iPhone Purchased Ringtones FAQ

Purchased ringtone information—from an iPhone

1. How do I purchase a ringtone from the iTunes Store on my iPhone?

Purchased ringtone information—from a computer

1. How do I create and purchase a ringtone from the iTunes Store on my computer?
2. How can I tell which songs can be used to create ringtones?
3. Can I customize the length of time between ringtone repeats?
4. Can I preview my ringtone before I create it?
5. How do I create a good ringtone?
6. How long can my ringtone be?
7. I created a ringtone. Where can I find it?
8. Can I use my ringtone on any phone?

General ringtone information

1. How do I add the ringtone to my iPhone?
2. How do I assign a ringtone to a specific contact?
3. How do I set a ringtone as my default ringtone?

This section refers to ringtones purchased from the iTunes Store on an iPhone

1. How do I purchase a ringtone from the iTunes Store on my iPhone?

View the iPhone User Guide to see steps for purchasing ringtones directly from your iPhone using iPhone OS 3.1 software or later.

Learn more about using the iTunes Store for iPhone.

Note: Ringtones are available for purchase in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.

This section refers to ringtones created and purchased from the U.S. iTunes Store on a computer

1. How do I create and purchase a ringtone through the U.S. iTunes Store on my computer?

View steps to create a ringtone from your computer.

Find information on how to use GarageBand 4.1.1 or later to export your original song, your original audio recordings, or how to use Apple Loops and iLife jingles to create a custom ringtone for your iPhone.

2. How can I tell which songs can be used to create custom ringtones?

From your iTunes Music Library, select a song that you've purchased from the iTunes Store.

Choose Store > Create Ringtone

If a song is eligible for custom ringtone creation, the Ringtone Editor appears at the bottom of the screen. If a song is not eligible, you will see the message: "This song cannot be made into a ringtone."

You can also choose View > View Options and select the Ringtone checkbox to display ringtone-eligible songs.

3. Can I customize the length of time between ringtone repeats?

Yes. You can set the desired delay using the Looping menu in the Ringtone Editor.

4. Can I preview my ringtone before I create it?

Click Preview to hear your ringtone before purchasing it.

5. How do I create a good ringtone?

If possible, start and end your ringtone at natural breaks in the song — the audio waveform can help you find these spots. Or use the Fade In or Fade Out feature to ensure a smooth transition between rings.

6. How long can my ringtone be?

Ringtones can be up to 30 seconds.

7. I created a ringtone. Where can I find it?

To see all the ringtones you've created, click Ringtones on the left side of the iTunes window.

8. Can I use my ringtone on any phone?

Ringtones created with iTunes are designed exclusively for the iPhone.

For information on how to use GarageBand ’08 or later to create ringtones for your third-party phone using your original song, your original audio recordings, or Apple Loops and iLife jingles, click here.

This section contains general ringtone information

1. How do I add the ringtone to my iPhone?

Simply sync your iPhone to your computer.

2. How do I assign a ringtone to a specific contact?

On your iPhone, go to the Home screen. Tap Phone and then tap Contacts. Choose a contact, tap Ringtone and select a new ringtone. When that contact calls, you will hear that ringtone.

3. How do I set a ringtone as my default ringtone?

To set a ringtone as your default ringtone, go to the Home screen on your iPhone. Tap Settings > Sounds > Ringtone, and then choose a ringtone. This will become your default ringtone.