Up Your Media’s Custom iPhone Ringtones

I’ve always liked assigning custom ringtones and text tones to particular people on my iPhone.

Sometimes it’s useful. Sometimes it’s because a certain sound fits somebody’s personality so perfectly that not using it would feel like a missed opportunity.

This page has been around for quite a while, and while Apple has changed the way custom ringtones are installed over the years, the collection itself is still worth keeping.

The old process involved iTunes and syncing through a Tones tab. That was wonderfully simple, so naturally Apple replaced it with something a little more involved.

How to use these ringtones today

On a current iPhone, the easiest way to turn one of these audio files into a custom ringtone or text tone is with Apple’s free GarageBand app.

The basic process is:

Download the ringtone file to your iPhone and save it in the Files app.
Open GarageBand.
Create a new audio recording or project.
Open the Loops Browser and choose Files.
Import the downloaded audio file into the project.
Trim it if necessary.
Return to My Songs, select the project, tap Share, then choose Ringtone.
Name the ringtone and tap Export.

Once GarageBand finishes exporting it, you can use it as your standard ringtone, your text tone, or assign it directly to a particular contact.

Yes, it’s a few more steps than it used to be. Apparently custom ringtones must now be earned.

Assign a ringtone to a particular person

Once a custom ringtone is installed, you can assign it to a contact:

Open Contacts.
Select the person.
Tap Edit.
Choose Ringtone or Text Tone.
Select the custom sound you want to use.

This is still one of my favourite uses for custom tones. You can know who is calling before you even look at the phone, which is sometimes useful and sometimes a warning.

The Collection

Kung Fu Fighting

Download Kung Fu Fighting
400 KB · 25 second ringtone

You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate

Download You Sexy Thing
676 KB · 18 second ringtone

Borat – “Ooh-la-la, Wawaweewa”

Download Borat – “Ooh-la-la, Wawaweewa”
86 KB · 4 second text tone

A small piece of Up Your Media history

This is one of the older corners of the Up Your Media website, and I’ve kept it because people still occasionally find these files and enjoy them.

Technology changes quickly. Apparently quoting Napoleon Dynamite at somebody when they send you a text has a much longer shelf life.

And honestly, if your phone has to interrupt you, it might as well be funny about it.

Need help getting one onto your iPhone?

If GarageBand, Files and custom ringtones have turned what should have been a 30-second job into an afternoon project, Up Your Media can help.

We provide practical Apple support in Parksville, Qualicum Beach and throughout Central Vancouver Island.

Contact Up Your Media if you need a hand.