How to Make a Ringtone from Any Song (Android & iPhone, Free)
The default ringtone is boring and ringtone apps are packed with ads. The good news: you can make your own ringtone from any song or audio clip in two minutes.
Step 1: get the audio file ready
If you have the song as an MP3 or M4A, you're set. If it's inside a video on your device, extract the audio first with Video to MP3. WhatsApp voice notes (opus) can be converted with Convert Audio.
Note: only use clips you own or have the right to use.
Step 2: cut the best part
- Open Cut Audio and drop your file in.
- Play it, press "Start here" at the right moment, then "End here".
- Aim for 20โ30 seconds.
- Turn on "Fade in & out" so the ringtone doesn't start abruptly.
- Pick the format: MP3 for Android, M4A for iPhone. Press "Start" and download.
Step 3: set it as a ringtone on Android
- Get the file onto your phone (easiest: download it directly on the phone).
- Settings โ Sounds & vibration โ Ringtone.
- Choose "Add" or "From storage" (the label varies by brand) and select your file.
On some phones you can also open the file in the Music app and tap โฎ โ "Set as ringtone".
Step 3: set it as a ringtone on iPhone
It takes a few more taps, but it's free with Apple's GarageBand app:
- Save the M4A file to the Files app.
- Open GarageBand and create a new project (for example with the Audio Recorder).
- Tap the tracks icon, then the loop icon, and import your file from Files.
- Drag the clip onto the track, then go back to "My Songs".
- Long-press the project โ Share โ Ringtone โ Export.
- Then choose "Use sound as" โ Standard Ringtone.
Apple accepts ringtones of up to about 30 seconds, which is why trimming first matters.
Tips for a better ringtone
- Pick a part that starts strong โ a soft intro won't be heard in a noisy place.
- 192 or 256 kbps is plenty; a phone speaker won't show any difference beyond that.
- Make different ringtones for important people so you know who's calling without looking.