How to install music on a Xiaomi phone: all the ways 2026

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI There are several ways to download and listen to music, but it's not always clear which method to choose. Unlike the iPhone, where everything is synced via iTunes, there are flexible options available to the user, from the standard Music app to third-party services like Spotify or Yandex Music. The key is to understand where to store files, how to avoid duplication of tracks, and why some formats may not play back.

In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to install music on Xiaomi (including Redmi Note models) 12, POCO X5, Black Shark 5 and others, take into account the features MIUI 14/15, We will also tell you how to solve typical problems, from lack of sound to reading errors.mp3-If you want to listen to offline playlists on the subway or download rare tracks without the Internet, here are the working solutions.

1. Standard method: through the appendix "Music" in MIUI

In the firmware MIUI Music app preinstalled (imicon with note) 🎵), It automatically scans the folders of the device for audio files to add tracks:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-In the notification menu, select File Transfer mode (MTP).
2. On your computer, open the internal memory folder. → Music (or create it if you don't have it).
3. Drag the format files.mp3,.flac,.wav in this folder.
4. Turn off the cable and open the Music app on your phone, and new tracks will appear after a short scan.

⚠️ Note: If files are not displayed, check the settings of the app: Music → ⚙️ Settings → Media file scanner → Renovate the library.

Free space on the phone (minimum 1 GB)

File format (supported.mp3,.flac,.ogg,.wav)

Absence DRM-track-protection

Right regime. USB-connection (MTP)

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Annex Music in MIUI 14/15 supportive:

• 🎧 Creating playlists and favorites.
• 🔊 Equalizer with presets (Rock, Pop, Classics).
• 🌙 Dark theme and control gestures (swipe for changing track).
• 📱 Widget to the main screen with playback control.

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If the Music folder isn't automatically created, make it manually at the root of the internal memory, which will speed up the system's scanning of files.

2.Use of microSD memory card

For owners of Xiaomi with support for microSD (for example, Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) A memory card is an easy way to expand the storage for music:

How to set up correctly:

1. Insert the card into the slot (on some models you need to remove the tray using a paper clip).
2. When you first connect, the system will suggest formatting the card as Portable Storage or Internal Memory. For music, choose portable, which will make it easy to transfer files between devices.
3. Copy the tracks to the SD-card folder → Music (Create it if it is not available).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Lite), the memory card is locked as an internal memory card and cannot be removed without resetting. → Warehouse → Settings SD-map.

Inner memory.

On a microSD card.

In the cloud service (Yandex Drive, Google Drive)

I use streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)

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3. Downloading through cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Drive)

If you have a large collection of music but not enough space on your phone, cloud storage will help you listen to tracks without downloading to your device.

Method 1: Google Drive

1. Upload files to Google Drive from your computer.

2.On your phone, open the Google Drive app, find the downloaded tracks and click ⋮ → Open with help → Music.

3. For offline playback, click ⋮ → Make it available offline (files will be saved to Memory) → Android → data → com.google.android.music).

Method 2: Yandex Disk

1. Install Yandex Drive from Google Play.

2. Upload the music to the Music folder on the Disc from the PC.

3. On your phone, open the file in the application and select Save to the device or play directly (web required).

The advantages of cloud services:

• 🌍 Access to music from any device.
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization when adding new tracks.
• 🛡️ Backup of the collection.

Cons:

• 📶 Internet for streaming (or space for offline copies).
• ⏳ Delays in reproduction due to buffering.

4. Installation via streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Boom)

If you don't want to upload files, streaming platforms offer millions of tracks by subscription. On Xiaomi, they work consistently, but there are nuances with offline mode and sound quality.

How to download music for offline playback in Spotify:

1. Open a playlist or an album.
2. Press. ↓ Download (premium subscription required).
3. Tracks will be stored in encrypted form in Memory → Android → data → com.spotify.music.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ Streaming services may conflict with battery optimization. To keep music from interrupting, add the app to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find it. Spotify/Apple Music → Turn off optimization.

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For better sound in streaming services, enable the “High Quality” option in the application settings and use headphones with support for aptX or LDAC.

5.Switch music from iTunes (for former iPhone owners)

If you’ve switched from iPhone to Xiaomi and want to migrate music from iTunes, there are two ways to do it:

Method 1: Using iTunes Match (paid)

1.Subscribe to iTunes Match (2,490) ₽/year).

2. Enable the service in iTunes settings on your PC – your library will load into iCloud.

3.On Xiaomi, install Apple Music and sign in to the same Apple ID. Music will be available for streaming or downloading.

Method 2: Manual export

1. On PC, open a folder with music from iTunes: C:\Users\[Your name]\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media\Music.

2. Copy files on Xiaomi via USB (as described in the first method).

If tracks are in format.m4a (AAC), They will be played in the standard Music app.

Files purchased from the iTunes Store are protected DRM and will not be played on Android without removing the protection (this violates the license agreement).

6. Problem Solving: Why is music not playing?

If the tracks are not played after downloading, check the following points:

• 🔍 File format: Xiaomi does not support.aac with DRM,.wma (Windows Media Audio),.ra (RealAudio). Convert to.mp3 via fre:ac.
• 📁 Path to file: Music must be in the Music, Audio or Media folders. nesting more than 3 levels can cause scan errors.
• 🔊 Codecs: For.flac or.ape, install a Hi-Res player, such as Poweramp or Neutron.
• 🛠️ Damaged files: Check tracks on PC using VLC Media Player (opens almost everything).

Typical errors and decisions:

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If the music is interrupted when the screen is locked, turn off battery optimization for the player app in the settings. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions