How to set a custom ringtone on iPhone with iOS 26

Updated October 2026 · 2 minute read

Since iOS 26, any audio file of 30 seconds or less can become a ringtone straight from the Files app. No GarageBand, no computer.

What you need

  • An iPhone on iOS 26 or later (Settings › General › About shows your version)
  • A ringtone file of 30 seconds or less in Files. Make one with RingSnip
  1. 1Open Files and go to Downloads

    Your ringtone from RingSnip is saved in Downloads, named after the video with “ringtone” at the end.

  2. 2Open it and tap Share

    Tap the file to open it, then tap the Share button (the square with an arrow).

  3. 3Tap Use as Ringtone

    Scroll the share sheet if you don’t see it. It only appears for audio of 30 seconds or less.

  4. 4Check it in Settings

    Go to Settings › Sounds & Haptics › Ringtone. Your new ringtone sits at the top of the list. To give it to one person only, open their contact, tap Edit, then Ringtone.

If Use as Ringtone doesn’t show

  • The file is longer than 30 seconds. Make it again on RingSnip (it stops at 29.9 s).
  • Your iPhone is on iOS 18 or earlier. Use the GarageBand guide instead.

No ringtone yet?

Paste a video link and have one in under a minute.

Make a ringtone