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How to set a song as your ringtone on iPhone (2024 Guide)

You’re jamming out to a particular song and want to hear it every time you get a call or text. But is it possible to set a song as your iPhone ringtone without iTunes or your computer?

Yes, it can be done! Whether a custom sound like your child’s voice, a music piece, or external ringtones, your iPhone allows you to be the decision-maker. In this article, I will show you how to set a song as a ringtone on your iPhone, so stick along.

How to set a song as a ringtone on iPhone without iTunes

Here are a few things to keep in mind before we get started:

  • Locally Saved – The track you want as a ringtone should be stored in your iPhone Music Library or the Files app. Protected songs (like from Apple Music) cannot be used.
  • The app – You’ll need to download and install one of two apps:

We’ll be using GarageBand for this tutorial. Now, let’s move on to the next step.

How to make a custom ringtone on iPhone with GarageBand

Keep in mind that the track you want as a ringtone must be stored in your iPhone Music Library or the Files app. Protected songs (like from Apple Music) cannot be used as tracks have to be DRM-free.

For this tutorial, I have downloaded a ringtone from Zedge. You can use a website or source of your choice.

  1. Launch the GarageBand app on your iPhone.

    Launch GarageBand app on your iPhone
  2. Swipe and find Audio Recorder from the options, and tap Voice (mic icon).
    You can also use Keyboard or Drummer for this purpose.

    In Audio Recorder option tap on Voice
  3. Here, tap View (brick wall-like icon) to enter the editing section.

    Tap View to enter the editing section on iPhone
  4. Tap the Loop icon. You’ll see three subheadings here – Apple Loops, Files, and Music.
    Since my ringtone is saved in files, I will be using that tab.

    Tap Loop icon in GarageBand app on iPhone
  5. Look for the song you want; tap and hold it for a few seconds to import the file. If you can’t see the song, tap Browse items from the Files app to find it.

    Hold a song for a few seconds to import on iPhone
  6. To edit the song, drag the long vertical bar to your custom ringtone’s desired starting point.
    You can use the play button to achieve the perfect starting point of your tone.
  7. Once done, double-tap the song and select Split.

    Double tap on song and select Split on iPhone
  8. Drag the Scissor icon down to cut/divide the song at your chosen point.
  9. Delete the unusable part of the song by tapping it twice and then choosing Delete.

    Delete unusable part of the song on iPhone
  10. Now, select the down arrow icon from the top-left corner and tap My Songs.

    Select down arrow icon and tap My Songs on iPhone
  11. Tap and hold the project and select Share from the list.
  12. Here, select Ringtone, then continue, name the song as per your choice, and tap Export.

    Select Ringtone and tap Export on iPhone
  13. Once the process completes, tap Use sound as… to set it as ringtone directly or OK to do it manually.

    Tap Use sound as to set it as ringtone directlyCreate custom ringtone on iPhone without computer

Note: While exporting, the iPhone automatically trims the ringtone at 30 seconds. If you want to set an endpoint somewhere before 30 seconds, repeat steps 6 to 9.

Set a song as a ringtone on iPhone

If you selected OK previously or you want to use the custom ringtone again, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings Sounds & HapticsRingtone.
  2. The recently created tone will be displayed at the top of the list under RINGTONES.
  3. Tap the song to set it as your ringtone.

    Set Ringtone on iPhone without iTunes

Video: How to Set any Song as Ringtone on iPhone

What are the best free ringtone apps for iPhone?

Some of the finest free ringtone apps for iPhones are Ringtones for iPhone, Tuunes, and Best Ringtones for iPhone. To learn more about these apps and some of our other recommendations, read our detailed guide on the best free ringtone apps for iPhone.

Are ringtones free with Apple Music?

Unfortunately, Apple Music does not offer any free ringtones directly in the app. That said, using the guide we’ve outlined here, you should be able to set whatever you want as your ringtone for free.

Successfully set a song as a ringtone on iPhone without iTunes or PC!

I hope this handy trick to set a song as a ringtone on iPhone without iTunes or a computer was useful. If you have any queries or face any issues during the process, please share them in the comment section below.

Read more:

Authors

  • Arshmeet

    A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks.

  • Marcus

    Marcus Mears III is a lifelong technology enthusiast with half a decade of experience developing prose that keeps readers in the know. With hundreds of reviews, buying guides, and how-to explainers across a number of tech and lifestyle publications like How-To Geek, MakeUseOf, and iGeeksBlog, Mears’ work helps readers around the globe learn to make the most of their devices and software. He uses a 2016 MacBook Pro as his daily driver laptop and a self-built Windows PC for gaming and productivity.

🗣️ Our site is supported by our readers like you. When you purchase through our links, we earn a small commission. Read Disclaimer.

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