Learn How to Customize iPhone's Ringtone Settings Using Mac and Apps

Discover how to personalize your iPhone's ringtone settings with the help of a Mac and different apps. Take a trip down memory lane to the iconic iPod era.

8/2/20243 min read

How to Set an MP3 as Your Ringtone on an iPhone

I remember the day my mom came home with a white gadget that had a little wheel on the front and said, "I won an iPod." From that moment, she never saw it again—hehe, I loaded it with a couple of albums and a few photos. It was just a player back then, and now it's evolved into one of the most powerful tools in modern life with its phone capabilities, the iPhone. Of course, the iPod never needed ringtones—why would it? But isn't it somewhat unfair that you can't personalize the sound of your call on such a sophisticated device? Now, its descendant, the iPhone, combines robust phone functionalities with powerful media capabilities. Despite these advancements, customizing basic features like ringtones can still feel surprisingly complex. Here’s how you can set an MP3 as your ringtone on your iPhone:

Step 1: Convert the MP3 to a Compatible Format

Understanding Compatibility: iPhones require ringtones to be in the M4R format, not the typical MP3 format. This step is crucial because it ensures that your favorite MP3 tracks can be recognized as ringtones by your iPhone. You can use online tools or software such as iTunes to convert your MP3 file into the M4R format.

  1. Open iTunes on your computer.

  2. Import the converted M4R file into iTunes.

Step 2: Add and Sync the Ringtone File

Integrating with Apple’s Ecosystem: If you're using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. If you're using an older version of macOS or a Windows PC, open iTunes. Import your newly converted M4R file into iTunes or directly into Finder's synced content list. Connect your iPhone to the computer.

  1. In iTunes or Finder, select your iPhone.

  2. Navigate to the 'Tones' section under device settings.

  3. Ensure that your new M4R file is checked for synchronization.

  4. Press 'Sync' to transfer the ringtone to your iPhone.

Step 3: Set the Ringtone on Your iPhone

Personalization in Action: This is the most satisfying step—setting your new ringtone. By navigating through your iPhone’s settings, you can select the custom ringtone and hear it every time you receive a call.

  1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.

  2. Select the new ringtone you just synced to your iPhone. It should appear in the list of available ringtones.

    Alternative Options

Using the GarageBand App to Create a Ringtone on iPhone

  1. Download GarageBand:

    • Open the App Store and download the GarageBand app, which is free.

  2. Open GarageBand and Create a Project:

    • Open GarageBand and select “Create new project”.

    • Choose any instrument, such as the keyboard, to start (this is just a necessary step to access the editor).

  • Import the MP3 File:

    • Tap the “Tracks” icon to access the track editor.

    • Tap the loop icon (it looks like a loop) at the top right.

    • Select the “Files” tab and then “Browse items from the Files app”.

    • Navigate to the MP3 file you want to use and select it to import.

  • Edit the Clip:

    • Adjust the clip’s duration to 30 seconds or less (ringtones cannot exceed 30 seconds).

    • You can trim the file by selecting and dragging the edges of the clip in the timeline.

  • Save the Project as a Ringtone:

    • Tap the downward arrow icon in the top left corner and select “My Songs”.

    • Press and hold the project you just created until the sharing options appear.

    • Select “Share” and then “Ringtone”.

    • Rename the ringtone if desired and tap “Export”.

  • Set the Ringtone:

    • After exporting, select “Use sound as…” and choose “Standard Ringtone”.

    • Alternatively, you can set the ringtone later by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.

If you prefer not to use GarageBand, there are other options available:

  1. Using Third-Party Apps:

    • Apps like Ringtones: Ringtone Maker and RingTone Maker can be downloaded from the App Store. These apps offer similar functionalities to GarageBand for editing and setting ringtones directly on your device.

  2. Online Services:

    • Some online services allow you to create and download ringtones. After creating your ringtone online, you can transfer it to your iPhone using cloud services like iCloud or Google Drive, and then use the Files app to move it to the correct location on your phone.

By following these steps and considering alternative options, you can set an MP3 as your ringtone on your iPhone easily.