How to Download iTunes Ringtones (10 Steps)

By Julius Vandersteen

Download iTunes ringtones to use on your cellphone.
i Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images News/Getty Images

When you get a call on your cellphone, it will play a sound, also known as a ringtone. If you don't like the default ringtones that came with your phone, you can obtain new ones made from segments of your favorite songs. Download new ringtones to your computer from Apple's iTunes Store using the free iTunes application. You can then transfer the ringtones from the computer to your phone. If you have an iPhone, you can download ringtones directly from iTunes or you can copy them from your computer. For other brands of cellphones, follow the manufacturer's instructions for transferring downloaded ringtones from iTunes to your phone.

Download Ringtones with a Computer

Step 1

Open a browser and navigate to Apple.com. Download the free iTunes application if you don't already have it; versions are available for the Mac and PC, although every Mac comes with iTunes installed by the factory.

Step 2

Connect your computer to the Internet and launch iTunes. If this is your first time using the application, follow the prompts to set up an iTunes account, providing your contact information and credit card details so you can purchase and download ringtones.

Step 3

Click on "iTunes Store."

Step 4

Type "Ringtones" in the search box. A list of music ringtones will appear. Click on the "Name," "Album," "Artist" or other category to sort them. Click on the ringtone to listen to a free preview.

Step 5

Click on the "Buy" button to download a ringtone to your computer. Click on "Purchased" in the left pane of the iTunes window to view the ringtones you've purchased. Double-click on a ringtone to play it.

Download Ringtones with an iPhone

Step 1

Tap the "iTunes" icon on the iPhone home screen when your iPhone is connected to the Internet. A connection to Apple's iTunes Store will be established.

Step 2

Tap "More."

Step 3

Tap "Ringtones."

Step 4

Tap "Featured," "Top Ten" or "Genres" and then browse the ringtones. Tap "Search" and type the name of a performer, album or song and then tap "Search." A list of results will appear, including songs, music videos and ringtones related to your search request.

Step 5

Tap on a ringtone to listen to a free preview. Tap on the ringtone's price to download it directly to your iPhone. When prompted, type your Apple ID so the download can be charged to the credit card associated with your iTunes account.

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