Old Phone Ringtones
15 tonesQuick answer: Old phone ringtones copy the feel of classic telephones: metal bell rings, rotary desk phones and electronic office trills. They are loud and instantly recognisable. Every tone here is original and free as MP3 (Android) or M4R (iPhone).
Sometimes the best ringtone is the one everyone already knows. Old phone ringtones recreate the sound of vintage telephones, from a heavy metal bell in a hallway to a quick electronic trill on an office desk.
We did not record any real phones. Each ring is built from scratch: we modelled two bells being struck by a small hammer for the classic rings, and two fast-switching tones for the electronic trills. Play any tone first and download it free as MP3 for Android or M4R for iPhone. These tones are a great choice when you need a ring that nobody can miss.
Ringtone list
Bell ring or electronic trill?
- Bell rings sound like a classic home or hotel phone. They are loud, rich and very easy to hear.
- Trills sound like office and cordless phones from the 1980s and 1990s. They are bright and a little lighter.
- Double rings use two short bursts with a pause, a pattern many people know from older home phones.
Why old phone sounds still work
Your brain has learned that this sound means "someone is calling". That makes an old phone ring one of the fastest tones to react to, even from another room. It is also a practical choice if you often miss calls. For the very loudest options, also see Loud ringtones.
Like retro sounds? Explore Retro Game ringtones. Need a strong wake-up call? Visit Alarm tones. For a softer classic feel, try Classical ringtones.
Installation help: read how to set a ringtone on iPhone or how to set a ringtone on Android.
Frequently asked questions
Are these recordings of real old phones?
No. Every ring is synthesised by us from scratch, so the tones are original and free to use.
Which old phone tone is the loudest?
The bell rings, such as the classic bell phone or the brass bell ringer, are the loudest and easiest to hear across a room.
Are old phone ringtones free?
Yes. All of them are free and royalty-free for your phone, and you do not need to sign up.
Can I use an old phone ring as my alarm?
Yes. Download the MP3 and select it in your Clock app. A bell ring is a reliable way to wake up.
Why do some old phone tones ring twice in a row?
Many older home phones used a double ring: two short bursts, then a pause. It became a familiar pattern for incoming calls in several countries. We included a few double-ring tones so you can choose the rhythm you remember best from home or work.