iOS 26 brought a major new feature: you can now add custom ringtones to the iPhone directly, without a computer or any complicated process. In previous versions of iOS, creating a ringtone required several steps through GarageBand or iTunes on a computer. With iOS 26, just a few taps are enough to turn any sound into a call ringtone. This change puts the iPhone on an equal footing with Android, where setting a custom ringtone has always been straightforward. In short, Apple simplified the previously lengthy process and now lets any user create and set custom ringtones in seconds, directly on the iPhone.
How to create custom ringtones in iOS 26 (step by step)
With iOS 26, there is a quick method to create a custom ringtone using only your iPhone. Before you start, make sure you have an audio file (in a compatible format such as MP3 or M4A) stored on the device (in the Files app or recorded in the Voice Memos app). Important: the audio clip must be a maximum of 30 seconds long, because iOS sets this as the limit for custom call ringtones. If needed, edit or trim the track to meet this limit. In addition, music protected by DRM (such as Apple Music tracks you have not purchased) cannot be used as a ringtone – use unprotected sound files instead. With this in mind, follow the steps below to create your custom ringtone in iOS 26:
Method: Use the new built-in feature in iOS 26
- Find the audio file on the iPhone: open the Files app (or another app where the audio sits, such as Voice Memos). Browse to the sound file you want to turn into a ringtone.
- Open the share menu: touch and hold the audio file until the context menu appears, then select Share. Alternatively, in a list, tap the share button (the square with an arrow icon) for that file.
- Choose the “Use as ringtone” option: in the iOS 26 share sheet, scroll through the options until you find Use sound as ringtone. Tap this option. Note: if you do not see it right away, tap More in the share menu to reveal hidden options.
- Confirm ringtone creation: iOS may take a few seconds to process the file. You do not need to enter a name for the ringtone (unlike older methods); the system adds it to the ringtone list automatically.
- Ringtone set: after these steps, the new custom ringtone is created and set as the iPhone’s default ringtone automatically. A confirmation may appear briefly on the screen. Your custom sound is now available under Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, customising ringtones on the iPhone with iOS 26 is now simple and accessible for everyone. Apple answered a long-standing user request by introducing a native feature to add custom ringtones directly on the iPhone, removing complex steps. You can now use that special song or a fun sound as your call ringtone in a few seconds, so every call feels more personal.
