.
3. Regularly Update Contacts: Keep your list of prioritized contacts up to date. As your relationships and requirements evolve, regularly update the list to ensure you receive important calls from the right people.
5 FAQs about Making Certain Contacts Ring on Silent Android:
Q1: How many contacts can I prioritize using the Priority Mode?
A: The number of contacts you can prioritize using the Priority Mode feature may vary depending on your Android device and its system limitations. However, most devices allow you to select multiple contacts for priority.
Q2: Can I assign different notification sounds to different prioritized contacts?
A: The ability to assign different notification sounds to different prioritized contacts can depend on the method you use. Some built-in features or third-party apps may offer this functionality, allowing you to personalize the notification sound for each contact.
Q3: Will my phone still vibrate or display a notification when the prioritized contacts call?
A: The behavior of the phone during calls from prioritized contacts may depend on your specific settings. By default, most methods will allow vibrations and display notifications if they are enabled for incoming calls. However, you can customize these settings to fit your preferences.
Q4: Do I always need an internet connection to use third-party apps for this purpose?
A: The requirement of an internet connection for third-party apps can vary depending on the specific app and its features. While some apps may require an internet connection for additional functionality, many of the basic features can work offline once the app is installed and configured.
Q5: Can I use these methods to make certain contacts ring on silent for text messages as well?
A: The methods discussed in this blog post primarily focus on making certain contacts ring on silent for calls. However, some methods, like using third-party apps, may offer additional functionality to customize notifications for text messages as well.
In Conclusion:
Making certain contacts ring on silent Android devices is an essential customization that ensures we never miss important calls while still enjoying the benefits of silent mode. By utilizing built-in features like Priority Mode, third-party apps, or custom contact settings, you can easily prioritize important contacts and receive calls even when your phone is on silent. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of your Android device and explore different methods to find the one that best suits your requirements. So go ahead, customize your Android device, and stay connected without interruptions.