How to Make a Custom Ringtone on Android (Use Any MP3)

Unlike iPhone, Android can use a regular MP3 file as a ringtone without converting it, so the whole process takes just a few minutes.

Step 1: Cut the part you want

1. Open the MP3 Cutter and add your song or recording.
2. Drag on the waveform to select a 10 to 30 second section.
3. Press "Keep selection" and add a 0.5 second fade in and fade out.
4. Choose MP3 as the format and save.

Prefer an automatic start? The Ringtone Maker picks the loudest 30 seconds for you and saves an Android MP3 (and an iPhone M4R) in one go.

Step 2: Move the file to your phone

If you made the ringtone on your phone, it usually lands in the "Download" folder. If you made it on a computer, send it to yourself by email, Google Drive, Quick Share (Nearby Share) or a USB cable.

Step 3: Set it as your ringtone

Menu names vary by brand and Android version, but one of these two methods almost always works.

• From Settings: Settings > Sounds and vibration (or Sound) > Ringtone, then tap the "+" or "Add from phone" / "My sounds" option and pick the MP3 you just moved.
• From a file manager: open My Files (Samsung) or Files by Google, long-press the MP3, choose "Move", and move it into the Ringtones folder in internal storage (create it if it doesn't exist). Then pick it in the Settings menu above.

Give one contact a different ringtone

Open the person in your Contacts app, tap Edit > Ringtone (sometimes under "More"), and choose the sound you added. Only calls from that person will use it.

Good to know

• Galaxy and most Android phones accept MP3, M4A and OGG as ringtones. If your file doesn't show up because it's an unusual format, convert it to MP3 with the Audio Converter.
• Very large files (tens of MB) may not appear in the list or may be slow. Keep just the part you need.
• Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus and Xiaomi all name these menus a little differently. Searching "ringtone" in the Settings app is the fastest way to find it.

Common problems

• The MP3 doesn't show up in the file manager: make sure the download finished, then check the "Recent" tab.
• The file isn't in the ringtone list: it may be in a folder other than Ringtones. Use the "+" / "Add from phone" option in Settings to pick it directly.
• It's too quiet: boost it with Increase Volume before cutting.
• Can I make notification sounds the same way? Yes. Use the "Notification sound" menu instead of "Ringtone".

How it differs from iPhone

iPhone only accepts its own M4R format and needs an extra step (GarageBand or a computer). If you use an iPhone, see How to make an iPhone ringtone.

Custom sounds for texts and messaging apps

On many phones you can use the same MP3 for text and messaging-app notifications too. Look under Settings > Sounds and vibration > Notification sound. Some apps (WhatsApp, for example) only let you change their sound inside the app's own notification settings, so check there as well.

Want to stitch several songs together?

If one chorus isn't enough, join two or three favorite parts with Merge MP3, then trim the result back to 20 to 30 seconds. Merged files are also processed only in your browser.

Sources and date checked

Checked: October 6, 2026

• Google, Android Help: Change sound & vibration settings — https://support.google.com/android/answer/9079644

This article is general information. Menu names and locations can change with the manufacturer and Android version.

Frequently asked questions