Android: Change the Media Volume for Apps and Videos

Android splits audio into several independent channels: ringtone, notifications, alarm, and media. The media channel covers everything played inside apps: videos, music, games, and most in-app sounds.

Because this channel is separate, turning up your ringtone volume has no effect on how loud a video or song plays. Many users assume one slider controls everything, then get confused when an app still sounds too quiet.

The quickest fix is pressing the volume buttons while media is actively playing (a video running, music playing). Android then shows the media volume bar instead of the ringtone bar. If nothing is playing, the buttons usually adjust ringtone volume instead.

For a fixed setting that stays until you change it again, go through the system settings: Tap on Settings ➔ Tap on Sound & vibration ➔ Adjust the Media volume. This slider applies globally to apps and content, regardless of which app is open.

If an app still ignores this setting, check whether it has its own internal volume control, since some media and streaming apps override the system level with their own slider.