I Can’t Add M4R Files to iTunes / Apple Music – How to fix / Solution

by

If you’re having trouble adding M4R (ringtone) files to iTunes, it could be due to various reasons.

What is an M4R file?

An M4R file is a type of audio file format specifically designed for Apple’s iPhone ringtones. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Extension Origin: The “M4R” extension is essentially a renamed AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) file, which uses the “.m4a” extension. Apple just uses the “R” in M4R to denote “ringtone”.
  • Duration Limitation: Typically, M4R files are short and have a length limitation to be effectively used as ringtones. For iPhones, the traditional length of a ringtone is around 30 seconds.
  • Creation: M4R files can be created by converting songs from many different formats in iTunes. Once a song is chosen, it can be cropped to the desired length and saved as an M4R file.
  • Usage: These files are specifically designed for the iPhone. Once you’ve created or downloaded an M4R file, it can be transferred to the iPhone and set as a ringtone.
  • DRM Restrictions: Older M4R files, especially those purchased from the Apple Store, might have been protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management). However, Apple has since moved away from DRM for its music, making newer files more versatile.

In essence, the M4R format allows users to create and customize their ringtones for the iPhone.

A step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve not being able to add M4R files to iTunes

It is worth noting that iTunes app has been discontinued for the past few years. It has been n replaced with independent apps, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV; with iPhone, iPod, and iPad management integrated into the Finder starting with macOS 10.15 Catalina

  1. Check File Compatibility: Ensure the M4R files are genuine and not corrupted. You can play them with a different media player to verify.
  2. Update iTunes: Ensure you’re using the latest version of iTunes. Updates can fix bugs and compatibility issues.
  3. File Duration: The M4R ringtone file should be less than 40 seconds long. iTunes might not recognize or add ringtones longer than its default ringtone length.
  4. Drag and Drop: Instead of using the “Add File to Library” option, try dragging the M4R file directly into iTunes.
  5. Convert the File Again: If you’ve converted the file from another format to M4R, try converting it again. You can use iTunes or third-party software for this.
  6. Check for Duplicates: If the M4R file is already in iTunes, the software might not allow you to add a duplicate. Check the “Tones” or “Ringtones” section.
  7. Sync with iPhone:
    • Connect your iPhone to your computer.
    • Select your iPhone in iTunes.
    • Go to the “Tones” or “Ringtones” tab.
    • Ensure “Sync Tones” is selected.
    • Choose “All tones” or “Selected tones” based on your preference.
    • Click “Apply” or “Sync” to sync the ringtones to your iPhone.
  8. Change the Extension and Revert: Change the file extension from .m4r to .m4a, add the file to iTunes, and then change it back to .m4r in iTunes.
  9. Reboot: Sometimes, simply restarting your computer can resolve minor software glitches.
  10. Check iTunes Preferences:
  • Go to iTunes > Preferences (on Mac) or Edit > Preferences (on Windows).
  • Click the “General” tab.
  • Ensure that “Tones” or “Ringtones” is checked in the list of libraries.
  1. Reinstall iTunes: As a last resort, you can uninstall and then reinstall iTunes. This step can resolve any underlying issues with the software, but make sure to backup your library before doing so.

If you’ve tried all of these solutions and still can’t add the M4R files, it might be worth considering using a third-party tool or app to manage and transfer your ringtones.

