We are living in the age of the iPhone 7, yet there is still no obvious or simple way to add custom ringtones to your device. There is a way which we will discuss here but it is a little complex and requires the use of iTunes. The hassle is well worth it, though, since it means you can set anything as your ringtone even if it is the WWE theme song of your favorite superstar. Read on to know how to add ringtones to iPhone using iTunes on your PC or Mac.

add ringtones to iphone

4 Steps to Add Ringtones to iPhone Using iTunes on PC or Mac

Follow our step by step guide below to add custom ringtones to your iPhone using iTunes on your Windows 10/8/7 PC or Mac:

Step 1: Set up iTunes and Create a Ringtone File

Many users will dread the prospect of using iTunes since it is so bloated and complex. However, it is necessary to the process.

First of all, prepare the sound file you wish to use as your ringtone. It can be any sort of audio file and you can clip or cut it to the part you want to use using simple audio editors. There are custom ringtones available on iTunes as well but they are pay to use and may not be what you are looking for.

how to add ringtones to iphone

Create custom ringtones for iPhone

Once the audio file is prepared make sure it is in MP3 format that is a requirement for this procedure as well.

Step 2: Converting MP3 to AAC Ringtone File

To perform this conversion all you need to do is add your sound file to iTunes and right click it and select ‘Create AAC Version’ from the dropdown menu.

how to put ringtones on iphone

Convert MP3 to ringtone using iTunes

Step 3: Rename the AAC File and Put the Ringtone in iTunes

Delete the MP3 version of the file since it won’t be needed now and its existence could cause confusion later on. To find the ringtone location, just right click on the file and click Show in Finder.

put ringtones on iphone

Locate the ringtone and put it on your iPhone

Then move the AAC file to the desktop and rename it while maintaining the .m4r extension.

add ringtone to iphone

Rename the file to .m4r extension to be recognized as a ringtone in iTunes

There will again be two files with the same tone, so delete the old one with .m4a extension. To add the ringtone to iTunes, drag the .m4r extension file back to iTunes and it will now be recognized as a ringtone file.

put ringtone on iphone

Drag & Drop the m4r file to add ringtone on iPhone

Step 4: Transfer the iTunes Ringtones with your iPhone

Now that the correct ringtone file is contained in iTunes it is time to sync your device with iTunes. If you don’t have automatic syncing enabled you will have to do so manually.

custom ringtone iphone

Tap on the Sync button to add ringtones to iPhone from iTunes

In case of trouble doing this, make sure the ‘Sync Tones’ option is selected on your device. There will be options to sync all tones or just the one(s) you want. Once you are done, remember to select that ringtone as your default ringer or for a specific contact from your device.

adding ringtones to iphone

Sync iTunes ringtones with iPhone

That is the complete process for how to get your preferred ringtone onto iTunes and compare this complexity with an Android, where all you need to do is copy and paste into the correct folder.

For all the innovations that Apple claims to have brought about it is a pity that even for something as simple as this one must resort to such roundabout measures. I pity the person who would like to store multiple ringtones on his device to change as he wants, because he would have to repeat most of this process for each and every one.

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Stephan Popov
When iDevice users experience problems with the iOS software or unlocking, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My passion is providing answers to your problems. I help iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users by recommending fixes for common iOS bugs and tools that improves your experience. I conduct in-depth research for every topic i cover on this blog, to ensure that I cover everything Apple users need to troubleshoot their issues. When not writing for UnlockBoot, i enjoy swimming in my backyard pool. P.S. i prefers the Maldives for holidays. Connect with me on Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter.