How to Set a Custom Text Tone on iPhone

Customizing your iPhone text message sound lets you instantly know the difference between a text, email, and other notifications. This guide shows you how to set any custom sound as your text tone on iPhone.

Method 1: Using M4R Files (iOS 17+)

The easiest method on modern iPhones:

  1. Download an M4R ringtone from our Message Tones collection using the "Download iPhone Ringtone" link
  2. Open the Files app and find the M4R file in Downloads
  3. Tap the file. When prompted, choose "Set as Text Tone"
  4. Your custom text tone is now active
For text tones, choose sounds that are very short (1-3 seconds). Longer tones work better as ringtones.

Method 2: Using GarageBand

If you have an MP3 file or the direct M4R method is not available:

  1. Download a short MP3 tone from Tones7
  2. Open GarageBand (free from the App Store)
  3. Create a new Audio Recorder project
  4. Switch to track view and import your MP3 via the loop browser (Files tab)
  5. Drag the audio onto a track
  6. Tap the down arrow > My Songs
  7. Long-press the project > Share > Ringtone
  8. Tap "Export", then choose "Use sound as..." > "Text Tone"

Setting the Text Tone in Settings

After you have imported a custom tone using either method above, you can change it at any time:

  1. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics
  2. Tap "Text Tone"
  3. Your custom tones appear at the top under "Custom"
  4. Select the one you want and tap "Back" to save

Different Text Tones for Different Contacts

  1. Open the Contacts app
  2. Select a contact
  3. Tap "Edit" in the top right
  4. Tap "Text Tone"
  5. Choose a custom tone from the list
  6. Tap "Done"

This is great for knowing who texted you without looking at your phone. Assign a unique sound to your partner, family, or close friends.

Customizing Other Notification Sounds

In Settings > Sounds & Haptics, you can also customize sounds for:

  • New Voicemail
  • New Mail
  • Sent Mail
  • Calendar Alerts
  • Reminder Alerts
  • AirDrop

All of these accept the same custom M4R tones that you import for ringtones and text tones.

Troubleshooting

Text tone reverts to default after restart

This usually means the tone was not properly imported. Use the GarageBand method to permanently install it. Tones imported via GarageBand persist through restarts and iOS updates.

Custom tone does not appear for a specific app

Third-party apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have their own notification sound settings within the app. Go to the app's settings to change those sounds separately.

Browse our Message Tones collection for sounds designed specifically as text notifications.