New Guide: How To Set Ringtone in iPhone Without iTunes

Daisy Raines

Jan 11, 2024 • Filed to: Manage Device Data • Proven solutions

As an iPhone user, you might be too familiar with the exasperating ordeal of setting ringtones through iTunes. While it's been the go-to method for many users over the years, it can be a bit of a pain. It takes up a lot of time and costs you money. Simply put, it's not always the best solution.

Fortunately, simpler alternatives are available to set a custom ringtone on your iPhone without relying on iTunes. It is an absolute game-changer for iPhone users who have struggled with iTunes.

So we suggest you try this guide, where we will show you how to set ringtones on your iPhone without iTunes. Be ready to see how convenient it is!

Part 1: A Brief Overview of Alternative Methods

iTunes has been the primary tool for iPhone users to set ringtones on their devices. However, it is not the only method to do so. Several alternatives have emerged to simplify the process of setting a custom ringtone on your iPhone.

Before we get into more detail, you can check out a brief overview of the alternative methods we will be talking about.

Method 1: Set custom ringtone on iPhone directly

Creating a unique ringtone without using any third-party apps or software;

Method 2: Add downloaded ringtone to iPhone from PC

Adding a custom ringtone that you have downloaded from the internet or received from someone else;

Method 3: Make a ringtone for iPhone with a powerful third-party tool

Creating a custom ringtone from scratch using a powerful third-party tool with advanced features and functionalities;

It’s up to your needs and preferences to decide which method to choose. If you want to learn more about each method, continue reading the following sections for a more detailed explanation.

Part 2: How To Set a Ringtone on iPhone Directly

Changing your iPhone's ringtone is a great way to personalize your device and make it your own. You can try a few different ways to add ringtones to your iPhone without iTunes. For this part, we'll show you how to do it directly on iPhone using GarageBand.

Firstly, make sure that you have the GarageBand app installed on your device. Then, let's move to the next steps:

    • Step 1 : Launch GarageBand and select an instrument. We use the Keyboard in this tutorial.
    • Step 2 : Start a new project. Tap "Project" here to start a new project.

Tap the project icon

    • Step 3 : Access your audio recordings. Open your audio recordings by tapping the "Loop" icon. Then, browse through the "Music" section until you find a song for your custom ringtone. Select it and add it as the second track with a long press.

Tap the loop icon on the project

    • Step 4 : Adjust the length of the ringtone. Trim the track to be less than 40 seconds via its ends. Then, add it to My Songs.

Adjust the ringtone’s length, then add it to My Songs

    • Step 5 : Set it as your ringtone.Press down on your project to access more options and select "Share" > "Ringtone." It will export as an m4r file which is ready for use!

Share the audio as a Ringtone

Though this method is convenient, there are a few limitations to consider. First, this process will not work with songs that have Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection.

Additionally, people who are unfamiliar with GarageBand may find it difficult to use. The interface can be overwhelming for beginners, and it may take some time to learn how to navigate it.

Part 3: How To Add Downloaded Ringtones to iPhone From PC

For the second method, we will guide you on how to add downloaded ringtones to your iPhone from your computer without iTunes. Follow these steps on how to set ringtones in iPhone from files without iTunes :

    • Step 1 : Start by using a cable to connect your iPhone to your Mac.
    • Step 2 : Set up the Music app on your computer. Once your iPhone is connected, launch the Music app on your Mac. Make sure that your iPhone is visible and available in the Music app.

Set up the Music app on Mac

    • Step 3 : Import the ringtone file. Find the downloaded ringtone file and drag it into the Music app on your Mac. You can drag the desired file onto the interface. Otherwise, you can use the "File" menu and select "Library" > “Import Playlist” to import the ringtone file.

Open the Music app library

    • Step 4 : Wait for a moment for the ringtone to sync to your iPhone.
    • Step 5 : Set it as your Ringtone.Once the sync is complete, you can set the ringtone as your default ringtone.

It's worth noting that this method requires a Mac computer and may not work on a PC. It is because you'll need to have the Music app on your computer to learn how to set a ringtone in iPhone from files.

If you can’t find your downloaded ringtone and don't have a backup, there is no need to worry. You might want to try recover iPhone data to help retrieve it with ease.

Part 4: Recommend: Make a Ringtone for iPhone With a Powerful Third-Party Tool-Dr.Fone

For a powerful and convenient solution, Dr.Fone Ringtone Maker is the perfect tool for creating customized ringtones for your iPhone. With this professional-grade program, it's easy to add a personal touch to the ringtones of your mobile device.

Here's how to make a ringtone for iPhone without iTunes using Dr.Fone Ringtone Maker. In only minutes, you can create a unique sound or add your favorite music to make a truly one-of-a-kind iPhone ringtone.

    • Step 1 : Plug in your iPhone and launch the program.
    • Step 2 : Open Dr.Fone Ringtone Maker. On the main interface, click "Ringtone Maker.”

Connect your phone with Dr.Fone 13 on your computer

    • Step 3 : Import the audio you want to use. Select either the "Local Music" option from your computer or use "Device Music" to choose a song from your iPhone.

Import music to Dr.Fone

    • Step 4 : Select the desired song. Then, hit "Select" in order to continue.

Choose music for your ringtone

    • Step 5 : Trim music accordingly to set it as your ringtone. Plus, apply additional effects such as “Fade In and Fade Out” for added personalization.

Trim the selected music to the desired length

    • Step 6 : Save and set the ringtone.You can opt for the "Save to Device" option on your iPhone or the "Save to PC" option if you want it stored on your computer instead.

Save the changes

As you can see, Dr.Fone makes it easy to generate customized ringtones for your iPhone. Thanks to the simple and user-friendly experience, you can create a unique and personalized ringtone by trimming and adding additional effects. Now your new ringtone is sure to reflect your individual style and taste.

safe Downloadsafe & secure

Conclusion

Customizing your iPhone's ringtone can be a fun way to add a touch of uniqueness to your device. With the various options available, you don't have to limit yourself to iTunes. These alternatives provide a more convenient and efficient method of setting custom ringtones.

So by taking advantage of these options, you can create a unique and customized ringtone that reflects your style and personality. You can even set an iPhone ringtone from files . Whether you prefer a classic ring or a trendy pop song, they help you achieve your desired ringtone.

Daisy Raines

staff Editor

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