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How to sync ringtones for free under iTunes 7.4.1

How to sync ringtones for free under iTunes 7.4.1

Ben Wilson
2 min read

Apple's release of iTunes 7.4.1 put an end to the free transfer of current AAC tracks as ringtones to the iPhone -- for a day or so at least. Though the process is now a bit more involved, it still works. Here's the new method:

For Windows users:

  1. Using Windows Explorer, duplicate and rename any AAC with the extension "M4R" (e.g. Folsom Prison Blues.M4R). If it is already in your iTunes library, delete it from there first.
  2. Double-click on the file. It will be added to your iTunes library automatically (you might need to drag it into the iTunes library instead).
  3. Click on your iPhone in iTunes, and go to the ringtone section. You should now see your new ringtone, but it will not properly transfer to your iPhone at this point.
  4. Navigate to My Documents\ My Music\ iTunes \ Ringtones.
  5. Rename the desired (.m4r) file with the extension .m4a and double-click it again.
  6. Use iTunes to sync your iPhone.

For Mac users:

  1. Duplicate and rename any AAC file, then select it and choose "Get Info" from the File menu. In the "Name and Extension" section, change the extension to .M4R, e.g. "Folsom Prison Blues.M4R." If it is already in your iTunes library, delete it from there first.
  2. Double-click on it. This file will be added to your iTunes library automatically (you might need to drag it into the iTunes library instead).
  3. Click on your iPhone in iTunes, and go to the ringtone section. You should now see your new ringtone, but it will not properly transfer to the iPhone at this point.
  4. Navigate to ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Music/Ringones
  5. Rename the desired (.m4r) file with the extension .m4a (again, choose "Get Info" from the File menu and modify the "Name and Extension" section) and double-click it.
  6. Use iTunes to sync your iPhone.

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