Are you tired of the standard robotic voice on Xiaomi's answering machine? Want subscribers to hear your favorite track, a greeting from your voice, or even a funny entry instead of a boring "Leave a message after the beep"? In this article, we'll take a look at all the current ways to replace the melody on an answering machine - from official settings to workarounds for older models.
The procedure differs depending on the version MIUI And we've got a few clicks on the menu, and we've got to use third-party apps. We've tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra โ all methods work MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware). If your phone doesn't support a built-in tune replacement, don't worry: at the end of the article, there are alternative solutions using Google Voice and third-party services.
Before you start, check:
- ๐ฑ Version. MIUI: Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI. Ways to do this MIUI 14 may not work on MIUI 11.
- ๐ต Audio file format: Supported.mp3,.m4a,.wav (max. 30 seconds, size up to 500 KB).
- ๐ Access Rights: Some methods will require permission to write system files (ADB root).
If you're ready, let's start with the simplest way to do this for today's smartphones.
1.Official method: Replacement of the melody through settings MIUI
The safest and fastest method is to use built-in tools. MIUI. It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, issued after 2020 (c) MIUI 12+). If you have an older model, skip this section and move on to alternative ways.
Instructions:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Tap on three points (โฎ) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Go to the Autoresponder section (or Voicemail on some firmware).
- Press the Melody of the answering machine โ Add your tune.
- Select an audio file from your phoneโs memory (Ringtones, Music, or Downloads folders).
- Cut the track to 30 seconds (if necessary) and save the changes.
โ ๏ธ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global 13.0.6 for Redmi Note 10 Pro) may not have the option to add your own tune, in which case try updating the Phone app via Google Play or using the method with the help of the Google Play app. ADB (section).
If you do not see the "Autoresponder" section at all, then your operator has disabled this function at the level of the "Autoresponder" section. SIM-Check if the voicemail service is active:
##4636## โ Phone Information โ Network settingsOr call the number. +79160,000,000 (for MegaFon), 0950 (for Beeline) or 0880 (for MTS) โ if voicemail is not responding, contact the operator.
2. Bypasses for old models (MIUI 11 and below)
If your Xiaomi is released before 2019 (e.g. Redmi 5 Plus, Mi 8 or Mi) A2), There's probably no option in the settings to replace the melody of the answering machine, but there are two workarounds:
Method 1: Replace the system file through ADB
This method requires connecting your phone to your computer and using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It is safe if you follow the instructions, but incorrect commands can cause the answering machine settings to reset.
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and established ADB.
- ๐ฑ Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ 7 times tap the assembly number โ return to Settings โ Additionally. โ For developers โ Debugging by USB).
- ๐ต Audio file in.ogg format (rename it to voicemail.ogg and put it in the root of the phone's memory).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (terminal) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
- Copy your file into the system folder: adb push /sdcard/voicemail.ogg /system/media/audio/notifications/
- Set file rights: Adb shell chmod 644 /system/media/audio/notifications/voicemail.ogg
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
โ ๏ธ Note: Some of the folders are on the firmware /system protected from recording even through ADB. If the push command makes an error, try it:
- Use Magisk to obtain root rights and edit the file through Root Explorer.
- Install custom recovery (TWRP) mounted /system recording.
What if the ADB canโt see the device?
Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications
If ADB It seems complicated, you can use apps from Google Play that emulate an answering machine:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Voicemail | It works without root, integration with MIUI | Requires registration, paid functions | Google Play |
| YouMail | Free tariff, protection against spam | Advertising, length limit of greeting | Google Play |
| HulloMail | Support for Russian language, cloud storage | We need to reconfigure the call forwarding. | Google Play |
How to set up (as an example of YouMail):
- Install the application and register.
- Go to Settings. โ Personalization โ Greetings.
- Download your audio file or record a voice message directly in the app.
- Activate the service in the phone settings: Settings โ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ Call forwarding โ All calls. โ YouMail number.
โ ๏ธ Note: When using third-party answering machines, all incoming calls will be redirected to the application server:
- Delayed notifications of missed calls.
- Additional costs for mobile traffic (if the tariff is unlimited minutes).
- Problems with the number detector (some applications do not transmit data about the caller).
โ๏ธ Preparation for a melody replacement
3. Alternative solutions: Google Voice and cloud services
If none of the above methods worked (for example, you have Xiaomi on the Internet). MIUI 10 or the operator blocks the changes, you can move the answering machine to the cloud. This is a universal way that works on any smartphone, but requires stable Internet.
Method 1: Google Voice (for users with a US number)
Google Voice allows you to set up a personalized voice greeting, but you need a U.S. number to do that. If you don't have one, skip this section.
Instructions:
- Register with Google Voice and get a virtual number.
- Go to the Settings โ Voicemail โ Voicemail greeting.
- Select Custom and upload your audio file (max. 3 MB, format.mp3 or wav).
- Set up a redirect to the Google Voice number in your phone settings (Settings) โ SIM-map โ Call forwarding).
โ Advantages:
- ๐ It works on any phone, not even Xiaomi.
- ๐ Free cloud storage for voice messages.
- ๐ Protection against spam (filtering robbrae).
