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How to Change Your iPhone Ringtone to Your Favorite Song: A Comprehensive Guide

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Have you ever wished you could set your favorite song as your iPhone ringtone, or found it inconvenient when your ringtone matches others? In this article, we'll introduce a freeway to customize your iPhone ringtone to your favorite song!

Create a Ringtone from YouTube Videos Using Only Your iPhone

Here's how to create a ringtone from your favorite YouTube video using only your iPhone. You will need the following three free apps:

  • YouTube
  • Ringtone Maker
  • GarageBand

While you can use apps other than YouTube for screen recording, some apps may not capture audio properly, so YouTube is recommended for ease of use.Note: The application may not be available in all countries.

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Step 1. Play the YouTube Video and Record the Screen

First, play the video you want to set as your ringtone on the YouTube app. Since you can only set a ringtone that is up to 30 seconds long, try to record within a 40-second range. Follow these steps to record your screen:

  1. Play the video on YouTube.
  2. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone to open the Control Center.
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3. Tap the "Screen Recording" button.

4. Tap the top of the screen to stop recording when you've captured the desired portion.

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Step 2. Use Ringtone Maker's "Make Ringtone from Video" Option

  1. Open the app and tap "Make from Video". If you tap "Make from Recorded Video," you will be prompted to select "Make from Video."
  2. Choose the recorded video and tap "Choose" in the bottom right corner.
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3. Move the red lines to trim the portion you want as your ringtone. Make sure it is 30 seconds long.

4. Tap the check mark in the bottom right corner.

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Tip 💡

The first time you do this, you will be prompted to allow access to files. From your iPhone settings, select "Photos" > "Restricted Access or Full Access." For security reasons, selecting "Restricted Access" will only grant access to the used video.

5. Finally, enter a file name. Choose a name that is easy to understand.

6. If it appears in the "My Ringtones" list, you're done.

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Step 3. Share the File with the GarageBand App on Your iPhone

Once you've made the ringtone in the Ringtone Maker, share the file with the GarageBand app.

  1. In the "My Ringtones" screen of Ringtone Maker, tap the "Share" icon.
  2. Select the GarageBand icon.
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3. Open the GarageBand app and long-press the file.

4. Tap "Share."

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5. Tap "Ringtone" in the center.

6. Tap "Export" in the top right corner.

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7. When you see "Ringtone Export Successful," you're done.

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Step 4. Set the Ringtone on Your iPhone

Now that you've saved the file, set it as your ringtone on your iPhone.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap "Sounds & Haptics."
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3. Tap "Ringtone."

4. Select the file you just saved.

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Points to Note

YouTube videos are subject to copyright, so be sure to use the created ringtone only for personal use. Commercial use, including resale, is prohibited. Also, avoid uploading it to the internet, even if it's not for commercial purposes.

Transfer Audio Files Saved on Your Computer to Your iPhone

Here's how to set audio files saved on your computer as your iPhone ringtone.

Step 1. Adjust Playback Time in Apple Music

First, play the audio in Apple Music and adjust it to 30 seconds to use it as a ringtone.

  1. Play the audio in Apple Music and click the "..." next to the title.
  2. Select "Get Info."
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3. Click the "Options" tab.

4. Specify the start and end times of the portion you want to use as a ringtone. Adjust it to be 30 seconds long.

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Step 2. Create an AAC Version

Convert the file to an "AAC Version" to set it as a ringtone.

  1. Click "File" in the top menu bar.
  2. Click "Convert."
  3. Click "Create AAC Version."
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Step 3. Change the File Extension from .m4a to .m4r

Next, change the file extension from ".m4a" to ".m4r".

  1. In the Apple Music library, click the "..." next to the newly added AAC file title.
  2. Select "Show in Finder".
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3. Select the displayed file and tap with two fingers.

4. Change the extension from ".m4a" to ".m4r".

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5. If the file name changes to "filename.m4r", you're done.

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Step 4. Transfer to iPhone

Next, transfer the audio file to your iPhone.

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a cable and select your iPhone from "Locations" in Finder.

2. Drag and drop the created ".m4r" file into the "General" tab.

※ To make this process smoother, it's helpful to move the audio file to your desktop beforehand!

3. Click the "Sync" or "Apply" button.

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Step 5. Set the Ringtone on Your iPhone

Once the transfer is complete, set the ringtone on your iPhone.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap "Sounds & Haptics".
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3. Tap "Ringtone."

4. Select the file you just transferred from your computer.

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Points to Note

If you have trouble transferring the file to your iPhone, make sure both your Mac and iPhone are updated to the latest OS version.

Using Royalty-Free Music is Also Recommended

It’s also a good idea to use royalty-free music or BGM from websites that allow you to download music for free and set it as your ringtone. The downloaded audio can be imported to your iPhone using the same steps as "Transferring Audio Files Saved on Your Computer to Your iPhone."

Since these tracks are free from copyright issues, you can use them with peace of mind. Here are some recommended sites for downloading free music.

FREE BGM DOVA-SYNDROME

This site offers over 16,000 free BGM tracks and over 1,300 sound effects for download. All materials are royalty-free and can be used for any purpose, including commercial use. The site features various search options such as tags and composers.

Free BGM & Music Materials MusMus

This site allows you to download original BGM and sound effects for free without user registration. Additionally, you can edit and arrange the music as you like, making it perfect for customizing your ringtones. Be sure to read the guidelines before downloading.

Can't Use Music from Apple Music?

You cannot directly set downloaded songs from Apple Music as ringtones. This is because of copyright protections that prevent modification of the audio files.

If you really want to use a song from Apple Music, you’ll need to use an external tool to convert the audio to an MP3 or similar format. The methods introduced in this guide are the easiest and most reliable.

Paying Allows You to Use Various Songs Easily!

Although it requires payment, there is also a "Ringtone Store" on the iPhone where you can purchase ringtones.

Select "Settings" > "Sounds & Haptics" > "Ringtone," then tap "Ringtone/Alert Tone Store" at the top. Choose your favorite song, decide where to set it, and complete the purchase process.

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Enjoy setting your favorite songs as your ringtone!


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