How to Set Any Song as iPhone Ringtone Without iTunes or PC

Ever picked up your iPhone only to realize it was someone else’s ringing with the same default tone? If you’re ready to stand out, it’s time to give your iPhone a personal touch.

The best part? You can use your favorite song as a ringtone—no iTunes, no computer required. In this guide, I’ll show you multiple methods to create and set a custom ringtone using your iPhone, Mac, or apps.

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Why Set a Custom Ringtone on iPhone?

Setting a custom ringtone is more than fun—it’s practical:

• Personal expression: Showcase your music taste.
• Easy recognition: Identify your phone instantly in noisy areas.
• Custom caller ID: Assign unique tones to specific contacts.
• Mood booster: Let your ringtone uplift your mood.
• Break the monotony: Ditch the default iPhone tone.
• Professional vibe: Use a subtle tone for business settings.

What You Need Before You Start

Make sure you have:

• A DRM-free audio file (MP3, AAC, or M4R)
• File saved in the Files or Music app
• Audio duration of 30 seconds or less
• GarageBand or a ringtone maker app (for iOS 18 and below)
• Enough iPhone storage

Note: Apple Music tracks are DRM-protected and can’t be used.

Method 1: Set Custom Ringtone on iOS 26 (No App or Computer Required)

iOS 26 makes it incredibly easy to use your song as a ringtone—no GarageBand or Mac needed.

Steps:

1. Open the Files app and go to the folder where your audio file is stored.
2. If the file exceeds 30 seconds, trim it using an audio editor.
3. Tap the audio file to open it.
4. Tap the Share button (bottom-right corner in Files or three-dots in Voice Memos).
5. Scroll through the Share Sheet and select “Use as Ringtone.” If not visible, tap More to find it.
6. The audio file will be added to the ringtone list and automatically set as your default ringtone.

To confirm or change it, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.

Tip: If “Use as Ringtone” doesn’t appear, quit and reopen the Files app, and check the file format.

Developer Beta Note: iOS 26 is in beta—don’t install it on your main device due to possible bugs or app issues.

If your iPhone is running iOS 18 or earlier, follow the methods below using GarageBand or Mac.

Method 2: Use GarageBand (iOS 18 or earlier)

If you’re on iOS 18 or below, use GarageBand:

1. Launch the GarageBand app on your iPhone.
2. Swipe and find Audio Recorder from the options, and tap Voice (mic icon). You can also use a Keyboard or Drummer for this purpose.

   

3. Here, tap View (brick wall-like icon) to enter the editing section.

   

4. Tap the Loop icon. You’ll see three subheadings here – Apple Loops, Files, and Music.
   Since my ringtone is saved in files, I will be using that tab.

   

5. Look for the song you want; tap and hold it for a few seconds to import the file. If you can’t see the song, tap Browse items from the Files app to find it.

   

6. To edit the song, drag the long vertical bar to the desired starting point of your custom ringtone. Then, use the play button to achieve the perfect starting point of your tone.
7. Once done, double-tap the song and select Split.

   

8. Drag the Scissor icon down to cut/divide the song at your chosen point.
9. Delete the unusable part of the song by tapping it twice and then choosing Delete.

   

10. Now, select the down arrow icon from the top-left corner and tap My Songs.

    

11. Tap and hold the project and select Share from the list.
12. Select Ringtone, then continue, name the song as per your choice, and tap Export.

    

13. Once the process completes, tap Use sound as… to set it as a ringtone directly or OK to do it manually.

    

14. If you have selected Use sound as…, you will see options to set the ringtone as Standard Ringtone. To change the ringtone for a specific caller, select Assign to contact.

    

Note

While exporting, the iPhone automatically trims the ringtone at 30 seconds. If you want to set an endpoint somewhere before 30 seconds, repeat steps 6 to 9.

If you find the GarageBand method daunting, don’t worry. You can make a custom ringtone using Apple Music. Yes, you heard it right! Let me show you.

Method 3: Create Ringtones on Mac Using Apple Music

Before you start, ensure you have the DRM-free song file saved locally on your Mac.

Steps to follow:

1. Launch Apple Music on your Mac.
2. Select Songs from the left pane and locate the track.
   If you can’t find it, drag and drop the song file to the Music app window.
3. Play the song and move your cursor to the playing tile at the top.
4. Note the time stamp where you want your ringtone to start and end. The time gap should be 40 seconds max.

