How do I get custom ringtone on my iPhone?

Yes I need some assistance with how to get a custom ringtone on my iphone. I received the audio file around 56 seconds long in .m4a format. I researched a lot on how to accomplish this to no avail. I converted the .m4a to aac audio to support ios iphone. steps i have tried:

Windows 11 laptop , installed Itunes, connected iphone via usb c - selected trust device. Itunes see the device. I tried adding the file to Itunes first it shows up under Music in itunes, I right click the file and added to device Iphone. I can locate it now on my iphone but how do i add it as a ring tone ? I go to Settings - Sounds and notification and select ringtone NOTHING there.

Next step.

since itunes synced the file to the iphone. I can view in Garage band but when i select it and hit share there is no option to set as ringtone. again stuck

Another step- I uploaded it to my icloud under Downloads from my laptop and then went to Garage band located it after the sync from icloud to my phone and again can not set as ringtone.

extra step I was trying to add it to Tones in Itunes on my laptop I was not able to paste it or drag and drop into the field for tones the file only shows up under music. again stuck.

I researched the file itself. I cut it down to 39 seconds instead of it being 56 seconds same issue can not add it as a ring tone.

There has to be an easy way to do this like Android and windows without going through so many hoops.

look forward to any insight into doing this process. appreciated.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]