If you hear a catchy song that you want to use as your phone’s ringtone, downloading it is easy to do. With the right apps and tools, you can download almost any song and convert it into a ringtone file for your iPhone or Android device. In this article, we’ll walk through the full process step-by-step.
What You’ll Need
To get started, you’ll need:
- The song you want to use. This can be purchased on iTunes or another music platform, or ripped from a CD if you own it.
- A computer with an internet connection.
- An app or website that lets you download and convert songs into ringtones.
- A USB cable to connect your phone to your computer.
Step 1: Downloading the Song File
First, you’ll need to download the full song file to your computer. Here are a few options for getting the song file:
- Purchase the song on iTunes or another platform: Search for the song in the store and purchase and download it. This will give you a DRM-free MP3 file that you can use.
- Use a free or paid music download site: Sites like Free Music Archive allow you to download songs legally. Make sure to filter search results by license type and check terms of use.
- Rip music from a CD: If you own the CD, you can rip songs from it to create MP3 files using software like iTunes.
Step 2: Convert the Song File into a Ringtone
Now that you have the song downloaded as an MP3 file, you need to convert it into a ringtone format your phone can read. Here are some options:
Using iTunes (for iPhone ringtones)
If you have an iPhone, the easiest way is to use iTunes to convert the song file. Here’s how:
- Open iTunes and go to your Library.
- Find the song file you downloaded and right click it.
- Select “Get Info” and go to the Options tab.
- Set the start and end time to select a 30 second clip of the song.
- Check the box for “Sound Check.”
- Click OK to save the changes.
- With the song file still highlighted, go to File > Convert > Create AAC Version.
- This will create a new M4R file that is the ringtone clip.
You now have a ringtone file ready to add to your iPhone!
Using an Online Ringtone Creation Tool
There are many free online tools you can also use to convert MP3 songs into ringtones. Sites like Zamzar, MediaHuman, and FreeRingtonesGalore allow you to upload an MP3 and convert it into an M4R (iPhone) or MP3/M4R (Android) ringtone file.
The process is very simple:
- Go to one of the sites above.
- Click the option to convert to iPhone Ringtone or Android Ringtone.
- Upload your MP3 file.
- Select the start and end points for a 30 second clip.
- Click convert and download the ringtone file.
Using Mobile Ringtone Apps
Alternatively, you can use mobile apps on your iPhone or Android phone to download and convert songs directly on your device:
- iPhone: Apps like Garageband, Music Converter, or MediaHuman Audio Converter.
- Android: Apps like Ringdroid or Audacity.
The process is very similar – you load the MP3 file, select a 30 second clip, and export it as a ringtone file. This lets you create ringtones without needing a computer.
Step 3: Transfer the Ringtone File to Your Phone
Once you’ve converted or created your ringtone file, it’s time to transfer it to your iPhone or Android phone.
For iPhones
To add a custom ringtone to your iPhone, connect it to your computer and open iTunes. Then:
- In iTunes, click on your iPhone icon.
- In the left menu, click on Tones under Library.
- Drag and drop the M4R ringtone file into the Tones playlist.
- Click Apply to sync the new ringtone to your phone.
You can now select this new ringtone file in your iPhone’s Sounds settings.
For Android Phones
To add a custom ringtone on Android:
- Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
- Locate the ringtone MP3 or M4R file on your computer.
- Copy and paste the file into the Ringtones folder on your Android device.
- You may need to create this folder if it doesn’t already exist.
- On your phone, open Settings > Sound > Phone ringtone.
- Select your new ringtone file.
Your new ringtone will now be available for you to use!
Troubleshooting Tips
If you follow the steps but still can’t get your custom ringtone to show up, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure the ringtone file is in the proper format – M4R for iPhones, MP3 or M4R for Android.
- Check that the ringtone file is under 30 seconds long. Longer files may not work.
- Try restarting your phone after transferring the ringtone file.
- Check that the ringtone file is copied into the right folder (Tones for iPhone, Ringtones for Android).
- Make sure your phone’s volume is turned up to hear the new ringtone.
- On an iPhone, toggle the Ringer and Alerts switch on the side of the phone.
Finding the Perfect Song Clips
The key to a great custom ringtone is finding the perfect song clip that will sound awesome on your phone. Here are some tips:
- Pick an instrumental section or chorus without lyrics if possible – these make great ringtones.
- Think about songs and artists you love – a Taylor Swift or Beatles ringtone for fans!
- Movie and TV theme songs also make fun ringtones.
- Trim the clip to the best 30 seconds that will loop well.
- Add fades at the start and end so the loop is seamless.
- Experiment with different genres – pop, rock, hip-hop, or classical.
Creating Ringtones on iPhone vs Android
The processes for creating ringtones on iPhone and Android are very similar overall. Here’s a quick comparison:
| iPhone | Android |
|---|---|
| Use M4R format for ringtones | Use MP3 or M4R formats |
| Easily convert songs with iTunes | Requires third-party app for conversion |
| Transfer ringtone through iTunes | Direct file transfer via USB |
| Ringtones stored in Tones folder | Ringtones stored in Ringtones folder |
While iPhone has the advantage of being able to use iTunes for conversion, Android allows you to use a wider range of audio formats. Both platforms make it simple to customize your phone’s ringtones!
Get Creative and Make Your Own!
Making custom ringtones is an easy way to personalize your mobile device and have fun with your favorite songs. Follow the steps outlined above to trim an MP3 track into a ringtone file and get it onto your iPhone or Android phone.
With the right tools, you can turn any song into a cool ringtone. So go forth and create some awesome ringtones that will play each time someone calls you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is making my own ringtone legal?
In many countries, it is legal to create ringtones for personal use from songs that you legally purchased. However, it may violate copyright if you distribute or sell the ringtone without permission from the artist.
What is the best length for a ringtone?
Aim for around 30 seconds or less. This gives enough time for the ringtone to play but not be too disruptive. Make sure to pick a clip that loops well.
Can I use iTunes credit to buy ringtones?
Unfortunately iTunes credit cannot be used to purchase iPhone ringtones. You’ll need to use a credit card or PayPal account connected to your iTunes account to buy ringtones from Apple.
Do I need a separate app to make ringtones on Android?
Yes, Android does not have built-in ringtone creation like iTunes. You’ll need to download a third-party app from the Play Store to convert songs into ringtones on your Android device.
What type of audio files can I use?
For iPhone, you’ll need to convert songs to M4R format. Android is more flexible and allows MP3, M4R, WAV, and other formats. The most compatible is M4R or MP3 at high quality.
Conclusion
With the wide range of apps and tools available today, you can easily turn your favorite songs into awesome custom ringtones. Just find a great song, use software to clip and convert the audio into a ringtone file, and transfer it to your iPhone or Android device. With a few easy steps, you’ll be able to set cool new ringtones that liven up your phone and bring a smile whenever someone calls.