How to set ringtones for individual contacts on a smartphone

Updated: 11/06/2021 by Computer Hope
Smartphone incoming call ringtone

Setting a ringtone for a specific contact is handy because it lets you know who's calling without looking at your phone. For instance, if you're waiting for someone in particular to call, you can recognize them by their ringtone.

To set a ringtone for a specific contact, select your type of smartphone from the list below and follow the instructions.

Android smartphone

Android smartphones have many different manufacturers, and their operating system features and layouts are somewhat different. Consequently, the steps for your device may vary slightly from those listed below.

  1. Open the Contacts app.

Android Contacts

  1. Locate and tap the contact whose ringtone you want to set or change.
  2. Tap the kebab menu at the top-right corner of the screen.

Contact kebab menu

  1. In the menu, tap Set ringtone.

Android contact set ringtone

  1. Depending on the model of your Android phone, the ringtones may appear in lists or different folders, as shown below. Tap the ringtone or folder containing the ringtone you want to use.

Browse ringtones

  1. Tap Save once you decide on a ringtone.

Android Pixel ringtone listing.

Apple iPhone

The following steps show you how to set a ringtone on your iPhone for an individual contact.

  1. Tap the Contacts app on the Home screen to access your contacts list.

iPhone contacts

Tip

You can also tap the Phone icon at the bottom of the Home screen, and then tap Contacts at the bottom of the next screen.

  1. Locate and tap the contact whose ringtone you want to set or change.
  2. Tap Edit at the top-right corner of the screen.

iPhone contact edit

  1. Tap the Ringtone option. You may need to scroll down a little bit to see it.

iPhone contact ringtone

  1. Scroll through and tap each ringtone (A) to play it. After deciding on the ringtone to use, tap to select it. Finally, tap Done (B) to save it as the contact's ringtone.

Selecting ringtone on Apple iPhone

  1. Tap Done on the Edit contact screen.

iPhone contact done