Say Goodbye to GarageBand; You Can Set Custom Ringtones on Your iPhones Natively with iOS 26

By Mehtab Ansari • Updated On 13 Jun 2025

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iOS 26 is packed with headline features like the new Liquid Glass design and some AI tools, but Apple has also quietly added a bunch of small but super useful changes that many users might have missed. One of those is something iPhone users have been asking for forever: setting any audio file as your custom ringtone directly, without needing an external app like GarageBand, a Mac, or complicated workarounds.

ALSO READ: iPadOS 26 vs. iPadOS 18: New Liquid Glass Design, Windowing System For Multitasking, And Other Additions

Here’s how you can set a custom ringtone on your iPhone

Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 26.
Save the audio file you want to use in Files, Voice Memos, or any compatible app.
Trim the audio file to 30 seconds or less using any audio editor or the built-in Voice Memos editing tools.
Open the trimmed audio file and tap the Share button.
Scroll down in the share sheet and select Use as Ringtone.
The custom ringtone will now appear in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.
You can set it as your default ringtone or assign it to specific contacts.

ALSO READ: WWDC 2025: How to Install iOS 26 on Your iPhone?

That’s it. No Mac required, no GarageBand projects, no file conversions. Just a few taps, and your custom ringtone is set. If you ever want to delete it, simply swipe left on the ringtone inside the list and hit Delete.

ALSO READ: iOS 26 Wallpaper Now Available in 4K: Download Now

ALSO READ: iOS 26 is Official: Check Out 30 New Features

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Mehtab Ansari

Mehtab Ansari is the Assistant Editor – Features & Reviews at Smartprix, where he writes about smartphones, laptops, audio gear, and everything in between. A computer science student by degree but a tech nerd by heart, he’s been into consumer tech for years and started reviewing products professionally in February 2024. He’s especially into photography and audio, often spending more time testing a smartphone’s camera than he probably should. For him, tech isn’t just work, it’s what he’s always thinking about.

Expertise

Smartphones, laptops, tablets, monitors, smartwatches, photography, and audio gear. I’ve reviewed over 60 products across these categories on Smartprix in the past year and a half.

Education - Bachelor of Computer Applications – Nizam College, Hyderabad (2022–2025) | Joined Smartprix -February 2024 | Published Reviews & Stories - 723

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