Ringtones Are Not Showing Up on My iPhone After Updating

Like many phones, the iPhone offers users the ability to add new ringtones to it -- both from the iTunes store, as well as custom ringtones created by the user. However, some ringtones on your iPhone may be removed after you update your iOS software. You may have also found that when you add new ringtones, they won't appear on your iPhone after you sync your device. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this problem.

Updating

• It's important to keep your iOS software up-to-date because it gives you the most efficient operating system possible. In addition, it ensures that the apps you download, the videos you stream and the music you purchase are compatible with your iPhone. If you refuse to update your software, you may find that certain apps won't work with your phone anymore. To update your iPhone iOS, connect it to your computer via the USB cable that came with it. Open iTunes if it isn't already open. Click your iPhone icon in the left-hand window pane, then click the "Summary" tab in the right-hand window pane. Click "Check for Updates," then follow the on-screen prompts to update your iOS software.

Purchasing Ringtones

• The iPhone allows you to purchase ringtones directly from the iTunes app that's on your phone. To do this, touch the "iTunes" icon on your springboard, and then touch "More," followed by "Tones." When you find a ringtone you like, touch it. This will reveal a notification that asks if you want to download the ringtone and set it to your default tone, or assign it to a contact. After assigning your ringtone, it will be saved to your iPhone library. The next time you sync your iPhone with iTunes, the ringtone will be backed up on your computer. Because these ringtones are purchased through Apple, you don't have to worry about what format they come in, or how long they are. However, if you create your own ringtone, you must take these things into consideration.

Creating Your Own Ringtones

• Users can create their own ringtones to use on their iPhones with iTunes, or create them from a music recording program such as Audacity or Garage Band. However, there are specific rules that must be adhered in order for the iPhone to accept the ringtones into its library. If you have created a ringtone, but it doesn't show up after you synced your iPhone, it may be because of the ringtone's format. All ringtones must be in AAC format for the iPhone to accept them. Create an AAC file by transferring your music file into iTunes, right-clicking it and then selecting "Create AAC Version." A duplicate song file will be created, but in AAC format instead of MPEG format. The ringtone file must also be less than 40 seconds long. Once you've created a ringtone that abides by these guidelines, click and drag the file onto the "Ringtones" folder located in the left-hand pane of the iTunes window.

Syncing Ringtones

• Assuming you have the latest version of your iOS software, and you have ringtones that follow the appropriate ringtone guidelines, your ringtones should sync to your iPhone. However, some users have found that after an update, their ringtones went missing. There's a simple solution to this that can be executed using iTunes.
  Connect your iPhone to your computer via the USB cable that came with it. Cancel the sync if it occurs automatically. Click the "Ringtones" tab at the top of the right-hand window. Uncheck "Sync Ringtones" if it's currently checked. Click the "Summary" tab, and then click "Sync" in the bottom right-hand corner of the window. Allow the device to sync completely (you'll receive a notification telling you that the process is complete). Now, click the "Ringtones" tab again, but this time check the "Sync Ringtones" box. Return to the "Summary" tab, and then click "Sync" again. This time, the ringtones should be synced to your device. When the sync is complete, remove your iPhone from your computer, and touch "Settings," followed by "Sounds" and then "Ringtones." Here, you should find your ringtones that were missing earlier.