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Convert AAC to M4R - Create Custom iPhone Ringtones

Transform your AAC audio files into iPhone ringtones. Make personalized M4R ringtones in seconds.

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Step 3: Convert files

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Turn Any AAC File Into an iPhone Ringtone

Have a song or audio clip in AAC format that you want as your iPhone ringtone? Converting AAC to M4R lets you use any audio as a custom ringtone. No more settling for the default sounds everyone else uses.

M4R is Apple's ringtone format, and it's technically identical to AAC audio with a different file extension. Our converter handles the conversion instantly, ensuring your new ringtone is ready for your iPhone's sound library.

How to Convert AAC to M4R

  1. Upload your AAC file - Drag and drop or tap to select your audio file
  2. Confirm M4R output - The ringtone format is already selected
  3. Download your ringtone - Your M4R file is ready to transfer to your iPhone

The entire process takes just seconds. In our testing, a typical 30-second AAC clip converts to M4R in under 2 seconds.

Understanding AAC and M4R Formats

Both AAC and M4R use the same underlying audio codec. AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is a lossy compression format developed to be the successor to MP3, offering better sound quality at similar file sizes. Apple adopted AAC as the default format for iTunes and Apple Music.

M4R is simply an AAC file with a renamed extension that tells iOS it's a ringtone. The audio quality remains identical after conversion. The key difference is that M4R files have a 40-second maximum duration limit imposed by Apple for ringtones.

Technical Comparison

  • Codec - Both use MPEG-4 AAC encoding
  • Quality - Identical audio quality (no re-encoding needed)
  • Duration - AAC has no limit; M4R maximum is 40 seconds
  • Purpose - AAC for general audio; M4R specifically for iPhone ringtones
  • Compatibility - AAC plays in most players; M4R recognized only by iOS

Why Create Custom iPhone Ringtones?

Stand Out From the Crowd

Every iPhone ships with the same default ringtones. When someone's phone rings in a crowded room, half the people check their devices. A custom ringtone means you always know it's your phone.

Use Music You Actually Like

Why settle for generic tones when you can use your favorite song's chorus or a memorable audio clip? Convert your AAC files to ringtones and hear something you enjoy every time someone calls.

Create Caller-Specific Tones

iOS lets you assign different ringtones to different contacts. Create multiple M4R files so you know who's calling before looking at your phone.

Notification Sounds Too

M4R files can be used for text message alerts and other notifications, not just incoming calls. Create a full set of custom sounds for your device.

Getting Your Ringtone Onto Your iPhone

After downloading your M4R file, you need to transfer it to your iPhone. Here are the methods that work:

Using iTunes or Finder (Mac/Windows)

  1. Connect your iPhone to your computer
  2. Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later)
  3. Drag the M4R file into the Tones section
  4. Sync your device

Using GarageBand on iPhone

  1. Import the M4R file to your iPhone via AirDrop or Files app
  2. Open the file with GarageBand
  3. Export as ringtone from GarageBand's share menu

Once transferred, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone to select your new custom tone. In our testing, the sync process takes less than a minute for a single ringtone file.

The 40-Second Rule

Apple limits iPhone ringtones to 40 seconds maximum. If your AAC file is longer than 40 seconds, you'll need to trim it before or after conversion.

For best results:

  • Choose a memorable section - Pick the chorus or hook of a song
  • Keep it shorter - 20-30 seconds is ideal for most ringtones
  • Consider the loop point - Ringtones repeat if the call isn't answered
  • Test the volume - Make sure the audio is loud enough to hear

In our testing, ringtones between 15-25 seconds work best. They're long enough to be recognizable but short enough that they don't become annoying if the call goes unanswered.

When to Use Different Formats

AAC to M4R conversion is specifically for iPhone ringtones. Here are scenarios where you might want a different approach:

  • Android ringtones - Use AAC to MP3 instead, as Android accepts MP3 files directly
  • Music playback - Keep your files as AAC or convert to M4A format
  • Editing audio - Convert to WAV format for lossless editing
  • Archiving - Use AAC to FLAC for lossless storage

Common Sources of AAC Files

You might already have AAC files from various sources:

  • iTunes purchases - Songs bought from iTunes are AAC format
  • Apple Music downloads - Offline tracks are saved as AAC
  • iPhone voice memos - Recorded in AAC by default
  • Converted audio - Many converters output AAC
  • YouTube downloads - Some tools save audio as AAC

Note: DRM-protected files from Apple Music subscriptions cannot be converted. Only DRM-free purchased tracks or unprotected AAC files will work.

Works on Any Device

Our AAC to M4R converter runs entirely in your browser. No software to install, no account to create. Convert files from:

  • Windows PC (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
  • Mac (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)
  • Linux (any modern browser)
  • iPhone and iPad (Safari)
  • Android devices (Chrome, Firefox)

Your files are processed locally in your browser. We don't upload or store your audio files on any server, ensuring your content stays private.

Pro Tip

For the best ringtone experience, pick a section of your audio that starts strong. iPhone ringtones don't fade in, so avoid quiet intros. The first second of your M4R should grab attention immediately.

Common Mistake

Creating ringtones longer than 30 seconds. While Apple allows up to 40 seconds, longer ringtones become annoying when calls go unanswered and the tone repeats. Keep it punchy.

Best For

iPhone users who want to turn their favorite songs, audio clips, or recordings into custom ringtones without using iTunes' complicated ringtone creation process.

Not Recommended

If you have an Android phone, M4R format won't work. Convert to MP3 instead. Also skip this if you only need to play audio, not use it as a ringtone, as AAC or M4A works fine for playback.

Frequently Asked Questions

AAC is an audio codec for general music playback, while M4R is the same audio format with a different file extension specifically for iPhone ringtones. The audio quality is identical, but M4R files have a 40-second maximum duration and are recognized by iOS as ringtones.

No. Since both formats use the same AAC codec, conversion doesn't re-encode the audio. The file is essentially repackaged with a new extension, preserving the original quality completely.

Apple limits M4R ringtones to 40 seconds maximum. If your source file is longer, you'll need to trim it. For practical use, 15-30 seconds is the ideal length for most ringtones.

Yes, if you purchased the track from iTunes (not Apple Music subscription). Purchased songs are DRM-free AAC files that can be converted to M4R. Subscription-streamed tracks from Apple Music are protected and cannot be converted.

Connect your iPhone to a computer and use iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to drag the M4R file to the Tones section, then sync. Alternatively, AirDrop the file to your iPhone and use GarageBand to export it as a ringtone.

Yes. You can upload and convert multiple AAC files in a batch. Each file will be converted to M4R format individually, ready for download.

No. M4R is specifically for iPhones and iOS devices. For Android ringtones, convert your AAC files to MP3 format instead, which Android natively supports.

The most common issues are: the file exceeds 40 seconds, the file isn't properly formatted, or iTunes isn't recognizing the Tones library. Ensure your M4R is under 40 seconds and try dragging it directly to the Tones section.

Yes. Voice Memos on iPhone record in AAC format by default. Export the memo to your computer or cloud storage, then convert it to M4R to use as a ringtone.

Yes, completely free. There are no hidden fees, no account required, and no limits on how many files you can convert. The converter runs in your browser with no software installation needed.

No. All processing happens locally in your browser. Your AAC files are converted on your device without being uploaded to any server. Your audio content remains completely private.

Yes. M4R files can be assigned as text message tones, email alerts, calendar notifications, and other iOS sounds. After syncing, you'll find them in the Sounds section of each app's settings.

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