Alternative Guide to Adding M4R Files to iTunes

  1. Choose a Song: In iTunes, pick a song you’d like to convert into a ringtone.
  2. Trim the Song: Right-click on the song and select “Get Info.” Under the “Options” tab, set the Start and Stop times to isolate a 30-second portion. Click “OK.”
  3. Create AAC Version: Right-click on the song and choose “Create AAC Version.” iTunes will signal the completion with a notification sound.
  4. Locate the File: To find the newly created m4a file, right-click on the song and select “Show in Finder.”
  5. Rename the File: Change the file extension of this m4a file to .m4r.
  6. Move the File: Drag the renamed m4r file to a different location outside its current folder.
  7. Add to iTunes: Double-click the relocated m4r file. iTunes will play and automatically place a duplicate back in the original folder.
  8. Transfer to Tones Folder:
    • Locate the duplicate m4r file in the original folder.
    • Holding the “Option” key (to duplicate), drag this file to the “Tones” directory in the default iTunes folder structure.
    • To find the “Tones” folder: Navigate to your default “Music” folder → “iTunes Media” → “Tones.”
  9. Activate in iTunes: Double-click the file in the “Tones” folder. iTunes will play it and add it to the “Ringtone” list within the application.
  10. Sync to iPhone: Now, you’re ready to sync, add, or delete this new ringtone to/from your iPhone. Ensure you’ve enabled syncing for “Tones” in iTunes’ iPhone settings. Hit “SYNC” and enjoy your new ringtone!

I Can’t Add M4R Files to Apple Music

If you’re having trouble adding M4R files to Apple Music (previously known as iTunes), it’s because M4R files are designed specifically as ringtones for iPhones, not as regular audio files to be added to your music library. Apple Music or iTunes recognizes them as ringtones, not songs.

If you want to play the audio contained in an M4R file using Apple Music, or if you wish to include it in your music library, you’d need to convert the M4R file to a more standard audio format, like M4A or MP3. Here’s how you can do that:

Using iTunes (or Apple Music on macOS Catalina and later):

  1. Change File Extension:
    • Locate the M4R file on your computer.
    • Rename the file extension from .m4r to .m4a.
  2. Add to Library:
    • Open Apple Music (or iTunes).
    • Drag and drop the renamed M4A file into the Apple Music library.
    • Alternatively, you can use the “File” menu, then choose “Add to Library” and select the renamed M4A file.
  3. Conversion (Optional):
    • If you want to convert this file to MP3 within Apple Music (or iTunes):
    • Go to Preferences > General > Import Settings.
    • Choose “MP3 Encoder” from the dropdown menu and click OK.
    • Right-click on the M4A file within Apple Music (or iTunes) and choose “Create MP3 Version.”

Now, the audio content of the M4R file should be accessible as a regular song in your Apple Music library. If you intended to use this file as a ringtone, remember you will still need the M4R format, so make sure to keep a backup of the original file.

How to Add M4r to iPhone without Computer

Adding an M4R ringtone to an iPhone without using a computer involves a bit of a workaround since iOS doesn’t allow direct ringtone installations from third-party sources. Here’s a method using the GarageBand app, which is available on the App Store:

  1. Get the M4R File: If the M4R file is not already on your iPhone, you can use Dropbox or any other cloud service to transfer it to your device. Alternatively, you can email the file to yourself and open the email on your iPhone.
  2. Install GarageBand: If you haven’t installed GarageBand, download it from the App Store.
  3. Launch GarageBand: Open the app and select the “Audio Recorder” tool.
  4. Access the Import Feature:
    • Tap the multitrack button (which looks like layered bricks) on the top left.
    • You will see a workspace with different tracks. If you see any default track there, long-press on it and choose “Delete.”
  5. Add the M4R File:
    • Tap on the loop icon (which looks like a looped arrow) in the top right.
    • Choose the “Files” option and then “Browse items from the Files app.”
    • Locate the M4R file (it may be in the “Recently Added” section if you’ve just transferred it) and import it to GarageBand.
  6. Create Ringtone:
    • Once the file is imported into GarageBand, drag it to the beginning of the track workspace.
    • After placing the file, tap on the triangle icon in the top left corner to go back.
    • Long-press on your project and choose “Share.”
    • Select “Ringtone” from the options. Provide a name for the ringtone and export it.
  7. Set the Ringtone:
    • Once exported, the ringtone should be available in the iPhone’s sound settings.
    • Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. You should see your newly created ringtone at the top of the list.

That’s it! You’ve added an M4R ringtone to your iPhone without using a computer.

Leave a comment