How to Change the Ringtony on Xiaomi 9: A Step-by-Step Guide

Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Mi 9, allow users to fully personalize the device to their liking. One of the first steps to personalize the gadget is to replace the standard melodic call with your favorite music composition. It is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also convenience: the characteristic sound you instantly know that you are being called, even without taking the phone out of your pocket.

The process of setting up audio calls in the shell of MIUI may seem unobvious to beginners, since the logic of the menu here is different from pure Android. However, by understanding the structure of system files and audio settings, you can easily manage ringtones for all contacts or individual numbers. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to replace the tune.

It is important to understand that the quality of playback depends not only on the chosen track, but also on the settings of the equalizer. Before installing a new file, make sure that it is stored in the device memory in the appropriate format, most often MP3 or M4R. We will consider options both through the built-in system tools and using third-party file managers for more flexible management.

Audio file preparation and format requirements

Before you start direct installation, you need to make sure that your audio file is ready to work. Android-based MIUI system is quite demanding on folder structure and data formats. The ideal option is an MP3 file with a bit rate of at least 128 kbit / s, which will ensure a clean and loud speaker.

If you downloaded a track from the Internet, it can be in the Download or Bluetooth folder, and for the convenience of further work, you better move it to the root directory or a specially created Ringtones folder, which will make it easier to find the desired composition in the system menu of audio selection.

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For better sound quality, use tracks with a sample rate of 44.1 kHz, as this is the standard for most mobile devices.

There is a common misconception that the duration of the call should be strictly limited; in fact, the system will cut the track itself or will cycle it if the call is not reset, but for the comfort of others and their own convenience, it is recommended to use fragments of 15 to 40 seconds in length.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid using files with extremely low bitrates (less than 64 kbps) as on the Xiaomi 9 speaker this can sound like hissing or crackling, especially at maximum volume.

Installation of ringtones through system settings

The easiest and most reliable way to change a tune is to use the built-in settings menu, which ensures that the track is properly integrated into the system and does not disappear after the reboot. To start, open the main app menu and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear.

In the settings that you'll see, you'll need to find the audio section, which, depending on the firmware version, can be called Sound and Vibration or just Sounds, and you'll click on this section and you'll be taken to the fine-tuning menu of your smartphone's audio notifications.

πŸ“Š What type of melody do you prefer?
Classic ringtones
Pop music.
Rock hits
Your notes.
Silence.

Next, you have to select the category Phone Call. The system will offer a list of preset tunes, but we are interested in the possibility of adding your track. Scroll down the list and click on the item Select a ringtone from memory or similar, which can be indicated by the plus icon.

  • 🎡 Open the settings menu and go to the sound section.
  • πŸ“‚ Select the option to add track from the device memory.
  • πŸ” Find the desired file in the list and confirm the choice.
  • βœ… Check the volume of playback before saving.

Once you select the file, the system will automatically apply the changes. Now, when you call in, the song you select will sound. If the sound does not appear, check if the phone is silent, and make sure that the volume slider of the call is not lowered to zero.

Using a conductor to select a melody

Sometimes the built-in settings player doesn't see all the files on the device, especially if they're deep in the folders, and then the standard File Manager Explorer comes to the rescue, and this tool allows you to get to any directory and assign the audio file to the ringtone directly, without having to take any extra steps.

Open the Explorer app and go to the folder where your music is stored, which can be an internal memory or an SD card. Find the track you want, click on it and hold your finger until the context menu appears. In the action list, select Use as or Still, and then Set as a call.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-installing check

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This method is especially useful if you use third-party music players or download tracks from messengers, where they are stored in specific folders.

ParameterDescriptionRecommendation
File formatType of audio codingMP3, AAC, M4R
Location.Storage folderInternal memory.
DurationSound time15-40 seconds.
BitreitSound quality128 kbit/s and above

Importantly, when you use Explorer, you have full control of the file system, and you can rename the track before you install it so that it appears in the call list under a name you can understand, rather than the technical name of the file.

