How do I create custom ringtones for my iPhone using music I already own ?

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create custom ringtones for an iPhone using iTunes, GarageBand, and a song you own. It outlines the tools needed, steps to import music into iTunes/Music App, choose the song section for the ringtone, convert it into a ringtone format, create an AAC version of the song section, use GarageBand to finish the ringtone, add the ringtone to your iPhone, and set the new ringtone on your iPhone. The process involves selecting a part of a song, converting it to AAC format, importing it into GarageBand, trimming it to 30 seconds or less, exporting it as a ringtone, transferring it to the iPhone, and setting it as the default ringtone. This allows users to enjoy a personalized ringing experience with their favorite songs.
How do I create custom ringtones for my iPhone using music I already own

Creating Custom Ringtones for Your iPhone

Tools You'll Need:

  • iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later) on your computer
  • GarageBand (free on the App Store, but make sure it's installed on your iPhone or Mac)
  • A song you own and would like to use for the ringtone

Steps to Create a Custom Ringtone:

1. Import Your Music into iTunes/Music App

  • Open iTunes on your computer or the Music app on macOS Catalina and later.
  • Make sure the music you want to use is in your library. If not, add it by dragging the file into iTunes or the Music app.

2. Choose the Song Section for Your Ringtone

  • Listen to the song and decide which part (up to 30 seconds) you want to use for your ringtone.
  • Remember that ringtones can’t be longer than 30 seconds, so choose wisely.

3. Convert the Song Section into a Ringtone Format

  • For Windows users:
  • Right-click the song in iTunes and choose "Song Info."
  • Go to the "Options" tab and adjust the start and stop times to isolate the part you want for your ringtone.
  • Click "OK" to save these changes.
  • For macOS users:
  • In the Music app, click the song once to select it, then press Command + I to open the song info.
  • Set the start and stop times similarly as described above.
  • Click "OK" when done.

4. Create an AAC Version of the Song Section

  • Still in iTunes or the Music app, go to File > Convert > Create AAC Version. This will create a new copy of your selected song segment in AAC format.
  • Find this new AAC version in your iTunes Media folder or Music folder on your computer.

5. Use GarageBand to Finish Your Ringtone

  • Open GarageBand on either your Mac or iPhone.
  • On your Mac, choose "New Project" and select the "Empty Project" option.
  • On your iPhone, tap on the "+" button and choose the "New Project" option followed by "Audio Recorder."
  • Import your AAC version into GarageBand by dragging it into the project timeline or using the import function within the app.
  • Trim the imported segment to ensure it doesn’t exceed 30 seconds in length.
  • Export the project by going to Share > Export. Select "Ringtone" as the export option.

6. Add the Ringtone to Your iPhone

  • Connect your iPhone to your computer if you created the ringtone on your Mac.
  • Open iTunes or the Finder and sync your iPhone.
  • Locate the exported ringtone file (it should have an .m4r extension) and drag it into the "Tones" section in iTunes or the Finder.
  • Apply the sync to transfer the ringtone to your iPhone.

7. Set Your New Ringtone on Your iPhone

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.
  • Scroll down to the "Ringtones" section and find your newly created tone. It should be at the top of the list if it was just added.
  • Tap on the tone to preview it, and if you like what you hear, tap "Save" to set it as your default ringtone.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully created a custom ringtone from a song you own and applied it to your iPhone. Enjoy your personalized ringing experience!