How to Change the New Mail Sound in Mac OS X Mail

Mac OS X Mail can not only announce new mail in the Dock, it can also play a sound, and you can tell Mac OS X Mail what to play.

Change the New Mail Sound in Mac OS X Mail

To set the new mail sound in Mac OS X Mail to your own custom choice:

• Select Mail | Preferences… from the menu in Mac OS X Mail.
• Go to the General tab.
• Select your favorite sound under New messages sound: (or New mail sound:).
  • You can choose from the drop-down list or
  • specify a sound file by selecting Add/Remove….

Changing Other Mac OS X Mail Sounds

Mac OS X Mail can play sounds for a few other events, too. While no preference item exists, these can be changed to your preferred tune as well.

(Updated August 2011)