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Ringback Tones

General Information

  1. What are Ringback Tones?

    Ringback Tones is a new personalization service, which replaces the standard ringtone for your friends and family to enjoy. Choose a song for your callers to hear before you pick up a call. Use the language of music to express yourself before you answer a call and say a word.

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  2. How do I purchase a Ringback Tone?

    On Your Device

    1. Basic phones
      1. Select “Get it Now” or “Media Center”
      2. Select “Music & Tones”
      3. Select “Get New Ringtones”
      4. Select the “VZW Tones Deluxe” application.
    2. Advanced Devices
      Look for the VZW Tones client on the home screen of the device.  Certain advanced devices are not supported.  For devices where an application is not available, see instructions for mobile browser for on device purchases.

    On the Web
    1. Navigate to the Media Store.
    2. Browse, preview, and purchase Ringback Tones
    3. Manage your ringback tone playback settings by selecting “Manage” link on the header of the Media Store.
    Mobile Browser
    1. Navigate to https://s.vzw.com/home on your device
    2. Browse, preview, and purchase Ringback Tones
    3. Manage your ringback tone playback settings by selecting “Manage” link on the home screen of the store
    SMS
    1. Text “LIST” to 728 short code via your messaging client to receive a top 10 list of content.  Or, text one of these keywords from Table 1 to get a genre-specific top 10 list.
    2. Text the three digit short code matching the content you wish to purchase.
    Table 1: Genre Top 10 Lists

    XXX

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  3. How do I set a Ringback Tone for a friend?

    Go to the "Manage Ringbacks" tab on the Ringback Tones website.

    You will be taken to the Ringback Tone manage page where you can view all the Ringback Tones on your profile and manage your playback settings.

    Assign any of your purchased Ringback Tones to your callers (up to 25 Caller ID assignments).

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  4. Can I use the normal Ringback Tone during work hours, but use a fun Ringback Tone after-hours?

    Yes, the Time of Day functionality can be used to specify a unique Ringback Tone to be played during a specific time period. The default Ringback Tone will be played during all other times. You can also choose a fun Ringback Tone as your default Ringback Tone.

    Go to the "Manage Ringbacks" tab on the Ringback Tones website.

    You will be taken to the Ringback Tone manage page where you can view all the ringbacks on your profile and manage your playback settings.

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  5. What kinds of Ringback Tones are available?

    Over 90,000 ringback tones are available in a wide variety of genres. If you cannot find the title you want via the genre hierarchy, try searching by artist name or song title.

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  6. How do I pay for a Ringback Tone?

    The charge for Ringback Tone purchases will appear on your Verizon Wireless bill once you have signed up for the service and purchased a specific Ringback Tone.

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  7. Can I get a text message whenever new Ringback Tones are released?

    Yes, you can set up alerts through the website to be notified whenever your favorite artist releases a new Ringback Tone.

    Go to the "Manage Ringbacks" tab on the Ringback Tones website.

    Select “Ringback Tone Alerts” button, at top right of the Ringback Tone Manager page. Drag the artists that you own content for to the right hand side. (You may have up to 10 artist alerts active at one time.)

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  8. How much do Ringback Tones cost?

    $1.99 per Ringback Tone.

    When you buy a Ringback Tone you are buying a license to use it for a year.

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  9. How many Ringback Tones can I purchase?

    You can purchase up to 100 Ringback Tones per account. To purchase more than 100 Ringback Tones, you must first delete one or more Ringback Tones already on your profile.

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  10. What is a Ringback Tones Jukebox?

    Jukebox is a container of Ringback Tones that rotates Ringback Tones played each time you receive a call. Jukeboxes improve the calling experience by adding variety. There is no additional charge for use of the Jukebox. You can create up to 5 jukeboxes per mobile phone number.

    To create a Jukebox using the Verizon Wireless Ringback Tones mobile application, access "Manage Ringback Tones" to create a Jukebox and assign up to 15 Ringback Tones to the Jukebox. You can then access "My Settings" tab to assign the Jukebox to your default Ringback Tone or to Caller IDs settings, so that a particular tone plays only for a specific calling number.

    To create a Jukebox using the Media Store, access “Manage Ringback Tones” from a pulldown menu at the top of the website’s landing page. Enter your mobile number and password to authenticate, if not already logged in. Select “New Jukebox” to assign up to 15 Ringback Tones to the new Jukebox.

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  11. Can I designate unique Ringback Tones for specific callers?

    Yes, you can designate unique Ringback Tones.

    Setting caller IDs is a great way to customize your caller’s experience. Set a special Ringback Tone for your significant other, parent, friend, co-worker or boss. 

    To assign a Ringback Tone or Jukebox to a specific caller using the VZW Tones mobile application, access "Manage Ringback Tones," then select “Caller ID.”  Setting up a new caller ID profile will play a Ringback Tone or Jukebox you specify only to the specific calling telephone number.

