What happened to the unique notification sound of Airbnb?

[Ben5101]

Hi folks 👋

The topic here is the new notification sound effect that occurs when a guest writes or when a new booking is triggered.

I'm not sure if this changed due to an iOS update or an Airbnb app update. However, what I've noticed is that the distinctive and attention-grabbing notification sound of Airbnb is no longer present (link to unique Airbnb notification sound effect: https://prodigits.co.uk/content/ringtones/tone/2020/alert/airbnb_bb906f114930880.mp3).
I'm feeling a bit desperate now because I'm constantly missing messages, and I can't respond as quickly as I used to. The new notification sound is hardly noticeable and audible; it's so generic and simplistic, and it sounds the same as all my other apps. 😞

I've tried to resolve this issue, but it seems that Airbnb's app is missing a feature – the ability to add a custom sound effect. I'll attach screenshots: on left, for example, "Reminders," and on right from Airbnb.
In "Reminders," I can change the sound to whatever I prefer, so I can easily identify it as a Reminder and perhaps ignore it for the time being. However, Airbnb's app doesn't offer this option; I can't customize it. Therefore, I have no idea which app the notification sound belongs to. 🤷

Reminders app on the left side; Airbnb's app on the right side:
Left: Reminders; Right: Airbnb
 
⚠️With this new notification sound effect, I encounter three issues:

1. I have to continually check every notification sound to determine if it's from Airbnb or not.
2. My response rate decreases, leading to less satisfied guests.
3. And this situation is incredibly stressful for me, resulting in a poor user experience.

⁉️ Now I'm hopeful that someone else may be experiencing the same issue and perhaps can offer a suitable solution.

Alternatively, perhaps Airbnb, being a forward-thinking company, can introduce a simple feature to allow users to add a custom sound effect. This way, everyone can select their unique sound effect to ensure the best user experience and a high level of guest satisfaction. 🤞


regards, Ben 👋 

[Mica1]

Done ! Thanks again Ben 💪

[Patricia55]

Just letting you know that I've also sent feedback via the link you gave, and also via Twitter.

I find the whole thing (removal of that unique sound) completely bizarre and counter-productive! I've been able to do amateurish work-arounds to get the sound back, but even they seem to disappear eventually! 🤔😖

@Ben5101 

[Patricia55]

@Ben5101 

Aaand, here's the super-helpful (NOT) link I got from Twitter help

[Andreia38]

A friend of mine created a petition "Let’s bring back the old Airbnb notification sound!"  https://www.change.org/p/let-s-bring-back-the-old-airbnb-notification-sound

You can sign it and maybe Airbnb will change to the old notification sound! 🙂

[Patricia55]

@Andreia38  Signed. Thanks for this.

[Abid61]

Hi everyone, yes that would be great 

[Allan-And-Linda0]

I remember back in 2019 when we first started using Airbnb and hosting, they had a sound that was so distinctive we knew exactly what it meant, (YAHOO another booking) it was a beautiful sound to our ears, we always looked forward to hearing it, wish they would bring it back!

[Nick250]

I just contacted Airbnb support and they claim they have never heard any complaints about losing the sound notification. I guess the support really doesn't know what is going on. They never responded back...

[Joan2709]

@Nick250 

I would say your evaluation about support is correct 😏

[Joelle43]

Hello @Nick250 

No complaints about the new inaudible sound?? Well that takes the biscuit as we say!  The person you had on CS - must have been their first week to come out with that affirmation but goes to show the level of support right now and yes don't hold your breath waiting for a call back Nick😉

There have been countless posts here, nation wide petitions, posts on all types of media.  We're still complaining that our response rate has dropped because we can't hear it or distinguish it from other sound alerts but what we have to contribute, doesn't seem to hold much value these days.

All the best
Joëlle

[Nick250]

As of July 2025 Airbnb denies there is any problem with sound notifications. Their support blames the user phone configuration and basically said there is nothing they can do. I guess we all are imagining this issue.