The fastest way to change your ringtone

Open Settings on your iPhone, tap Sounds & Haptics, then tap Ringtone. You will see a list of built-in ringtones. Tap the one you want — you will hear it play — then go back. That's it. The ringtone is now active for all incoming calls.

If you want a ringtone that is not in that list, you have two options: use a song from your music library, or create a custom ringtone using GarageBand or a third-party app. Both take a few extra steps, but neither requires a computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Built-in ringtones are in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone, and you can hear each one before you choose it.
  • You can set a different ringtone for a specific contact by opening that contact, tapping Edit, scrolling to Ringtone, and choosing from the same list.
  • Songs from your music library can be ringtones if they are at least 30 seconds long, but only if you own them (not streamed from Apple Music).
  • GarageBand on iPhone lets you create a custom ringtone and send it directly to your Ringtone list without leaving the app.

Using a song from your music library as a ringtone

If you own a song in your library (not one you stream), you can make it your ringtone. Open Settings, go to Sounds & Haptics, tap Ringtone, and scroll to the bottom. You will see Tone Store and below it a section labeled with your music library. Tap the song you want.

The song must be at least 30 seconds long. If it is shorter, iPhone will not let you select it. If the song is longer, iPhone will use the first 30 seconds. You cannot trim it from this screen — you would need to edit the file itself in a computer or use a third-party app designed for that purpose.

Setting a different ringtone for one contact

You can assign a unique ringtone to a specific person so you know who is calling without looking at your phone. Open the Contacts app, find the person, and tap Edit in the top right. Scroll down until you see Ringtone, tap it, and choose from the same list of built-in ringtones or songs from your library.

When that person calls, only their assigned ringtone will play. Everyone else will use your default ringtone from Settings. This is useful for family members, your boss, or anyone else you want to identify when ready.

Creating a custom ringtone with GarageBand

GarageBand is Apple's free music-making app, and it has a built-in feature to turn a recording or loop into a ringtone. Open GarageBand, create a new project, record or arrange something up to 40 seconds long, then tap the three dots in the top left corner. Tap Share, then Ringtone. Name it and tap Export.

The ringtone will be added directly to your Ringtone list in Settings. You do not need to use a computer or any other app. This is the easiest way to create something completely custom without leaving your phone.

Why some ringtones might not work

If you downloaded a ringtone from the internet and it is not showing up in your Ringtone list, it is probably in a format iPhone does not recognize. iPhone ringtones must be in .m4r format. Files in .mp3, .wav, or other formats will not appear in Settings, even if they are in your Files app.

If you have a .m4r file on your computer, you can add it to iPhone through a Mac using Finder (or iTunes on Windows). Connect your iPhone, open Finder, click your device, go to the Files tab, and drag the .m4r file into the list. It will sync to your phone and appear in your Ringtone list.

Turning off the ringtone for calls only

If you want calls to be silent but keep notification sounds for texts and apps, use the Silent switch on the left side of your iPhone. Flip it so the orange stripe shows. Calls will not ring, but vibration will still work if you have it turned on.

Alternatively, open Settings > Sounds & Haptics and turn off the toggle next to Change with Buttons. Then use the volume buttons to lower the ringtone volume to zero while leaving notification volume alone. This is less common but gives you more control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a ringtone I bought from the iTunes Store?

Yes. Ringtones you purchased from iTunes appear in your Ringtone list automatically. Open Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone and you will see them listed alongside the built-in options.

Why does my ringtone sound different than it did when I previewed it?

The preview in Settings plays at full volume through your speaker. The actual ringtone respects your volume button setting. If you have lowered the volume with the side buttons, the ringtone will be quieter. Raise the volume and it will sound the same as the preview.

Can I use a ringtone from a third-party app?

Some apps let you create or read ringtones and send them to your Ringtone list. Apps like Ringtone Maker or Zedge work this way. read the app, create or choose a ringtone, and look for an option to export it to your phone's ringtone library.

What happens to my ringtone if I update iOS?

Custom ringtones you created or imported stay on your phone after an iOS update. Built-in ringtones do not change. Your ringtone choice is saved in your Settings and will not reset unless you restore your phone from scratch.