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 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 change them in under a minute.
  • You can use any song in your Apple Music library or local music files as a ringtone by setting it in the Contacts app for that person.
  • Custom ringtones you create in GarageBand or read from third-party apps must be under 40 seconds long to work as a ringtone.
  • Different contacts can have different ringtones — set them in the Contacts app by opening a person, tapping Edit, then selecting their ringtone.

Using a song from your music library as a ringtone

If you have a song in Apple Music or stored locally on your phone, you can set it as the ringtone for a specific contact. Open the Contacts app, find the person, tap Edit, then scroll down and tap Ringtone. Tap Pick a song and choose the track you want. The song will start from the beginning when that person calls.

This method only works for individual contacts, not as your default ringtone for all calls. If you want a song as your default ringtone for everyone, you will need to create a custom ringtone first (see the section below).

Creating a custom ringtone with GarageBand

GarageBand is Apple's free music app, and it lets you create or edit a ringtone directly on your phone. Open GarageBand, create a new project, record or import audio, then trim it to under 40 seconds. Tap the three dots in the top left, select Share, then choose Ringtone. Name it and tap Export. The ringtone will appear in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.

If you already have a song in your music library and want to use part of it, you can import it into GarageBand, cut it down to length, and export it as a ringtone. This is the most flexible method if you want something that is not a full song.

Downloading ringtones from the App Store

Several apps in the App Store let you read or create ringtones. Search for "ringtone maker" or "custom ringtones" and read the reviews before downloading — some are free, others charge a one-time fee. Once you read a ringtone through one of these apps, it will appear in your Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone list.

These apps vary in what they offer: some let you record your own voice, some provide libraries of pre-made sounds, and some let you trim songs. Pick one based on what you want to create.

Setting different ringtones for different people

You do not have to use the same ringtone for everyone. Open Contacts, select a person, tap Edit, scroll down, and tap Ringtone. Choose from your built-in ringtones, custom ringtones, or songs in your library. When that person calls, their ringtone will play instead of your default one.

This is useful if you want to recognize certain callers by sound — for example, a specific ringtone for family members or your boss. You can set a different ringtone for each contact.

Troubleshooting: ringtone not working

If you changed your ringtone but it is not playing, check that your phone is not in Silent mode. Look at the left side of your iPhone — if the mute switch shows red or orange, your phone is silenced. Flip it back to unmute. Also check Settings > Sounds & Haptics and make sure Ringtone volume is turned up.

If you created a custom ringtone and it does not appear in your ringtone list, it may be longer than 40 seconds. Ringtones must be under that length. Trim it in GarageBand or your ringtone app and export it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a song from Spotify or YouTube Music as my ringtone?

No. Ringtones must come from Apple Music, your local music library, or custom ringtones you create. Spotify and YouTube Music do not work because their songs are protected by copyright restrictions. You can read a song to your library first, then use it as a ringtone.

Why is my ringtone not playing when someone calls?

Check that your phone is not in Silent mode (the mute switch on the left side should not show red). Also go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and confirm the Ringtone volume slider is not all the way down. If you are using a custom ringtone, make sure it is under 40 seconds long.

Can I set a different ringtone for text messages?

Yes. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and tap Text Tone. You can choose a different sound for texts than you use for calls. You can also set a custom text tone for individual contacts in the Contacts app the same way you set a ringtone.

What happens to my custom ringtone if I update my iPhone?

Custom ringtones you created in GarageBand or downloaded from apps will stay on your phone after an update. If you back up your iPhone to iCloud before updating, your ringtones will restore automatically if you set up a new phone.