A method for management of call tones (tones that a caller hears when they call a party) is described which is particularly suitable for use by wireless telephones. The management of call tones can by performed off line. The method includes a step of: a) downloading a call tone and associated identification data to the wireless telephone (e.g., downloaded from a call tone website); b) establishing, on the wireless telephone a correlation between the call tone identification data and a contact entry stored in memory on the wireless telephone; and c) transmitting a message from the phone to a network server that includes the correlation established in step b). Subsequently, when a telephone associated with the contact entry calls the wireless telephone the call tone is provided to the calling telephone.