DIY: Make your own ring tones

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Because your phone's built-in WAP support doesn't require any extra hardware, it is definitely the easiest way to create your own ring tones. The process involves three basic steps--splitting your MP3 files into ring tones, uploading the ring tones to a WAP server, and downloading the ring tones to your phone. It might seem like a complicated process, but Xingtone Ringtone Maker's

When you first launch Xingtone, you'll be prompted to set up your profile. Enter your mobile number, wireless carrier, and phone model (see supported phones).
Now you are ready to split your MP3 files.

Step 1: Edit your MP3 into a ring tone

Browse your local drive or portable device for audio files from Xingtone's main interface. Once you've chosen the song you want to turn into a ring tone, double-click the file to open it in Xingtone's music editor. At this point, all you need to do is highlight the segment of the song you want to use for your ring tone and press the cut icon. If you want to add effects or fades, click the Advanced tab for more options.

Step 2: Transfer the file to your phone

Once you're fine with the sound of your ring tone, hit the Send button. After sending the file, you should soon receive a WAP push message on your phone. WAP push messages are text messages with embedded WAP addresses. Open the push message and select the message menu button. Select GoTo or the equivalent option for launching your phone's mobile browser. Your ring tone will download to your phone. Now you simply select the new clip from your ring-tone folder and make it your current ring tone. Some phones requires you to manually type in the WAP address from the push message into your mobile browser (see specific phone and carriers requirements).

Depending on your wireless plan, you may receive extra data charges for transferring ring tones via WAP. The upside is the data charges are cheaper than buying ring tones from commercial sites.

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Transfer via USB cable

Since no extra charges are involved, a simple USB connection is the ideal method for transferring ring tones to your phone. Unfortunately, with a myriad of wireless carriers and phone models, getting your phone to work with your PC can be a bit testy. Expect some trial and error. If you are looking for an easy way to set up your own ring tones, we don't recommend this method.

To transfer ring tones via USB, you'll need a USB cable. Most wireless providers sell phone-specific cables, but depending on your phone you may also be able to get away using a cable you already have, such as a USB-B or USB-Mini-B cord from a digital camera or MP3 player.

Step 1: Split your MP3s

The first thing you'll need to do is split your MP3 files into discrete ring tones. MP3 WAV Editor is one of the easiest audio-editing applications to use for slicing MP3 files. After you launch the program, choose the Split tab from the main menu. Press the Add MP3 button and browse your system for the desired file. Click your selected file in the MP3 Files List tab to load it into the music editor. Create the sample for your ring tone by using time clocks (hit Return after you enter both the start and end times). Once you have the sample you want, press Start and save your new MP3 file to a directory on your local drive.

Step 2: Connect your phone to your PC

After creating your MP3 sample, you'll need software to detect and transfer the file to your phone. With a long list of supported phones, Mobiledit is one of the few shareware programs that can handle the job. After installing Mobiledit , you will be prompted by the connection wizard to set up your phone. Select the USB connection option and press Next. Now plug in your phone to the USB port and hit the Detect Phone(s) tab. Your phone should now appear under the Connected icon in the Devices tab. Open the Files folder under your phone, then select the Audio folder. Now you can simply drag the ring-tone file from your local drive to the Audio folder of your phone. Navigate to your phone's ring-tone folder on your phone, find your new creation, and voila!

If you have trouble detecting your phone with Mobiledit, visit the product's support forums. Your PC may require an additional driver to properly install your phone. Forums are phone-specific, so look in your phone's forum for any problems you encounter.