How to Make iPhone Ringtones from Songs (M4R Guide)

Apple doesn't make it easy to set a custom ringtone. They want you to buy them from the iTunes Store. But with the right tools, you can turn any song into a ringtone for free.

In this guide, we'll show you the 2026 method to create M4R ringtones using AudioCutter.in and how to transfer them to your iPhone without a headache.

Why M4R? The iPhone Restriction

Unlike Android, which happily accepts MP3s as ringtones, iOS requires a specific format:

Format: AAC Audio
Extension: .m4r
Duration: Maximum 30 seconds

If your file doesn't meet these exact criteria, your iPhone won't recognize it as a ringtone. That's where our tool comes in.

Step 1: Create the Ringtone

Open the Ringtone Maker Tool.
Upload your song: We support MP3, WAV, FLAC, and more.
Select the best part: Use the waveform to find the chorus or the beat drop. Remember, you have a 30-second limit for iPhones.
Add Fades: A 1-second "Fade In" and "Fade Out" makes the ringtone sound professional and less jarring.
Select "iPhone (M4R)" format: This is crucial. Our tool will automatically convert and format the file correctly.
Download: Save the .m4r file to your computer (Mac or PC).

Step 2: Transfer to iPhone (The Modern Way)

In 2026, iTunes is long gone on macOS, but the process is still similar using Finder or the Apple Music app on Windows.

On Mac (macOS Catalina or later):

Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable.
Open Finder and select your iPhone from the sidebar.
Drag and drop the .m4r file from your Downloads folder directly onto the iPhone in the Finder window.
That's it! There is no progress bar, but it syncs instantly.

On Windows:

Connect your iPhone to your PC.
Open the Apple Devices app (or iTunes if on older Windows).
Drag and drop the .m4r file into the "Tones" section of your device.

Step 3: Set it on Your Phone

Once transferred, pick up your iPhone:

Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
Tap Ringtone.
Your new custom ringtone should appear at the very top of the list, above the default "Reflection" or "Radial" tones.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"File is too long" matches the most common error. If your clip is 30.5 seconds, it will fail. Use our tool to trim it to exactly 30 seconds or less.

"Wrong Format" usually means you renamed an MP3 to M4R. This doesn't work. You must convert the internal audio coding to AAC. Our Ringtone Maker handles this conversion automatically.