How to Put A Song As A Ringtone on iPhone

Are you tired of hearing the same old ringtone every time your iPhone rings? Why not spice things up by setting a song as your ringtone? Having a custom ringtone not only adds a personal touch to your device, but it also makes it easier to recognize when your phone is ringing amidst a sea of others. In this blog post, we will share with you methods on how to put a song as a ringtone on your iPhone.

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The Challenge of Putting a Song as A Ringtone on iPhone

The Challenge of Putting a Song as A Ringtone on iPhone is the customization process that comes with setting a song as a ringtone on your iPhone device. Many iPhone users find this process challenging, especially when using iTunes. This method not only involves changing the file format of the song but also managing the settings on iTunes and the iPhone device. Fortunately, there is an easy-to-follow guide that we will take you through to help you set a song of your choice as your iPhone ringtone.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we dive into the methods, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth process.

  • An iPhone device
  • A computer (Mac or Windows)
  • A USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer
  • The song that you want to use as your ringtone in your music library

Method 1: Using GarageBand

GarageBand is an in-built app on iPhone devices that allows users to create music, podcasts, and other audio recordings. This app can also be used to create custom ringtones for your iPhone. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Open the GarageBand app on your iPhone and select “Audio Recorder”.

Step 2: Click on the “Tracks View” icon, then click on “Loop Browser” to select a song to use as your ringtone.

Step 3: Once you have found the desired song, drag the song and drop it on the tracks section.

Step 4: Move the yellow sliders to the part of the song that you want to use as your ringtone.

Step 5: Tap on “My Songs” and save your newly created song with the .m4r file extension.

Step 6: Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes, and click on your device’s icon.

Step 7: Select “Tones” from the left navigation menu, and drag and drop the newly saved ringtone to iTunes.

Step 8: Sync your iPhone to iTunes to transfer the ringtone to your device.

Pros:

  • This method is user-friendly, and GarageBand is easy to use for creating custom ringtones.
  • It’s the best way to create a unique ringtone that is not in your music library.

Cons:

  • This method is restricted to iPhone devices only.
  • The process of transferring ringtones to your iPhone through iTunes can be complicated for some users.

Method 2: Using iTunes

iTunes is a music player and management app that provides a straightforward way of creating custom ringtones for your iPhone. This method involves converting the song file to a ringtone file format, and then syncing it to your iPhone device using iTunes. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Open iTunes on your computer, and select the song you want as a ringtone.

Step 2: Right-click on the selected song and select “Get Info”.

Step 3: Click on the “Options” tab, and set the start and end time of the part of the song you want to use as your ringtone.

Step 4: Select “OK” to save the changes made.

Step 5: Right-click on the song again and select “Create AAC Version”.

Step 6: Locate the newly created file, which appears next to the original file. Drag the file to your desktop.

Step 7: Right-click on the file, select “Rename” and replace the .m4a file extension with .m4r.

Step 8: Connect your iPhone to your computer, select your device’s icon in iTunes, and click on “Tones” from the left navigation menu.

Step 9: Drag and drop the newly saved ringtone to iTunes, then sync your iPhone to transfer the ringtone to your device.

Pros:

  • This method is accessible to both Mac and Windows computer users.
  • It is easy and straightforward to convert a song to a ringtone using iTunes.

Cons:

  • This method is restricted to iTunes users only.
  • It involves several processes such as converting the song format and syncing the iPhone, which can be complicated for some users.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party App

Another way to put a song as a ringtone on your iPhone is by using third-party apps such as “Ringtone Maker.” These are apps that are designed to create custom ringtones for iPhone devices. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Download and install a third-party app such as “Ringtone Maker” from the App Store.

Step 2: Open the app and select the song from your music library that you want to use as your ringtone, then crop it to the desired length.

Step 3: Select “Save” to create the ringtone, then click on “Export.”

Step 4: Choose “Ringtone,” and the ringtone will be automatically saved to your iPhone’s ringtones list.

Step 5: Go to “Settings” on your iPhone, select “Sound & Haptics” and choose your new ringtone under “Ringtone”.

Pros:

  • This method is the easiest way to create custom ringtones on your iPhone.
  • You don’t need a computer to create your ringtone.

Cons:

  • Third-party apps may come with pop-up ads or require in-app purchases to unlock advanced features.
  • Some apps may not be compatible with the latest iOS software updates.

Why Can’t I Use My Custom Ringtone?

There are several reasons why your custom ringtone may not work. Here are some possible reasons and fixes:

Reason 1: Wrong File Settings

A custom ringtone may not work if the file type, file size, or file length are not compatible with your iPhone. Ensure that your ringtone file is an .m4r file with a maximum length of 30 seconds and a file size of 10MB or less.

Fix:

Convert your audio file to the right format, length, and size using any of the methods discussed above.

Reason 2: Syncing Issues

When syncing your ringtone to your iPhone, iTunes may encounter syncing issues, leading to an unsuccessful transfer.

Fix:

Check your settings on iTunes to ensure that you have selected the “Tones” tab. Also, ensure that you have enabled the “Sync Tones” feature, which is checked under the “Tones” tab. Try restarting your computer or iPhone, or reinstalling iTunes.

Reason 3: Software Updates

Custom ringtones may not work after an iPhone software update, which may cause an incompatibility issue.

Fix:

Update to the latest software version, and if the issue persists, use the methods discussed above to create a new ringtone.

Additional Tips

  • Keep your custom ringtones organized by using Apple’s “Tones” feature on iTunes.
  • Use software that supports creating custom ringtones to save time and avoid complications.
  • Ensure that you have enough storage space on your iPhone to create and store custom ringtones.

5 FAQs about Putting a Song as A Ringtone on iPhone

Q1: How long can a custom ringtone be?

A custom ringtone can be up to 30 seconds long.

A:

To ensure your ringtone plays correctly, limit it to 30 seconds or less.

Q2: Can I use any song as a ringtone?

Yes, you can use any song in your music library to create a custom ringtone.

A:

However, ensure that you have the legal right to do so and that the song is compatible with your iPhone’s file format settings.

Q3: How many custom ringtones can I have on my iPhone?

You can have an unlimited number of ringtones on your iPhone device.

A:

However, keep in mind that storing too many ringtones may take up valuable storage space on your iPhone.

Q4: Do I have to pay for third-party ringtone maker apps?

Most third-party ringtone maker apps are free, but some may require in-app purchases to unlock advanced features.

A:

Be sure to read reviews before installing any app to ensure that it’s reliable and doesn’t come with hidden fees.

Q5: Can I use my custom ringtones for text messages too?

Yes, you can use your custom ringtone for text messages, calls, alarms and notifications on iPhone.

A:

Set these tones under the appropriate category in the “Sounds & Haptics” in your iPhone’s settings menu.

In Conclusion

While setting a song as a ringtone on your iPhone may seem complicated at first, this guide provides methods that are user-friendly, accessible, and easy to follow. Remember to keep your custom ringtones organized, ensure that your file settings are compatible, and have enough storage space on your device. Let your iPhone ringtone reflect your personality by using your favorite song, and enjoy having a unique and personalized experience every time your phone rings.