Adding custom ringtones to an iPhone without a computer is now possible through various methods. This guide outlines how to purchase ringtones from the iTunes Store app, get free ringtones from Zedge, and create custom ringtones with GarageBand.
To easily add and assign new ringtones to your device, follow these methods. The first method involves using the iTunes Store to purchase ringtones. To do this, open the iTunes Store app on your iPhone and tap More (…) at the bottom right. Then, select the Tones tab and browse available ringtones by tapping Charts or Featured. If needed, tap the Search icon and type your query to find a specific ringtone. Once you have found a ringtone you like, tap the price next to it to purchase. You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password; if so, enter it and tap OK to download the ringtone. After downloading, you can assign the ringtone by choosing Set as Default Ringtone, Set as Default Text Tone, or Assign to a Contact. Alternatively, you can tap Done to assign it later.
If you want to assign the ringtone later, open the Settings app, go to Sounds & Haptics, tap Ringtone, and select the newly downloaded ringtone. To assign a ringtone to a specific contact, open the Contacts app, select the contact, tap Edit, tap Ringtone, choose the tone, and then tap Done twice.
Another method is to use Zedge to get free ringtones. To do this, open Safari and go to Zedge.net. Tap the three-line menu icon in the top right, then tap Browse Now and select the Ringtones tab to find a ringtone you like. Once you have found a suitable ringtone, tap Download, the purple button at the bottom, and then tap Download in the pop-up to confirm. After downloading the ringtone, open GarageBand and tap the Keyboard option to start a new project. Tap the Project icon (three broken lines) to view audio tracks, and then tap the Loop icon (second from the right). Navigate to the downloaded file in the Files app (in the Zedge folder), long-press the song, and drag it to a new track, avoiding the keyboard track. Tap the downward arrow, then tap My Songs to save as My Song. Long-press the song, tap Share, then tap Ringtone. Name your project and tap Export. Finally, tap Use sound as and choose how to use it – as a default ringtone, text tone, or for a specific contact – and then tap Done.
You can also create custom ringtones using GarageBand. To do this, open GarageBand and start a new project by tapping the Keyboard option. You will need an unprotected song, such as one from YouTube or a voice memo. Tap the Project icon (three broken lines), and then tap the Loop icon (second from the right). Navigate to your song in the Files or Music tab, long-press the song, and drag it to a new track. Trim the track by tapping the waveform and dragging the yellow markers to ensure it is under 40 seconds. Tap the downward arrow, then tap My Songs. Long-press the song, tap Share, then tap Ringtone. Name your project and tap Export. Tap Use sound as and choose how to use the ringtone – as a default ringtone, text tone, or for a specific contact – and then tap Done if you are not setting it immediately.
A pro tip is to test your new ringtone in a quiet environment to ensure it sounds clear and fits your preferences before assigning it widely. Custom ringtones can personalize your iPhone, making it easier to identify incoming calls without looking at the screen. This adds a fun, unique touch to your device, reflecting your style or even signaling specific contacts. Setting unique tones for texts or contacts can also improve efficiency, helping you prioritize notifications quickly. It encourages creativity, as creating your own ringtones via GarageBand can be a rewarding hobby. Overall, these features make your iPhone experience more engaging and tailored to you.
