How to Set Certain Contacts to Ring on Silent Android
Missing important calls because your phone is on silent can be frustrating, especially if it’s from family or your boss. The good news is, you can easily set up your Android so that certain contacts ring even when your phone is on silent. Here’s your full guide on how to set certain contacts to ring on silent Android with all possible methods explained simply.
Why Do You Need This Feature?
Before jumping into solutions, let’s understand the purpose:
- Emergencies: Ensure urgent family or medical calls get through.
- Work Calls: Stay available to your boss or team anytime.
- Peace of Mind: Silence the world but stay reachable for important people.
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Method 1: Using Starred Contacts and Do Not Disturb (DND)
What is Starred Contact?
In Android, ‘starred’ or ‘favorite’ contacts are people you mark as important. You can set DND to allow calls from only these contacts.
Steps:
- Open Contacts app.
- Find and tap on the contact you want to prioritize.
- Tap the star icon at the top to mark them as favorite.
- Go to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Do Not Disturb.
- Tap Calls > Allow Calls.
- Choose ‘From starred contacts only.’
Result:
- Your phone will remain silent for everyone except your starred contacts, whose calls will ring normally.
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Method 2: Using Emergency Bypass on Samsung Devices
Samsung Galaxy devices have a built-in feature similar to Emergency Bypass on iPhone.
Steps:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Tap the contact you want to set.
- Tap Edit > Ringtone.
- If your phone supports it, enable “Emergency Bypass” or “Allow sound & vibration while Do Not Disturb is on.”
Outcome:
This contact’s calls and messages will always ring, regardless of silent mode.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
If your phone does not support these options, third-party apps can help.
Recommended Apps:
- VIP Alert
- Selective Silence
- Tasker (for advanced automation)
How to Use VIP Alert (Example):
- Download VIP Alert from Play Store.
- Grant necessary permissions like contacts and DND access.
- Add the contact(s) you want to bypass silent mode.
- Set a custom loud ringtone within the app for that contact.
Note: Always check app reviews and permissions for privacy before use.
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Method 4: Using Priority Mode on Older Android Versions
Some older Android phones have a “Priority Mode” under sound settings.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb > Priority only allows.
- Tap Calls.
- Choose ‘From starred contacts only.’
Effect: Same as DND starred contact method; only calls from starred contacts will ring.
Method 5: Using Google Pixel’s “Contact-Specific Override”
On Google Pixel phones with Android 12+:
- Open Contacts app.
- Select the contact.
- Tap Edit > Ringtone.
- Assign a custom ringtone (it will override DND if you allow it under settings).
Things to Remember
Not All Android Phones Are the Same
- Features vary based on Android version and brand (Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, Oppo).
- If you don’t see an option, try updating your software or using apps like Tasker for automation.
Check Do Not Disturb Settings Carefully
Sometimes calls from starred contacts still don’t ring because:
- DND is set to Total Silence instead of Priority Only.
- The contact is not properly starred.
- Permissions for apps are disabled.
Real-Life Example
Ali’s Story:
Ali often missed his wife’s calls during meetings as his phone was always on silent. He:
- Marked his wife’s contact as starred.
- Went to DND settings and allowed calls only from starred contacts.
Now, only his wife’s calls ring during silent hours, avoiding unimportant calls yet staying available for family.
FAQs
How can I allow only one contact to ring on silent Android?
Use the starred contact + DND method and star only that specific contact.
Is there an app to make certain contacts ring on silent?
Yes. Apps like VIP Alert, Tasker, or Selective Silence can help you achieve this feature.
Does this drain my battery?
No. It uses your phone’s existing notification settings and does not require heavy background processes.
Why can’t I find Emergency Bypass on my Android?
Emergency Bypass is an iPhone term. On Android, the equivalent feature is starred contacts with DND exceptions or brand-specific solutions like Samsung’s “Allow sound & vibration while DND is on.”
Final Thoughts: Stay Connected Without Disturbance
Now you know exactly how to set certain contacts to ring on silent Android, no matter your phone brand. Whether you use built-in starred contact settings, Samsung’s unique features, or third-party apps, you can ensure important calls always reach you, even during your quiet hours.