How to Convert M4A to M4R for Free [Windows/Mac/Online]

M4A is an audio file format designed by Apple and introduced in 2007 when iTunes Store music purchases were growing, while the M4R format is the designated format for iPhone ringtones and is available through iTunes. If you have music in M4A format or want to avoid extra expenses, tryiing to convert M4A to M4R allows you to create personalized ringtones. 

So, how to change M4A to M4R? There are several easy and useful methods to help you convert M4A to M4R on Windows/Mac/Online. Please keep reading!

Part 1. How to Convert M4A to M4R on Windows

To convert M4A to M4R, you can choose the third-party tool FoneTool or modify the format of your M4A files directly through the Windows Control Panel.

Method 1. Convert M4A to M4R Using FoneTool - Ringtone Maker

Want to convert M4A to M4R for free? FoneTool is the right choice, which offers the Ringtone Maker feature to help you import your M4A files and easily convert them to M4R files. It is designed to convert video and audio files to a wide range of formats, including M4R, M4A, M4B, AAC, AIFF, WAV, and more.

Highlights of Using FoneTool Ringtone Maker to Convert M4A to M4R:
Multi-Format Support: FoneTool allows you to convert M4A, M4B, AAC, AIFF, WAV, and WAV to M4R and various other popular formats.
High-Quality Output: Ensure that the converted M4R files retain the original audio quality and provide clear ringtones.
Fast Conversion Speed: FoneTool offers fast conversion time, allowing you to efficiently convert M4A files to M4R format.
No File Size Limitations: FoneTool supports converting large audio files without any limitation on file size.

Below is a brief guide to using FoneTool to convert M4A to M4R to create ringtones:

Step 1. First, connect your iPhone to your computer > Launch FoneTool, navigate to Toolbox, and select the Ringtone Maker option.

Step 2. Choose to select an M4A file directly from your iPhone (click From Device) or access the M4A file on your PC (click From Computer).

Step 3. Browse and select the M4A file you want to convert and edit > Click Select to confirm.

Step 4. Customize the M4A file and name ringtone as you like > Click Save to save the edited ringtone as the M4R file to your device.

When you're done, access the M4R file via iPhone Settings > Sound and Haptics > Ringtones.

Method 2. Change M4A to M4R via Windows Control Panel

Converting M4A to M4R using the Windows Control Panel is a software-free way to accomplish this task. Utilizing the inherent capabilities of the Windows operating system, the process is simple. By displaying and adjusting the file format extension, the conversion is seamless.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to change file from M4A to M4R from the Windows Control Panel:

Step 1. Access the Windows Control Panel to display the file extension .m4a > Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, then type Control Panel, and click OK.

Step 2. Locate File Explorer in the Control Panel screen > Navigate to the View menu and deselect the Hide extensions for known file types option to show file formats > Click OK to confirm the changes.

Step 3. Drag the M4A file to the desktop > Manually adjust the file extension .m4a to .m4r by looking at it.

Also Read: [3 Ways] How to Convert MP3 to M4R on Windows PC >>

Part 2. How to Change M4A to M4R on Mac

Converting M4A to M4R with iTunes provides an easy way to customize your iPhone ringtones with your favorite music. While iTunes makes M4R tones readily available for download, it might require users to pay for favorite ringtone downloads. Here's a guide on how to change M4A to M4R with iTunes:

Step 1. Launch the iTunes app and find the M4A file you want to convert > Click the audio file, select Get Info from the menu, and then continue to Options.

Step 2. Define a specific segment of the song by setting the Start Time and Stop Time, then click OK to confirm.

Step 3. Generate an AAC version of the ringtone by selecting the song and clicking Create AAC version. Once created, select Show in Finder to find the AAC file.

Step 4. Right-click the file, press Ctrl, and select Rename > Change the extension from M4A to M4R and press Enter to confirm the change.

Part 3. How to Convert M4A to M4R Online

In addition, you can use free and safe online converters to convert M4A to M4R online, which are both convenient and time-saving. It is worth noting that making a good and stable Internet connection is essential for converting M4A to M4R. Here take Convertio as an example:

Step 1. Access Convertio through your browser and select the M4A file you want to convert from your computer.

Step 2. During the conversion process specify the output format as Convert to M4R.

After the conversion is complete, download the resulting M4R file to your computer for immediate use.

Bonus Tip: How to Transfer Ringtones (M4R) from PC to iPhone

If you have downloaded free ringtones on your PC, you can use a dedicated iPhone transfer tool such as FoneTool to transfer ringtones from PC to iPhone easily and quickly.

Below is a guide on how to transfer ringtones from a Windows PC to an iPhone via FoneTool:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the PC using the USB cable. Launch FoneTool and choose Phone Transfer > PC to iPhone > Start Transfer to initiate the transfer.

Step 2. Use the folder icons to preview and select the ringtones you want to transfer from your PC to your iPhone > Click OK to confirm your selection.

Step 3. Click Start Transfer to initiate the transfer and wait patiently for the process to complete.

The Bottom Line

For those looking to save money on ringtone purchases, trying to convert M4A to M4R is a cost-effective solution. This post covers 4 effective methods to perform this conversion. If you are looking for a free and safe way to convert M4A files to M4R, FoneTool will be an option for you, which can help you edit and create custom ringtones and allow you to transfer them to your iPhone.