Creating ringtones in iOS 9

By Brooke, 15 November, 2015

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

Ever since I got my first iOS device, I've made my own ringtones on the computer, converted them to M4r format, and transferred them to my iPhone using iTunes. This is no longer working with my iPhone 6S running the latest version of iOS 9. Once I plug my phone in and sync tones, I get an error message saying the tone can't be transferred to my phone. Just to see what would happen, I transferred the same tone to my iPod 6 running the latest version of iOS 8, and it worked perfectly; I'm able to use the tone on that device. Anyone know of a work-around? I realize I can buy tones from iTunes, and I'm fine with doing that, but the one I want isn't yet available there.

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Comments

By Roxann Pollard on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 23:24

If you use the Apple Music subscription service, I suggest turning it off both on the phone and in iTunes. Then sync the ringtone to your device. Then reenable Appole Music on both sides.

HTH

By Lee on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 23:24

Hi Brooke, Have you done a force reboot? I've got IOS 9.1 and have just created a ringtone via itunes on windows and uploaded it no problem to my iPhone 6s. Just to be sure I created two 1 31 seconds that failed as expected and 1 29 seconds that had no issues.

By Brooke on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 23:24

Lee, thanks for letting me know it worked for you. Mine was 29 seconds, so at least I know length isn't the issue. I may do a backup and full restore, see if that fixes anything.

By raaj on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 23:24

Is it only 29 seconds? I thought we can have up to 40 seconds. which one is right? I'm confused.

Raaj.

By DudeLove721 on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 23:24

I have several custom ringtones that are 40 seconds, so length shouldn't be an issue up to that point.

On a semi-related note, what are some accessible and easy to use ringtone makers? I used to have an easy time doing this with waved in Windows, but haven't had the same luck since switching to my mac mini.

By Lee on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 23:24

All, from what i've read and from personal experience a iPhone ringtone can be no longer than 30 seconds. I normally do mine for 29 seconds. Never tried 29.99 but I guess that would work. As previously stated when doing a 31 second length tone itunes stopped me from uploading it stating it was to long. Not sure how people have a 40 second one. Maybe apple built-in tones are different.

By tunmi13 on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - 23:24

You can also use GarageBand to create your custom ringtones.
Create a ringtone in GarageBand with any instrument (no longer than 30 seconds.) Then go to My Songs > and something that should say Select or Edit > Tap Your Song > Share > Save As Ringtone (the one with the bell icon) > Name Your Ringtone > Export. Boom! No computer needed! No iTunes! :)

By raaj on Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 23:24

Hello kind people,

I'm still unsure of the time length for a ringtone. Whether it has to be within 30 seconds? Or 40? Kindly clear my doubt please.

And also, if anyone could guide me to prepare ringtone with garage band, please give me the link for tutorial or podcast.

Raaj.

By Lielle ben simon on Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 23:24

Hi! Ringtones is limit for 40 seconds

By gailisaiah on Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 23:24

Hi Jani, I don't have iTunes and want to find that tutorial on transferring ringtones with it. I don't really care for a lot of the pre-installed tones that come with the phone. I've never added ringtones and will give this other way a try. Thanks.

By tunmi13 on Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 23:24

It is limited to 30 sec, it might be shorter or longer for Android, but their tones are way better and I really want the one called Walk in The Forest or something like that.

By Toonhead on Saturday, June 25, 2016 - 23:24

I keep seeing people say either 30 or 40 seconds...can we get a definiative answer?