How to Add Ringtones to iPhone in 2025

Most iPhone users stick with the default ringtones because changing them feels unnecessarily complicated. The traditional iTunes method involves multiple steps, file conversions, and format restrictions that make the process frustrating. While you can buy ringtones from the iTunes Store, adding custom ringtones to iPhone through Apple's official method remains cumbersome.

Two desktop applications—iRingg and WALTR PRO—simplify this process dramatically. Both let you add ringtones to an iPhone through drag-and-drop functionality, bypassing iTunes entirely. These solutions work on both PC or Mac systems.

Psst. This quick video will walk you through the first solution in a minute:

Method 1: Using iRingg for YouTube and SoundCloud Tracks

iRingg transforms any song from YouTube or SoundCloud into an iPhone ringtone. The app handles the conversion, trimming, and transfer process automatically—no need to use iTunes or make a ringtone manually.

What makes iRingg different:

• Connects to your iPhone wirelessly after initial setup

• Access to millions of songs from YouTube and SoundCloud

• Built-in trimming tools with sound effects (SndMojis)

• Recommends tracks based on your music library

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Download and launch iRingg

Download the free trial from the official iRingg page. Connect your iPhone using a USB cable. The "For You" tab displays personalized ringtone suggestions based on your existing music library.

Use the search function to find songs from YouTube or SoundCloud, or upload audio files directly from your computer.

Step 2: Edit your ringtone

The built-in editor lets you trim songs to your preferred length. You can also set custom ringtones from existing files or set ringtones from files already on your device. If you want to edit the sound file further, the app includes professional-grade tools.

Add SndMoji effects to make your ringtone unique—these are sound effects that layer over your chosen track. This helps you make a custom ringtone that stands out from standard options.

Step 3: Transfer to iPhone

Click 'Export' then 'Push to iPhone.' The ringtone transfers immediately to your device using Softorino's UCB technology. This creates a direct iPhone to your PC connection without requiring iTunes with a modern iPhone.

Access your new ringtone through Settings > Sounds > Ringtone on your iPhone. Your custom ringtone will appear at the top of the list. iRingg also lets you create ringtones for FaceTime calls.

Method 2: Using WALTR PRO for Existing Audio Files

WALTR PRO works with any sound file you already have on your computer. Unlike iRingg, it handles multiple file formats and doesn't require you to trim full songs—you can use entire tracks as ringtones. This provides an alternative to add custom ringtone to your iPhone without using iTunes on Windows or macOS Catalina systems.

Converting Audio Files to Ringtone Format

Step 1: Change file extension

Take any M4A audio file and change its file extension from '.m4a' to '.m4r'. This simple change converts it to iPhone's ringtone format with the m4r extension.

When you change the extension, your computer will ask for confirmation. Right-click the file and select 'Use .m4r' to proceed.

Step 2: Open WALTR PRO

Download WALTR PRO on your computer. The interface is minimal—no complex menus or confusing settings.

Step 3: Connect your iPhone

Plug in your iPhone using a USB cable. Alternatively, click the settings wheel and select 'Enable Wi-Fi Connectivity' for wireless transfers.

Step 4: Drag and drop

Simply add the sound file by dragging your M4R file into the WALTR PRO window. The transfer takes about 3 seconds to put ringtones on your device.

Step 5: Select your ringtone

On your iPhone, unlock your iPhone and tap Settings > Sounds > Ringtone. Choose your custom ringtone from the list that appears.

Key Differences Between Methods

Choose iRingg if you want to:

• Create ringtones from YouTube or SoundCloud

• Add sound effects to your ringtones

• Get personalized song recommendations

• Trim and edit audio within the app

Choose WALTR PRO if you want to:

• Use existing audio files from your computer

• Keep full songs as ringtones (no trimming required)

• Transfer multiple file types beyond just ringtones

• Handle various audio formats (MKV, AVI, FLAC, APE, AIFF)

• Set a song as a ringtone without iTunes dependency

Quick Comparison: iRingg vs WALTR PRO

Why These Apps Beat iTunes

The traditional iTunes method requires multiple steps: editing track times, converting to AAC format, changing file extensions, and adding files to iTunes' Tones tab. Both iRingg and WALTR PRO reduce this to a simple drag-and-drop process, eliminating the need to use iTunes for ringtone management.

Wireless Transfer Capability

Both apps support wireless transfers after initial setup. This means you can add new ringtones without connecting your iPhone to your computer every time—particularly convenient if you frequently change ringtones or want to add them quickly.

Managing Your Custom Ringtones

Both applications allow you to delete any ringtones from your device when you no longer need them. WALTR PRO automatically places different file types in their appropriate iPhone folders—movies go to the default music app, ePubs to iBooks, and ringtones to the Sounds settings. You want to set up this organization once, and the app handles file placement automatically.

Get Started with Custom iPhone Ringtones

Whether you want a 15-second audio clip from your favorite show or a full song that captures your personality, iRingg and WALTR PRO offer modern, hassle-free alternatives to iTunes. Both apps eliminate Apple's complicated conversion process and deliver custom ringtones in minutes, not hours.

Stop settling for default ringtones that sound like everyone else's phone. Download either app, pick your favorite audio, and start using ringtones that actually reflect your style.

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