How to Change Ringtone on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Changing the ringtone on your iPhone or iPad is a great way to personalize your device and give it a unique touch. Whether you prefer a classic ring or a trendy tune, iOS offers a variety of options to customize your device's sound. 

Changing the Ringtone on an iPhone or iPad

Method 1: Changing the Ringtone Through Settings

This method allows you to select from the pre-installed ringtones on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Open the "Settings" App

Locate the "Settings" app on your iPhone or iPad, typically represented by a gear-shaped icon. Tap to open it.

2. Navigate to "Sounds & Haptics"

Scroll down and tap on "Sounds & Haptics" or "Sounds" depending on your iOS version.

3. Select "Ringtone"

Under the "Sound and Vibration Patterns" section, tap on "Ringtone." This is where you can change your default ringtone.

4. Choose a New Ringtone

You'll see a list of pre-installed ringtones. Tap on one to preview it. Once you've found the one you want, tap on it to set it as your new ringtone. A checkmark will appear next to your selection. If you don't like the built-in ringtones, you can purchase and download new ones from the iTunes Store.

5. Save Your Selection

After choosing a new ringtone, your selection is automatically saved. You can now exit the settings, and your new ringtone will be applied.

Method 2: Using a Custom Ringtone

If you have a specific sound or song you'd like to use as your ringtone, you can create custom ringtones using iTunes and then transfer them to your device.

1. Create a Custom Ringtone

On your computer, open iTunes and select the song you want to use for your ringtone. Right-click on the song and choose "Get Info." In the pop-up window, go to the "Options" tab. Set the start and stop times to create a segment of the song (usually 30 seconds or less) that you want as your ringtone. Click "OK." Right-click on the song again and select "Create AAC Version." This will create a shortened version of the song. Find the newly created AAC version of the song in your iTunes library and drag it to your desktop. Change the file extension from .m4a to .m4r. You'll be prompted to confirm the change.

2. Add the Custom Ringtone to iTunes

Go back to iTunes and delete the AAC version of the song from your library. Keep the file on your desktop. In iTunes, click "File" and choose "Add File to Library" or "Add Folder to Library," depending on where your custom ringtone is located. Select the .m4r file from your desktop and click "Open." It will now appear in your iTunes library under the "Tones" section.

3. Sync the Custom Ringtone to Your Device

Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable. In iTunes, click on your device icon when it appears in the upper-left corner. Go to the "Tones" section under your device in iTunes. Check the box for "Sync Tones" and select your custom ringtone. Click "Apply" to sync the ringtone to your iPhone or iPad.

4. Set the Custom Ringtone

On your iOS device, go to "Settings" > "Sounds & Haptics" > "Ringtone." You should now see your custom ringtone listed under the "Ringtones" section. Tap on it to set it as your default ringtone.

Additional Tips

Silent Ringtone: If you prefer your phone to vibrate only and not make a sound for incoming calls, select the "None" option in the "Ringtone" settings.

Custom Text Tones: You can also set custom text tones for individual contacts. Simply go to the contact's details, tap "Edit," and select "Text Tone" to choose a unique tone.

Purchased Ringtones: In addition to creating custom ringtones, you can purchase and download ringtones directly from the iTunes Store on your device.

Changing the ringtone on your iPhone or iPad is a simple and fun way to make your device feel more personalized. Whether you opt for a familiar sound, a favorite song, or a custom creation, your choice of ringtone adds a touch of individuality to your device and enhances your overall mobile experience.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

1. Introduction

2. Change General Ringtone

1. Open Settings.
   

1. Tap on Sounds or Sounds & Haptics.
   

1. Scroll down and tap on Ringtone.
   

1. You will be presented with the list of ringtones your iPhone has available. To hear or preview one, simply tap on it. The currently selected ringtone will have a blue check mark to the left of its name. When you have selected the ringtone you'd like to use, tap the Sounds & Haptics button in the upper-left corner of your screen.
   

1. You will be returned to the previous screen. You should see your newly selected ringtone in the Ringtone field.
   

3. Change Contact Ringtone

1. Open the Phone app.
   

1. Tap Contacts at the bottom of the screen then look for and tap the contact for which you want to change the ringtone.
   

1. With the contact showing, tap Edit.
   

1. Tap Ringtone.
   

1. Scroll through the list of ringtones then tap one to hear it play and set it as the new sound.
   

1. Tap Done to save your settings.