How to change the call to Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 proven ways

Replacing the standard ringtone with the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a challenge that almost every smartphone owner faces. Despite its apparent simplicity, the MIUI sometimes hides the necessary options in non-obvious sections, and the system's limitations prevent you from using any audio files without additional manipulation. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, from basic settings to circumventing restrictions through ADB and third-party applications.

The thing about Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) is that it runs MIUI 12/13/14 depending on the firmware version, and each has its own nuances, like the newer versions that have gone from being able to install tunes directly from the file manager, but the integration with Mi Sound has come in, and we've taken all of these things into account and put together instructions that are guaranteed to work on your device.

Important: If you want to use tunes longer than 30 seconds or in FLAC/WAV format, the standard methods won’t work, you’ll need one of the alternative methods described below, and we’ll also explain how to return standard calls if they’re gone from the list after the update.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the system’s built-in tools, and it’s suitable for most users who want to choose a tune from pre-loaded files or a standard MIUI set.

Algorithm of action:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  • πŸ”Š Go to the section Sound and vibration.
  • 🎡 Select the Melody of the Call (or Caller in some firmware versions).
  • πŸ“ Here you will see two sections: MIUI (Standard tunes) and Local (your downloaded files).
  • βœ… Click on your favorite tune to apply it.

Note that this menu only displays files in.mp3,.m4a or.ogg format located in the Ringtones folder on the internal storage. If your tune does not appear in the list, check its format and location.

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To quickly find the folder with the tunes, open the file manager Mi File Explorer, type in the search "Ringtones" and move the desired audio files there.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 on Redmi 9 may not have Local Melodies. It's not a mistake - Xiaomi developers have removed it in some regional firmware. β„–2 or β„–3.

2.Use of the Mi Sound application

Mi Sound is Xiaomi’s signature audio profile management app, which is often overlooked, and allows you not only to select tunes, but also to adjust vibrations, notification sounds and alarm clocks centrally.

How to change the phone through Mi Sound:

  1. Make sure that the Mi Sound app is installed (if not, download it from Google Play).
  2. Open the app and go to the Caller tab.
  3. Click Add Melody and select a file from the device’s memory.
  4. Confirm the choice – the melody will be automatically added to the list of available.

The advantage of this method is that Mi Sound supports files up to 1 minute (as opposed to the standard 30 seconds limit), but the application may not display files in WAV format or with a bitrate above 320 kbps.

File format: MP3 or M4A|

Duration - no more than 60 seconds |

Bitrate - up to 320 kbps|

The file is moved to the Ringtones or Downloads folder-->

3. Installation of the call through the file manager

This method works on Redmi 9 with firmware up to MIUI 13 inclusive. In newer versions, the function may be disabled, but it can be returned via ADB (about it in the section β„–5).

Instructions:

  • πŸ“ Open a file manager (e.g., Mi File Explorer or Files by Google).
  • πŸ” Find the audio file you want to use as a caller (it should be in the format) MP3 or M4A).
  • 🎡 Select the file in the long tap and select Set as a ringtone in the menu (or Set as a ringtone in the English version).
  • βœ… Confirm the choice – the melody will be applied automatically.

If the Set as a Caller item is not in the context menu, then this feature is disabled in your firmware. In this case, use alternative methods or return the function through the ADB (see section β„–5).

Why did the "Set as a Caller" item disappear?
In MIUI 13.5+ and MIUI 14, Xiaomi removed this option from the file manager for unknown reasons, and can only be returned via ADB commands or using third-party applications.

MethodSupported formatsMax. Duration.Whether ADB is required
Standard settingsMP3, M4A, OGG30 secondsNo.
Mi SoundMP3, M4A60 seconds.No.
File managerMP3, M4A30 secondsSometimes.
Third-party annexesAnybody.No restrictions.No.
ADB-teamAnybody.No restrictions.Yes.

4. Third-party applications for flexible settings

If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which allow you to set tunes of any length and format, and also offer additional features like call schedules or random playback.

Top.-3 supplant 9:

  • 🎢 Zedge – a huge library of free tunes and notification sounds with the ability to pre-listen.
  • πŸ”Š Ringtone Maker – allows you to crop audio files and install them as bells, even if they are not supported by the system initially.
  • πŸ“± Ringo – Advanced Call Manager with Playlist and Schedule Support.

How to install a call through Zedge:

  1. Download and install Zedge from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and go to the Ringtones tab.
  3. Find your favorite tune and click on it.
  4. Select Set as ringtone and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Ringo) require permission to change system settings. If the call is not applied after installation, check if all necessary permissions are given in the application settings.

πŸ“Š How do you usually change your phone?
Through standard settings
Using Mi Sound.
Third-party applications (Zedge, Ringo)
File manager
Other

5. Extended method: ADB-commands to unlock functions

If you are faced with MIUI limitations (e.g., you can’t set a call longer than 30 seconds or use FLAC files), you can get around them using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but gives you full control over the audio settings.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 9: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (shap 7 times)
  2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
  4. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) Enter: adb shell settings put global ringtone_uri"content://media/internal/audio/media/123" Replace. 123 on ID your audio file (you can find it through a file manager with support) ADB).

To simplify the process, you can use a utility MIUI Hidden Settings, which automates some of the ADB-But be careful, incorrect commands can cause system failures.

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Use ADB only if standard methods don't work. Wrong commands can disrupt firmware stability, especially on custom ROMs.

6. Problem Solving: The call is unchanged or reset

Sometimes, after a change of tune, it's not applied or reset to a standard one. This is a problem with Redmi 9, which is related to the features of MIUI. Here are the most common causes and solutions:

  • πŸ”„ Reset after reboot: Check if there is a cache cleaner app installed (e.g. Security or Clean Master).They can reset audio settings. Add the caller app to the exceptions.
  • πŸ“΅ Melody is not played: Make sure the file is not corrupted and has a supported format. MP3 bitrate 192 kbps.
  • πŸ”• No sound when calling: Check if Do Not Disturb mode is activated or Quiet profile in Mi Sound.
  • πŸ“± The application does not save changes: Clear the Settings app cache or Mi Sound in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management.

If the problem persists, try resetting the sound settings to standard:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Resetting settings.
  2. Select Resetting Sound Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
  3. After resetting, reset the desired melody.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing calls to Redmi 9

Can I play my music like a ringer without being cut?
Yes, but with reservations. MIUI They limit the length to 30 seconds, but apps like Ringtone Maker or Zedge allow you to use tracks of any length. ADB-Teams (see section) β„–5).
Why did all my calls disappear after the MIUI update?
This is a well-known Redmi 9 problem when upgrading to MIUI 13.5+.The system resets custom tunes if they were installed through the file manager.Solution: Move the audio files back to the Ringtones folder and select them through Mi Sound or standard settings.
How to return standard Xiaomi calls if they are gone?
Standard melodies are stored in the system folder /system/media/audio/ringtones. If they are missing from the list, reset the sound settings (see section). β„–6) Or reinstall the firmware through Fastboot (extremely), and you can download the original calls. MIUI format MP3 from open sources and add them manually.
Can I set different calls for different SIM-map?
Yes, MIUI It supports this function. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Settings SIM-maps, select the right one SIM And you can set a separate tune for it, and note that the option is only available if you have two on the phone. SIM-map.
Why does my phone only play for the first 5 seconds?
This is due to a glitch in Media Storage, the system service responsible for playing audio. Solution: Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management. Find Media Storage and clear its cache. Reboot your phone. If the problem persists, try converting the file to another format (e.g., from M4A to MP3).