CNET: How to Change Your iPhone's Default Alert Tone in 3 Easy Steps How to Change Your iPhone's Default Alert Tone in 3 Easy Steps MSN: You Can Change Your iPhone's Default Alert Tone in 3 Easy Steps You Can Change Your iPhone's Default Alert Tone in 3 Easy Steps Changing app alert tones is a great way to distinguish between apps on your iPhone. That way you can know when you get a text, as opposed to an email, without taking your iPhone out of your pocket.