SubscribeVerizon: Convert MP3’s Into Ringtones
Posted on Nov 26, 2007 under Hardware Tips |I bought all the useless Verizon VCAST software thinking I could easily make my MP3’s into ringtones. This was not the case. For ringtones, I would be forced to buy from the VCAST store. I found a way around this though and started making my own ringtones for my LG VX8300 phone. I am told this hack or workaround will work with most LG or Motorola phones on Verizon’s network.
First you have to find the music file you wish to use. I use the Google MP3 Hack to find MP3’s. There are also other ways of getting MP3’s. Oh, and to cover my ass, please know that there are copyright laws, so be sure not to use any songs that are illegally ripped, so be sure only to use legal MP3 files. Uh hu! So, moving on… I have my MP3 file, I just need software to make it so it will fit in my phone. I use Audacity 1.3 for Windows in this example. It’s totally free and a painless applications to use. Download and install Audacity here. After you’re done with that, download the lame_enc.dll file. Save and extract the lame_enc.dll file to your Desktop because Audacity will need it later.
1. Open your MP3 file using Audacity (File > Open). Ringtones typically need to be 30 seconds or less, so we need to trim your MP3 down to the right size. Highlight a 30 second or less chunk of the song. I always like to use the first 30 seconds of the song, but you can use any 30 second chunk of it.
2. Use the trim tool to trim the MP3 down to the highlighted area. The trim button is highlighted in the figure below.
3. Now we can click on File > Export to export the file and make it into an MP3. If we click Save now though, the file will likely be too large for the phone to accept. So we need to click on Options first to change the quality or bit rate.
4. Lower the quality. The lower the quality, the more likely the file will be small enough to accept the MP3 file. I usually use a bit rate of 64 kpbs. This is enough quality for me as far as ringtones go. I’m not looking for CD stereo quality whenever my girlfriend calls.
5. Click OK, and that should take you back to the Export File screen. Give your file a new filename if you don’t wish for it to overwrite your entire original music file. Click Save when you’re ready. The first time you do this, the software will require the lame_enc.dll file. You will have to Browse to this file to tell Audacity where it is.
7. The file should then export as a 30 second MP3 file that is under 300KB and ready to be sent to your phone. For Verizon customers, you will need to use your vzwpix.com address. Every Verizon customer should have this address. It is your phone number then @vzwpix.com (ex: 7735555555@vzwpix.com). Email the MP3 file as an attachment to this address.
It may take a few tries, but the email should eventually arrive into your phone. On most phones the MP3 will play as soon as you open the message. You can then select Options and Save as Ringtone on your phone. Now the MP3 file is ready to be used as a ringtone on your phone.
Other resources:
Make your own ringtones (All Vcast capable Samsungs or Motorolas)
by Taf, on November 29 2007 @ 5:52 pm
THANKS MAN! I’ve been trying to figure this out for a long time. You explained everything!
by jim, on December 11 2007 @ 12:16 am
does this work for the new chocolate as well?
by jim, on December 11 2007 @ 1:03 am
also, my vzwpix won’t let me upload mp3 files…only allows wav, amr, qcp and midi. any suggestions?
by Messer, on December 17 2007 @ 3:03 pm
An easier method is to use the website http://www.makeownringtone.com
But in both cases you will be charged by Verizon for a picture message.
by beth, on January 7 2008 @ 3:29 pm
how do i actually get the ringtone to my phone? i sent it to myphonenumber@vzwpix.com.. but how do i GET to where i view that email at?
by @ntonio, on February 11 2008 @ 3:18 pm
Now i know you can put full mp3s on some samsungs so what my question is……can i make the songs longer than seconds????
What about other types of phones like UTStarcom, Motorola, Samsung?????
by Chris, on March 9 2008 @ 7:01 pm
Thank you so much!!!
by jennifer, on March 14 2008 @ 6:14 pm
i cant get it to work..i have gotten the clips to less than 30 seconds and less than 300 kb, but when i email them to my phone from my email as an attachment, they just never go through!…have they changed it to where you cant do it now..i just bought my phone yesterday…gonna suck if they have somehow blocked this
by Aaron, on March 29 2008 @ 12:30 pm
I have a motorola razor v9 and US Cellular and I got it to work. Thanks a million!
by melissa, on April 22 2008 @ 10:13 pm
had issues at first didnt get an option screen
but as long as the clips are less than 30 seconds it accepts them
i wasn’t making the tones small enough
now I have peanut butter jelly time on my phone!
thank you!
by John, on June 8 2008 @ 3:31 pm
Thanks!
by wesley, on July 4 2008 @ 2:17 pm
Awesome. I did the Audacity thing a while back but had the same frustration with “VCAST” software. What a waste that was! Thanks for putting this up!
by just to help, on July 19 2008 @ 9:21 am
um OK Ive noted that many seem to have problems getting it to mail to “yournumber@vzwpix.com” its not that hard to get to work, if it wont go with say just mailing the file, try sending another email that has like “hi” in the SUBJECT line and THEN the file attachment in the area you can mail files on your email, and depending on your phone, when you receive it, you can goto your options menu and you should be able to save as a sound which will allow you to mail to others or save as ringtone (or do as i do and save in both options) I will also say i have found i can mail mp3, mpeg, avi and some other types in this fashion as long as its under 300 KB in size
Good luck
oh and btw i have uploaded full tracks, but STILL requires you to be under 300 KB in size so 8 bit sounds like crud, i do it direct now via a cable and it will play as a ringtone but the “firmware/software” oh just about all the VZ phone (cant say about others) is 30 seconds or so, you will never hear the whole track unless saved as sound or music on your phone