   

5. Now, right-click on the track and select Get Info from the context menu.

   

6. It will pop up a new window with song details. Move to the Options tab.
7. Enter the Start and Stop time stamp you noted and click OK.

   

8. Next, select the track and click File on the menu bar.
9. Select the Convert option and choose Create AAC Version.
   If you only have the Create MP3 version option, click it.

   

10. You will see a new track with the time length you set under the original track. Right-click on the new track and select Show in Finder.

    

11. It will redirect you to Finder. The track will have the same name as the original and a .m4a extension. Right-click on the track and select Rename.

    

12. Write .m4r in the extension and hit the Enter key. M4R is a file format specifically designed for iPhone ringtones.
13. Select the Use .m4r option to confirm it.

    

Your custom iPhone ringtone is ready! If you have the ringtone file in .mp3 format, you can use an online converter to create the .m4r file. Once done, follow the steps below to set the song as a ringtone on your iPhone.

1. Take a USB cable and connect your Mac to your iPhone. Click Trust on your Mac and enter your iPhone passcode if prompted.
2. Navigate to the open Finder window. Click File on the menu bar and select New Finder Window. Ensure the previous window with the track is not closed.

   

3. Click your iPhone name from the left sidebar of the new Finder window. It will show your iPhone details.
4. Now, drag and drop the .m4r file to the new Finder window. You will see a green plus icon, indicating the song file will be added to your iPhone.

   

5. You may now unplug your iPhone from your Mac.
6. Next, go to the Settings app on your iPhone and select Sounds & Haptics.
7. Tap on the Ringtone option.
8. Here, you can see the ringtone you just made. Select it.

   

That’s it! You have successfully changed your ringtone to your favorite song.

Note

If you have a Windows PC, you can use the iTunes app. Start by cutting the songs to form a 40-second track. The next thing to do is use iTunes to convert it to an AAC format. Afterward, drag and drop the AAC file into any folder. Consequently, this will result in a .m4r extension. Finally, connect your PC to your iPhone and click on the iPhone icon in iTunes. Go to Tones and drop the .m4r file there.

Method 4: Use Third-Party Ringtone Maker Apps

I know the above-mentioned methods are a bit lengthy and time-consuming. If you are struggling with Apple’s built-in methods or don’t have a computer, several third-party apps are available to simplify the process. Such apps offer advanced features and flexibility.

Here are some popular ringtone apps for iPhone you can use:

• Garage Ringtones for iPhone: This app enables you to create ringtones using songs and videos. There is an easy-to-use platform for cutting songs and setting ringtones.
• RingTune: You can browse through popular ringtones from the RingTune library or songs saved on your iPhone. Moreover, the app recommends ringtones that match your interests.
• Ringtones: for iPhone: The app can be used to easily modify, trim and produce unique ringtones. You can also record audio for your ringtone.
• Ringtones Maker – the ring app: If you want advanced music editing, go for this app. It lets you precisely cut the song and add fade-in filters to the ringtone.

You may choose any of the apps to create custom ringtones for your iPhone. The process is similar: open the app, import your song file, cut it to make a 40-second track, and set it as a ringtone. Nevertheless, specific steps may differ depending on the app you select. Always follow the app’s guidelines and tutorials for optimal use.

You may be wondering whether third-party apps are worth it. Let’s examine some pros and cons of iPhone ringtone apps.

Want a specific ringtone for someone special?

Steps:

1. Launch the Contacts app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll through and select the contact for whom you want to set a custom ringtone.
3. Tap the Edit button located in the upper right corner.
4. Scroll down until you see the Ringtone option. Select it to open the ringtone selection menu.

   

5. You will see a list of available ringtones, including the ones you added. Choose the desired ringtone. A checkmark will appear next to your choice.
6. Finally, tap Done in the upper right corner to save your choice. Then, hit Done again to exit the contact editing screen.

   

Now, that person has a unique ringtone just for them!

Video: How to Set Any Song as Ringtone on iPhone

Signing off…

Now that you know how to set any song as your iPhone ringtone, there’s no excuse to settle for the default. Whether you’re making your iPhone more fun, unique, or professional, a custom ringtone adds that personal touch.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments below—we’re happy to help.

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