How to Set a Custom Text Tone on iPhone

You can replace the default iPhone text tone with any custom sound. A text tone is the notification sound that plays when you receive a text message or iMessage. Using TrimTone: Ringtone Maker, you can create a custom text tone from any audio file, video clip, or recording on your iPhone.

What Is a Text Tone?

A text tone is the alert sound your iPhone plays for incoming text messages, iMessages, and other notifications. By default, iPhone uses built-in sounds like Tri-tone, Note, or Chime. You can replace these with any custom sound up to 30 seconds long, though 2–5 seconds is ideal for a text tone.

Step-by-Step: Create and Set a Custom Text Tone

Step 1: Create the audio clip in TrimTone

Open TrimTone and import an audio file, a video, or record a new sound. Trim it to a short clip — 2 to 5 seconds works best for text tones. Preview until you're happy with the sound.

Step 2: Export the file

Tap Export. TrimTone creates a standard ringtone file that works as both a ringtone and a text tone. Exporting uses one credit (see pricing).

Step 3: Register via GarageBand

Follow the same GarageBand steps as a regular ringtone: open the file in GarageBand → Share → Ringtone → Export. TrimTone guides you through this after export. Full details: complete ringtone guide.

Step 4: Set it as your text tone

Once exported via GarageBand:

1. Open Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Text Tone
2. Your custom tone appears at the top of the list under "Ringtones"
3. Tap it to select it as your default text tone

Step 5: Set a text tone for a specific contact (optional)

You can assign a unique text tone to individual contacts:

1. Open Contacts → tap the person's name
2. Tap Edit
3. Tap Text Tone
4. Select your custom tone

Tips for Good Text Tones

• Keep it short. 2–5 seconds is ideal. Long notification sounds get annoying fast.
• Choose a distinctive sound. Pick something you'll instantly recognize as your notification.
• Avoid loud starts. Sounds that begin with a sudden loud note can be jarring in quiet settings.
• Test it. After setting the tone, send yourself a test message to hear how it sounds in practice.

Can I Use a Video Clip as a Text Tone?

Yes. TrimTone can extract audio from any video, so you can use a short sound from a video as your text tone.

Can I Use the Same Sound as Both Ringtone and Text Tone?

Yes. The exported file appears in both the Ringtone and Text Tone selection lists in Settings → Sounds & Haptics. You can use the same custom sound for both, or create different clips for each.

Do I Need a Computer?

No. Everything happens on your iPhone. No iTunes, no cables, no desktop software. Read more: Make a ringtone without iTunes.