How to Create and Set a Custom Ringtone on Your iPhone 6s Plus
The iPhone 6s Plus remains a beloved device for many, thanks to its large screen, classic headphone jack, and reliable performance. While Apple provides a decent selection of built-in ringtones, nothing makes your phone feel truly yours like a custom alert sound. Whether you want your favorite song chorus, a iconic movie quote, or a retro video game sound effect to play when someone calls, creating a custom ringtone for your iPhone 6s Plus is entirely possible and completely free.
Because the iPhone 6s Plus runs up to iOS 15, you have two excellent methods to choose from. You can use a computer with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later), or you can do it entirely on your phone using Apple’s free GarageBand app. Here is how to use both methods to customize your sound.
The GarageBand Method (No Computer Required)
If you do not want to plug your phone into a computer, you can create a ringtone directly on your iPhone 6s Plus using GarageBand. Before you begin, ensure you have the audio file (like an MP3) saved in your iPhone’s Files app, or available in your unprotected music library.
Download GarageBand: Open the App Store, search for GarageBand, and download it if it isn’t already on your device.
Choose an Instrument: Open GarageBand and swipe through the options until you find the Audio Recorder. Tap it to open a new project.
Switch to Timeline View: Look at the top left corner and tap the icon that looks like a stack of horizontal bricks or tracks. This switches the app from an instrument view to a timeline view.
Turn Off the Metronome: Tap the blue triangle icon at the top to disable the metronome clicking sound, ensuring it does not record over your ringtone.
Import Your Audio: Tap the loop icon (it looks like a small cord loop or omega symbol) in the top right corner. Select the “Files” or “Music” tab, browse for your audio track, then press and hold the file to drag it onto the timeline.
Trim to 30 Seconds: iPhone ringtones must be 30 seconds or shorter. Tap the audio waveform on your timeline and use the yellow handles on the edges to trim the song to your favorite part.
Save the Project: Tap the downward-pointing arrow in the top-left corner and select “My Songs” to save your progress.
Export as Ringtone: Tap and hold your saved project card until a context menu appears. Scroll down and tap “Share,” then select the “Ringtone” option. Name your ringtone and hit “Export.”
Set the Sound: Once the export is complete, the app will ask if you want to use the sound immediately as your standard ringtone, text tone, or assign it to a specific contact.
The iTunes / Finder Method (Using a Computer)
If you prefer using a desktop or laptop, you can convert any standard audio file into an iOS-compatible ringtone format (.m4r) and sync it over.
Prepare the File: Open iTunes (or Finder on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later). Import the audio file you want to use into your library.
Set the Time Constraints: Right-click the track, select “Song Info” (or “Get Info”), and go to the “Options” tab. Check the “Start” and “Stop” boxes, then input a 30-second window for your ringtone. Click OK.
Convert to AAC: Select the shortened song. Go to File > Convert > Create AAC Version. A duplicate, shorter version of the track will appear in your library.
Locate and Rename the File: Right-click the newly created short track and select “Show in Windows Explorer” or “Show in Finder.” Change the file extension from .m4a to .m4r.
Transfer to iPhone 6s Plus: Connect your iPhone 6s Plus to your computer via a Lightning cable. In iTunes or Finder, locate your device icon. Simply drag and drop the renamed .m4r file directly into the “Tones” section of your connected device.
Activating Your New Ringtone
Once you have successfully exported or synced your file, setting it up on your iPhone 6s Plus is simple: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap “Sounds & Haptics.”
Select “Ringtone.”
Your new custom tone will appear at the very top of the list, right above the default “Reflection” tone. Tap it to select it.
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