How To Add Ringtones To A Cisco VOIP Phone

Many companies have a need for multiple lines. To distinguish the difference between individual phone lines, different ring tones may be assigned. Most Cisco VOIP phones are pre-loaded with only two ring tones, but the two ring tones do not offer enough variety for some business owners. Ring tone files may be modified with the Cisco Call Manager program. To install custom ring tones, follow these instructions:

1. Activate Sound Recorder
On a computer with Cisco Call Manager software pre-installed, navigate to the Start menu. Then, click on Programs. Under Programs, access the Accessories folder. Within the Accessories folder, access Sound Recorder.

2. Select the Desired Ringtone
Click on File. File is located at the top of the Sound Recorder program. Then, click Open. Browse through the folders for MP3 and WAV files for different ring tones compatible with the Cisco VOIP phone.

3. Save the File
Return to the File menu. Select Save As. A drop-down menu will appear. Select the file labeled CCITT u-Law. A window will appear asking for new information. The file should be saved at 8 khz. Select 8-bit from the drop-down menu. Select the Header option by clicking on it and change the option to “No Header” and click “OK.”

4. Find the Saved Sound File
Close the sound recording program. Click on the My Computer icon. This icon is found on the desktop. Find the Cisco folder on the hard drive. Open the folder labeled “TFTPPath.” Open a second window and locate the saved sound file. Drag the file into the first window opened in the beginning step.

5. Replace the Ring Tone
Open file marked Ringlist.XML. The file is located in the TFTPPath folder. Find the files for entry. Delete the file name listed after this entry. Replace this name with the name of the new ring tone.

6. Replace the Sound File
Delete the file name after the entry. Replace it with the sound name chosen. More than likely would be a “.raw” file. Save the file and close it. This process will change the ringtone on a Cisco VOIP phone.

A Faster Way to Add Ringtones to a Cisco VOIP Phone
This method of installing ringtones is only one of many. Ringtones may also be installed by simply downloading the file to a USB drive. Some Cisco phones accept USB drives, and the file can be uploaded directly from the USB port. Simply press the “softkey” on the phone marked “From USB Port.” Press play and save the file to an empty location. This method is more convenient than using an external computer. Select most convenient and user-friendly method for your Cisco VOIP phone.

Why Are Ringtones Important
Ringtones will differentiate individual lines on the Cisco voice over ip phone. Business owners who simply enjoy variety will also find these ringtones refreshing and new. Ringtones also come in handy in a large office. When employees step away from their desks, they will be able to distinguish when their phone is ringing versus other employees’ phones.

Ringtones can break up the monotony in a day. When the old ringtone is barely distinguishable or fails to capture the employee’s attention, he or she can switch to another ringtone. Ringtones have multiple uses and are easy to install.
Sam is a tech blogger with an interest in cell phone technology. He enjoys trying out every free ringtone app that he can and coming up with different ring tones for everyone in his phone book.