How to change the ringtone on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all the ways from standard to hidden

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular choice due to its balanced specs and affordable price, but even with such a proven device, users often face basic questions - such as how to change the boring standard ringtone. Unlike flagship models, where the MIUI interface offers advanced audio settings, on the budget Redmi, some options are hidden or require additional actions.

In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to change the ringtone, from the obvious (through system settings) to the little-known (using a file manager or third-party applications). Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that arise specifically on Redmi 8 — for example, the limitations of the MIUI version or the problems with displaying custom tunes. If you want to set your favorite song on a call or just to diversify the audio notifications, this guide will help you do everything quickly and without errors.

Method 1: Change the melody through standard settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which require no additional software installation and is suitable even for beginners. Here's how it works on Redmi 8:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).

2 Go to the section Sound and vibration.

3.Slip on the item Melody of the call (on some versions of MIUI it may be called the Sound of the call).

Here you'll see a list of standard ringtones, broken down into categories: Classic, MIUI, Downloaded. To listen to a tune, just click on it. To confirm your choice, tap OK or tick in the upper right corner.

• 🔄 How do you get back the standard sound? Choose any ringtone from the category MIUI — They are set by default.
• 🎵 Where to look for tunes? At the bottom of the list is the Local Melodies button, which shows files uploaded to your phone's memory.
• ⚙️ Why aren't all songs visible? Files should be in format.mp3,.m4a Or.ogg and be in the Ringtones folder.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8 with version MIUI 11 and below may not be available on the Local Melodies button, in which case use Method 3 with the file system.

Method 2: Using the Music app to change the ringtone quickly

If the song is already loaded into the phone's memory, it can be quickly assigned to the ringtone directly from the MIUI Music player, a method that does not require manual file search:

1. Open the Music app (note icon) 🎵).

2. Find the track you want to use as a ringtone and tap it to play.

3.In the upper right corner, press three dots. ⋮ and choose to use as a melody.

4 In the menu that opens, specify the ringtone (or the sound of notifications if you need to change the signal for SMS).

Now, when you call in, you'll play the track you've chosen, and notice that MIUI automatically cuts the song to 30 seconds, which is a system restriction that you can't turn off without root rights.

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If the Music app doesn't have a "Use as a melody" option, upgrade it through the Play Store or reinstall it. Some firmware has this feature hidden.

Method 3: Manually uploading tunes through the file system

If the song you want isn't on the local tune list, you can add it manually by placing it in a folder, which works even on older versions of MIUI, where there's no Local Melodies button:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB or use a file manager (e.g., MIUI Explorer or Total Commander).

2. Go to the root folder of internal memory (or to the SD-map, if it is installed).

3. Create a folder called Ringtones (if it doesn't exist) and you can create Notifications or Alarms folders for notifications.

4. Copy audio files in supported formats (see table above).

After the phone reboots, new tunes will appear in the list of Local Melodies in the audio settings. If the files are not displayed, check:

• 📁 The correct folder name (registrar is important: Ringtones, not ringtones).
• 🔊 The file format is just.mp3,.m4a or.ogg.
• 📱 Permissions – if you use them SD-Make sure it is connected as internal memory.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8s MIUI 12+ Ringtones folder may not be scanned automatically, in which case move the files to Internal Storage. → MIUI → ringtone (create folder manually if it is not available).

Download the song in.mp3| Cut the track to 30 seconds (optional)|Rename the file without special characters |Put in the folder Ringtones|Reboot the phone-->

Method 4: Install third-party applications for advanced features

If standard methods are not satisfied (for example, you want to use ringtones longer than 30 seconds or assign different tunes to different contacts), third-party software will help.

• 🎶 Zedge – a huge library of free ringtones and notifications with the ability to pre-listen.
• 🔊 Ringtone Maker – allows you to crop songs and save them as ringtones.
• 📱 MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker is a convenient editor for creating unique ringtones from any audio files.

Example of installation via Zedge:

1. Download the app from the Play Store.

2. Run it and allow access to the phone's memory.

3. Find your favorite ringtone in the Ringtones category.

4.Shoot it and select Set as ringtone.

5. Confirm the selection in the system window.

The advantage of this approach is that you can access thousands of tunes without having to search and edit files manually, but note that some apps (like Zedge) can display ads.

Method 5: Assigning individual tunes for contacts

Redmi 8 has unique ringtones for individual subscribers, which is convenient if you want to know who is calling without looking at the screen.

1. Open the Contacts app.

2. Find the right contact and tap it.

3.In the upper right corner, click Edit (pencil icon) ✏️).

4. Scroll down to the item Melody of the call (or Notification Sound).

5. Select a tune from the list or add your own through Local Melodies.

If the call melody item is missing, it means that the contact is not saved in the phone book, but in the Google or Mi Account account.

1. Open the contact and press More (three dots).

2. Select Move to the phone.

3.The option of assigning a melody will now be available.

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Individual ringtones only work for contacts stored in the phone’s memory, and for synchronized contacts (Google, Mi Cloud), this feature may not be available.

Method 6: Resetting the sound settings to factory

If something goes wrong after experimenting with sounds (for example, all the tunes are gone or the phone makes strange sounds), you can return the factory settings. This will not delete your files, but reset all the audio parameters to default:

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Additional → Resetting.

2. Select Reset audio settings (on some firmware, this item may be called Reset sound by default).

3. Confirm action.

Once rebooted, all ringtones and notifications will return to standard, and this method is useful if:

• 🔇 Custom tunes disappeared after the update MIUI.
• 🎛️ The sound settings are lost (for example, the call is at maximum volume, despite the adjustment).
• 🔄 It is necessary to quickly return everything to the “as it was” after unsuccessful experiments.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8s MIUI 12.5+ Resetting the sound settings can also reset the Do Not Disturb and Vibration Schedule. Before reset, check these settings in Settings → Sound and vibration.

Problem Solving: Why doesn’t the ringtone change?

Sometimes Redmi 8 users find that new ringtones are not used or the phone continues to ring with a standard sound.

Redmi 8 with MIUI 11 and below may require you to restart your phone after adding new tunes — only then they will appear on the list. If the problem is not solved, try clearing the Settings app cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.

2. Find the settings (cog icon) and tap it.

3. Choose Clear the cache.

4. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the tune to Redmi 8