New cell phone, new ring tones?
Q: I just upgraded my cell phone and want to know if I can get my ringtones transferred from my old phone to my new phone.
A: The answer to this question really depends on several factors. The first is whether or not the ringtones on your old phone are compatible with the ringtones on your new phone. Because there are so many different types of cell phones and cellular providers, your best bet is to clear this hurdle by simply asking your cellular provider whether or not your new phone will be able to play the ringtones from your old phone.
Another factor is whether or not you have any means to perform the actual transfer. In some cases this may mean that both your old phone and your new phone have to have Bluetooth capabilities built-in. If they do, you might be able to perform a wireless cell-to-cell transfer using the Bluetooth connection options on both phones.
In other cases it may mean you need some kind of transfer cable, usually a USB cable that connects your cell phone to your computer or laptop. In this scenario you would first transfer the ringtone from your old cell phone to your computer and then from your computer to your new cell phone. Again, keep in mind that your new cell phone may not accept the same data cable that your old cell phone uses or vice versa.
One last option is to ask your cellular provider if they offer any type of backup service for your phone. These backup services typically will keep a copy of all of your data on your cell phone which usually include information such as your contacts but may include ringtones as well. If you are lucky you may be able to create a backup of the data on your old cell phone and then restore the data to your new cell phone.
If all else fails, you may just have to download or purchase new ringtones on your new cell phone. It’s about time you updated those old ringtones anyway, right?
This post was originally broadcast Friday, August 10, 2007 on Tech Talk with Noobie, a weekly radio show on WCBK 102.3 FM in Martinsville, Indiana. Tech Talk with Noobie airs every Friday between 11:30 a.m. and noon. If you have a question you would like Noobie to answer on the air, simply e-mail your question to [email protected].
