You can turn an audio file into a ringtone in iOS, without having to go through iTunes. We show you how to do this with the free Garage Band app.
If you want to use existing music as a ringtone for your iPhone, you’ll quickly find that iOS doesn’t make it easy for you. Thus, it is not possible to directly access the ringtones folder by connecting the smartphone to a PC, unlike Android. The operation is however achievable, with a few manipulations. Here’s how to do it with the apps installed on the iPhone.
1 – Download your audio file
Upload your audio file (WAV, MP3, AIFF or AAC) with a service like WeTransfer or Smash. You can also store it in the Files app from iCloud on your computer. Then launch Safari and download the file.
Then touch the choice Options, then Save to Files. Choose Downloads in the list and touch the button Record top right.
2 – Import the file into Garage Band
Garage Band is a music creation and audio editing app that is normally present on your iPhone. If not, you can download it for free.
Launch it and tap the button “+” at the top right to start a new project. Choose Audio Recorder scrolling through the screens with your finger, then touch the icon Voice.
Turn off the metronome (to the right of the red circle), then tap the third icon at the top from the left.
In the next window, tap the curls icon (second to last) at the top.
Select Files at the top of the screen, then at the bottom tap Browse items from the Files app.
Go to the folder Downloads and tap your audio file. It is then automatically added to the Garage Band files.
3 – Adjust the file according to your wishes
Then touch and hold the audio file to drag it to Track view. Using the knobs on either side, you adjust the start and end of the track. If it is too long, only the first 30 seconds will be recorded for the ringtone.
If you touch and hold the track, you can also access additional functions, for example trimming portions. To listen to the result of your changes, tap the play icon (white triangle next to the red circle) at the top of the screen.
4 – turn your audio track into a ringtone
Tap the triangle icon at the top left, then My songs.
Touch and hold your new song, then touch To share in the list that appears.
Touch Alarm in the screen that appears.
Name your ringtone, then tap Export top right. Then touch Use sound as … then choose Standard ringtone.
5 – Manage your ringtones
If you want to change the ringtone, go to your iPhone settings, then choose Sounds and vibrations and Alarm.
You can then choose a personalized ringtone, or go back to one of the many ringtones offered by Apple. And if you want to delete one of the ringtones you created, swipe horizontally to the left.