How to Set a Custom Ringtone on iPhone

Want to use your favorite song as a ringtone on your iPhone instead of the default options? On iOS, this process takes a few more steps compared to Android, but it’s totally doable. In this guide, I'll walk you through how to set a custom ringtone on iPhone using GarageBand, without needing a computer.

What You Need

  • An iPhone running iOS 14 or later
  • The GarageBand app (free on the App Store)
  • An audio file (MP3 or M4A format) of the song you want to use as a ringtone

Step 1: Install GarageBand

Go to the App Store and download GarageBand. This is an official Apple app that will allow us to create a custom ringtone.

Step 2: Import Your Song into GarageBand

  1. Open GarageBand and start a new project by selecting the Audio Recorder option.
  2. Tap the "Loops" icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  3. Select the Files tab and locate the song file you saved on your device.
  4. Drag the file onto the editing track.

Step 3: Trim the Song

A ringtone on iPhone can’t be longer than 30 seconds, so you need to trim the song:

  1. Tap on the track and choose the Trim option.
  2. Adjust the markers to select the desired 30-second segment.
  3. Tap Done to save your edits.

Step 4: Export the Ringtone

  1. Tap on "My Songs" to return to the project list.
  2. Find your edited track, press and hold it, then choose Share.
  3. Select the Ringtone option.
  4. Name your ringtone and tap Export.

Step 5: Set the Ringtone

After exporting, you’ll be prompted to set the ringtone:

  1. Tap Use sound as….
  2. Choose Standard Ringtone to set it as your default ringtone, or Assign to Contact if you want it for a specific contact.