    To assign a Ringback Tone or Jukebox to a specific caller using the Media Store, access “Manage Ringback Tones” from a pulldown menu at the top of the website’s landing page. Enter your mobile number and password to authenticate, if not already logged in. Select “Contacts” tab.  Drag and drop your Ringback Tone onto any of the available Caller ID settings (25 max). Enter the caller’s telephone number. 

    If you want to set the same tone for a group of callers, you may use the “Group” function.  It works just like Caller ID, but allows you to specify more telephone numbers. 

    Suggestions on use of caller ID:

    • A special Ringback Tone for your significant other
    • A different tone for your parents, teacher, or boss.

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  12. Can I designate unique Ringback Tones for a group of callers?

    Yes, but only using the Media Store website.

    If you want to set the same Ringback Tone for a group of callers, you may use the “Group” function. It works just like Caller ID, but allows you to specify up to ten (10) telephone numbers per group. You may create up to five (5) groups.

    To assign a Ringback Tone or Jukebox to a specific caller using the Media Store, access “Manage Ringback Tones” from a pulldown menu at the top of the website’s landing page. Enter your mobile number and password to authenticate, if not already logged in.  Select “Groups.” Drag and drop the Ringback Tone, then enter the telephone numbers of those callers that you want to hear the tone when they call. 

    Suggestions on use:

    • Create a group called "work" which contains phone numbers of your co-workers and assign the standard ring. 
    • Create a group called “fans” which contains phone numbers of your friends that follow sports. Assign the anthem of your favorite team.

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  13. Can I designate unique Ringback Tones for a given Day of the Week?

    Yes, but only using the Media Store website.

    Use the “Day of Week” setting if you want to play back a Ringback Tone only on a certain day of the week. It works just like the default setting for the specified day.

    To assign a Ringback Tone or Jukebox to a specific Day of the Week using the Media Store, access “Manage Ringback Tones” from a pulldown menu at the top of the website’s landing page. Enter your mobile number and password to authenticate, if not already logged in. Drag and drop the Ringback Tone to the Day of Week setting. 

    Suggestions on use:

    • Non-work Ringback Tones during the weekend
    • Monday night football on Monday
    • TGIF Ringback Tones on Friday
    • Use Day of Week setting to schedule the playback of a Ringback Tone on a special day (i.e. birthday, anniversary, etc.) up to a week in advance.

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  14. Can I designate unique Ringback Tones for a given Time of the Day?

    Yes, but only using the Media Store website.

    Use the “Time of Day” setting if you want to play back a Ringback Tone only between certain hours of every day. It works just like the default setting for the specified time range.

    To assign a Ringback Tone or Jukebox to a specific Time of Day using the Media Store, access “Manage Ringback Tones” from a pulldown menu at the top of the website’s landing page. Enter your mobile number and password to authenticate, if not already logged in. Select “Assign by Time of Day.” Drag and drop the Ringback Tone to the Time of Day setting and select the time range. 

    Suggestions on use:

    • A different Ringback Tones after work or school hours

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  15. Can I specify that unique callers receive the standard ringing sound instead of my Ringback Tone?

    Yes. If you want a caller to receive the standard “ring ring” sound when they call, you may specify the standard Ringback Tone to any of your Ringback Tone settings, such as a caller ID or group ID settings.

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  16. What is the priority order for the following Ringback Tone profile settings: Caller ID, Group ID, Time of Day, and Default Ringtone?

    Ringback Tone playback settings have a priority order:

    1. Caller ID is the highest priority
    2. Group ID
    3. Time of Day
    4. Day of Week
    5. Default is the lowest priority

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  17. How do I manage my Ringback Tones?

    To set or adjust your Ringback Tone playback settings, access the “Manage” function on the Verizon Wireless Ringback Tones mobile application or via the website.

    To assign a Ringback Tone or Jukebox to a specific caller using the Media Store, access “Manage Ringback Tones” from a pulldown menu at the top of the website’s landing page. Enter your mobile number and password to authenticate, if not already logged in. Select “Contacts” tab. Drag and drop your Ringback Tone onto any of the available Caller ID settings (25 max). Enter the caller’s telephone number.

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  18. How long can I keep a Ringback Tone?

    Ringback Tones have a license for and expire after 12 months.

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  19. How often can I change my Ringback Tone?

    You can change your Ringback Tone(s) or Jukeboxes as often as you like. Data rates may apply based on your data or calling plan when you use the Verizon Wireless Ringback Tones application.

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  20. How can I be alerted when new Ringtones are available from my favorite artists?

    Access "My Alerts" tab on the Media Store website to be sent a TXT alert of new content by a specific artist.

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  21. What is the difference between a Ringtone and a Ringback Tone?

    Ringtones are downloaded to and played by your phone. The called party hears the Ringtone.