โ Deficiencies:
- ๐บ๐ธ American number is required (you can buy a virtual number for a computer). $1โ$5).
- ๐ก You need a constant connection to the Internet.
- ๐ Delayed alerts up to 5 minutes.
Method 2: Virtual PBX Services (for business)
If you use your phone for work, consider virtual PBX services such as:
- ๐ Zadarma (free fare with Russian number).
- ๐ฑ Mango Office (Integration with the CRM).
- โ๏ธ Binotel (support) IVR-menu).
These services allow:
- Download your own waiting tune and greeting.
- Set up a schedule for the answering machine.
- Get transcription of voice messages on email.
๐ก Useful tip: If you travel frequently, choose a service that supports geo-redirection. For example, Zadarma can be configured to redirect calls from Russian numbers to Xiaomi and from foreign ones to a cloud answering machine.
๐ก
Before recording the greeting, check the quality of the microphone in the Dictator app. Use an external microphone (e.g. from headphones) if the built-in microphone records noises.
4.How to record a professional greeting for an answering machine
Even if you successfully replaced a tune, poor recording quality can ruin the experience.
Technical requirements:
- ๐ค Use an external microphone (e.g. from Xiaomi Earbuds or Lavalier microphone).
- ๐ Record in a quiet room (turn off the air conditioner, fan).
- ๐ฑ File format: MP3, bitrate 128-192 kbit / s, mono.
- โฑ๏ธ Duration: 10โ25 seconds (optimum for attention retention).
Structure of greeting:
- Greeting (1-2 sec): "Hello, you've called [your name/company name]."
- Information (5-10 seconds): "Unfortunately, I can't answer right now. Leave your message after the beep and I'll call you back within [specify time]."
- Farewell (1-2 seconds): "Thank you for the call!"
Examples of text patterns:
| Style. | Text of the greeting | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly | "Hi! That's [name]. I can't come to the phone right now, but I'll call you back. Leave a message and I'll hear it in an hour!" | Personal calls, friends. |
| Business | "Good afternoon. You've reached [company name]. All our operators are busy. Please leave your name, contact number and a brief message. We'll be in touch soon." | Business, clients. |
| Creative. | "You heard the answering machine. If it's important, leave a message. If it's not, just imagine I've already called back." | Informal communication |
๐ฌ Video Instructions: How to Record and Edit a Welcome in Audacity (Free Audio Editor):
- Download Audacity.
- Connect the microphone and press Record (red button).
- After recording, cut the silence at the beginning/end (Effect) โ Trim Silence).
- Normalize the volume (Effect โ Normalize).
- Export in MP3 (File โ Export โ Export as MP3).
๐ก
The ideal greeting is a balance between informative and brevity. Avoid long monologues: subscribers rarely listen to messages longer than 20 seconds.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you change the melody of your answering machine, Xiaomi users encounter common errors, and we have collected the most common and corrective methods:
Problem 1: There is no Autoresponder section in the settings.
Decision:
- Update the Phone app via Google Play.
- Check if the operatorโs voicemail service is active (dial *111*55# for MTS, *105# Beeline).
- If nothing helps, use it. ADB or third party applications (Section 2).
Problem 2: The downloaded melody is not played.
Decision:
- Check the file format: it should be.mp3 or.ogg (not.m4a!).
- Make sure that the length of the track does not exceed 30 seconds.
- Rename the file in Latin (without Cyrillic and spaces, for example: voicemail_custom.mp3).
- Reboot your phone after you replace it.
Problem 3: After the melody was replaced, the answering machine stopped working.
Decision:
- Return the standard melody in the settings and check if the answering machine is working.
- If not, contact the operator (possibly disabled).
- On the firmware MIUI 12.5+ Try resetting the phone app settings (Settings) โ Annexes โ Application management โ Phone. โ Warehouse โ Clear the data).
Issue 4: In the use of ADB Error: Read-only file system.
Decision:
- Install Magisk and activate the System module RWยป record-breaker /system.
- Use it. TWRP record-wire.
- Some firmware will help the team: adb shell mount -o rw,remount /system
โ ๏ธ Note: If you have been manipulated with ADB or the root answering machine stopped working at all, reset the network settings:
โ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ Network resetThis will return the standard call forwarding options.
6. Security and confidentiality
Replacing the melody of the answering machine is a harmless procedure, but when using third-party services or ADB It is worth remembering the risks:
What could go wrong:
- ๐ Data Leakage: Some autoresponder apps (like YouMail) request access to contacts and call histories.
- ๐ก Call interception: When redirected to the cloud, calls pass through third-party servers. Avoid transmitting sensitive information (passwords, card data).
- ๐ ๏ธ Damage to System Files: Misuse ADB or root can lead to bootloop. Always backup through TWRP Mi Cloud.
How to defend yourself:
- ๐ Use only proven apps (Google Play rankings above 4.5 or more) 1M loading).
- ๐ Before use ADB Create a backup copy of the section /system: adb backup -f system_backup.ab -system
- ๐ซ Turn off automatic call forwarding if you donโt use a cloud-based answering machine.
๐ก Useful tip: If you use Xiaomi to work, set up a separate one SIM-This allows you to separate answering machines, one with a business melody, one with a personal greeting.