How to change Apple Watch ringtone
Tired of the default ringtone on your Apple Watch? Learn how to change the Apple Watch ringtone in watchOS 11 for better identification, alertness, or personalization.

- watchOS 11 adds 8 new ringtone options to the Apple Watch, finally expanding sound choices beyond the original default.
- You can change your ringtone on the watch itself by going to Settings > Sound & Haptics > Ringtone and selecting from the available list.
- You can also adjust the ringtone using your iPhone by opening the Watch app and navigating to Sound & Haptics > Ringtone.
- Apple Watch still doesn’t allow custom ringtones, so you’re limited to the preset tones included with watchOS 11.
- Make sure your iPhone runs iOS 18 and your watch is on watchOS 11, or the ringtone settings won’t appear or function properly.
Since the launch of the Apple Watch, Apple has kept all users stuck with the default ringtone. Users have long been demanding that the Cupertino tech giant add new ringtones to the Apple Watch and let them choose between them. With watchOS 11, Apple finally allows you to change the default ringtone on the Apple Watch.
So, whether you want to change the ringtone for ease of identification, enhanced alertness, or personalization, here’s how to change the Apple Watch ringtone in watchOS 11.
Available ringtones with watchOS 11
With the arrival of watchOS 11, you now have up to 8 different ringtone options to choose from:
- Pebbles (Cellular ringtone)
- Focus
- Jingle (original ringtone)
- Nighthawk
- Transmit
- Twirl
- Windup
- Wonder
How to change Apple Watch ringtone
First, ensure that the paired iPhone is running latest iOS and your Apple Watch is running latest watchOS.
- Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
- Next, scroll down and tap Sound and Haptics.
- Here, tap on Ringtone, then choose one of the available options in the subsequent menu.
How to change the Apple Watch ringtone from the iPhone
If navigating through the tiny screen of the Apple Watch doesn’t suit your fancy, you can use the Watch app on the paired iPhone to change the Apple Watch ringtone.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap on Sound and Haptics.
- Here, tap on Ringtone.
- Next, choose your preferred Ringtone from the eight available options.
Personalization enhanced…
Adding the ability to change ringtone on the Apple Watch is a welcome step many users, including me, have long anticipated. In addition to this, you can now also change the Notification or Alert tones. However, along with the eight available options, Apple should also allow users to add custom ringtones to their Apple Watch so they can truly personalize it.
Well, let’s see what changes Apple brings to the Apple Watch in the future. Until then, you will fill the comments section with the features you want Apple to bring next.
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Written by
VikhyatVikhyat has a bachelor's degree in Electronic and Communication Engineering and over five years of writing experience. His passion for technology and Apple products led him to the tech writing space, where he specializes in writing App features, How-to guides, and troubleshooting guides for fellow Apple users. When not typing away on his MacBook Pro, he loves exploring the real world.
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