Have questions about the new version of Tonzr? We've put up a page explaining the recent down time and some common questions about the new version of Tonzr. Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tonzr really free?
Yes, we try to be pretty clear about that.
How do I use Tonzr?
Using Tonzr is very simple. When you find the ringtone you want, click on it, type your full phone number, leave the download method at the default, or set it accordingly. Click "Send!" and wait for your ringtone.
What phones and carriers does Tonzr work with?
So far, we support any phone with internet and MP3 capabilities on the following networks: Sprint, Nextel, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Alltel, US Cellular, Cellular South, and Cricket. We will be adding support for all remaining U.S. carriers, as well as over 80 additional countries for the SMS methods soon.
Most Verizon customers must use the "MMS - Picture Message" method, which will count as a picture message on your plan.
I'm a Verizon user, using the MMS method... How come I get put into a waiting list to receive my ringtone now? How can I skip to the front of the line?
We had to implement a waiting list (queue) system in order to keep our service as reliable as possible for Verizon users as Tonzr continues to grow. Unfortunately, the line can get pretty long, and your wait time can be up to an hour or more during our high traffic times.

We have created a speed pass system that allows certain numbers to be pushed to the front of the line. However, this feature is not currently available to the public. Right now, this feature is only being offered (for free) to any active member of the U.S. Military as our way of saying thanks and showing appreciation and support for our troops. If you are a member of the U.S. Military and want your free speed pass, please email info@tonzr.com from your .mil email address with your full phone number and we'll get you hooked up. Due to an overwhelming response, please allow up to 2 weeks to get put on the speed pass list.
I have an iPhone, can I use Tonzr?
We're not entirely sure yet. We're in the process of testing the iPhone for use with Tonzr.
What do I need to use Tonzr? Will it work with my phone and plan?
First, you will of course need a cell phone that is capable of playing MP3's, or at least setting them as ringtones since all of Tonzr's ringtones are in MP3 format.
  • If you are using one of the SMS methods, you will need a plan that lets you receive text messages and access the internet on your phone.
  • If you use the MMS method, you will need a plan that lets you receive picture messages on your phone.
  • If you use the PC Download method, you will need a way of transfering the MP3 file to your phone, such as a USB cable.
If you don't have a plan that supports any of that, you may still be able to use Tonzr. If your phone has bluetooth, you can find a friend that has a plan that works with Tonzr, have them get the ringtone on their phone, then most phones will let you transfer the file from their phone to yours using bluetooth. You'll have to figure out how to do this on your own, though. It's different for every phone.
I entered my phone number, but I never received the text message or picture message. What's going on?
Please email info@tonzr.com with your full phone number and carrier and we'll look into it.
Is there a mailing list I can join to get notified of updates to Tonzr?
Not right now, but we tend to post updates on our Facebook fan page somewhat often, so you might consider becoming our fan on Facebook.
Who built Tonzr? Who do I thank for this amazing site?
Tonzr was built by a normal seventeen-year-old kid with an entrepreneurial spirit and a nag for Web development. A while back, he had a great idea to bring free ringtones to the world; and thus, Tonzr was born.
Did a seventeen year old really build Tonzr?
Yes, but that seventeen year old is now an eighteen a nineteen year old.
If Tonzr is free, how do you plan on supporting the site?
There's a number of ways that Tonzr is able to operate as a free service, including advertising, direct music sales, and the licensing of our technologies.
Can I donate to Tonzr?
While we appreciate your willingness to support our service, we are no longer accepting donations from our users. For now, the best support you can give us is to send us an e-mail wishing us luck, and to let us know that you think Tonzr is worth the time, effort, and money we've put into it. We'd like to thank those of you who donated early on.
Can I invest in Tonzr?
We've had several people contact us in regards to private investment in Tonzr. Tonzr is not currently accepting private investment or raising VC; however, we have not ruled out the option for the future. So, if you're interested in the possibility of private investing, drop us an e-mail and at least introduce yourself. It doesn't hurt.
Is Tonzr ever going to charge for it's ringtones? Is this free thing just some kind of trial-period or publicity stunt?
We plan on doing our best to keep this service free forever.
It sounds too good to be true, so what's the catch?
Seriously, there's no catch. However, if you're still living in 1999 and have a really crappy cell phone plan, you might get charged by your carrier for the text messages or picture messages and/or data transfer. You will never by charged by Tonzr for anything, though. Again, Tonzr is truly free.
My school or work blocked Tonzr. What can I do?
We'll still be here when you get home, don't worry. Get back to work.
I have a Palm Treo or Centro, can I still use Tonzr?
You sure can. You just need free little Palm app called MiniTones if you don't already have it. According to our tests, you may also need an SD card. If MiniTones isn't working, you may want to try MusicTones, but we haven't tested that one.
Tonzr doesn't have the ringtone I'm looking for.
First, double check the spelling. If you misspell the artist or song title, it's unlikely you'll find the results you're looking for. If you're sure we don't have it, there's good chance that we'll have what you're looking for soon. Our database is growing every day. Some artists that we don't have available yet often have "tribute" or "karaoke" versions that you may find suitable as your ringtone.
Tonzr doesn't have the part of the song I want! Can I choose which part of the song is used or upload my own ringtones to Tonzr?
Unfortunately, no. Due to United States copyright laws and our licensing agreements, we cannot allow users to upload their own rigntones or choose which part of the song is used.
Is Tonzr legal? Is Tonzr violating copyrights?
Our lawyers have confirmed that Tonzr is fully compliant with all current United States laws. If there is a law that you think Tonzr may be violating, please email the exact statute to info@tonzr.com and we'll be glad to have our lawyers double check.
I am a recording artist (or their lawyer) and wish to have my ringtones removed from Tonzr. What can I do?
Due to the nature of how Tonzr works, we do not and cannot control the content of our search results. As Tonzr is not the content provider for the files in question, all disputes should be directed to your distribution companies. However, please feel free to send a kindly-worded, polite, and non-threatening DMCA notice to info@tonzr.com and we will be happy to work with you towards a resolution. Tonzr will not respond to or tolerate threatening emails or letters from recording artists or their legal representatives.