{"id":9224,"date":"2009-08-24T11:50:44","date_gmt":"2009-08-24T06:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?p=9224"},"modified":"2026-10-13T13:37:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T08:07:29","slug":"create-free-iphone-ringtones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create Free iPhone Ringtones (iOS 26, GarageBand and PC)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Want to <strong>create free iPhone ringtones<\/strong> from your own music or recordings? In 2009 you needed Windows or Mac apps like iRinger, ToneShop or Xilisoft to cut an MP3 and convert it to Apple&#8217;s M4R format, then sync it with iTunes. In 2026 it is much easier. iOS 26 added a one-tap &#8220;Use as Ringtone&#8221; option, and GarageBand on the iPhone still works on older versions. Here are the free methods that work today.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9411\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/toneshop.png\" alt=\"create free iPhone ringtones\" width=\"300\" height=\"242\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> On iOS 26 or later, open an audio file in Files or Voice Memos, tap <strong>Share<\/strong> and choose <strong>Use as Ringtone<\/strong>. On older iOS versions, use the free GarageBand app: import the song, trim it to under 30 seconds, then Share, then Ringtone. Only use audio you own or have the right to use.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ad93c53b56a7\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ad93c53b56a7\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#Method_1_Use_as_Ringtone_iOS_26_and_later\" >Method 1: Use as Ringtone (iOS 26 and later)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#Method_2_GarageBand_on_iPhone_free\" >Method 2: GarageBand on iPhone (free)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#Method_3_Mac_or_Windows\" >Method 3: Mac or Windows<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#Free_tools_to_cut_audio\" >Free tools to cut audio<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#What_happened_to_the_2009_apps\" >What happened to the 2009 apps?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#Ringtones_on_Android\" >Ringtones on Android<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#Tips_for_a_great_ringtone\" >Tips for a great ringtone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#How_long_can_an_iPhone_ringtone_be\" >How long can an iPhone ringtone be?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#Can_I_use_a_song_from_Apple_Music_as_a_ringtone\" >Can I use a song from Apple Music as a ringtone?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/08\/create-free-iphone-ringtones\/#Do_I_need_a_computer_to_make_iPhone_ringtones\" >Do I need a computer to make iPhone ringtones?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_1_Use_as_Ringtone_iOS_26_and_later\"><\/span>Method 1: Use as Ringtone (iOS 26 and later)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Save a short audio clip (MP3 or M4A) in the Files app, or record one in Voice Memos.<\/li>\n<li>Open the file and tap the <strong>Share<\/strong> button.<\/li>\n<li>Scroll down and tap <strong>Use as Ringtone<\/strong> (it may be under More).<\/li>\n<li>Go to <strong>Settings &gt; Sounds &amp; Haptics &gt; Ringtone<\/strong> and pick it, or assign it to a contact.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Keep clips short, around 30 seconds, and start them at the part you want to hear first.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_2_GarageBand_on_iPhone_free\"><\/span>Method 2: GarageBand on iPhone (free)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Install <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/garageband\/id408709785\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GarageBand<\/a> from the App Store.<\/li>\n<li>Create a new project with any instrument, then tap the Tracks view and the loop icon to import your audio file from Files.<\/li>\n<li>Drag the clip onto the timeline and trim it to 30 seconds or less.<\/li>\n<li>Tap the down arrow, choose <strong>My Songs<\/strong>, long-press the project and tap <strong>Share &gt; Ringtone<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Name it, tap Export, then choose <strong>Use sound as<\/strong> Standard Ringtone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_3_Mac_or_Windows\"><\/span>Method 3: Mac or Windows<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mac:<\/strong> in the Music app or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/mac\/garageband\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GarageBand for Mac<\/a>, export a clip under 40 seconds as AAC, rename the file extension from .m4a to <strong>.m4r<\/strong>, connect your iPhone and drag the file onto it in a Finder window.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Windows:<\/strong> make the clip with a free editor like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audacityteam.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audacity<\/a>, export as M4A (AAC), rename it to .m4r, then add it to your iPhone using the Apple Devices app.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_tools_to_cut_audio\"><\/span>Free tools to cut audio<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Audacity<\/strong> &#8211; free, open-source audio editor for Windows, Mac and Linux.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Voice Memos<\/strong> &#8211; built into iPhone; record your own sounds or trim recordings.<\/li>\n<li>Online audio cutters that export M4R. Check privacy policies before uploading personal recordings. See our list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/07\/free-file-format-conversion-online\/\">free online file converters<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happened_to_the_2009_apps\"><\/span>What happened to the 2009 apps?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>iRinger, ToneShop, imTOO and Xilisoft ringtone makers were built for iTunes syncing on Windows XP, Vista and early Macs. iTunes has been replaced by the Music app and Finder on Mac and the Apple Devices app on Windows, and these older tools are no longer needed. Fission, from Rogue Amoeba, is still a good paid audio editor for Mac. If you still use iTunes on Windows, see how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/03\/download-itunes-free-for-apple-ipod-iphones\/\">download iTunes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ringtones_on_Android\"><\/span>Ringtones on Android<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Android is simpler: copy an MP3 to your phone&#8217;s Ringtones folder or pick a file in Settings &gt; Sound &gt; Phone ringtone. More ideas in our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/06\/make-free-ringtones\/\">making free ringtones<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_a_great_ringtone\"><\/span>Tips for a great ringtone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Start the clip on a recognisable hook rather than a slow intro, because most calls are answered within a few seconds. Add a short fade-in so the first ring is not jarring, and keep the volume level consistent with your other alert sounds. Different ringtones for family, work and unknown numbers help you decide whether to answer without looking. You can set a contact&#8217;s ringtone by opening the contact, tapping Edit, then Ringtone.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_can_an_iPhone_ringtone_be\"><\/span>How long can an iPhone ringtone be?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Keep ringtones to about 30 seconds. Text tones should be much shorter.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_use_a_song_from_Apple_Music_as_a_ringtone\"><\/span>Can I use a song from Apple Music as a ringtone?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. Apple Music tracks are protected. Use songs you have bought as DRM-free files, your own recordings, or royalty-free audio.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_computer_to_make_iPhone_ringtones\"><\/span>Do I need a computer to make iPhone ringtones?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not any more. iOS 26&#8217;s Use as Ringtone option and GarageBand both work entirely on the iPhone.<\/p>\n<p><em>Originally written by guest blogger Srikanth of the Tech Inspiration blog at ekoob.com. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to create free iPhone ringtones from your own music or recordings? In 2009 you needed Windows or Mac apps&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":9411,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[44],"class_list":["post-9224","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-apple","tag-guest-posts"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9224","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9224"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9224\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65308,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9224\/revisions\/65308"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9224"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9224"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9224"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}