How to set a custom ringtone on iPhone

1. Download the sound. Tap Download on the sound you want. On iPhone it saves to the Downloads folder in the Files app.
2. Open it in Files. Open the Files app, go to Downloads, and tap the sound to preview it.
3. Share → Use as Ringtone. Tap the Share button, scroll (tap More if needed) and choose Use as Ringtone. iOS opens Settings with the new sound selected.
4. Use it for alerts too. In Settings → Sounds & Haptics you can pick the same sound for Text Tone, Calendar Alerts or Reminder Alerts, or assign it to one contact.

On iOS 18 or earlier

On iOS 18 or earlier: import the file into GarageBand on your iPhone (Loops → Files → Browse items from the Files app), drag it onto a track, then in My Songs press and hold the project → Share → Ringtone → Export. On a Mac: connect your iPhone, select it in the Finder sidebar, and drag the .m4r file onto its window.

Questions

Can I set a downloaded sound as a ringtone without a computer?

Yes, on iOS 26: open the audio file in the Files app, tap Share, then Use as Ringtone. The file must be 30 seconds or shorter.

What format does an iPhone ringtone need?

On iOS 26, an M4A, M4R or MP3 file of 30 seconds or less works from the Share sheet. M4R is the classic ringtone format used when syncing from a Mac.

Why don't I see Use as Ringtone?

Make sure you're on iOS 26, the file is audio and under 30 seconds, then tap More in the Share sheet. Quitting and reopening Files can help.

Can I use it as a text tone or alarm?

Once it's added, it appears in Settings → Sounds & Haptics for ringtone, text tone and other alerts, and in the Clock app's alarm sound list.