How to Create a Custom Ringtone on iPhone (Without Buying One!)

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Want to personalize your iPhone with a custom ringtone but don’t want to spend money on one? You’re in luck! In this guide, we’ll show you three free and easy ways to create your own ringtones using GarageBand, iTunes, or third-party apps. No technical expertise required—just follow these simple steps!

Table of Contents

Method 1: Using GarageBand (No Computer Needed)

GarageBand is a free Apple app that allows you to create and set custom ringtones directly on your iPhone.

  1. Download GarageBand from the App Store if you don’t already have it.
  2. Open the app and start a new project by selecting any instrument (e.g., Keyboard).
  3. Tap the Tracks View button (looks like a series of bars) in the top-left corner.
  4. Import your audio file:
    • Tap the Loop icon in the top-right.
    • Go to the Files tab and select your desired song or sound.
    • Drag the file into the timeline.
  5. Trim and adjust the audio to a 30-second section (maximum ringtone length).
  6. Tap the Down Arrow > My Songs to save your project.
  7. Press and hold your saved file, tap Share, then choose Ringtone.
  8. Name your ringtone and tap Export.
  9. Once done, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone and select your custom ringtone!

Method 2: Using iTunes on a Computer

If you prefer using a computer, iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) can help you create and sync custom ringtones.

  1. Open iTunes on your computer and add the song you want to use.
  2. Trim the audio:
    • Right-click the song, select Song Info, then go to the Options tab.
    • Set the Start and Stop time (must be 30 seconds or less).
    • Click OK.
  3. Convert the file:
    • Select the song, go to File > Convert > Create AAC Version.
    • A new shortened file will appear.
  4. Change the file extension:
    • Right-click the new file and choose Show in Finder (Mac) or Show in File Explorer (Windows).
    • Rename the file from .m4a to .m4r.
  5. Sync to iPhone:
    • Connect your iPhone to the computer.
    • Drag and drop the .m4r file into the Tones section in Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
    • Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone on your iPhone and select your new ringtone.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own iPhone ringtone doesn’t have to be complicated or costly! Whether you use GarageBand, iTunes, or a third-party app, you can set your favorite song or sound as your ringtone for free. Give it a try and make your iPhone truly yours!