How to set a custom ringtone on iPhone with GarageBand
Before iOS 26, an iPhone can only add ringtones through GarageBand or a computer. GarageBand is free from Apple and does it on the phone in a few minutes.
What you need
- An iPhone on iOS 17 or 18 (earlier versions work the same way)
- GarageBand, free from the App Store
- Your ringtone in Files. Make one with RingSnip
1Start an Audio Recorder project
Open GarageBand. If a song is already open, tap the down arrow and then + to start a new one. Swipe to Audio Recorder and tap it.
2Switch to Tracks view
Tap the Tracks button at the top left (the icon with stacked bars) so you see the empty track.
3Bring in your ringtone
Tap the loop icon at the top right, open Files, then tap Browse items from the Files app and pick your ringtone in Downloads. Drag it onto the track, all the way to the start.
4Let the song fit the whole clip
Tap + at the right end of the ruler, choose Section A and turn on Automatic. Without this, GarageBand cuts the sound after 8 bars.
5Export it as a ringtone
Tap the down arrow at the top left and choose My Songs. Press and hold the project, tap Share, then Ringtone. Give it a name and tap Export.
6Set it
Tap Use sound as…, then Standard Ringtone. It also appears in Settings › Sounds & Haptics › Ringtone.
If it doesn’t work
- The ringtone stops early. Turn on Automatic in step 4 and export again.
- GarageBand says it’s too long. Ringtones must be 30 seconds or less; make it again on RingSnip, which stops at 29.9 s.
- You’re on iOS 26 or later. The iOS 26 guide is quicker.
No ringtone yet?
Paste a video link and have one in under a minute.