How-To Fix Ringtones Not Syncing with iOS 4.0
If the latest iOS pulled your ringtones off your iPhone and you can't seem to get them back on there, we might have a fix for you.
After playing with multitasking, and zooming while taking pictures with our updated iPhones, some of us noticed that when our friends and family called the ringtone was the default Marimba.
Sad faces.
We checked iTunes to make sure Sync Ringtones was still checked. No problem there. We even unchecked our ringtones, did a sync and rechecked the box and watched our ringtones get copied to our iPhone. Still no rocking ringtones.
It turns out if you use iToner 2.0.4, the plugin is causing some people to experience the same issue we were having. Fortunately, the folks over at Ambrosia Software realized there was a problem and updated iToner.
We spoke to Ambrosia about the issue and they issued the following statement:
Ambrosia is very sorry for any inconvenience the iToner users had experienced with this software, luckily our developers are quick on their feet and have already supplied a fix. Simply download the latest version of the product here (download link) and that should fix any issues you might have encountered.
Updating the software should fix the issue.
But, if you're still not able to sync your ringtones after updating, here is a quick how-to to help you get your ringtones back on your iPhone.
Click to embiggen
Navigate to ~/Library/iTunes/iTonerSupport.bundle
Remove the iTonerSupport.bundle file and restart iTunes. Plug your iPhone in and sync. Boom your ringtones are back.
Shut down iTunes.
Replace the plugin and launch iTunes.
Ringtone syncing should return to normal.
We're very happy to return to annoying our co-workers with our Gonna Make You Sweat ringtone.
Follow this article’s author, Roberto Baldwin on Twitter
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rqmondo
July 02, 2010 at 9:32am
I struggled with this problem too. Found out that the ringtone file (*.m4r) has to be coded with 128kbps or less AAC. This fixed it right away. Of course, i'm still probably going to have to do this for each of my ringtones, but better than nothing.
Set your 'Import Settings' to 'High Quality (128kbps)'
pick your song, convert to AAC, it will create duplicate, delete copy, but 'keep file', change extension on file to .m4r, reimport, done
smweicht
June 27, 2010 at 10:55am
I have the same problem with purchased ringtones. They show up in iTunes and look like they are being synced; however, they are not showing up when selecting ringtones on the iPhone. I'm using an iPhone 3G with iOS 4.
drkenfp
June 25, 2010 at 8:28pm
I loved iToner - but it's no longer necessary:
1. Open your Ringtones folder by right-clicking on one of the files, then selecting "Show in Finder".
2. Pull the ones you want to use onto the desktop. Close iTunes.
3. Open Garageband. Make a new "Loops" project, saving it to the Desktop with the same name as one of the ringtones.
4. Add a new "Real Instrument" track. Drag the ringtone file icon to the start of that track.
5. Click the "Loop" button on the lower center of the window (it's to the right of the Play arrow icon). Then adjust the duration of the loop to match the ringtone.
6. Click the Share menu and select "Send Ringtone to iTunes".You can now trash the Garageband project. Repeat for every custom ringtone. Next time you sync, you'll have them forever and ever. :)
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