The easiest way to make any song an iPhone ringtone is to use the Ringtone Maker – MP3 Converter. It is also the fastest way. It lets you convert any song into a ringtone directly on your iPhone. You don’t need a computer, iTunes, or complicated processes.
Steps to Set ANY Song as Ringtone Using Ringtone Maker – MP3 Converter
- Download Ringtone Maker – MP3 Converter
- Install Ringtone Maker – MP3 Converter from the App Store.
- Select the Song
- Open the app and import the song from your iPhone’s Files, Cloud Storage, or download it directly into the app.
- Trim the Song
- Use the built-in editor to trim the song to a 30-second clip (iPhone ringtones cannot exceed 30 seconds).
- Export as Ringtone
- Tap Export and follow the instructions to export it as a ringtone.
- Set the Ringtone
- Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone and select your newly created ringtone.
Why this is the best option: This method is fast, simple, and doesn’t require iTunes or a computer. It works entirely on your iPhone, and you can use any MP3 or audio file.
Method 2: Use GarageBand (Completely Free Option)
You can avoid using a third-party app. Use GarageBand, a free app from Apple, to create and set a ringtone. This method is a bit more complicated but works perfectly.
Steps to Set ANY Song as Ringtone Using GarageBand
- Download and Open GarageBand
- Download GarageBand from the App Store.
- Create a New Project
- Tap Audio Recorder to start a new project.
- Import the Song
- Tap the Loop icon (top-right corner) and select Files.
- Import the song from the Files app or iCloud Drive.
- Trim the Song
- Tap and drag the edges of the song to trim it down to 30 seconds or less.
- Export as Ringtone
- Tap the down arrow in the top-left corner and select My Songs.
- Tap and hold the project, then tap Share > Ringtone.
- Set the Ringtone
- Tap Export. When it’s done, tap Use Sound As… to set it as your ringtone.
Why this method works: GarageBand is completely free, and you don’t need iTunes or a computer. However, it requires a few extra steps compared to Ringtone Maker – MP3 Converter.
Method 3: Use iTunes on a Computer (For Syncing Custom Ringtones)
If you want the song to appear directly in the iPhone Ringtone menu, you’ll need to use iTunes. Avoid using apps like GarageBand. This method is more complex, but it works if you follow the steps carefully.
Steps to Set ANY Song as Ringtone Using iTunes
- Add the Song to iTunes
- Open iTunes on your computer.
- Drag the song into your Music Library.
- Trim the Song
- Right-click the song, select Song Info, and go to the Options tab.
- Set the Start and Stop times to create a 30-second clip.
- Convert the File to AAC
- Right-click the song and select Create AAC Version.
- Locate the new file and rename the extension from .m4a to .m4r (this is the format for ringtones).
- Add the Ringtone to iPhone
- Connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Drag and drop the .m4r file into the Tones section of iTunes.
- Click Sync to transfer the ringtone to your iPhone.
- Set the Ringtone
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone and select your custom ringtone.
Why this method works: This method gives you complete control. You can sync ringtones directly to the Settings menu. However, it requires a computer, iTunes, and manual syncing, which makes it more complicated than other methods.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Ease of Use | No Computer Needed | No iTunes Required | Custom MP3s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ringtone Maker | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| GarageBand | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| iTunes (Computer) | ⭐️⭐️ | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Recommendation: Use Ringtone Maker – MP3 Converter if you want a fast, easy, and hassle-free experience. GarageBand works great if you want a free alternative. iTunes is for those who prefer traditional methods using a computer.
FAQs
1. Can I set Apple Music songs as ringtones?
No, Apple Music songs are DRM-protected, which means they can’t be converted into ringtones. To set a song as a ringtone, it must be an MP3. It should be an audio file stored in your Files app or Downloads folder.
2. How long can an iPhone ringtone be?
iPhone ringtones are limited to 30 seconds. If the song is longer than that, you’ll need to trim it using Ringtone Maker – MP3 Converter or GarageBand.
3. Do I need iTunes to set a ringtone?
No, you don’t need iTunes if you use apps like Ringtone Maker – MP3 Converter or GarageBand. These apps allow you to create and set ringtones directly on your iPhone.
4. Can I set a ringtone without a computer?
Yes, using Ringtone Maker – MP3 Converter or GarageBand, you can create and set a ringtone without needing a computer.