How to Copy a Ringtone

You can copy ringtones between devices with ease using a number of methods including Bluetooth, a memory card, a data cable, and an Infra Red wireless link. You can save money when you purchase a new phone by copying those ringtones rather than buying new ones.

How to Copy a Ringtone Using Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the easiest method of copying ringtones between phones or a computer that share the capability.

How to Copy a Ringtone First, verify that both phones are in range of each other.

Locate the ringtone file you want to copy on Phone A and select it.

Still on Phone A, choose the menu item that reads, “Send via Bluetooth” or has a similar title.

If the devices are in range and working properly, Phone B, the phone you are copying the file to, should appear in the device list of Phone A. Select it and confirm the transmission by pressing “Send”, “OK”, or similarly titled option.

If everything worked properly, a copy of the ringtone should now exist on Phone B.

How to Copy a Ringtone Using a Memory Card

Using a memory card reader is the best method of copying a ringtone because the connection, the service provider, or any software cannot restrict it. In order to use this method you will need a phone that uses a removable memory card as well as a memory card reader or a laptop with a built-in memory card slot.

First, if you are using an external reader ensure that you have properly connected it to the computer. Most external readers use a USB connection.

Next, remove the memory card from your phone. If you have difficulty locating the memory card, look under the battery cover and then the battery itself.

Now insert the memory card into your memory card reader.

In Windows, you should be able to see your device and explore it as if it were a disk drive. Locate the ringtone directory on your phone. You may need to hunt around for it within the folder structure. It will generally be labeled “Sound” but be aware that some phone may use a different but similar label. Once you have located it, copy the file to anywhere on your computer just as you would copy files between folders locally.

How to Copy a Ringtone Using a Data Cable

When copying a ringtone from your phone via data cable you will need to transfer it to a computer and then if necessary you can copy it to another phone.

First, connect your phone to the computer with the data cable that was included with your device.

How to Copy a Ringtone Using Infra Red Wireless Link

Infra Red is another option for wireless data transfer, but the technology is outdated by today’s standards. The transfer speed can be slow too, so consider using one of the other options. You will have to follow the instructions for connectivity in the manuals for your phone(s) and/or computer because the techniques vary between devices.

Once you have established a connection between the devices, locate the ringtone file you want to copy on Phone A and select it.

Now on Phone A choose the menu item that reads, “Send via IR” or has a similar title.

If the devices are connected to each other properly, Device B, the computer or phone you are copying the file to, should appear in the device list of Phone A. Select it and confirm the transmission by pressing “Send”, “OK”, or similarly titled option.

If everything worked properly, a copy of the ringtone should now exist on Device B.

Tips & Tricks

You can also send ringtones as a text message attachment if both phones support media-text messages. Likewise, you can send them attached to an email if the destination phone is email-capable.
Most of these techniques work for copying photos, music, and applications, just as well as ringtones.
WAV and MIDI files are good choices for ringtones because most phones support them.
If you are using an MP3 ringtone, make sure to cut the file down to the smallest length required in order to save space.
Not all phones support all ringtone formats. Before copying a ringtone to your device, verify that your phone supports that format. If not you will have to copy it to your computer and convert it using conversion software to a format that your destination phone recognizes.
The ringtone you want to copy may include DRM or copy protection. Some companies protect their ringtones to prevent copying. Outside of using a memory card reader to copy the entire DRM folder to the new device, there may be no reliable way of copying the ringtone.
If you copy protected ringtones using a memory card reader, you copy the protection with them. They do not become unrestricted ringtones.
Some cell phone providers have features to block the transmission of ringtones via wireless protocol. If you are in this situation, using a memory card reader may be your only alternative.

Following these instructions, you should be copying ringtones with relative ease and saving yourself time and money. You will also be able to share with your friends and family and build a ringtone library.