Set up an individual call for contact

The unique ringtone feature for a particular subscriber is extremely useful, it allows you to know who is calling without taking the phone out of your pocket. To implement this idea on the Xiaomi Mi 9, you need to consult the Contacts app or Phone.

Open the contact list and find the person you want to know. Click on their name to open the detailed card. In the upper right corner or menu (referred to by three dots), select "Put the ringtone"; if there is no such item, click "Change" and scroll down to the appropriate field.

The system will suggest you select a tune from a list or download a new one, and if you select a track, you will tie it exclusively to that number, and all other calls will be accompanied by a standard tune set in the general settings.

What to do if your contact is synced with Google?
If you can’t change the ringtone, try to keep the contact locally on your phone, not in your Google account, although modern versions of MIUI allow you to change the sound for cloud contacts as well.

⚠️ Note: When changing your phone or resetting your settings, individual ringtones may be lost if they are not synced to the cloud service or stored as a backup of contacts.

For contact groups, such as Family or Work, you can create separate categories in the Contacts app and assign them common tunes, which will allow you to group calls not only visually, but also by ear, which improves the efficiency of incoming call management.

Working with themes and shop Tham

MIUI is famous for its store of themes, which allows you to change not only wallpaper, but also system sounds. The Themes app can find thousands of ready-made sets, including unique ringtones, notification sounds and even screen lock sounds.

Go to the Themes app, go to the Sounds section or search for Ringtones on request. Here you will find both free and paid options. Once the audio package is downloaded, it can be activated with a single click, and it will replace the current settings.

The advantage of using themes is the integrity of audio design. All sounds of the system will harmonize with each other. However, be careful: some themes may contain too loud or sharp sounds that will be unpleasant in a quiet environment.

  • 🎨 Open the Topics app on the desktop.
  • πŸ” Go to the category of sound effects.
  • ⬇️ Download your favorite audio pack.
  • βš™οΈ Apply a theme or individual sounds from the set.

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The Theme Store is a huge resource of unique sounds created specifically for the MIUI interface, which are often not available in the public domain as individual files.

If you like the theme melody but don’t want to change the entire visual style, many packages allow you to use only the sound part. To do this, select the option of Configure components when using the theme and leave a tick only on the item Sound.

Removal and volume adjustment

Even after a successful ringtone installation, users may face playback problems. Often it is the volume settings. On Xiaomi 9, there is a separate volume adjustment for multimedia, call and alarm clock. Make sure you raise the Call slider.

To access the advanced sound settings, click the volume button and select the three dots or gear at the bottom of the scale that appears, and you can activate the Volume in your pocket function, which makes the phone vibrate and ring louder if it is in your bag.

Another common problem is Do Not Disturb mode. If it's activated, the phone may not make sounds even if the ringtone is set correctly. Check the status of this mode in the notification curtain or in the audio settings.

Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Do not disturb β†’ Check the schedule

Also worth mentioning is the DTS Audio feature that is present in the Mi 9. By enabling it in the audio settings, you can significantly improve the quality of playback by adding depth and clarity to your new ringtone. Experiment with presets to find the perfect balance.

Why does the ringtone reset after rebooting?
This can happen if the melody file has been deleted or moved.Make sure the original audio file stays in the phone's memory and hasn't been cleared by system utilities to free up space.
Can I set up a video of the call?
You can't install video on an incoming call using standard MIUI tools, only audio, but there are third-party apps from Google Play that emulate a video call when a call arrives using a camera and a screen.
How to get back the standard Xiaomi ringtone?
Just go to the sound settings, select "Phone Call," and in the tone list, find "Mi Default" or "Classic," which will return the factory sound settings.

In conclusion, personalizing the audio of your Xiaomi Mi 9 is a simple but effective way to make smartphone use more enjoyable.