Before you start
- An MP3, M4A or other audio file you have the rights to use
- iOS 26, or the free GarageBand app on older iOS
Method 1 iOS 26: Share > Use as Ringtone
Ringtones should be 30 seconds or shorter. Trim longer songs first, for example with GarageBand, or by recording just the part you want in Voice Memos and trimming it there.
Method 2 Older iOS: use GarageBand
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Step 1: Install GarageBand
Install Apple’s free GarageBand app from the App Store and open it.
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Step 2: Create a new song
Tap +, swipe to Audio Recorder and tap Voice. Tap the tracks view icon (it looks like stacked bricks) at the top left.
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Step 3: Import your MP3
Tap the loop icon at the top right, open the Files tab and tap Browse items from the Files app. Pick your MP3, then press and hold it and drag it onto the track timeline at the far left.
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Step 4: Trim to 30 seconds
Drag the edges of the green audio block to keep the part you want (under 30 seconds). Slide it to the start of the timeline.
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Step 5: Export as a ringtone
Tap the down arrow > My Songs. Press and hold your project, tap Share > Ringtone, name it and tap Export. Then tap Use sound as… > Standard Ringtone.
Method 3 With a Mac or Windows PC
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Step 1: Convert to AAC
In Music (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), set start and stop times under Song Info > Options (max 30 seconds), then choose File > Convert > Create AAC Version.
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Step 2: Rename to .m4r
Show the new file in Finder or File Explorer and change its extension from .m4a to .m4r.
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Step 3: Copy to your iPhone
Connect your iPhone, select it in Finder (or iTunes / Apple Devices) and drag the .m4r file onto the iPhone in the sidebar. It appears in your ringtones list.
Troubleshooting
Use as Ringtone doesn’t appear
Make sure you’re on iOS 26 or later and sharing an audio file (not a link). Tap More in the Share sheet, or use GarageBand.
GarageBand won’t import my song
Songs from Apple Music or other streaming services are protected and can’t be imported. Use an MP3 you own, bought from iTunes, or recorded yourself.
The ringtone is cut off
Ringtones longer than 30 seconds are shortened or rejected. Trim the clip to under 30 seconds before exporting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a song from Apple Music or Spotify as a ringtone?
No. Streaming songs are protected. You can buy ringtones in the iTunes Store (Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone > Tone Store) or use an MP3 you own.
How do I delete a custom ringtone?
In Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone, swipe left on the custom ringtone and tap Delete.
Can I use a custom sound for texts?
Yes. Your custom tones also appear under Text Tone and other alerts in Sounds & Haptics.
Summary
On iOS 26, open the audio file and tap Share > Use as Ringtone. On older iPhones, import the MP3 into GarageBand and export it as a ringtone. Keep it under 30 seconds, then pick it in Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
