How to Make a Custom Ringtone on iPhone

You can create a custom ringtone on your iPhone without a computer, without iTunes, and without paying for ringtones from the iTunes Store. This guide walks you through the process step by step using TrimTone: Ringtone Maker, a free iPhone app designed specifically for this.

What You Need

• An iPhone running iOS 17.0 or later
• TrimTone: Ringtone Maker — free download from the App Store
• GarageBand — free Apple app, pre-installed on most iPhones
• An audio file, video file, or voice memo you want to use as your ringtone

Step 1: Download TrimTone

Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for "TrimTone" or tap the direct download link. The app is free to download. You can import files and preview your ringtone without paying anything.

Step 2: Import Your Audio or Video

Open TrimTone and tap the import button. You can choose from:

• Audio files — songs, voice memos, downloaded audio
• Video files — TrimTone automatically extracts the audio track (learn more about video-to-ringtone)
• Record new audio — use TrimTone's built-in recorder to capture any sound

Step 3: Trim to 30 Seconds

Apple requires iPhone ringtones to be 30 seconds or shorter. TrimTone enforces this limit automatically — you can't accidentally create a ringtone that's too long.

Use the timeline to select the segment you want. Drag the selection handles to set the start and end points. Nudge the endpoints frame-by-frame for precision. Tap play to preview your selection at any time — previewing is always free.

Why are ringtones limited to 30 seconds?

Step 4: Export Your Ringtone

When you're happy with your trim, tap Export. This creates a ringtone-ready file on your iPhone. Exporting uses one credit (see pricing).

Step 5: Set It as Your Ringtone

After exporting, TrimTone shows you exactly how to set the ringtone. The steps are:

1. Tap the share button on the exported file and choose Open in GarageBand
2. In GarageBand, tap the share icon and select Ringtone
3. Name your ringtone and tap Export
4. GarageBand will ask if you want to set it as your ringtone — tap Use sound as… and choose Standard Ringtone

You can also set it later in Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Ringtone, where your custom ringtone will appear at the top of the list.

Want to set it as a text tone instead? Follow the text tone guide.

Tips for a Great Ringtone

• Start at the right moment. Pick the part of the song or audio that you actually want to hear when your phone rings. The chorus, a recognizable riff, or a distinctive sound effect usually works best.
• Keep it shorter than 30 seconds. Most phone calls are answered within 10–15 seconds. A 15–20 second ringtone often sounds better than a full 30-second clip.
• Preview before exporting. TrimTone lets you listen as many times as you want before you spend a credit. Use this to get it right.
• Try video clips. Some of the most distinctive ringtones come from movie quotes, funny videos, or memorable moments. TrimTone handles video-to-ringtone automatically.

Do I Need a Computer?

No. The entire process — importing, trimming, exporting, and setting the ringtone — happens on your iPhone. You do not need a Mac, PC, or iTunes at any step.

Do I Need GarageBand?

Yes, for the final step. GarageBand is used to register the ringtone file with iOS so it appears in your ringtone list. It's a free app from Apple and comes pre-installed on most iPhones. If you've deleted it, you can re-download it from the App Store for free.

Other Methods to Make Custom Ringtones

TrimTone is not the only way to create custom ringtones. You can also use GarageBand alone (more complex), iTunes on a computer (requires a Mac or PC), or other ringtone apps. For a full comparison of all methods, see Best Ways to Make a Custom Ringtone on iPhone.