You can make a ringtone from any song in your music library using GarageBand or by purchasing one from the iTunes Store

The fastest way to get a custom ringtone is to buy one from the iTunes Store, but you can also create one yourself using GarageBand, Apple's free music app. Both methods take less than ten minutes. If you already own a song, GarageBand lets you trim it to ringtone length (up to 40 seconds) and set it as your default ringtone or assign it to a specific contact.

iPhone does not let you convert a song directly to a ringtone through the Music app or Settings. You must use GarageBand as an intermediary, or use a computer with iTunes or Finder if you own an older Mac. The process is straightforward once you know which app to open.

Key Takeaways

  • GarageBand on iPhone can trim any song from your library to 40 seconds and convert it to a ringtone in minutes.
  • After creating a ringtone in GarageBand, you export it and then set it in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.
  • You can assign different ringtones to individual contacts so you know who is calling without looking at your phone.
  • If you do not want to create one yourself, the iTunes Store sells ringtones for $1.29 each, ready to use immediately.

Creating a ringtone with GarageBand on your iPhone

Open GarageBand and tap the plus icon to start a new project. Select any instrument (the choice does not matter), then tap the loop icon at the top left. Search for your song by name in the search bar. When you find it, drag it into the timeline at the bottom of the screen.

Once the song is in the timeline, you will see a yellow bar showing the full length. Tap and drag the right edge of that bar to trim the song to 40 seconds or less. This is the maximum length for a ringtone. Play it back by tapping the play button to make sure you like where it starts and stops.

When you are satisfied with the trim, tap the three dots at the top right, then select "Share". Choose "Ringtone" from the menu. Name your ringtone (something like "My Song" works fine), then tap "Export". GarageBand will ask for permission to access your ringtones — tap "Allow". Your ringtone is now saved to your phone.

Setting your new ringtone as your default

Go to Settings and tap "Sounds & Haptics". Scroll down and tap "Ringtone". You will see your newly created ringtone at the top of the list. Tap it to select it. A checkmark will appear next to it, and your phone will play a preview. This ringtone is now your default for all incoming calls.

If you want to use a different ringtone for a specific person, open the Contacts app, find that person, and tap "Edit". Scroll down and tap "Ringtone", then select your custom ringtone from the list. Save the contact. Now when that person calls, your phone will play only that ringtone.

Buying a ringtone from the iTunes Store

Open the iTunes Store app (not Apple Music). Tap the search icon at the bottom and type the song name. When you find it, look for a ringtone version — it will say "Ringtone" next to the price. Tap the price button to buy it. You will be charged to your Apple ID account, usually $1.29 per ringtone.

Once purchased, the ringtone appears automatically in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. You can set it as your default or assign it to a contact the same way you would with a custom ringtone you created.

Trimming a song on a Mac if you prefer not to use GarageBand

If you have a Mac with iTunes or Finder, you can create a ringtone there instead. Open iTunes or Finder, find the song you want, right-click it, and select "Get Info". Go to the "Options" tab and set the start and stop times to create a 40-second clip. Close the window.

Right-click the song again and select "Create AAC Version". A new shortened version will appear in your library. Right-click that version, select "Show in Finder", then rename the file from .m4a to .m4r. Connect your iPhone to your Mac, open Finder, select your iPhone, go to "Files", and drag the .m4r file into the window. Disconnect your iPhone, and the ringtone will appear in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.

What to do if your custom ringtone does not appear

If you created a ringtone in GarageBand but it does not show up in Settings, force-close the Settings app and reopen it. Go back to Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone and scroll to the top. If it still does not appear, open GarageBand, find the project you created, tap the three dots, and tap "Share" > "Ringtone" again. Make sure you tap "Allow" when asked for permission.

If you bought a ringtone from the iTunes Store and it is not showing up, open the iTunes Store app and go to your account. Tap "Purchased" and look for the ringtone. If it is there, tap the cloud icon to download it to your phone. Wait a few seconds, then check Settings again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a song from Apple Music as a ringtone?

Yes, but only if you have downloaded it for offline listening. Open Apple Music, find the song, tap the three dots, and select "Download". Once downloaded, it will appear in your library and you can use it in GarageBand the same way you would use a purchased song.

What is the longest ringtone I can make?

iPhone ringtones can be up to 40 seconds long. If you trim a song longer than that, GarageBand will not let you export it as a ringtone. Trim it to 40 seconds or shorter before exporting.

Can I delete a ringtone I created?

Yes. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone, swipe left on the ringtone you want to remove, and tap "Delete". The ringtone will be removed from your phone. If you want to keep it, you can always recreate it in GarageBand.

Will my custom ringtone sync to other devices?

Custom ringtones you create in GarageBand do not sync to other devices through iCloud. They stay only on the iPhone where you created them. If you want the same ringtone on another iPhone, you will need to create it again on that device or buy it from the iTunes Store.