Microsoft Teams calls are a daily part of work for many users, and the default ringtone can quickly become repetitive or even stressful over time. In this episode of the Beginner to Pro Teams Series, Allison Gonzalez from Pragmatic Works walks viewers through a simple but helpful customization in Microsoft Teams: changing the ringtone for incoming calls. While this may seem like a small adjustment, Allison shows how it can make the Teams experience feel more personal, enjoyable, and less monotonous for users who spend a large portion of their day in meetings.
Allison begins by pointing out a relatable experience for many Microsoft Teams users: hearing the same default ringtone over and over again. For people who are on frequent calls, that sound can become associated with stress or urgency. By changing the ringtone, users can reduce that negative reaction and choose a sound that feels lighter, more pleasant, or simply better suited to their preferences.
She emphasizes that Microsoft Teams includes a variety of ringtone options, giving users the flexibility to move away from the standard tone and select something more enjoyable. This is a quick personalization feature, but one that can improve the overall user experience in a meaningful way.
Allison explains the exact process for updating the ringtone in the desktop version of Microsoft Teams. The steps are straightforward and easy for beginners to follow:
This walkthrough highlights how accessible the setting is. Users do not need advanced Teams knowledge or technical expertise to make the change. It is simply a matter of knowing where the option lives within the settings menu.
A major part of the video is Allison exploring the list of ringtone choices available in Microsoft Teams. Rather than simply stating that options exist, she previews several of them to help viewers get a sense of the variety. Some of the ringtone names she highlights include:
As Allison goes through the list, she shares her reactions to some of the sounds, which adds a fun and engaging tone to the lesson. She mentions that some options feel more playful, some are more energetic, and others may better suit users who want a calmer or more subtle notification sound. She also notes that one particularly fun ringtone, Remix, was created by a contributor and later added into Teams.
One of the more useful takeaways from Allison’s demonstration is that ringtone selection is highly personal. What works for one user may not work for another. Someone who takes many calls each day may want a ringtone that is less intense, while another user may prefer something more upbeat and noticeable.
Allison shares that she is considering keeping her ringtone set to either Wish Granted or Remix, both of which stood out to her during the demo. This reinforces the idea that Teams customization is not just about function, but also about creating a workspace experience that feels more enjoyable and tailored to the individual.
Another practical detail Allison points out is that the ringtone setting applies across every device where the same Teams account is logged in. That means if a user changes the ringtone on one device, the selected sound will carry over to other logged-in devices such as computers, tablets, or phones. This is an important benefit for users who work across multiple devices and want a consistent Teams experience everywhere they sign in.
In this Pragmatic Works video, Allison Gonzalez demonstrates how a small settings change in Microsoft Teams can have a noticeable impact on day-to-day usability. By navigating to Settings > Calls > Ringtone, users can replace the default Teams ringtone with one that better suits their style and work environment. The process is quick, beginner-friendly, and immediately useful.
For anyone looking to personalize Microsoft Teams and make incoming calls feel a little less stressful, this is an easy win. Allison’s walkthrough is simple, practical, and a great reminder that even small adjustments in workplace tools can improve comfort and productivity. Viewers interested in learning more about Teams can also explore the rest of her Beginner to Pro Teams Series and Pragmatic Works’ on-demand training platform for deeper instruction.
Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Teams and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.