Set an iPhone ringtone without iTunes – here’s how

If you want to customize your iPhone ringtone without iTunes, there are quick and easy ways to set your own sounds or favorite songs as ringtones – without the often complicated iTunes software.

iPhone: Create a ringtone without iTunes

Instead of Apple’s multimedia management program iTunes, use an app. Only the Apple application GarageBand allows you to create ringtones directly without iTunes. The app is completely free, but it is almost two gigabytes in size.

• Start GarageBand and select “Audio Recorder” under “Tracks.”

• Tap the small plus icon in the upper right corner and select “Automatic” under “Section A.”

• Deactivate the metronome next to the red record button at the top.

• Now select the desired song from your iPhone using the loop button in the top right corner.

• Cut the song to a maximum length of 30 seconds for your ringtone. To do this, move the slider to the desired position in the song.

• Tap the audio track and tap “Share.” Drag the scissors icon down to split the audio track. Then delete the unnecessary parts of the song.

• Tap the small arrow in the top right corner and select “My Songs.” Tap ‘Select’ on the right and select the ringtone.

• You can save the sound as a “ringtone” using the upload button. Give it a suitable name.

• Then all you have to do is set the ringtone as your new ringtone in the “Settings” app under “Sounds & Haptics.”

More apps, tips, and tricks

Since iOS 17, third-party apps such as Ringtones: Ringtone Maker or ringtone apps from the App Store can also be used to create your own ringtones and set them directly on your iPhone. However, GarageBand is usually still required for the final transfer as a ringtone.

• Songs from Apple Music cannot be used as ringtones due to copy protection; only locally stored, unprotected audio files will work.

• The ringtone can be a maximum of 40 seconds long, as longer tones are automatically shortened or not accepted by iOS.

• Ringtones can be selected in the “Settings” menu under “Sounds & Haptics“ → ”Ringtone” and can also be set there immediately after exporting from GarageBand.

• Ringtones can also be transferred between iPhones via iCloud Drive or AirDrop, provided they are in the correct format (.m4r).