How to change your ringtone on mobile devices

Imagine you’re in a crowded area and hear a ringtone. In response, you pull out your phone and reveal no new notifications.

You hear the same sound after turning at a street, so you pull out your phone. Again, the same result. What if you could have a unique notification sound?

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Thankfully, you have options beyond your phone’s built-in sounds. Learn how to download ringtones for Apple and Android devices with these steps.

Create your custom ringtone

Do you want to use songs from music streaming services like Spotify as your ringtone? Unfortunately, these services don’t allow you to use their songs.

Instead, you should download those songs as MP3 or AAC files into your phone. If you have an Android, download Zedge or other ringtone downloaders. 

If you have an iPhone, install iTunes and buy them from there. Alternatively, you may download them from third-party apps and websites, but they may contain malware. 

Set your Android ringtone

Follow these steps once you have your favorite songs as MP3 or AAC files. These only work for devices running Android 13 or later:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Next, tap Sound & vibration.  
3. Then, select Phone ringtone and then My Sounds.
4. Tap the (+) icon in the lower-right corner.
5. Choose the audio file you want from your phone directory.
6. Afterward, tap Save. 

Perhaps you want a unique tune for your partner or your parents. Use these steps to assign a specific ringtone for them:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Select your desired contact.
3. Next, tap the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner. 
4. Tap Set ringtone. 
5. Select My Sounds and then the (+) icon.
6. Then, choose the audio file you want.
7. Afterward, select Save. 

Set your iPhone or iPad ringtone

If you have an iPhone or iPad, follow these steps from the official Apple support website:

1. Head to Settings and then tap Sound & Haptics.
2. Tap the sound you want to change. 
3. Then, select your desired alert tone. 

Assign a specific ring alert for certain contacts with these steps:

1. Open the Contacts app and tap your desired contact.
2. Then, tap Edit.
3. Tap Ringtone or Text Tone.
4. Afterward, choose a new sound.