How to change the ringtone on an iPhone
2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Open Settings, tap Sounds & Haptics, then Ringtone, and tap a sound to hear and select it. You can give single contacts their own ringtone in the Contacts app.
The default ringtone sounds like everyone else's. Changing it takes a few taps, and a different tone for close family tells you who is calling without looking.
Menu names are from iOS 26. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.
Step by step
Open Settings and tap Sounds & Haptics
It is in the main Settings list.
Tap Ringtone
It is under Sounds and Haptic Patterns.
Tap a tone to try it
Each tap plays the sound and selects it. Classic, further down, holds the older tones.
Set a tone for one person
Open Contacts, choose the person, tap Edit, then Ringtone, and pick a sound. Tap Done.
Good to know
Text Tone, on the same page, changes the sound for messages.
The Tone Store button at the top sells ringtones. You can also make your own for free in the GarageBand app: export a clip of up to 30 seconds as a ringtone.
If the phone does not ring at all, see iPhone not ringing: 9 settings to check.
In short: Settings, Sounds & Haptics, Ringtone.
- Apple Support: Change iPhone sounds and vibrations
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.