Custom ringtones allow you to personalize your iPhone and make it stand out when you get calls or texts. While you can buy ringtones from the iTunes Store, you may prefer using your own music files to save money. Luckily, it’s easy to get free ringtones on your iPhone without needing a computer.
What You Need
Before getting started, make sure you have the following:
- An iPhone running iOS 11 or later
- The GarageBand app installed on your iPhone
- An audio file such as an MP3 song to use for your custom ringtone
Step 1: Open GarageBand
Open the GarageBand app on your iPhone. GarageBand is preinstalled on most iPhones. If you don’t have it, you can download it for free from the App Store.
Step 2: Import Audio File
Next, tap on the Audio Recorder icon that looks like a microphone. This will open up the audio recorder. At the top right, tap the folder icon to browse your audio files. Select the song or audio clip you want to use as your ringtone.
Tip: Your audio file should be 30 seconds or less to work as an iPhone ringtone.
Step 3: Trim the Audio
Once your file is imported, you can trim it to get just the part you want as your ringtone. Use the handles at the edge of the audio region to select just a short clip. Tap the Play button to preview it.
Step 4: Export the Ringtone
When you’re happy with your new ringtone clip, tap the Share icon at the top right corner. Choose the Ringtone option. Give your new ringtone a name and tap Export to save it.
Step 5: Set as Default Ringtone
Exit GarageBand and open the Settings app on your iPhone. Go to Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. Your new custom ringtone will be at the top – select it to make it your new default ringtone!
And that’s it! You’ve successfully set a custom ringtone on your iPhone without needing a computer or iTunes. You can repeat these steps to make multiple ringtones from songs in your music library.
Customizing Your Ringtone
GarageBand gives you lots of options for customizing and editing your ringtones. Here are some tips:
- Trim audio: Use the trim handles to select just your favorite part of the song.
- Adjust volume: Tap the volume button to increase or decrease the volume.
- Fade in/out: Tap the Fade In and Fade Out buttons to add smooth fades to the start and end.
- Add effects: Tap the equalizer icon to add reverb, enhancers and sound filters.
Get creative with these tools! Creating a unique ringtone from your favorite song is easy and fun with GarageBand.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you can’t get your ringtone to show up on your iPhone, here are some things to try:
- Make sure your audio clip is 30 seconds or less
- Confirm the file exported properly in GarageBand
- Check that your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version
- Restart your iPhone after changing the ringtone
Stuck? Feel free to ask for help in the comments!
Conclusion
Customizing your iPhone’s ringtone is simple with GarageBand and doesn’t require any extra purchases or tools. Whether you want your favorite song clip or a funny sound effect, GarageBand has you covered.
So put those music files and audio clips to good use personalizing your iPhone! A custom ringtone makes your phone feel like your own whenever you get a call.
