How to set a custom iPhone ringtone from Apple Music

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To set a custom iPhone ringtone from Apple Music, you can use iTunes or the Finder app on macOS. This process involves creating a ringtone file from a song, syncing it to your iPhone, and then selecting it as your ringtone in the Settings app.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before you start, ensure you have the following:
  • •An iPhone running iOS 14 or later.
  • •A Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or a Windows PC with iTunes installed.
  • •Apple Music subscription or purchased songs in your library.
  • •USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
  • •GarageBand (for Mac users) or iTunes (for Windows users) installed.

Method 1: Using GarageBand on macOS

This method is ideal for Mac users who want to create a ringtone from a song in their Apple Music library.
  • •Step 1: Open GarageBand and select 'New Project' > 'Empty Project'. Click 'Choose'.
  • •Step 2: In the 'New Tracks' dialog, select 'Audio' and click 'Create'.
  • •Step 3: Drag the desired song from your Apple Music library into the GarageBand workspace.
  • •Step 4: Trim the song to a maximum of 30 seconds by selecting the end of the track and dragging it left.
  • •Step 5: Click 'Share' in the menu bar, then select 'Export Ringtone'. Name your ringtone and click 'Export'.
  • •Step 6: Connect your iPhone to your Mac. Open Finder, select your device, and go to the 'Tones' tab. Drag the exported ringtone file into this section.
  • •Step 7: On your iPhone, go to 'Settings' > 'Sounds & Haptics' > 'Ringtone' to select your new ringtone.
  • •Step 8: If it doesn't appear, ensure your iPhone is synced properly and restart it.

For macOS Monterey and later

Follow the same steps as above, but ensure your GarageBand is updated to the latest version for compatibility.

For macOS Big Sur and earlier

The steps remain the same; however, ensure you have the latest version of GarageBand compatible with your macOS.

Method 2: Using iTunes on Windows

This method is suitable for Windows users who want to create a ringtone from songs in their Apple Music library.
  • •Step 1: Open iTunes and find the song you want to use as a ringtone.
  • •Step 2: Right-click on the song and select 'Song Info'. Go to the 'Options' tab.
  • •Step 3: Set the start and stop time for the ringtone (max 30 seconds) and click 'OK'.
  • •Step 4: Right-click the song again and select 'Create AAC Version'. This will create a new version of the song.
  • •Step 5: Right-click the new version and select 'Show in Windows Explorer'.
  • •Step 6: Change the file extension from .m4a to .m4r (this is the ringtone format).
  • •Step 7: Go back to iTunes, delete the AAC version (without deleting the file), and then drag the .m4r file back into iTunes.
  • •Step 8: Connect your iPhone to your PC, select your device in iTunes, and go to the 'Tones' tab. Sync your new ringtone.
  • •Step 9: On your iPhone, go to 'Settings' > 'Sounds & Haptics' > 'Ringtone' to select your new ringtone.
  • •Step 10: If it doesn't appear, ensure your iPhone is synced properly and restart it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while setting a custom ringtone, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'The file format is not supported' - Solution: Ensure the file is in .m4r format.
  • •Issue: Ringtone not appearing on iPhone - Fix: Check if the ringtone is synced properly and restart your iPhone.
  • •Problem: GarageBand crashes on export - Workaround: Ensure you have enough disk space and restart GarageBand.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Here are some power user tips to enhance your ringtone creation experience:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + T (Mac) or Ctrl + T (Windows) - Split the track at the playhead position in GarageBand or iTunes.
  • •Command line: Use Terminal to convert audio files if you prefer scripting over GUI.
  • •Hidden feature: GarageBand allows you to add effects to your ringtone, such as reverb or echo, accessible under the 'Smart Controls' panel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best results, use GarageBand as it offers more flexibility in editing and exporting ringtones.