There are several ways to do this using third-party apps. The good news is no root is required.
Switch Volume Buttons to Media Only
It’s quick and easy to adjust the volume when you’re listening to media on your device. But you usually don’t realize the ringer or notification volume is off or too low until you’ve missed a call or text. Changing one setting on Android helps you block the volume buttons from changing anything except media by default. Press your volume up or down button to display your current ringer volume level. Tap the drop-down arrow at the top right of the volume window. Toggle the “Use the Volume keys for media” option to On. You can also access this on “Settings -> Sound -> Volume.”
Remap Buttons with Buttons Remapper
Buttons Remapper works a little differently. It doesn’t block the volume buttons on Android; instead, it gives them a different purpose by remapping them. However, one of those purposes is “Do Nothing,” essentially blocking the volume buttons. Once you download the app, you’ll need to follow the instructions in the app to enable it in your Accessibility settings. Before you remap your volume keys, ensure your volume levels are where you want them to be. Open Buttons Remapper and tap the yellow + button to add a new remap action. Ensure the “Services enabled” box is toggled to on. It may or may not turn on automatically when you enable the service in Accessibility. Choose “Short and long press.” Select the “Volume +” button. You can check “Long Press” to ensure long pressing doesn’t change anything accidentally. Under Action, choose “Do Nothing” or any other action of your choice. Tap OK when done. Repeat the process for your Volume – button. If you’re only worried about your volume getting turned down, you can just remap the the Volume – (down) button. The app is free, but some features are premium only. Remapping your volume keys is free, though. If you want to re-enable your volume keys, long-press on the Volume key actions and delete them.
Using Rocket Locker for Older Devices
Rocket Locker helps you block the volume buttons on Android – but only for your ringtone and notifications. All you have to do is activate it. From that moment on, every time you press the volume buttons on your device, the multimedia volume will be changed and not the ringer volume. If you ever want to change the volume of the ringer, you can do that manually by going to “Settings -> Sound.” The only problem is the app is no longer actively developed, which is disappointing as it works so well. It works best on Android 7.0 and earlier, though it does still work on some Android 8.0 and later devices.
Block with Volume Lock & Mute
The first thing you need to do is download the Volume Lock & Mute app from Google Play, but don’t open it just yet. With this app, you can say goodbye to someone changing your volume settings on your phone. Set the volume of your phone to where you would like it to stay. Once that is set, open the app and tap the box that says “Lock Volume at Current Level.” There you will also see the “Lock Voice Call Volume” and “Lock Media Volume.” Besides blocking the ringer volume and the volume for the notifications, it can do much more since the apps can block the volume for the alarm, music, games volume during calls, the volume of the taps on your phone’s display, and the system sounds. Remember that with Volume Locker, if you change the ringer volume with the button on your phone, the app will give you 30 seconds to apply these changes. If you do not do anything within this time frame, the app will automatically apply the previously programmed settings.
Wrapping Up
With these useful apps, you will no longer have to put up with those annoying situations when you realize that your preferred settings have been changed by either someone you lent your phone to or by you (accidentally, of course). If your phone’s Power button isn’t functioning, learn how you can turn your phone on without the Power button.
