Creating custom audio that you can set as a ringtone or alarm on your iPhone is known to be a tedious process. Earlier, you had to edit an audio file using iTunes, convert it to .M4R file type, transfer it to your iPhone, and only then you could use it as a ringtone or alarm.

Fortunately, things have changed for the better. Using the method described in this guide, you only need your iPhone, the GarageBand app, and the audio file that you wish to use.

To give you a gist of the process, you would first need to download and save the audio file in the 'Files' app on your iPhone. Then, use the GarageBand app to edit and convert it into a custom ringtone. After this, you can set it as an alarm or a ringtone for calls on your iPhone.

How to Download an Audio File on your iPhone

The first step towards creating a custom alarm sound or ringtone for your iPhone is to ensure you have the audio file downloaded.

Note: The process to download an audio file remains largely similar on various platforms. For your better understanding, we are showcasing two major ways here.

Downloading an Audio file from a URL:

  • Open the audio file URL you wish to download in a new tab in Safari.
  • Tap on the 'Share' button below the address bar.
  • Select 'Save to Files' from the sharing menu.
  • Navigate to the folder where you want to save the audio file and tap on 'Save' in the top right corner.

Downloading an audio file from WhatsApp:

  • Open the WhatsApp Chat where you have the audio file.
  • Tap and hold over the audio file in WhatsApp.
  • Select 'Forward' from the overlay menu.
  • After selecting the file, tap the 'Share' icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
  • Then, select 'Save to Files' from the sharing menu.
  • On the subsequent screen, select a folder and tap on the 'Save' button in the top right corner of the screen to save the audio file.

Creating a Custom Ringtone Using GarageBand

  1. Launch the 'GarageBand' app on your iPhone. If you don't have it, download and install it from the App Store link below.
‎GarageBand
‎GarageBand turns your iPad and iPhone into a collection of Touch Instruments and a fully featured recording studio — so you can make music anywhere you go. And with Live Loops, it makes it easy for anyone to have fun creating music like a DJ. Use Multi-Touch gestures to play keyboards and guitars,…
App StoreApple
  1. Swipe left to navigate and tap on 'Audio Recorder'.
  1. On the subsequent screen, tap on the 'Bars' icon in the top left.
  1. Tap on the 'Loop' icon in the top right to proceed. This will bring a floating screen to your window.
  1. Select the 'Files' tab. Then, tap on the 'Browse items from the Files app' option.
  1. On the next screen, locate the downloaded file and tap on it.
  1. After that, long-tap on the file to load it on the editing board.
  1. The audio file will be loaded on the editing screen. If you wish to trim the audio from the beginning or end of the file, drag the sliders on either end. To preview the edited file, tap on the 'Play' icon.
  1. If you wish to delete, snip, or loop the loaded audio file, tap on it and select the desired action.
  1. Once you have edited the audio to your desired length, tap on 'Chevron' in the top left. Then, select 'My Songs' to continue.
  1. On the next screen, long press the newly created audio file.
  1. Select 'Share' from the overlay menu.
  1. Tap on 'Ringtone' to proceed.
  1. Now, provide an appropriate name for the ringtone that is easily identifiable. Finally, tap on 'Export'.

Setting Custom Audio as an Alarm

  1. Launch the 'Clock' app and head to the 'Alarms' tab. Tap on the alarm for which you wish to set the custom tone.
  1. Select the 'Sound' option to continue.
  1. You shall be able to see your custom audio under the 'Ringtones' section. Tap on the ringtone you created previously using Garage Band. Once selected, tap on 'Back'.
  1. Tap 'Save' to apply the changes.

Setting Custom Audio as a Ringtone

  1. Launch the 'Settings' app and choose 'Sounds & Haptics'.
  1. Tap on 'Ringtone' to proceed.
  1. You shall be able to see the custom ringtone in the list. Tap on it to select.

That's it. Setting a custom ringtone or alarm used to be a very tedious process that involved iTunes earlier. Fortunately, using the GarageBand app, you can quickly and easily make your own custom tone to set it as an alarm or ringtone for your iPhone.