What Format Do Ringtones Need to Be in for an iPhone?

Ringtones for an iPhone need to be in the M4R format. This format is essentially an AAC Advanced Audio Codec file and is specifically used for ringtones on iOS devices. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you convert your audio files into the M4R format and make them ready for your iPhone.

Key Points Regarding iPhone Ringtones

File Length: Ringtones must be 40 seconds or less. Conversion: If you have an audio file in another format like MP3, you can convert it to M4R using various audio editing software or online converters. Transfer to iPhone: Once you have the M4R file, you can transfer it to your iPhone using iTunes or Finder on macOS Catalina and later.

iPhone Ringtones: M4R File Format

The iPhone uses the M4R file format which has an AAC audio codec. This means that you can save your file in AAC .m4a and then change the extension to .m4r.

Converting MP3 Songs to M4R Ringtones for Your iPhone

If you already have an MP3 file which is less than 30 seconds, you can use a website to directly convert it to M4R and then import it to iTunes. However, if your song is longer, you can follow these steps to convert it:

Step 1 - Getting Songs into iTunes

Drag your song into the Music library window within iTunes.

Step 2 - Import Settings

Make sure your Import settings are set to AAC. This is the default setting, but to ensure, go into your iTunes Preferences - General and look for the Import Settings button near the middle right side. Select the AAC Encoder option in the top drop-down menu. The quality settings are up to you.

Step 3 - Convert Song to AAC

With the song selected, navigate to the Advanced Menu and use the Create AAC Version option. You will now have two copies of your song in your iTunes Library. The one that is highlighted is the non-AAC version. If you are unsure, you can get info on the files using keyboard combo Apple Key i on your Macs keyboard.

Step 4 - Convert “m4a” to “m4r”

Drag the newly created AAC version of your song from your iTunes Music Library window to your desktop. Press the Apple Key i combo again to get info on the music file. You should see something like this:

Change it to:

You may get asked if you are sure you want to change the extension. Select the m4r option and proceed.

Step 5 - Move Back into iTunes

Remove all traces of your original pre-converted songs from iTunes using the iTunes search tool to find them, and press the delete key to delete them.

Drag your new “m4r” ringtone into the iTunes Ringtones window, and your ringtone is now ready to be synced with your iPhone.

References

Please refer to the following resources for more information:

How to Convert an MP3 or M4A File to an iPhone Ringtone

Hope this helps. Happy conversion!