How do I set a custom text tone on iOS 17?

When Apple first released iOS 17, there was a software glitch that left many people unable to access their purchased custom text tones. This bug was fixed in iOS 17.1. If you are experiencing this problem after updating to iOS 17, consider either reverting the update or making sure you've updated again to the newest iOS

What is the message tone on iOS 17?

When Apple released iOS 17, it updated the default notification sound from the classic Tri-Tone to a new sound called Rebound. You can go into Sounds & Haptics in Settings to change it back.

How do I add custom ringtones to iOS?

Ringtones are different than Text tones. If you want to set a custom ringtone, follow the steps in this article . You will need to have iTunes in order for this to work.

How to Get Custom Text Tones for iPhone

By Olena Kagui Updated 02/08/2024

What to Know:

You can change your text tone by going to Sounds & Haptics in Settings.
You can set custom text tones for individual contacts by editing that contact's settings in the Contacts app.
To get a custom text tone on iPhone, purchase one in the iTunes Tones Store and download it onto your iPhone.

Have you ever been sure you just received a text, only to find that it was the person next to you? Having the same ringtone and text tone as your friends can get frustrating. A great way to distinguish your iPhone is to change your text message ringtone. We will teach you how to do that and set different text tones for your favorite contacts.

How to Change Your iPhone Text Sound

There are many great free text tones for iPhone available in your settings. To select a new text noise and vibration for your iPhone:

Go to Settings.
Select Sounds & Haptics.

Tap Text Tone.
Under Alert Tones, you will have a choice of the pre-saved options. You can see even more tones and vibrations if you tap Classic. Tap the ringtone you like to select it, it will save automatically.

You can also scroll up and choose to buy a new tone from the Tone Store if you don't like any of the free listed tones.

The Tone Store is a great place to find funny text tones for iPhone. See the next section for instructions on how to buy one. If you're a fan of tips like this about using your Apple devices, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day!

Discover your iPhone's hidden features

Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

How to Buy a Text Message Ringtone from Tone Store

The Tone Store has a variety of tones that you can purchase for a small fee. They may be songs, soundtracks from movies, video game melodies, or other sound clips.

Go to Settings
Select Sounds & Haptics.

Tap Text Tone.
Under Store, tap Tone Store.

If this is your first time in the Tone Store, you will have to tap Continue.
Tap Tones.

In the Featured tab, you can see various categories allowing you to browse by genre, style, and more.
You can also tap the Charts tab to see the most popular tones.

To listen to something, tap it.
Then, tap the name.

To buy something, tap on the price.
You’ll have the option to Set as Default Ringtone, Set as Default Text Tone, and Assign to a Contact. You can also press Done to buy it but not set it as anything just yet.

If you haven’t already selected Set as Default Text Tone, you will have to return to Text Tone in your Sounds & Haptics settings.
Next, tap Download All Purchased Tones.

Now, your tones should appear as Alert Tones and Ringtone options. There is a chance that certain songs will only appear as ringtone options, not text tones. In this case, go back to step 10 and select Set as Default Ringtone instead. You will not be charged again if you've already purchased it.

Pro Tip: To find funny text tones for iPhone, download the Top Funny Ringtones app (free). Here you can find funny air horns noises, the sad violin, and the iconic ‘wah wah wah’ just to name a few.

How to Create Individual Text Tones for Your Contacts

If you change your default text tone, every text you receive will make that particular text noise. However, you can also select individual tones for any and every contact. If you're worried about broadcasting who is texting you, you can learn how to hide messages on an iPhone.

Open Contacts app.
Tap the contact you want to assign a custom text tone to.

Tap Edit.
Select Text Tone.

Under Alert Tones, select the tone you want.
When you are satisfied, tap Done.

Tap Done again to save your changes.

Pro Tip: You can also assign your contacts Text Tones directly in the Tone Store. Just follow the steps in How to Buy a Text Message Ringtone from Tone Store and tap Assign to Contact under step 12.

Just follow the steps in How to Buy a Text Message Ringtone from Tone Store and tap Set as Assign to Contact under step 12.

If you have an issue and find yourself saying, ‘My iPhone text tone won’t work,’ try going into your settings and changing to another ringtone. Also, make sure that your phone isn’t on silent mode.

FAQ

How do I set a custom text tone on iOS 17? When Apple first released iOS 17, there was a software glitch that left many people unable to access their purchased custom text tones. This bug was fixed in iOS 17.1. If you are experiencing this problem after updating to iOS 17, consider either reverting the update or making sure you've updated again to the newest iOS.
What is the message tone on iOS 17? When Apple released iOS 17, it updated the default notification sound from the classic Tri-Tone to a new sound called Rebound. You can go into Sounds & Haptics in Settings to change it back.
How do I add custom ringtones to iOS? Ringtones are different than Text tones. If you want to set a custom ringtone, follow the steps in this article. You will need to have iTunes in order for this to work.

Now you know how to change your text tone and assign custom text message tones to your contacts! Next, learn how to change your default ringtone!

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Author Details

Olena Kagui

Olena Kagui is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life. In the last 10 years, she has been published in dozens of publications internationally and won an excellence award. Since joining iPhone Life in 2020, she has written how-to articles as well as complex guides about Apple products, software, and apps. Olena grew up using Macs and exploring all the latest tech. Her Maui home is the epitome of an Apple ecosystem, full of compatible smart gear to boot. Olena’s favorite device is the Apple Watch Ultra because it can survive all her adventures and travels, and even her furbabies.