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HunterBlaze's avatar
HunterBlaze
Iron Contributor
Apr 02, 2025

Convert mp3 to m4r for iphone ringtone without itunes

Hi all,

New to Windows 11 and found out the iTunes app on Windows 11 does not support converting MP3 to M4R. I need to convert a few local mp3 files to m4r used for iPhone ringtone. I also tried with the Windows Media Player and to no avail.

If you know how to bulk convert mp3 to m4r for iphone ringone without itunes, pls kindly let me know.

Much appreciated!

 

6 Replies

  • AshtonBlake's avatar
    AshtonBlake
    Iron Contributor

    If iTunes does not work for you, then use a dedicated MP3 to M4R converter instead. There are many free command line tools that can help you bulk convert mp3 to m4r.

    I am using this one: https://www.pctipdaily.com/convert-mp3-to-m4r

    You can bulk convert .mp3 to .m4r on a PC or Mac without losing quality.

  • Jedidiahin's avatar
    Jedidiahin
    Iron Contributor

    Converting MP3 to M4R for iPhone ringtones without using iTunes can definitely make things a little simpler and more straightforward for some folks. Here are my tips based on experience:

    • When converting, sometimes the audio quality can drop, especially if the tool compresses the file too much. When you convert MP3 to M4R. Please make sure you’re picking a converter that can maintain good quality and outputs M4R files that sound clear. I once got a ringtone that sounded like it was recorded through a tin can—definitely not the vibe you want!
    • Make sure that the M4R file is actually compatible with your iPhone. Some conversion tools may produce files that your iPhone won’t recognize. If the ringtone doesn’t show up after transferring it to your phone, that could be a big letdown. I’ve pulled my hair out thinking I did everything right, only to find out the format was off.
    • Plan how you’ll get the M4R file onto your iPhone. If you’re not using iTunes, you might have to use alternative methods like email, cloud services (like Google Drive or Dropbox), or AirDrop if you're using a Mac. Just make sure you know the steps ahead of time. I almost forgot and had to backtrack a few steps when sending my ringtones to my phone!
  • Quincos's avatar
    Quincos
    Iron Contributor

    So, while converting MP3 to M4R can totally work and save you some cash on ringtones, be aware of these potential headache points. It’s one of those things where you may think, "This will be easy!" and then find yourself navigating a bit of a maze. If you’re determined to have that perfectly customized ringtone, go for it.

    Depending on how to convert MP3 to M4R, there can be some quality loss. Even though M4A/M4R is a good format, if you keep converting between formats (like MP3 to AAC, then change to M4R), you could experience a decrease in sound quality. I once noticed that my ringtones didn’t sound as crisp after the conversion process compared to the original MP3.

    Sometimes convert MP3 to M4R doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d hope. I’ve had moments where I would drag the M4R files into iTunes only for them not to show up on my phone. You might find yourself having to reconnect your device or even restart iTunes to get things working, which can be a hassle. Since Apple is moving away from iTunes for some functionality, managing ringtones can feel a bit clunky depending on what version you’re using or if you're on a Mac. It’s not as straightforward as it used to be, which can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry to get that new ringtone set up.

    As iOS updates roll out, the way iPhones handle ringtones can change. That means what worked last time might not necessarily work smoothly now. I had to adapt more than once after an iOS update messed with my ringtone setup.

  • Using GarageBand to make ringtones on iPhone is a convenient way to convert music clips to M4R format and set them as iPhone ringtones directly without the need of a computer or iTunes. There is no need to use other tool for converting mp3 to m4r any more!

    1. Open GarageBand, select “Recorder” or “Audio” track (we suggest using ‘Audio’).

    2. Tap the "+" icon in the upper right corner, adjust the tempo/beat (optional), and then tap Create.

    3. Click on the "Track" button (waveform icon), select Audio File  → Import from file (or import audio directly from iCloud, Apple Music to import audio).

    4. Drag the audio block to the timeline and click on it to enter edit mode. Use the “Scissors” tool to cut out the desired clip (≤40 seconds). Adjust the start/end point and click “Done” to save.

    5. Click the "▼" button at the top left corner to return to the project list. Long press the project cover and select “Share” → “Ringtone “. Input the ringtone name, click "Export" and wait for the generation to finish. This will convert .mp3 to .m4r without itunes.

    6. After successful export, click Use sound as... → Standard Ringtone or Standard SMS Ringtone. Go to Settings → Sound & Touch → “Phone Ringtone and select the ringtone you made.

  • EastonJax's avatar
    EastonJax
    Iron Contributor

    iTunes can't convert .mp3 to .m4r directly. You need to make some changes additional. The following trick works for Windows and Mac if you need to convert mp3 to m4r with itunes for making iPhone ringtone.

    Step 1. Prepare the MP3 file

    Make sure the MP3 is ≤ 40 seconds long (iPhone ringtone limit). You can crop the clip with audio editing tools .

    Step 2. Convert to AAC format with iTunes

    1. Open iTunes, click File → Add File to Library in the upper left menu bar to import MP3.
    2. Right click on the MP3 file → Song Info → Options and set the start/end time (≤40 seconds).
    3. Right-click the MP3 again → Convert → Create AAC Version to generate a .m4a file with the same name.

    Step 3. Modify the extension to M4R

    1. Right click on the AAC version in iTunes → Show in Finder/Explorer.
    2. Manually change the file extension from .m4a to .m4r (confirm when prompted). Import to iPhone
    3. Drag the .m4r file back to the Ringtones section of iTunes.
    4. Connect your iPhone, check Synchronize Ringtones on the device page, select the file and sync it.

    This is a totally free way to convert mp3 to m4r using iTunes. Once it's done, you can use the music as iPhone ringtone.

  • Kamrynim's avatar
    Kamrynim
    Iron Contributor

    If you want to convert MP3 to M4R format for use as iPhone ringtones without using iTunes, there are several tools and methods you can use. Below are some options that work on Windows 11:

    1. Online Conversion Websites
    There are various online tools that allow you to convert MP3 to M4R easily. Here are some popular sites:

    Zamzer (zamzer.com)
    Online Audi0 Converter (online-audi0-converter.com)
    CloudC0nvert (cloudc0nvert.com)

    Steps:

    1. Open the desired conversion site.
    2. Upload your MP3 files.
    3. Select M4R as the output format.
    4. Click on "Convert" to get your files.
    5. Download the converted M4R files.

     

    2. Freemeke Audio Converter
    This is a powerful tool that can convert audio files to various formats, including M4R. So you are able to convert MP3 to M4R in this way.

    Steps:

    1. Download and install Freemeke Audio Converter from freemeke.com.
    2. Launch the application.
    3. Drag and drop your MP3 files into the program.
    4. Choose To M4R from the format options.
    5. Select a destination folder for your converted files.
    6. Click Convert to start the conversion.

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