How to Make a Ringtone on iPhone Using GarageBand (Step-by-Step Guide)

Creating a custom ringtone on your iPhone might sound complicated, but with Apple’s free GarageBand app, it’s actually pretty simple—and you don’t need a computer or extra software. Whether you want your favorite song to play when your phone rings or you’re making a custom tone from scratch, GarageBand gives you the tools to do it right on your device.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to turning any audio into a ringtone using GarageBand.

What You’ll Need:

• An iPhone (any model that supports GarageBand)
• The GarageBand app (free from the App Store)
• An audio file (in your Files app or imported from another source)
• About 5–10 minutes

Step 1: Install GarageBand

1. Open the App Store
2. Search for GarageBand
3. Tap Download (it’s free)
4. Once installed, open the app

Step 2: Create a New Project

1. From the GarageBand home screen, tap the “+” icon to create a new project
2. Scroll through the instrument options and tap Audio Recorder
3. If a mic screen opens, tap the track view icon (a brick-like stack in the upper-left corner) to switch to the editing timeline

Step 3: Import Your Audio File

1. Tap the loop icon in the top-right corner
2. Tap Files
3. Browse to find your audio file (make sure it’s already saved in your Files app)
4. Once you see the file, drag it into the timeline

Tip: Ringtones must be under 30 seconds long. If your file is longer, trim it by dragging the edges of the audio clip.

Step 4: Adjust and Edit

1. Tap the audio clip to select it
2. Use split, trim, or move options as needed
3. Preview the ringtone by hitting the play button

Don’t worry about perfection—you just want to get your favorite part into that 30-second window.

Step 5: Export as a Ringtone

1. Tap the arrow icon in the top-left corner
2. Select My Songs (this saves your project)
3. Press and hold your project file
4. Tap Share
5. Choose Ringtone

Step 6: Name and Export

1. Give your ringtone a name
2. Tap Export
3. Once it finishes, you’ll get a pop-up:
   • “Use sound as…”
   • Choose Standard Ringtone, Text Tone, or Assign to Contact

Or just tap Done to apply it later from Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone

That’s It! You’ve Got a Custom Ringtone

Now when someone calls, your iPhone will play your personalized tone—no computer, iTunes, or syncing required.

Quick Reminders:

• GarageBand supports MP3, WAV, and AAC files. If your audio isn’t showing up, check the file type.
• If your file is in the Music app (Apple Music), you can’t use it unless it’s DRM-free or you’ve purchased it outright.
• Ringtones can be up to 30 seconds long—GarageBand will trim longer ones automatically during export.

Final Thoughts

GarageBand makes it surprisingly easy to turn any sound into a ringtone on your iPhone. Whether you’re slicing up a favorite song or using a funny voice memo, you’ll be done in minutes. And once you’ve done it once, you’ll probably want to make more—because one custom ringtone is never enough.