    Ringback Tones are not downloaded to your phone. Instead, the Ringback Tone is played by the network to your callers prior to you answering the call or it being diverted to voicemail. The calling party hears the Ringback Tone.

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  22. Can I preview the Ringback Tones free of charge?

    Yes. You can preview Ringback Tones on the Media Store website free of charge.

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  23. Why do some of my Ringback tones appear in red in "My Ringback Tones"?

    Ringback Tones will begin to appear in red under "My Ringback Tones" 14 days prior to that Ringback Tone's expiration date. The exact expiration date will also be displayed.

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  24. How can I extend my Ringback Tone that is about to expire?

    Go to "My Ringback Tones" tab on the website. Click on the red artist, title or expire date to extend the expiration date. It can only be extended within 14 days of expiration.

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  25. What is a Caller Greeting?

    The Caller Greeting is a short message callers hear before the Ringback Tone is played.

    The Caller Greeting helps to introduce the Ringback Tones to your callers that may be unfamiliar with the service.

    You may turn the Caller Greeting on or off at any time via the Media Store website. Go to the Media Store, access “Manage Ringback Tones” from a pulldown menu at the top of the website’s landing page. You may need to enter your mobile number and password to authenticate, if not already logged in. Select “Caller Greeting” at top right of Ringback Tone Manager page. Select to turn the caller greeting on or off or change the language from English to Spanish.

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  26. What are Ringback Tones recalls?

    On rare occasions, Verizon Wireless will need to remove and recall content that has been previously purchased and distributed for use by subscribers. When a Ringback Tone is recalled, that tone will be removed from your account and any settings assigned to it will be replaced with the standard ringtone. A credit for the full price of the recalled Ringback Tone will be applied to your account one to two bill cycles from the date of recall.

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  27. How can I remove the Ringback Tone Feature?

    The Ringback Tone service may be removed by selecting to unsubscribe on My Verizon website, requesting a retail representative remove the feature, or by contacting Customer Care by phone. To access My Verizon:

    1. Login to My Verizon.
    2. Select the "Customer Service" tab.
    3. Once on the Customer Service tab, click "Add/Remove Features."
    4. Check "Remove" next to the Ringback Tones feature.
    5. Check the box next to the "Block Ringback Tones Purchase" feature.
    6. Click "Continue," and save your feature updates.

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  28. How can Mac® users preview Ringback Tones?

    Mac users will need to download Windows Media® Player for Mac. If you use a Macintosh operating system, please visit the Microsoft's website for instructions on where and how to download Windows Media Player for the Mac.

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  29. How do I prevent a mobile number on my account from accessing Ringback Tones?

    To block future Ringback Tones subscription and purchases for one or more lines on your account, add the Block Ringback Tones feature. To update your Ringback Tone features:

    1. Login to My Verizon.
    2. Select the "Customer Service" tab.
    3. Once on the Customer Service tab, click "Add/Remove Features."
    4. Check "Remove" next to the Ringback Tones feature.
    5. Check the box next to the "Block Ringback Tones Purchase" feature.
    6. Click "Continue," and save your feature updates.

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Ringback Tones Free Trial

  1. How are customers made aware of the trial in the store or online?

    Eligible customers will receive an MMS message that will explain the RBT service and the details of the promotion.

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  2. How does a customer cancel RBT service once they have opted into the promotion?

    Customers may remove the service by going to ‘My Verizon’ online or by calling customer care.

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  3. What happens if the customer adds RBT block to the line?

    RBT service is removed from the line.  Customer receives no further rbt trial messaging.  Customer will not be charged for RBT MRC or RBT content obtained from the promotional microsite.

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  4. What if the customer has MMS block, SMS block, National block, or a device not on the supported device list?

    These customers will not be eligible for the promotion and will not receive the marketing message.  They will not be charged.

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  5. What happens if RBT service is removed from the line during promotion?

    If RBT service is removed from the line, the customer receives no further rbt promotional messaging.  Customer will not be charged for RBT MRC or RBT content obtained from microsite.

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  6. Can customer get additional RBTs during promotional period?

    Yes, but they are billed at the standard rate of $1.99 per piece of content per year.  Ringback licenses expire after 1 year. 

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  7. What will an incoming caller hear when they call an RBT promotion participant?

    If the promotion participant has redeemed their free content or purchased a different piece of content and applied it to their default playback setting, then the incoming caller will hear the free ringback or whatever RBT the customer sets as their default.

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  8. Are MO and MT messages chargeable?

    No, neither the mobile originating (MO) or mobile terminating (MT) messages are chargeable, including the initial MMS message. 

    Notably, some phones default to an MMS message format as a reply to an MMS message, even though the reply may only contain text.  Such an MO MMS message would be chargeable.

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  9. What happens at the end of the promotional period?

    The promotional period is 30 days.  After 30 days, the customer will continue to have the RBT service and be charged the standard $0.99 / month fee.  They can remove RBT service at any time.

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