iPhone Ringtone

Apple introduced the M4R format in 2007 to store audio played back by an iPhone during an incoming call. While users primarily downloaded and transferred M4R files with iTunes before Apple discontinued it, they could also manually transfer M4R files on their computer to their connected iPhone with a third-party file manager. After transferring an M4R file to their phone, they can set it as the ringtone on their iPhone by selecting Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Ringtone .

Additionally, users could create M4R files with iTunes, but they also may create them with third-party software programs or download them from the Internet. M4R files not created with iTunes most likely do not include copyright protection.

NOTE: M4R stands for "MPEG-4 Ringtone."

You can open M4R files with various media players, including Microsoft Media Player in Windows, Apple QuickTime Player in macOS, and VideoLAN VLC media player . iTunes can also play M4R files, but Apple no longer develops the software.

If iTunes created the M4R file, it is protected by copyright and is likely not playable. However, if a third-party program created the M4R file, it is not copyright protected.

Various audio players and editors, including VideoLAN VLC media player and Adobe Audition, can convert M4R files to other audio formats.

For example, VLC media player can convert M4R audio to the following formats:

Programs that open M4R files

Updated: April 12, 2024