How to Change Ringtone on iPhone 13 (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

Changing the ringtone on your iPhone 13 is one of the simplest ways to personalize your device and make it truly yours. Whether you want a classic Apple sound, a trending music track, or even your own custom ringtone, iOS gives you several easy options.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to change your ringtone, set custom tones, use songs, and download new ringtones, all explained step-by-step in clear, simple language.


Why Customize Your iPhone 13 Ringtone?

Choosing a new ringtone isn’t just about style—it’s also practical.
Here are a few reasons why people change their ringtone:

  • To easily identify incoming calls in public.

  • To avoid confusing your ringtone with someone else’s.

  • To express your personality through sound.

  • To set different tones for different contacts.

  • To use a favorite song as your call alert.

The good news? Setting and changing a ringtone on iPhone 13 only takes a few seconds.


How to Change the Ringtone on iPhone 13 (Quick Steps)

Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Scroll down and tap Sounds & Haptics.

  3. Tap Ringtone.

  4. Browse the list and tap any sound to preview it.

  5. Select the ringtone you want — a checkmark will appear next to it.

That’s it! Your new ringtone is set instantly.


1. How to Change Ringtone on iPhone 13 (Detailed Guide)

Step 1: Open Settings

Unlock your iPhone and tap the Settings icon from the home screen.

Step 2: Go to Sounds & Haptics

Scroll down until you see Sounds & Haptics. This section controls all sound-related options on your device.

Step 3: Tap Ringtone

Under the “Sounds and Vibration Patterns” heading, tap Ringtone.

Step 4: Choose a Ringtone

You will see a list of default iPhone tones, including classic sounds like:

  • Reflection

  • Opening

  • Silk

  • Beacon

  • By the Seaside

Tap any one to hear a preview.

Step 5: Select Your Favorite

Once you tap the ringtone you want, it becomes the new default ringtone for all incoming calls.


2. How to Download New Ringtones on iPhone 13

If you want something more unique, you can download new ringtones. There are two main ways:

Option A: Use iTunes Store

  1. Open the iTunes Store app.

  2. Tap More (three dots).

  3. Select Tones.

  4. Browse popular or featured ringtones.

  5. Tap the price button to buy and download.

  6. It will appear automatically in your Ringtone list.

Option B: Use Third-Party Ringtone Apps

Apps like:

  • Zedge

  • Ringtones for iPhone

  • Tuunes

These apps provide a wide collection of free and paid ringtones.

Note: Many third-party apps require you to use GarageBand to set the ringtone (explained below).


3. How to Set a Custom Ringtone Using a Song (Without Computer)

You can turn any song or audio file into a ringtone using GarageBand, which is free on the App Store.

Steps to Set a Custom Song as Ringtone:

  1. Install GarageBand from the App Store.

  2. Open the app and tap Audio Recorder.

  3. Tap the Tracks View icon (looks like bricks).

  4. Import your song (from Files or Music Library).

  5. Trim the audio to 30 seconds or less (Apple’s limit).

  6. Tap the arrow icon in the top-left corner.

  7. Choose My Songs.

  8. Hold the file → tap Share.

  9. Select Ringtone.

  10. Name the ringtone and tap Export.

  11. Tap Use Sound As… → Standard Ringtone.

Done! Your custom song is now your iPhone 13 ringtone.


4. How to Set a Specific Ringtone for a Contact

You can assign unique ringtones for family, friends, or work contacts.

Steps:

  1. Open the Contacts app.

  2. Choose the contact you want to edit.

  3. Tap Edit (top-right).

  4. Scroll and tap Ringtone.

  5. Select the tone you want.

  6. Tap Done.

Now you’ll know exactly who is calling without looking at your screen.


5. How to Use Vibration Patterns with Your Ringtone

iPhone 13 allows custom vibration patterns for calls.

Here’s how:

  1. Go to Settings → Sounds & Haptics.

  2. Select Ringtone.

  3. Tap Vibration.

  4. Choose from common patterns or tap Create New Vibration.

  5. Tap the screen to create your own vibration rhythm.

This is especially useful if your phone is often on silent.


6. What to Do If Your Ringtone Is Not Working

If you changed your ringtone but don’t hear it, try:

Fix 1: Increase the Volume

Go to Settings → Sounds & Haptics and adjust the Ringer and Alerts slider.

Fix 2: Check Silent Mode Switch

Make sure the Ring/Silent switch on the side of your iPhone isn’t set to silent (orange = silent).

Fix 3: Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes a simple restart fixes sound issues.

Fix 4: Re-select the Ringtone

Go back to Ringtone and choose another tone, then switch back.


7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use my Spotify song as a ringtone?

No, Spotify songs are DRM-protected. You must use a non-protected audio file.

Q2: Does iPhone 13 support MP3 ringtones?

Yes, but you must convert and set them through GarageBand.

Q3: Why can’t I find the Tones section?

Apple removed it from Finder/iTunes for newer iPhones. GarageBand is now the primary method.


Final Thoughts

Changing the ringtone on your iPhone 13 is simple and offers endless customization options. Whether you prefer classic iPhone tones, downloaded sounds, or custom-made ringtones, iOS gives you full control over your audio experience.

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