To make a custom ringtone on your iPhone, you can use the free GarageBand app, which allows you to create or edit audio files into ringtones up to 30 seconds long. Here is a step-by-step guide:
How to Make a Ringtone on iPhone Using GarageBand
- Download GarageBand from the App Store if you don't already have it.
- Open GarageBand and tap and hold the app icon on the Home screen, then select Create New Audio Recording or open GarageBand and choose the Audio Recorder instrument.
- Tap the Tracks button at the top left to enter the track view.
- Tap the Loop Browser icon (looks like a loop) at the top right, then go to the Files tab to browse audio files stored on your device or iCloud.
- Find the audio file or song you want to use for your ringtone. The song must be downloaded and not DRM-protected to be usable.
- Touch and hold the file, then drag it to the left side of the screen into the track area.
- Adjust the length of the audio clip by dragging the edges to make it 30 seconds or less (ringtones cannot exceed 30 seconds).
- When you are satisfied, tap the arrow icon in the top left, then tap My Songs to save the project.
- In the My Songs browser, tap and hold your project, then tap Share > Ringtone.
- Name your ringtone and tap Export. After export, you can choose to use the ringtone as your standard ringtone, text tone, or assign it to a contact.
- To set your new ringtone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone and select your custom ringtone from the list
This method works entirely on your iPhone without needing a computer and is the official Apple-supported way to create custom ringtones. Alternatively, if you have a Mac, you can prepare a trimmed audio file (less than 40 seconds), convert it to the .m4r format, and upload it to your iPhone via Finder, but using GarageBand is simpler for most users
. This process lets you personalize your iPhone ringtone easily and for free using GarageBand.
