FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making ringtones with Clipr.
Getting Started
What is Clipr? ▼
Clipr is a free web tool that lets you turn any audio or video file into an iPhone ringtone, text tone, or alert tone. Upload your file, clip the part you want, adjust the settings, and download a .m4r file ready for your iPhone.
Is Clipr free? ▼
Yes, completely free. No account required, no watermarks, no hidden fees. Just upload, clip, and download.
What file types can I upload? ▼
Clipr supports most common audio and video formats including MP3, M4A, WAV, MP4, MOV and more. Screen recordings from your iPhone work great too — just AirDrop them to your computer first.
Does Clipr store my files? ▼
No. Your files are processed temporarily and deleted immediately after conversion. We never store, share, or have access to your audio files after the conversion is complete.
Making Ringtones
What's the difference between Ringtone, Text Tone, and Alert Tone? ▼
Ringtone — plays when you get a phone call. Max 29 seconds.
Text Tone — plays when you receive a text message. Max 5 seconds.
Alert Tone — used for other notifications like emails and reminders. Max 15 seconds.
Choose the right mode before converting so the length limit is enforced correctly.
Text Tone — plays when you receive a text message. Max 5 seconds.
Alert Tone — used for other notifications like emails and reminders. Max 15 seconds.
Choose the right mode before converting so the length limit is enforced correctly.
Why is my clip limited to 29 seconds? ▼
Apple enforces a 29 second maximum for custom ringtones. This is a hardware limitation built into iOS — there's no workaround. If you need a longer sound, use a streaming app like Apple Music and set a full song as your alarm instead.
My ringtone sounds too quiet. How do I fix it? ▼
Use the Volume Boost slider in the Options section. You can boost the volume up to 500%. Preview the clip first to make sure it doesn't distort at higher volumes.
What do Fade In and Fade Out do? ▼
Fade In makes the ringtone start silently and gradually get louder — great for a smooth entrance instead of a jarring cut. Fade Out does the opposite, fading the sound down at the end. Both are heard in the preview so you can dial them in before converting.
Can I use a screen recording as my ringtone? ▼
Yes! Screen recordings (.mov files) work perfectly with Clipr. Record the sound you want on your iPhone, AirDrop it to your Mac, upload it to Clipr, and clip the part you want.
Installing on iPhone
How do I install the ringtone on my iPhone? ▼
1. Download your .m4r file from Clipr
2. AirDrop it to your iPhone
3. Tap the file when it arrives — you should see "Use as Ringtone"
4. Tap it and you're done!
If "Use as Ringtone" doesn't appear, try opening the file with GarageBand → tap the three dots → Share → Ringtone.
2. AirDrop it to your iPhone
3. Tap the file when it arrives — you should see "Use as Ringtone"
4. Tap it and you're done!
If "Use as Ringtone" doesn't appear, try opening the file with GarageBand → tap the three dots → Share → Ringtone.
I don't see "Use as Ringtone" when I open the file. What do I do? ▼
This usually happens if the file is over 29 seconds or if it didn't open correctly. Try these steps:
1. Make sure your clip is under 29 seconds
2. Open the file with GarageBand on your iPhone
3. Tap the three dots (···) → Share → Ringtone
4. Name it and tap Export → Use Sound As → Standard Ringtone
1. Make sure your clip is under 29 seconds
2. Open the file with GarageBand on your iPhone
3. Tap the three dots (···) → Share → Ringtone
4. Name it and tap Export → Use Sound As → Standard Ringtone
Where do I find my ringtone after installing it? ▼
Go to Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Ringtone (or Text Tone / Alert Tone depending on what you made). Your custom tone will appear at the top of the list.
Compatibility
Does Clipr work on Android? ▼
Clipr creates .m4r files which are the iPhone ringtone format. Android uses different file formats (.ogg, .mp3) for ringtones. Clipr is currently iPhone-only.
Do I need a Mac to use Clipr? ▼
No! Clipr works in any browser on any computer — Mac, Windows, or Linux. You just need a browser to use the web app. For installing the ringtone, AirDrop from any Apple device works great.
Can I use Clipr on my iPhone directly? ▼
Yes, Clipr works in Safari on iPhone. However, uploading and converting works best on a computer since you'll need to AirDrop the file to your iPhone anyway. You can add Clipr to your iPhone home screen by tapping the Share button in Safari → Add to Home Screen.