- How to download ringtones
- More ways to get free ringtones
- How to set ringtones
How to download ringtones
The global ringtone industry is now generating more than $5 billion annually. Still, many people are still learning about how to download new ringtones. Downloading ringtones is easy and it’s often free. Here are two popular methods.
1) For one approach, you’ll only need a mobile phone with an internet connection. When you press the “Internet” or “Web” button on your phone, you’ll see a menu offering downloads. The downloads link will take you to a database of ringtones, screensavers, games, and other programs for your phone.
Downloading ringtones in this way can be relatively expensive. Ringtones generally cost about $2.50 each when downloaded directly from a mobile phone service provider. However, some mobile phone companies offer deals on multiple downloads.
Most mobile phone companies offer a free ringtone with sign-up and will occasionally offer free ringtones to their subscribers. AT&T is giving away one free ringtone per wireless number until the end of 2009.
2) A second approach to downloading ringtones is to visit one of the countless ringtone websites promoted online. Read the fine print carefully! Make sure that you are not agreeing to a contract by downloading a ringtone. If you agree to the terms, enter your phone number. You’ll receive a mobile message with an attached ringtone file.
Some popular websites that advertise free downloadable ringtones include MyTinyPhone.com, Myxer.com, and Tonzr.com. Each of these websites is compatible with most mobile phone models and US cellular networks. Visitors can limit searches to only show ringtones that fit with their phone models.
In addition to providing free ringtones, many websites let users make their own ringtones. The music source can be a file that the user uploads, a file that was contributed by another user, or a YouTube soundtrack. Some common editing options include choosing a starting point, adjusting the volume, and fading the song in and out.
More ways to get free ringtones
In addition to downloading ringtones from a website, you can:
1) Transfer ringtone files to your phone with a cable or infrared device. If your phone plays MP3s, you can transfer such files from a CD or iPod without needing to convert them. In other cases, you’ll need to convert your music to RTTTL (Ring Tone Text Transfer Language) or another programming language that your phone understands. If you get stuck, consult your manual, check with a cell phone vendor, or read through online user forums for guidance.
2) Program a ringtone directly into your phone. If your phone isn’t already equipped with a ringtone composer, find out if a free composer is available by download. Ringtone composers allow you to type music directly into the phone. You can make up your own tunes or enter programs posted at sites such as Merwin’s Ringtone Search and MyMusicTools.com. These can be found through searches such as “MIDI sequence” and “keypress sequence”.
How to set ringtones
After you find new downloadable ringtones, you’ll want to assign them particular tasks. One option is to set a ringtone as your universal ring. This means that the same ringtone will play for all of your incoming phone calls. Another option is to set different rings for different callers.
In most cases, a universal ringtone can be applied through the “Settings” section of a cell phone. If you have trouble, consult the manual that was packaged with your phone or find a copy of it online.
To set a specific ringtone for a specific caller, find that person in your mobile phone book. Click on their name to edit their file. Here you’ll have the option to edit their ringtone.