How to Use Ringtones in an iPhone

by Gabriele Sturmer
You can choose a vibrating, silent ringtone for a quiet environment.

You can choose a vibrating, silent ringtone for a quiet environment.

Chris Hondros/Getty Images News/Getty Images

The iPhone allows you to set a default ringtone for calls and also supports using a specific ringtone for each caller. In addition to the built-in ringtones, iPhones running iOS 3.1 or later can use ringtones purchased from the iTunes Store. You can purchase custom ringtones from iTunes on your computer and the iTunes application on your iPhone. In addition to choosing a ringtone, iOS also allows you to choose if you want to enable the vibrate option.

Step 1

Tap "Settings" on your iPhone's main screen and select "Sounds," "Ringtone." Select a ringtone you purchased from the iTunes Store under "Purchased" or one of the built-in ringtones under "Standard." This sets the default ringtone for your device. (See Reference 1, page 76)

Step 2

Tap "Sounds" on the left corner of the Ringtone screen to view your other ringtone settings. Tap "On" next to "Vibrate" under "Ring" if you want to enable the feature. Tap "On" next to "Vibrate" under "Silent" if you don't want to use a ringtone and just want your phone to vibrate. (See Reference 1, page 76)

Step 3

Press the "Home" button and tap "Contacts" if you want to configure a specific ringtone for a contact. Select a contact's name and tap "Edit" in the upper-right corner of the page. Tap "Ringtone" and select the ringtone you want to use for that contact. Tap "Save" and "Done" to save your settings. (See Reference 1, page 76)

About the Author

Gabriele Sturmer has written product reviews, career education articles, short stories, poetry and technology articles since 2001. She published a Macintosh case study and a Web usability report for Liberty University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science and business. Sturmer is currently pursuing a Master of Science in information technology.

Photo Credits

  • Chris Hondros/Getty Images News/Getty Images