Open Settings and find the Sounds menu

To change your iPhone ringtone, start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Tap the gear icon, then scroll down and tap Sounds & Haptics (on newer iPhones) or Sounds (on older models). The exact name varies by iOS version, but it will be in the main Settings menu.

Once you are in Sounds & Haptics, you will see several options listed: Ringtone, Text Tone, New Mail, Sent Mail, and others. Each one controls a different sound your phone makes. Tap Ringtone to see the list of sounds you can choose from.

Key Takeaways

  • Ringtone settings are in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone on most iPhones.
  • Apple includes dozens of built-in ringtones you can use without downloading anything.
  • You can also buy ringtones from the iTunes Store or create custom ones using GarageBand or third-party apps.
  • If you want a ringtone for only one contact, use the Contacts app to assign a custom ringtone to that person instead of changing the default for all calls.

Choose from Apple's built-in ringtones

When you tap Ringtone, you will see a list of sounds Apple includes on every iPhone. These include classic options like Alarm, Bells, Chime, and Radar, as well as modern sounds like Beacon, Flourish, and Reflection. Tap any one to hear a preview of it.

The ringtone with a checkmark next to it is your current selection. Once you find one you want to use, tap it and the checkmark will move to that option. Your new ringtone takes effect immediately — you do not have to save or confirm anything.

Buy additional ringtones from iTunes Store

If you want more choices beyond the built-in sounds, you can purchase ringtones from the iTunes Store. At the top of the Ringtone list in Settings, you will see a button that says Tone Store. Tap it to open the iTunes Store ringtone section.

Browse the available ringtones, tap the price button next to any one you want, and confirm the purchase with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Once purchased, the ringtone will appear in your Ringtone list and you can select it the same way you would a built-in sound. Most ringtones cost between $0.99 and $1.29.

Create a custom ringtone using GarageBand or other apps

You can also make your own ringtone from a song or audio file. The easiest way is to use GarageBand, which is free on the App Store. Open GarageBand, create or import an audio file, trim it to 30 seconds or less (ringtones cannot be longer), and then tap the three dots menu and select Share > Ringtone. Name your ringtone and confirm.

Once you create a ringtone in GarageBand, it will appear in your Ringtone list in Settings automatically. You can also use third-party apps like Ringtone Designer or Zedge to create or download custom ringtones, though some of these apps charge a fee or show advertisements.

Set a different ringtone for a specific contact

If you want one person to have a unique ringtone so you know when they are calling, you do not have to change your default ringtone. Instead, open the Contacts app, find the person's name, tap Edit, and scroll down to the Ringtone field. Tap it and choose a different sound from your list.

When that contact calls, their custom ringtone will play instead of your default one. This is useful if you want to know immediately when your boss, family member, or close friend is calling without looking at your phone.

Troubleshoot if your ringtone is not working

If you changed your ringtone but you are not hearing it when calls come in, check whether your phone is in Silent mode. Look at the left side of your iPhone — if the mute switch (a small toggle above the volume buttons) is pushed down toward the back of the phone, your ringtone will not play. Push it up toward the front to turn off Silent mode.

You should also check your volume. Press the volume up button on the side of your phone to make sure the ringer volume is turned up. If you still do not hear your ringtone after checking these two things, restart your iPhone by holding down the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a song from my music library as a ringtone?

Not directly — songs in Apple Music or your library are usually too long and in a format iPhones will not use as a ringtone. You can trim a song to 30 seconds or less using GarageBand or a third-party app, then convert it to a ringtone format. Some apps like Ringtone Designer let you select a song and automatically trim and convert it for you.

Why did my custom ringtone disappear after I updated iOS?

Custom ringtones sometimes get removed during major iOS updates. If this happens, you can recreate the ringtone using GarageBand or download it again from the app you used to create it. Ringtones purchased from the iTunes Store will reappear in your Ringtone list automatically after an update.

Can I use a ringtone I downloaded from the internet?

It depends on the file format and the source. Ringtones in .m4r format (Apple's ringtone format) can usually be added to your iPhone through a computer and iTunes or Finder. Ringtones from third-party apps like Zedge or Ringtone Designer can be imported directly into your phone if the app supports it. Always download from trusted sources to avoid malware.

What is the maximum length for an iPhone ringtone?

Ringtones cannot be longer than 30 seconds. If you are creating a custom ringtone from a song or audio file, you will need to trim it down to this length using GarageBand or another audio editing app before you can use it as a ringtone.