Where to find ringtone settings on your iPad

Your iPad's ringtone and notification sounds live in the Settings app, under Sounds. Open Settings, tap Sounds (or Sounds & Haptics on newer models), and you'll see separate controls for different types of alerts — ringtones for calls, text tones for messages, and notification sounds for apps.

The exact names and layout depend on your iPad model and iOS version, but the principle is the same: each sound category has its own row with a speaker icon and the current sound name. Tap any of these rows to hear a preview and choose a different sound from Apple's built-in library.

Key Takeaways

  • Ringtone settings are in Settings > Sounds (or Sounds & Haptics), with separate controls for calls, messages, and app notifications.
  • Apple provides dozens of built-in sounds you can preview before selecting, and you can also use songs from your Music library as ringtones.
  • You can set different notification sounds for different apps by opening each app's own settings rather than the system Sounds menu.
  • If you don't hear your ringtone, check that the physical mute switch on the side of your iPad is not toggled to silent.

Changing your call ringtone

To change the sound your iPad makes when you receive a call, open Settings and go to Sounds (or Sounds & Haptics). Look for the row labeled Ringtone and tap it. You'll see a list of Apple's default ringtones — names like Alarm, Beacon, Bells, and Chime — each with a play button next to it.

Tap the play button next to any sound to hear a preview. When you find one you like, tap it once more to select it. The checkmark moves to that sound, and it becomes your new ringtone when ready. You don't need to save or confirm — the change takes effect as soon as you select it.

Using a song from your Music library as a ringtone

If you want a song you own to be your ringtone instead of an Apple default, you can set that up, but the process is more involved than choosing a built-in sound. You'll need to use a computer and iTunes or Finder to convert the song to a ringtone file, then sync it back to your iPad.

The short version: open iTunes or Finder on a Mac or PC, find the song, right-click it, select "Create AAC Version," then right-click the new version and select "Show in Finder." Rename the file to add .m4r at the end instead of .m4a, then drag it into iTunes' Ringtones section. Sync your iPad, and the ringtone will appear in your Sounds settings. This process is technical enough that many people find it easier to stick with Apple's built-in options or use a third-party ringtone app from the App Store.

Changing notification sounds for text messages and apps

Text message notifications and app alerts have their own sound controls. In Settings > Sounds, scroll down past Ringtone and you'll find Text Tone (for iMessage and SMS), Mail, Calendar, Reminders, and other app categories. Tap any of these to choose a different sound the same way you would for your ringtone.

If you want a specific app to have its own unique notification sound — separate from the system-wide settings — open that app's own settings. Go to Settings, scroll down to find the app name, tap it, then look for a Sounds or Notifications section. Many apps let you pick a custom sound just for that app's alerts, which overrides the system default.

Checking the mute switch if you don't hear your ringtone

If you've set a new ringtone but don't hear it when someone calls, the first thing to check is the physical mute switch on the side of your iPad. It's a small toggle switch, usually on the left edge near the volume buttons. If it's flipped toward the back of the iPad, your device is in silent mode and won't play any sounds — even if your ringtone is set.

Flip the switch toward the front of the iPad so you see the orange indicator disappear. Your iPad will now play ringtones and notifications at full volume. You can also adjust the overall volume using the volume buttons on the side, or by going to Settings > Sounds and dragging the Ringer and Alerts slider to the right.

Why some ringtones may not work as expected

If you've selected a ringtone but it's not playing during calls, a few other things could be happening. First, make sure you're actually receiving calls on your iPad — this requires either Wi-Fi calling through your carrier or an active cellular connection. If you're on Wi-Fi only and your carrier doesn't support Wi-Fi calling, incoming calls may not ring through at all.

Second, check that Do Not Disturb is not turned on. If it is, your iPad will silence calls and notifications except from people in your Favorites. You can see Do Not Disturb status in Settings > Focus, or by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen to see the Control Center. If the moon icon is highlighted, Do Not Disturb is active — tap it to turn it off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a ringtone I downloaded from the internet?

Yes, if it's in the right format (.m4r file). You'll need to add it to your iPad through iTunes or Finder on a computer, then sync it to your device. Many third-party ringtone apps on the App Store also let you read and set ringtones directly on your iPad without a computer.

Will my ringtone change if I update my iPad's operating system?

No. Your custom ringtone choice stays the same after an iOS update. If you're using a built-in Apple sound, it will remain selected. If you're using a custom file or song, it will also stay in place as long as the file wasn't deleted.

Can I set different ringtones for different contacts?

iPad doesn't have a built-in way to assign unique ringtones to individual contacts the way some phones do. Your best option is to use a third-party app from the App Store that offers this feature, or to rely on visual notifications and caller ID to know who's calling.

What if I want my iPad to be silent but still show notifications?

Turn on Do Not Disturb (Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb) and flip the mute switch to silent. Your iPad will show notifications on the lock screen and in the notification center, but won't play any sounds. You can also customize Do Not Disturb to allow calls or messages from specific people through.