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How to set any song as your iPhone ringtone

No computer, no iTunes and no paid app. On iOS 26 it takes four taps from the Files app, and older iPhones can do it with GarageBand.

Watch: setting the ringtone on iPhone (iOS 26) and Android, in 40 seconds.

First make the ringtone: pick the best part of your song. It takes about 30 seconds.

Open Ringtone Maker

Step 1: Make the ringtone

  1. Open the Ringtone Maker in Safari and choose your song from Files, Photos or Music downloads.
  2. Drag on the waveform to pick the part you want. Keep it under 30 seconds; the first 29 seconds are selected for you.
  3. Leave the format on M4R (MP3 works too), press Make ringtone, then Download. The file is saved in the Files app, in Downloads.

Step 2: Set it (iOS 26 and newer)

  1. Open the Files app → Browse → Downloads and tap your ringtone so it opens.
  2. Tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing up).
  3. Tap Use as Ringtone. If you don't see it, scroll the list of actions to the bottom or tap More.
  4. Settings opens with your new ringtone selected. You'll also find it in Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Ringtone.

Not sure which version you have? Open Settings → General → About → iOS Version.

Step 2 on older iPhones (GarageBand)

  1. Install GarageBand from the App Store (free, made by Apple) and open it. Start any instrument, for example Audio Recorder.
  2. Tap the tracks view button, then the loop icon in the top right → Files → Browse items from the Files app, and pick your ringtone.
  3. Drag it onto the track, then tap the ⌄ arrow in the top left → My Songs.
  4. Long-press the song → Share → Ringtone → Export → Use sound as… Standard Ringtone.

"Use as Ringtone" is missing or doesn't work

  1. The file is too long. The Files app only accepts sounds under 30 seconds. Open it in the Ringtone Maker again and select a shorter part.
  2. It's an Apple Music song. Songs from an Apple Music subscription are copy-protected and can't be used. Use a song file you own, or a sound from your own videos.
  3. The file didn't finish downloading. Download it again and wait for the blue arrow in Safari's address bar to finish.
  4. Still nothing? Close the Files app completely and open it again, or use the GarageBand method above.

Set it for one person only

Open Contacts, pick the person, tap Edit → Ringtone and choose your new sound. The contact ringtone guide has the steps for Android too.

Questions and answers

Can I set a ringtone on iPhone without a computer?

Yes. On iOS 26 and newer, open the file in the Files app and tap Share → Use as Ringtone. On older versions, use GarageBand.

How long can an iPhone ringtone be?

Under 30 seconds for the Files app method. GarageBand and a computer allow up to 40 seconds.

Do I need an M4R file?

Not for the Files app method, MP3 works too. M4R is needed only if you copy the ringtone from a computer.

Can I use a song from Apple Music?

No. Apple Music songs are copy-protected, so iPhone won't use them as ringtones. Songs you bought or own as files work.

Is it free?

Yes. The MeloCut Ringtone Maker is free with no watermark, and the Files app and GarageBand are free too.

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