Making customized ringtones for your phone is a great way to personalize your device and make sure your phone stands out when it rings. While you used to have to use specialized software to make ringtones, nowadays you can easily make them online with just a few simple steps.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make an online ringtone, from picking the perfect audio clip to optimizing the file for your phone. We’ll also cover how to get the ringtone onto your device so you can start using your new creation. Read on to learn how to make a customized ringtone in just a few minutes!
Step 1: Pick an Audio Clip for Your Ringtone
The first step in making an online ringtone is choosing the audio clip you want to use. This will become the sound that plays when someone calls your phone. You have a few different options:
Use a Song Clip
One of the most popular choices for custom ringtones is to use a short clip from a favorite song. This lets you set a recognizable tune as your ringtone so you know right away it’s your phone ringing.
Just make sure to pick a song you have the rights to use. You can legally use short clips of songs you’ve purchased yourself. Streaming them from a music app doesn’t count as purchasing the song file itself.
Record a Personalized Message
You can also record a personalized sound bite to use for your ringtone. For example, you can record yourself saying “Hi, this is John’s phone” or something funny that will make you laugh every time your phone rings.
Just record the message through an app or your phone’s voice recorder. Then you can upload the file later in the process.
Use a Sound Effect
Another option is to use a unique sound effect, like a bird chirping, a siren, or a vintage phone ringing. This allows you to get really creative with the types of sounds you set as your ringtone.
There are lots of free sound effect libraries online to browse through. Find one you like in an MP3 format you can download.
Convert a YouTube Video
You can also use online tools to extract just the audio from a YouTube video to use as your ringtone. This could be a funny viral video, a cute animal sound, or anything else you can find on YouTube.
Just copy the video’s URL into an online audio converter to download only the audio portion.
Step 2: Trim the Audio Clip
Once you’ve picked out the perfect audio for your ringtone, you need to trim it down to size. Most phones can only support ringtones that are 30 seconds or less.
Use an audio editing program like Audacity or GarageBand to open the full audio file. Then select just a short portion, usually around 10-20 seconds.
Make sure you choose the most recognizable part that will be obvious when played as a ringtone. Cut any dead space or long intros/outros so you’re left with just the key sound bite.
Step 3: Convert to MP3 Format
The next step is to convert your edited audio clip to the MP3 format. This compact file type is supported by most phones as a ringtone.
In your audio editor, go to File > Export to save a copy of the trimmed sound bite as an MP3 file. The standard settings should work fine.
You may also need to convert files like WAV, FLAC, or M4A to MP3. You can use an online audio converter to change these other formats to MP3 if your editing program doesn’t support it.
Step 4: Optimize MP3 Settings
With your audio clip converted to an MP3 file, you now need to adjust the settings so it works properly as a ringtone. Here are the key settings to change:
Set a Low Bitrate
Lower the bitrate of the MP3 down to 64 or 96 kbps. The standard setting is usually too high for ringtones.
Make the Sample Rate 22.050 kHz
Change the sample rate to 22.050 kHz. This compact setting is ideal for ringtones.
Set Mono Channel
Switch the audio to a mono channel instead of stereo. Mono uses less space.
Add Fade In/Out
Add a quick fade in and fade out of about 0.25 seconds to prevent any popping.
Tweaking these settings will optimize the audio for use as a ringtone and help it take up less storage space on your phone.
Step 5: Check File Size
Once your MP3 file is formatted properly for a ringtone, check that the file size is under 1 MB. Most phones can only support ringtones up to 1 MB or so.
Overly large files may not work properly when transferred to your phone. Use a program like File Explorer to check the file size. If needed, re-export your file with lower settings to shrink it down.
Shoot for a file size under 300 KB for maximum compatibility across device types.
Step 6: Upload File to Ringtone Website
Now that you have a perfectly optimized ringtone MP3 file, it’s time to get it ready for your phone.
The easiest way is to upload your file to a ringtone website that will take care of converting it to work on any device. Here are some top options:
Audiko
One of the most popular ringtone sites, Audiko has mobile apps and lets you upload MP3s for conversion.
Zedge
Zedge has a huge selection of ringtones and lets you upload your own. Their mobile app also syncs new ringtones.
Mobiring
Mobiring offers basic ringtone tools for converting MP3s on desktop and mobile.
Uploading to these sites converts your file properly for mobile and generates a download link.
Step 7: Transfer Ringtone to Your Phone
The last step is getting your new ringtone onto your phone to start using it. Here are a few ways to transfer it:
Download Directly on Smartphone
If you used a ringtone website like the ones above, open the link on your smartphone and download it directly. Follow prompts to add the ringtone file and save it.
Connect with USB Cable
You can also connect your phone to your computer via USB and transfer the ringtone file manually. Make sure to move it into the Ringtones folder.
Send via Email
Email the ringtone file to yourself, then open it on your phone and save it to Ringtones. Make sure to attach the MP3 file, not just send a download link.
Use Cloud Storage
Upload the ringtone to cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive. Then on your phone, download it from the cloud app and save it to Ringtones.
Set Your New Ringtone
Once transferred, open Settings on your phone and go to Sounds. Here you can select Ringtones and choose your new creation to start using it.
Now when your phone rings, you’ll hear your personalized ringtone and never mix it up with someone else’s again. Enjoy your unique sound!
Troubleshooting Tips
Check the File Type
If your ringtone isn’t working, make sure the file is actually saved as an MP3. Other file types may not load properly. Re-convert the file if needed.
Try a Smaller File Size
Large ringtone files can cause issues on some phones. Try compressing it down to under 300 KB for maximum compatibility.
Confirm Proper Folder Location
Double check that the ringtone file is saved in the proper Ringtones folder on your phone’s storage. If placed elsewhere, it won’t appear as a ringtone.
Reboot Your Phone
Try restarting your phone if the ringtone still isn’t appearing in your settings. Rebooting can clear any caching issues.
Consult Your Phone’s Instructions
Finally, refer to your specific phone’s instructions for transferring ringtone files if you can’t get it working. Different smartphone models may have slightly different procedures.
Make Custom Ringtones for Friends & Family
Once you get the hang of making your own ringtones online, you can start creating custom ones to share with family and friends too.
Surprise your best friend with a silly sound effect ringtone or make your spouse laugh every time you call by setting a funny song clip. The options are endless!
Personalized ringtones make excellent gifts for birthdays, holidays and more. They show you put time into crafting something meaningful for your loved ones whenever they get a call from you.
Take Your Ringtones to the Next Level
Looking to take your ringtone skills to the next level? Here are some advanced options:
Merge Multiple Audio Clips
Use audio editing software to chain together different sounds for a unique combo ringtone.
Add Audio Effects
Spice up your ringtone by adding audio effects like reverb or distortion. Just don’t overdo it.
Mix in Famous Quotes
Incorporate motivational quotes or movie lines with your ringtone audio for inspiring messages.
Change Volume Levels
Use volume fades and dynamic effects to make certain words or sounds pop out more.
Set Unique Ringtones for Contacts
Assign special custom ringtones for your closest contacts so you know who’s calling instantly.
The creative possibilities are endless for making the perfect ringtone!
Conclusion
Making your own custom ringtones online is easy and fun. Just pick an audio clip, trim it down, optimize the file settings, and transfer to your phone. You’ll be able to set your creation as your new ringtone within minutes.
Plus you can make personalized ringtones for friends and family for a special gift. Take your ringtones up a notch by getting fancy with editing effects too.
A custom ringtone ensures you never miss an important call again. And it lets you show off your style or sense of humor every time your phone rings.
With the simple steps in this guide, you’ll be a ringtone making expert in no time!