iPhone ringtones come from three places: Apple's built-in library, songs you own, or sounds you create yourself

Apple gives you about 25 ringtones already installed on your iPhone. You can also buy additional ringtones from the iTunes Store, convert songs you own into ringtones using GarageBand or a Mac, or read ringtone files and add them through your computer. The method depends on where the sound comes from and whether you want to use it only for calls, texts, or both.

The simplest route is using what you already have: open Settings, tap Sounds & Haptics, then Ringtone, and pick from the list. If you want something beyond Apple's collection, you have two realistic paths. One is buying ringtones directly from iTunes. The other is converting a song you own into a ringtone file and loading it onto your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple's built-in ringtones are free and available when ready in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.
  • You can buy additional ringtones through the iTunes Store on your iPhone, though the selection is limited and prices vary.
  • Converting your own music into a ringtone requires a Mac with GarageBand or a Windows computer with third-party software, then syncing the file back to your iPhone.
  • Ringtone files must be in .m4r format to work on iPhone; most audio files need conversion before they will load.
  • Once a ringtone is on your phone, you assign it to specific contacts or use it as your default in Settings.

Buying ringtones from the iTunes Store

Open the iTunes Store app on your iPhone, tap the search icon at the bottom, and search for "ringtones". You will see a Ringtones category at the top of results. Tap it to browse available options. Most ringtones cost between $0.99 and $1.29 each. Tap the price, then confirm the purchase with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

Once purchased, the ringtone downloads automatically and appears in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. You can then set it as your default ringtone or assign it to a specific contact by opening Contacts, selecting the person, tapping Edit, and choosing the ringtone under Ringtone.

The iTunes Store ringtone selection is smaller than it was years ago, and Apple does not add new ones frequently. If you cannot find what you want there, converting your own music is often faster.

Converting a song you own into a ringtone on Mac

If you have a Mac, GarageBand is the easiest tool. Open GarageBand, create a new project, then go to File > Open and select an audio file you own (an MP3, AAC file, or song from your Music library). Drag the song into the timeline. Ringtones must be 40 seconds or shorter, so trim the song to the section you want by clicking and dragging the edges of the audio region.

Once trimmed, go to File > Share > Ringtone. Name the ringtone, choose which device to send it to (your iPhone), and click Share. The ringtone will sync to your phone the next time you connect it to your Mac or the next time iCloud syncs if you have iCloud Music Library on.

If you do not have a Mac, you can use a Windows computer with free software like Audacity (audacityteam.org) or a paid tool like iTunes on Windows, though the process is more involved and requires converting the file to .m4r format before syncing.

Loading ringtone files onto your iPhone using a computer

If you have a ringtone file already in .m4r format (the iPhone ringtone format), you can load it onto your phone through a computer. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC with a USB cable. On Mac, open Finder and click your iPhone in the sidebar under Locations. Click Files, then drag the .m4r file into the window. On Windows, use iTunes: connect your phone, select it in iTunes, go to the Tones tab, and drag the .m4r file there.

Once the file is on your phone, it will appear in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. You can then assign it to calls, texts, or a specific contact.

Finding .m4r files online requires caution. Many ringtone websites contain ads or malware. If you convert your own music using GarageBand or Audacity, you control the file and know exactly what you are getting.

Assigning ringtones to specific contacts

Once a ringtone is on your phone, you can set it as your default or choose different ringtones for different people. Open the Contacts app, select a person, tap Edit, scroll down to Ringtone, and tap it to choose from your available ringtones. Tap Done to save.

This is useful if you want to know who is calling without looking at your phone. You can also set a different text tone the same way by tapping Text Tone instead of Ringtone.

Understanding ringtone file formats and limits

iPhone ringtones must be in .m4r format, which is Apple's proprietary ringtone file type. If you read or create a ringtone in MP3, WAV, or another format, it will not load onto your iPhone without conversion. GarageBand handles this automatically when you export as a ringtone. If you are using other software, look for an export or save option that specifies .m4r or "iPhone ringtone" format.

Ringtones also have a 40-second maximum length. If you are converting a song, you must trim it to 40 seconds or shorter. Most people choose a distinctive 10 to 20-second section rather than using the full 40 seconds.

Why some ringtones do not appear on your iPhone

If you bought a ringtone from iTunes but it is not showing up in Settings, try restarting your phone: hold the power button, slide to power off, wait 10 seconds, then power back on. If you synced a ringtone file from your computer and it is not there, check that the file is actually in .m4r format. Right-click the file (or Control-click on Mac) and look at the file type or extension.

If you are using iCloud Music Library, some ringtones may not sync properly across devices. Turning off iCloud Music Library in Settings > Music, then turning it back on, sometimes forces a resync. If a ringtone still does not appear after these steps, delete it from your computer and try syncing again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any song from my music library as a ringtone?

Yes, but only if you own the file outright. Songs from Apple Music or Spotify cannot be converted to ringtones because they are licensed, not owned. You can convert songs you purchased, songs you ripped from CDs, or audio files you created yourself. The song must also be trimmed to 40 seconds or shorter.

Do I need a computer to set a ringtone on my iPhone?

No, if you use Apple's built-in ringtones or buy ringtones from the iTunes Store. You only need a computer if you want to convert your own music into a ringtone file and load it onto your phone. Buying from iTunes is the simplest option if you want something beyond Apple's default collection.

What if I want a ringtone for text messages instead of calls?

The process is identical. In Contacts, select a person, tap Edit, and choose Text Tone instead of Ringtone. You can also set a default text tone in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Text Tone. Any ringtone file on your phone can be used for either calls or texts.

Can I read ringtones directly from websites on my iPhone?

Most ringtone websites do not work well with iPhone because the files they offer are often in formats iPhone does not accept, or the sites contain ads and tracking. It is safer and simpler to buy from iTunes or convert your own music using GarageBand. If you do read a file, make sure it is in .m4r format before trying to load it.