Ringtones · iPhone
How to Make a Custom Ringtone on iPhone
Updated
To make a custom ringtone on iPhone, create or choose a short audio clip, save it to your iPhone, then open it and use Apple's Share menu to choose Use as Ringtone. If that option doesn't appear, Apple's free GarageBand app can export any clip as a ringtone.
What makes a good iPhone ringtone
A ringtone only needs to be a few seconds long. Your iPhone loops it for as long as the call rings, so a strong 8–20 second clip beats a full song.
Start loud and recognisable. The first second is what you hear across the room, so avoid long fade-ins or quiet intros.
Make a ringtone with Ringzi
The quickest way to get a ringtone nobody else has is to describe it.
- 1
Describe your ringtone
Open the Ringzi ringtone creator and type what you want to hear — for example "Epic movie trailer music with a deep voice saying 'Answer the phone'".
- 2
Listen to it
Ringzi creates original music, sound effects and a voice if you asked for one. Play it before you download.
- 3
Tap Add to iPhone
On iPhone the download button reads Add to iPhone. It saves your ringtone and shows the install steps.
- 4
Set it as your ringtone
Open the file, tap the Apple Share button and choose Use as Ringtone.
Already have your ringtone file? See how to set a custom ringtone on iPhone.
Make a ringtone from your own audio with GarageBand
If you want to use a sound you already own or recorded yourself, GarageBand is Apple's free app for turning it into a ringtone.
- 1
Save the audio to Files
Make sure your clip is saved in the Files app on your iPhone.
- 2
Create a new recording in GarageBand
Open GarageBand, start a new Audio Recording, then switch to the Tracks view.
- 3
Import your clip
Open the Loops Browser, choose Files, and drag your clip into the track. Trim it to the part you want.
- 4
Export as a ringtone
Go to My Songs, press and hold the project, tap Share, choose Ringtone, then tap Export.
Ringzi's Record or Upload option can also turn your own voice recording into a ringtone, with or without added music.
Troubleshooting
- I can't see Use as Ringtone
- Some iPhones don't show it. Use GarageBand instead — it's the official way to add ringtones on older iOS versions.
- My ringtone is cut short
- iPhone ringtones are limited to about 30 seconds. Choose the best part of your clip.
FAQ
Can I make a ringtone on iPhone without a computer?
Yes. You can create a ringtone in Ringzi or GarageBand and install it on the same iPhone — no computer or iTunes needed.
How long can an iPhone ringtone be?
Up to about 30 seconds. Shorter loops of 8–20 seconds usually sound best because the phone repeats them.
Is making a ringtone with Ringzi free?
Your first Ringzis are free, so you can make and download a custom ringtone without paying.
Can I use a song I like?
Only if you have the rights to it. Ringzi creates original music in any style instead, so you get the vibe without copying the track.