Growing up, I always used to have one question as an Apple user – how to delete ringtones from iPhone without iTunes? Before the launch of iOS 13, the simple task of deleting a ringtone on iPhones used to be tedious.
In the past, iPhone users could only remove ringtones with the help of iTunes. For this process, the users had to connect their iPhones to the computer, launch iTunes, browse for “Tones” and then delete the required ringtone from there.
As you can see, the process is complex and time-consuming. With the arrival of iOS 13, the whole process has become a lot simpler.
In this article, I’ll tell you how to delete ringtones from iPhone without using iTunes.
How to Delete Ringtones from iPhone on iOS 13 and Later Versions?
The launch of iOS 13 has made the process of deleting ringtones easier.
In iOS 13 and later versions, users can now delete ringtones directly from their iPhone devices without involving iTunes in the process.
Unfortunately, there is one limitation to the process – you can only delete the ringtones that you have added manually. Default ringtones on your iPhone device cannot be deleted, and are there to stay.
Steps to Delete a Ringtone from your iPhone Device
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Locate and tap on Sounds &Haptics.
- Tap on Ringtone.
- Browse through the available list. Search for the ringtone that you want to delete in the Ringtones list.
- After locating the desired ringtone, swipe left on its label. This will uncover the red Delete icon. Tap on the Delete icon to remove the tone from your iPhone.
As you can see, this process is a whole lot simpler, especially when compared to the traditional method of deleting a ringtone with the help of iTunes.
Read Also: Why does my iPhone Screen Keep Dimming with Auto Brightness Off?
Deleting Ringtones from iPhone on Older Versions
Unfortunately, if you are using an iOS version that came before iOs, the process won’t be as simple. You will have to delete your manually added ringtones through iTunes, which involves a lengthy and somewhat complicated process.
Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Open the iTunes application on your laptop or computer.
Step 2: On the top left of the screen, click on the Tones category to see all the ringtones in your iTunes library.
Step 3: Browse through the list and find the ringtone that you want to delete. Click on that ringtone and then press the Delete button on your keyboard to erase that ringtone from your iTunes library.
Step 4: Click on the Remove button that will show up in the dialogue box. In the following dialogue box that appears, click on the Select File option if you want to keep the ringtone on your device. If not, you can choose the Move to Recycle Bin option.
Step 5: In the left panel, click on Your iPhone under Devices and select the Tones option.
Step 6: Check the box next to Sync Tones and click the radio button next to Selected Tones. Place a checkmark on all the ringtones that you want to keep on your iPhone device. Remember that this method does not delete unselected ringtones from iTunes but only from the iPhone as they are not synced.
Step 7: Use an iPhone USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Wait for iTunes to recognize your device.
Step 8: On the left pane, click the name of your iPhone and then click on the Sync button.
How to Add Ringtones on iPhone?
Now that you know how to delete ringtones from iPhone device, you should also know how to add them to bring in replacements.
The easiest way to download and add new ringtones to your iPhone is to use the Tune Store. You can find the Tunes Store in the Settings app under Ringtone. Tap on the label and you will be prompted with the Featured Ringtones screen. You will also find many other Alert Tones and Ringtones.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we discussed the only method that iPhone customers can use to delete ringtones from their device without involving iTunes.
Unfortunately, the process requires the presence of either iOS 13 or later versions. We have also provided a comprehensive guide on how to delete iPhone ringtones using iTunes specifically for iPhone users using older iOS versions.
