...but it doesnt actually use the ringtone i selected when someone calls, it rings as the marimba ringtone. Whats wrong?
Check the Contact listing for the person that called you and see if their is a Ringtone listed under their phone numbers that will override any global ringtone setting.
I have used the following steps with great success using my Windows XP laptop with ringtone files created on my Mac with Grageband. On the Mac, be sure to use the Get Info window to change the name and
uncheck the "hide extension" box! If that is checked, you cannot change the extension. Unless you get a warning asking if you want to change the extension, you haven't done it correctly...and be sure to tell it to accept the desired extension change.
Just make sure you follow all of these instructions:
STEPS (6) and (7) are VERY IMPORTANT!
(1) Start with a sound clip of 30 seconds or less saved as an
AAC 128 format sound file.
(2) Change the file extension from .m4a to .m4r using the "Get Info" window and unchecking the "Hide Extension" box.
(3) Put .m4r file into \iTunes\iTunes Music\Ringtones folder
(4) Double click on that .m4r file and it should appear and play inside of iTunes under Ringtones.
(5) Go back to the ringtones folder in the finder (\iTunes\iTunes Music\Ringtones) and change the file extension from *.m4r to *.m4a (* = name of ringtone)
Remember to use "Get Info" to make sure the "hide extension" box is not checked!
(6) Attempt to play the file again, this time
in iTunes (
not in the Finder) and it will say that iTunes can’t find the file - this is good!
(7) Press the “yes” button to specify location of the file and double click on the file you just changed
(8) Sync the iPhone with iTunes
Credit for the steps (with some changes I have made for Mac users) goes to:
http://joemaller.com/2007/09/08/make-custom-iphone-ringtones-work-with-itunes-741/#comment-25456