How to set or change a ringtone on a smartphone

Updated: 11/06/2021 by Computer Hope
Smartphone ringtone

Smartphones today have many features that offer personalization and convenience. One feature is the ability to customize ringtones. Changing the ringtone on your device can set you apart from others or let you hear your favorite song when someone calls.

To proceed, choose your smartphone's operating system from the list below and follow the instructions.

Change the ringtone on an Android

Android smartphones have many different manufacturers, and their operating system features and layouts are somewhat different. Consequently, the steps for your device may vary slightly from those listed below.

  1. Open the Settings Android gear app.
  2. Scroll down and tap the Sound & vibration option.

Android Pixel sound & vibration

  1. Scroll down and tap the Advanced option.

Android Pixel advanced sound settings.

  1. Scroll down and tap the Phone ringtone option.

Android Pixel phone ringtone option.

  1. Depending on your device, the ringtones are displayed in a list or a folder. If they are in a folder, tap the desired folder.

Pixel phone ringtone folders.

  1. Choose the ringtone that best suits your needs. You can also tap each one to hear how they would sound.
  2. Tap Save to save the new ringtone selection.

Android Pixel ringtone listing.

    Change the ringtone on an iPhone

    The following steps show you how to set the ringtone on your iPhone.

  1. Tap the Settings option.

iPhone settings

  1. Tap the Sounds & Haptics option.

iPhone sounds & haptics

  1. Under Sounds and Vibration Patterns, tap the Ringtone option.

iPhone ringtone options.

  1. Scroll through and tap each ringtone (A) to play it. After deciding on the ringtone to use, tap to select it. Then, tap Back (B) to save it as your ringtone.

iPhone ringtone select option.

  1. If you don't like the ringtones pre-loaded on the iPhone, tap Tone Store to see different ringtones available for download.

iPhone Tone Store option.